Dandelion tea has increased in popularity in recent years. However, many cultures have used dandelion roots, flowers, and leaves for teas, food, and medicine for centuries. When it comes to the dandelion plant, food definitely is medicine.
A Little About Dandelions
Many people think of dandelions as annoying weeds that pop up in their gardens. However, rather than pulling them up or spraying them with weed killer, consider harvesting them for cooking or making tea. Did you know that dandelion leaves are also leafy vegetables? In fact, dandelion leaves are one of the most nutritionally dense edible green leaves. Notably, they are good sources of folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Surprisingly, the nutrition content of kale and spinach pale in comparison to dandelion leaves.
One cup of freshly chopped dandelion greens contain:
- 25 calories
- 1.5 grams of protein
- 0.4 gram of fat
- 5 grams of carhohydrates
- 2 grams of fiber
- 218 mg potassium
- 112% daily values for vitamin A
- 32% daily values for vitamin C
- 7.9% daily values of calcium
- 9.5% daily value of iron
Potential Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea is popular because it has high amounts of disease-fighting and cell-protecting chemicals. Consuming dandelion tea regularly may:
- Reduce stress
- Promote weight loss
- Act as a diutetic to eliminate excess water
- Strengthen immune system
- Improve circulation
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower blood sugar
- Support heart health
- Reduce inflammation
- Lower risk for some cancers
- Reduce side effects of chemotherapy
- Support gut health
Please note that scientific studies have not established the amount of tea needed to receive these health benefits.
How to Make Dandelion Tea from Roots
Roasted dandelion tea, also known as dandelion coffee, has a strong, toasty, and rich aroma. The roots are usually harvested in the fall. It’s best to harvest the roots while the flowers are still buds. So, why is that? Well, the roots turn bitter and have a woodsy taste once the flowers bloom.
How to Prepare and Roast Fresh Dandelfion Roots
- Wash the roots thoroughly
- Trim off the stringy, scraggly parts of the roots
- Cut the roots into large hunks
- Roast in a 350 degree F oven for 30-40 minutes
- Stir occassionally while roasting
- Roast until dried and brown, but not burnt
- Remove from oven and cool
- Store in an air-tight jar until ready to use
You can also purchase dried, roasted dandelion roots online or at health food stores.
Making Dandelion Tea from Roots
Ingredients
- 2 cups filtered or spring water
- 2 tablespoons dried, roasted dandelion roots
- Small piece of cinnamon stick (optional)
- Milk (optional)
- Honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel kettle
- Pour hot water over dried, roasted roots and cinnamon (optional)
- Cover and steep for 30 minutes
- Strain the mixture
- Serve plain or add sweetener of choice to taste
Dandelions do not contain caffeine, which means you will not get a caffeine jolt.
Makes 2 servings
How to Make Dandelion Tea from Flowers
Dandelion flowers are usually harvested in the fall. The flowers are high in vitamin C, an immune system booster. Dandelion flower tea has a mild, delicate flavor.
Making Dandelion Tea from Flowers
Ingredients
- 2 cups filtered or spring water
- Petals of 4-5 heads of dandelion flower (with leaves removed) or 2 tablespoons dried flowers
- Honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Lemon slices or juice to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel kettle
- Pour hot water over flower petals
- Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes
- Strain the mixture
- Add lemon slices or lemon juice (optional)
- Serve plain or add sweetener of choice to taste
- Serve hot or cold
Makes 2 servings
How to Make Dandelion Tea from Leaves
Dandelion leaves are usually harvested in the spring. Most of the nutrients are in the leaves or greens. Dandelion tea has a light, sweet, and delicate flavor.
Making Dandelion Tea from Leaves
Ingredients
- 2 cups filtered or spring water
- 6 tender leaves or 2 tablespoon driend dandelion leaves
- Honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Lemon slices or juice to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the leaves to release the flavor
- Pour hot water over leaves
- Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes
- Strain the mixture
- Milk (optional)
- Serve plain or add sweetener of choice to taste
- Serve hot or cold
Makes 2 servings
Potential Side Effects of Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, scientific studies have not established a safe dosage. Dandelion teas, powders, liquids, and capsules are dietary supplements. Thus, do not use them to replace your medication or to treat a specific illness. Additionally, do not consume dandelion tea if you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums, yarrow, or marigolds.
Consult your healthcare provider if you:
- Are a diabetic on insulin
- Have high blood pressure
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take prescription medication
Otherwise, if you are a tea-drinker, enjoy an occasional cup or two.
Now, It’s Your Turn
Well, I hope you have a better understanding of dandelion tea and its potential health benefits. If you are a big tea drinker, consider consuming the occasional cup of dandelion tea. Please note that this article does not provide medical advice, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
I think you will also enjoy learning about the benefits of drinking mushroom tea, drinking hot lemon water daily, using honey to soothe a cough, and drinking apple cider vinegar shots.
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