The Benefits of Dandelion Tea

Here's all you need to know about this trending superfood, and how you can add it to your diet.

Though quite possibly the peskiest plant for homeowners trying to maintain a pristine lawn, dandelion is not just a weed but a bonafide superfood, often provided to us free of charge by Mother Nature.

Dandelion tea has been trending on TikTok as a natural health remedy, but this trend is far from new. The dandelion plant has been a favorite of herbalists and ancient medicine practitioners across the globe for ages. Learn what this trend is all about, why it’s beneficial, and whether you should start picking your dandelions for tea instead of weed-whacking them out of your yard.

What Is Dandelion Tea?

Recognizable to nearly everyone, the dandelion is a hearty plant that thrives in nearly any condition. While some call it a weed, others deem it a pioneer species thanks to its incredible ability to spread far and wide quickly.

Also known by its scientific name, Taraxacum officinale, this stemmed plant with brilliant yellow flowers native to Asia and Europe has been used for its health-boosting properties at least as far back as the tenth and eleventh centuries. Initially popular throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, this ubiquitous plant was prized for its medicinal benefits. Soon, its use became a common practice on nearly every continent.

There are a few different ways to utilize this plant, from consuming the greens similarly to other leafy favorites like kale in recipes to making a tea from the entire plant, including the roots. Some make their tea from fresh dandelion, while others roast it. Some add citrus or green, black, or masala chai tea leaves to it, while others enjoy it straight up. When unroasted, this tea offers a delicate, slightly sweet flavor; roasting imparts an intense, almost coffee-like flavor.

Why Has Dandelion Tea Become So Popular?

What’s so great about dandelion tea, and why did its popularity stand the test of time? Well, this plant is chock full of nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, plus plant compounds, such as beta carotene. These translate to improved gut, bone, heart, immune, eye, and cell health.

Research has shown additional benefits. Here's a quick overview.

Gut Health

Beyond the gut-boosting fiber, the plant contains, one review found dandelion to be a potentially beneficial addition for a host of gastrointestinal disorders, thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Metabolic Health

While the fiber found in dandelion helps dull the blood sugar response, the bioactive plant compounds it contains have also been linked to blood sugar management, helping to treat and prevent metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Health

The potassium in dandelion is known to lower blood pressure, but this plant has also been tied to cardiovascular health thanks to its cardioprotective properties and diuretic effects that help regulate high blood pressure levels.

Immune Health

Though zinc and vitamin C are known immune modulators, as is beta carotene, research illustrates even more immune-modulating effects of dandelion. Studies have shown its effectiveness against melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells. Plus, evidence points to this plant also being an effective antibacterial agent.

Liver, Kidney, and Skin Health

A few additional health perks that this underrated plant has to offer include championing liver health, providing natural sun protection for skin cells, and potentially being beneficial in treating urinary tract infections.

Should You Try Dandelion Tea?

So, with all this encouraging health information, should you give this trendy tea a try?

While dandelion tea is safe for most individuals, there are some precautionary notes about this historical beverage. If you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, dandelion tea may trigger symptoms, so it's best to skip it. Also, given that it’s a natural diuretic, it could interact with certain medications, requiring a check-in with your doctor prior to enjoying it. Furthermore, it’s unclear what effects this herb has on pregnant and breastfeeding women, so this group may want to hold off on drinking dandelion tea. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are on prescribed medications, it’s best to speak with your health care provider before trying dandelion tea.

Where to Find Dandelion

There are a few ways to make this caffeine-free tea at home. One avenue is to purchase a prepared dandelion tea variety. Many brands offer their own variations, including Full Leaf Tea Company, The Republic of Tea, and Traditional Medicinals. All you do is steep it with hot water and enjoy.

If you have a yard full of dandelions, you already have everything you need, but only use these plants if your yard is unfertilized and free from pesticides. It’s also best if your dandelion collection is located in an area with minimal air pollution because these plants can absorb chemicals from the air. Lastly, if you have pets that make waste in your yard, be sure to forage for dandelions away from animal-soiled areas.

How to Make Dandelion Tea

Wash and steep the dandelion flowers and leaves in hot water for 15 to 30 minutes, and then enjoy. If you’re using the roots of this plant, it’s best to roast them first. To do this, clean and chop the roots and bake them in a 300°F oven for two hours. Then, steep a few teaspoons in boiling water for around 10 minutes and enjoy this delicious earthy tea reminiscent of coffee. Whether the tea is roasted or fresh, you can add tea leaves, citrus, or other ingredients.

Nature has generously provided us with plenty of dandelions, not just to make our yard-keeping more difficult but also to provide a whole host of nutrients to help us achieve our best health. Enjoying dandelion tea can boost health on multiple fronts; enjoy it warm in the winter months or iced as a refreshment in the summertime.

Related: Are Dandelions Bad? The 6 Reasons They’re Not May Surprise You

For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.