What Is Dandelion Tea?
When most people think of dandelions, what usually comes to their mind is a sea of annoying yellow flowers invading their lawn but there is more to this flower that meets the eye. For thousands of years, dandelions have been used in a variety of herbal preparations to improve health. The most popular use of dandelions is in the brewing of tea. Dandelion flowers can be used to make tea, while the nutrient-rich dandelion roots can be used to brew coffee. If the tea is brewed using roasted dandelion root, it tastes and looks like coffee. For this reason, it is also known as dandelion coffee in some places. Both beverages have similar health benefits and are becoming more popular with each passing year. The tea is made quite simply by steeping the plucked flower petals in boiling water, as with most other types of tea. To make coffee, the roots have to be dried, chopped, roasted and ground down, and then they can be brewed.
Dandelions are packed with healthy nutrients, ranging from sterols and flavonoids to carotenoids, sesquiterpenes, vitamins, and minerals. Many of these powerful organic compounds have significant effects on the body, which has made this particular beverage a common choice for herbal practitioners. So, the next time you are weeding your garden (provided you haven’t used any pesticides on the plants), pluck some of those pesky dandelions and put them to good use.
Benefits Of Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea has many amazing health benefits. Let us discuss them in detail below.
Detoxifies the Body
One of the reasons people reach for dandelion tea is to help detoxify their liver and make their body function back on track. Dandelion tea is a powerful diuretic, which will help the body eliminate toxins more rapidly and improve healthy kidney function. Furthermore, dandelion tea also increases the concentration of certain detoxifying enzymes in the liver, so if you’ve been running yourself down, grab a cup of this healthy tea!
Weight Loss
Early research on the complex mix of organic compounds in dandelion tea has shown that it can have certain anti-obesity effects by suppressing various fat-metabolizing enzymes, preventing them from taking that fat into the body. On top of this, the diuretic effects of this tea also help eliminate water weight and bloating, which can be frustrating for anyone trying to lose weight.
Prevents Chronic Diseases
The rich blend of antioxidants found in dandelion tea, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and sesquiterpenes can all help the body eliminate free radicals. This minimizes oxidative stress, which is a major cause of chronic illnesses, including cancer. By neutralizing these free radicals, this tea can help strengthen the immune system and improve your overall health and wellness.
Builds Strong Bones
Dandelion tea also possesses measurable amounts of essential minerals, including calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, all of which are needed by the body to create strong bones and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. As we age, bone mineral density begins to decrease, causing bones and joints to weaken, leading to an inability to perform certain physical activities as well as a lower quality of life. Constant mineral supplementation is crucial to keep you feeling young and physically fit as you age.
Boosts Circulation
One of the most important minerals in our body is iron, and it serves a number of important purposes. Most notably, it is needed to produce red blood cells, and without it, we may suffer from anemia, characterized by weakness, cognitive issues, and fatigue. The iron found in dandelion tea can prevent this condition and improve circulation, ensuring that different parts of the body are properly oxygenated for maximal function.
Balances Blood Sugar
For people suffering from diabetes, maintaining a stable level of blood sugar is crucial for a healthy life. Dandelion tea can regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the spikes and drops that can be dangerous. Research on this effect is limited, but the early results are very encouraging for those trying to manage diabetic symptoms.
Improves Digestion
The various compounds found in dandelion tea act as a diuretic, laxative, and a digestive stimulant, while also causing a release of extra bile. This can help speed up digestion and make it more efficient, thus eliminating symptoms of constipation, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and even hemorrhoids. Given how important the stomach is to our overall health and immune system function, optimizing the activities in our gut may be one of the most important benefits of this tea.
Reduces Inflammation
Some people have praised dandelion tea for its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly on aching joints, headaches, and overall muscle tenderness. The antioxidants and other active compounds in this tea reduce pain and inflammation in affected tissues, while also helping to regulate circulation and water balance.
Prevents UTI
For many people around the world, urinary tract infections are a frequent and endlessly irritating problem, but dandelion tea presents an effective remedy or preventative measure. The increased urination associated with dandelion tea’s diuretic action can help to clean out the kidney and urinary tract regularly, making it more difficult for a UTI to take hold.
Word of Caution: Dandelions are closely related to a number of other plants, many of which are highly allergenic in nature, such as ragweed, daisies, chamomile, marigold, and sunflower, among others. If you are allergic to these plants, or to dandelions themselves, you should probably avoid the use of this tea, unless you receive permission from your allergist/doctor. Furthermore, pregnant women are encouraged to use this tea with caution. Finally, if you are using antacids or blood-thinning medications, there can be interactions with the compounds in dandelion tea, so check with your doctor before adding this herbal remedy to your health regimen.
Source:www.organicfacts.net