Dandelion Tea and dandelion tea benefits are fast becoming the rage in the field of health and nutrition. Once considered a weed, dandelion is on its way to being the next chamomile. Or perhaps it always was and we are hearing of it now.
From Livestrong: “You know those pretty yellow puff-tops that pop up on a meadow? The humble dandelion is much more than a weed that invades your backyard every spring. It has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries across many different cultures, as early as 900 AD. Its roots and leaves are dried and used to make dandelion tea, which contain vitamins A, C and D, and significant amounts of zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the dandelion contains more beta-carotene than carrots per serving. Lowly weed no more: The dandelion packs a serious nutritious punch for a plant generally thought of as a nuisance.”
Many celeb nutritionists and fitness experts swear by dandelion tea benefits. Dr. Axeswears by the efficacy of ingesting dandelion in various forms as a healthy treatment for many daily and chronic ailments. “In fact, humans have been using dandelions in food for much of recorded history. Dandelion is used for the treatment of muscle aches, loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, eczema and bruises. It also increases urine production and serves as a laxative to increase bowel movements.
Some people use dandelion to treat infection, especially viral infections and even cancer. It’s also used as a skin toner, blood tonic and digestive tonic. Dandelion greens can be chopped up and used as a garnish or an addition to a sauce, or they can be eaten raw or cooked to minimize their somewhat bitter flavor. You can also use the dandelion root, stems and flowers to make a delicious and super-healthy tea. Either way, you reap the benefits of this unexpected nutritional plant.”
Here are some of the key benefits of drinking dandelion tea.
- Helps reduce water retention and bloating: It has been demonstrated that your urine output increases with regular consumption of dandelion tea, thereby helping your body get rid of unnecessary water weight.
- Promotes liver health: Your liver is your body’s defacto detox factory. In traditional medicine, and in ancient cultures, dandelion tea has been used as a liver tonic for centuries. Naturopaths are inclined to believe that drinking dandelion tea speeds up the efficacy of the liver, helping it to perform its functions optimally. And you know you need your liver to detox your body so all your vital organs, sense organs, skin, and hair can glow with health.
- Healthier beverage choice: Granted that it does have a slightly bitter flavour and aftertaste, falling somewhere between hay and chamomile on the taste spectrum. But once you get used to the bitterness, not only does it give you all the benefits of a hot morning beverage, but the taste is also said to enhance the receptivity of your taste buds over time. Isn’t that bittersweet?
- Kidney Cleanser: Dandelion tea benefits extend to the kidney as well. With its natural diuretic function, dandelion tea can help the kidneys function better, preventing the formation of kidney stones. Added to this, dandelion tea is also another ingredient like cranberry that can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections, and potentially, fungal infections like candida and yeast.
- May have anti-carcinogenic properties: Dandelion tea is being researched for its potential benefits against cancer, though there is no concrete scientific evidence as yet. Since it has anti-inflammatory benefits on the body, dandelion tea could prove to be yet another ingredient that may help the body guard against cancer.
Jillian Michaels’s detox drinkuses organic dandelion root tea as one of its ingredients. However, like with trying out anything new, it is better to do your research, because you know that overconsumption of anything can be harmful. Also, overdependence on one miracle ingredient to negate all the bad effects of an unhealthy lifestyle never works. From WebMD, here are some of the potential side effects of over drinking dandelion tea.
“Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of dandelion during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Ragweed allergy: Dandelion can cause allergic reactions when taken by mouth or applied to the skin of sensitive people. People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) are likely to be allergic to dandelion. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.”
