Dandelion Health Dictionary

Dandelion tea is an excellent source of vitamins and an unbeatable way to maintain healthy body and mind. About Dandelion tea Dandelion is a perennial yellow plant scientifically called Taraxacum officinale. Itcan be used as a herbal plant but also in the kitchen in many recipes, salads etc. It grows everywhere and it appears in early spring. Its flowers last until late fall. For medical purposes, the young flowers are usually used before flowering along with the root. The flowers are an important source of vitamins (A, B, C and D), minerals (is very rich in potassium) proteins, carbohydrates, and tannins, caffeic acid. The leaves are also important. The root contains a bitter compound - taraxacina - but it is also rich in pectins, sterols, vitamins B1, C and D, inulin, tannin, volatile oils and reshines. You can use the leaves to prepare salads, juices, infusions or tinctures. The roots are mostly used for teas, tinctures and decoction. Dandelion tea is considered an overall tonic with multiple benefits. How to brew Dandelion tea For regular use, you can drink 2 cups of dandelion tea per day. Use 2 teaspoons of dried plant for a hot water cup. Let it infuse for a couple of minutes and then let it rinse. Another way of drinking the dandelion tea is by using small cutted leaves and dried roots. Pour into a container approximately 200 ml of water, add the plant and let it boil. After that, cover the container with something and keep it to infuse for 15 minutes. In the end, filter it and enjoy the tea. You may add some honey or sugar. Benefits of Dandelion tea Dandelion tea has lots of benefits as it is considered one of the healthiest teas. - Dandelion tea is depurative, sudorific and diuretic - Dandelion tea helps to diminish high cholesterol - It promotes gastrointestinal health, enhancing digestion, stimulating the appetite and treating digestive problems such as heartburn or upset stomach - Dandelion tea is suitable in diets or in fighting obesity as it helps the body eliminate water, having a detoxifying role -The tea is considered to be aliver, kidney and gallbladder tonic and it normalizes blood circulation - It is used with success in treating several skin ailments like acne, gout, atherosclerosis, varicose veins - Dandelion tea has an antirheumatic effect and some studies underlined that it also boosts the immunity - Dandelion tea also has a cosmetic  use as it improves skin clarity and cleanses complexion Side effects of Dandelion tea Although dandelion tea has many benefits, it also has several warnings that you should take into consideration. It is not advisable to use the plant after flowering. Dandelion tea can reduce the efficiency of some medicines and may interact with some drugs or other herbs. Avoid combining this tea with antibiotics, garlic, gingko biloba, blood thinners or pain relievers, as a risk of bleeding may arise. Some studies pointed out that those suffering of diabetes and low blood sugar, as well as pregnant women or breastfeeding women should consult their physician before drinking dandelion tea. If you are allergic to daisies, chrysanthemum, chamomile or marigold you may also develop same reaction for dandelion. Some people call dandelion tea the elixir of long life as it brings vitality and makes you strong if you consume it on a regular basis. However, it’s best to keep the moderation and to search for information before you decide to drink it on a regular basis.... dandelion tea