16 Benefits of Dandelion Tea
Dandelions are everywhere. They pop up in lawns, gardens, parks, roadsides, and even along streams and rivers. But most people don’t realize how many amazing health benefits dandelion has.
They are nature’s miracle plants. It contains over 100 nutrients including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, K, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, and fluoride.
Dandelion root tea is great for detoxifying the body, improving digestion, boosting energy levels, reducing inflammation, and strengthening bones. In addition, dandelion root tea helps with weight loss, improves liver function, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, increases circulation, boosts immunity, and relieves constipation.
Health Benefits of Dandelion Root Tea
1. Has Antioxidant Properties
Dandelion root tea is a natural remedy for many health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and digestive problems. The herb contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which help prevent cell damage and slow down aging.
Antioxidants help protect against free radicals, which cause inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s. They may also reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, lung, skin, bladder, and ovarian cancers.
2. It Can Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure contributes to many medical conditions, including stroke, kidney disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and dementia. Drinking dandelion root tea can lower high blood pressure by relaxing the walls of your arteries and veins.
If you have hypertension, it is important that you maintain your current dosage or increase the amount in order to achieve optimal results. The recommended dose for adults is 500 mg three times daily.
3. Can Help Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Eating healthy foods is one way to keep cholesterol at a low level. Dandelion root tea can help with this because studies show that consuming these herbs can decrease bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol. This can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from coronary artery disease
4. It Can Treat Constipation
Dandelion root stimulates and cleanses the intestinal tract. Studies show that drinking 1-3 cups per day can improve the digestion process and relieve constipation within 30 days.
Laxative properties make it an ideal treatment for some stomach ailments including gastritis, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, and urinary tract infections.
The herb may also help heal the lining of the intestines after surgery and restore them to their normal functions.
5. It May Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes affects millions of Americans. If you suffer from this condition, drinking dandelion root tea may help you control your blood sugar levels.
Research shows that the herb decreases glucose production in the liver and increases insulin sensitivity of muscle cells.
It Contains Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine, Fluoride, and Other Nutrients
Dandelion root has been used throughout history as a medicine to treat various disorders. In Europe, people drink dandelion root tea to treat liver problems, gallbladder stones, and other digestive issues.
In China, it is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea and to promote lactation in nursing mothers. It is also considered effective for treating fever, cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and asthma.
In Japan, where it has long been consumed as a food source, dandelions are eaten raw in salads and soups. These greens contain calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sulfur, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, fluoride, and other nutrients.
6. It Can Relieve Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain varies among individuals. Some people find relief when taking anti-inflammatory medications; others need alternative treatments like dandelion root tea.
Studies show that dandelion root tea contains compounds called flavonoids and polysaccharides. Flavonoids may offer protection against cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cancer. Polysaccharides provide support for the immune system.
In addition, dandelion root helps fight inflammation in the joints and muscles. Inflammation is the main culprit behind arthritis symptoms.
7. It Cleans Skin
If you have acne or oily skin, you may want to try dandelion root tea instead of using expensive cosmetics. The herb promotes circulation and removes toxins from the body. It also softens and lightens hair and reduces frizziness.
Dandelion root tea can also cleanse the scalp and remove excess oil and dead cells.
8. It Can Improve Digestive Health
Drinking dandelion root tea can speed up the digestion process. This action improves nutrient absorption and eliminates indigestible matter from the gut.
Studies show that the herb speeds up weight loss by stimulating metabolism, increasing energy, and reducing appetite. People who consume dandelion root tea report feeling more alert and energetic.
It is often recommended as part of a healthy diet for diabetics because it lowers blood sugar levels and regulates carbohydrate intake.
9. It May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism and gout cause swelling and redness around joints. Because dandelion root tea alleviates these symptoms, it is commonly taken as an herbal remedy for arthritis.
The herb also relieves stomach cramps and flatulence caused by intestinal gas buildup. It also protects the kidneys and liver from damage associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
10. It May Be Good For Joints
According to the National Institutes of Health, dandelion root tea increases joint flexibility and reduces stiffness.
This makes the herb useful for those suffering from arthritis.
11. It May Boost Your Immune System
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows that dandelion root extract stimulates lymphocytes (immune cells) and natural killer cells. Natural killer cells kill abnormal cells that could otherwise lead to cancer. Other studies indicate that dandelion root preparations stimulate the production of antibodies that help protect against disease.
12. It Increases Circulation
Dandelion root extracts promote capillary activity and improve circulation throughout the body. According to the American Cancer Society, this helps prevent cancerous tumors from forming. It also controls cholesterol levels and prevents heart disease.
13. It Improve Liver Function
As mentioned earlier, the dandelion root supports the liver’s detoxification activities. It also reduces the amount of ammonia and other toxic substances being produced by the body. These chemicals are eliminated through the urine.
14. Treat Kidney Stones
Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the bloodstream. When they fail to function properly, kidney stones form. Drinking dandelion root tea helps relieve pain related to kidney stone formation.
15. Relieve Headaches
When consumed regularly, dandelion root stimulates the secretion of endorphins, which reduce stress and tension. They also increase serotonin levels in the brain, helping to ease headaches and migraines.
16. Reduce Stress Levels
The herb’s bitter taste has been found to reduce anxiety when taken on an empty stomach.
Research suggests that dandelion root may be effective in treating various forms of depression. Some people say that drinking tea boosts their mood and relieves feelings of fatigue. Others have reported reduced muscle aches after taking dandelion root supplements.
Dandelion leaves contain high amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene. These nutrients contribute to its antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
While many health benefits of dandelion have yet to be fully researched, there is enough evidence to support its use as an herbal remedy. The herb can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, infections, skin problems, obesity, diabetes, and other medical issues.
However, before using it, consult your doctor first.
