Dandelion Tea: Is It Good for You? (2024)

Dandelion is much more than just a weed growing in the yard. In fact, it has been cultivated for its culinary and medicinal benefits for centuries, and modern science has even begun corroborating some of the claims traditionally made about dandelion.

Dandelion is very common in North America and most people can recognize it on sight. It’s a hardy plant, growing easily in low-sunlight areas where others struggle. The flowers, leaf, and root of dandelion can all be used to make dandelion tea. In parts of Europe and Asia, it’s known as a folk remedy for:

However, while modern science has lent some support to these and other traditional medicine claims about dandelion tea, much more research is needed.

Nutrition Information

One cup of raw dandelion contains:

  • Calories: 25
  • Protein: 1.5 grams
  • Fat: 0.4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 5.1 grams
  • Fiber: 1.9 grams
  • Sugar: 0.4 grams

Dandelion is a good source of:

Dandelion is also an excellent source of Vitamin A. Studies have shown that Vitamin A may lower the risk of conditions like cataracts, diarrhea, measles, and breast cancer.

Potential Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. However, the same thing that makes dandelion so potent can also create complications for people with certain medical conditions.

Research has found a number of potential health benefits to drinking dandelion tea:

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Dandelion contains taraxasterol, a compound known for having significant antioxidant properties that combat inflammation. Taraxasterol can help regulate your white blood cells and keep them from triggering inflammation unnecessarily.

Lower Blood Pressure

Dandelion tea is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte that stimulates the heartbeat. Potassium may help the kidney filter toxins more effectively and improve blood flow.

Improved Liver Health

The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile. They also help your liver filter potentially harmful chemicals out of your food.

Immune System Support

Dandelion is also a good source of Vitamin C, one of the most helpful vitamins for the immune system. The presence of Vitamin C may account for its reported effectiveness against seasonal colds.

Potential Risks of Dandelion Tea

Because dandelion tea has such potent ingredients, you should consult with your doctor before taking it or any other supplement. Consider the following before preparing or drinking dandelion tea:

Daisy Allergies

If you’re allergic to other plants in the daisy family — like daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums — you will also be allergic to dandelion.

Pregnancy Concerns

The effects of dandelion tea on someone who is pregnant or breast-feeding are inconclusive. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, it is best to look for an alternative.

Medication Interference

Avoid dandelion tea if you’re already taking a diuretic as their actions may be compounded. Since dandelion has natural diuretic properties, it may interfere with the action of lithium and similar medications.

Dandelion tea should also be avoided if you’re taking antibiotics like Cipro, Levaquin, Noroxin, and others.

Liver and Kidney Function

If you’re being treated for liver or kidney issues, you should avoid consuming dandelion or dandelion tea except with their doctor’s permission. Dandelion could increase the risk of complications for someone who has kidney disease, in particular.

Blood Pressure and Clotting

Because the potassium in dandelion may impact blood flow and clotting, it’s best to avoid dandelion tea if you’re taking blood-thinner medication..

For the same reason, someone who is taking blood pressure medication should avoid dandelion tea.

Dandelion Tea: Is It Good for You? (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to drink dandelion tea every day? ›

You can drink dandelion tea every day. “Recommendations are two to three times a day,” says Geib. “Start your day with a cup of dandelion root tea and build it up slowly. Its diuretic properties can increase urination, so go gentle and let your body adjust to it first.”

What does dandelion tea do for the body? ›

Dandelion tea is an excellent source of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte that stimulates the heartbeat. Potassium may help the kidney filter toxins more effectively and improve blood flow. The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile.

What are the side effects of drinking dandelion tea? ›

When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.

Does dandelion tea actually detox? ›

For those who are forever in a battle with bloating or have the need to flush their system, drinking dandelion tea can be a natural diuretic. This brew can help your body to pee, which in turn can rid your liver and kidneys of toxins and keep you fresh and fit.

What not to mix with dandelion root tea? ›

What other drugs will affect dandelion?
  • lithium;
  • an antibiotic, such as Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox, Noroxin, and others;
  • a blood thinner or medicine to treat or prevent blood clots;
  • a diuretic or "water pill";
  • heart or blood pressure medication; or.
  • a sedative such as Valium.

Does dandelion tea help you sleep? ›

While dandelion is not traditionally known as a sleep-inducing food, we have found using the liver-cleansing properties of dandelion to be a valuable aid in helping sleep. A healthy liver will balance blood sugar. Blood sugar fluctuations and drops are a major factor in insomnia and waking at night.

What organ is dandelion good for? ›

The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.

Does dandelion reduce belly fat? ›

Some researchers suggest that dandelion's ability to improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption may lead to weight loss. However, this theory has yet to be scientifically proven ( 14 ). One study in mice also suggests that dandelion extract may aid weight management by reducing fat absorption ( 15 ).

What does dandelion tea do to hormones? ›

By supporting bile production, we're literally supporting oestrogen removal. It can help improve liver function. The liver works in two phases, phase 1 and phase 2, if either of these phases aren't working properly, oestrogen detoxification will be impaired, so dandelion tea is giving this a little boost.

Is dandelion good for skin? ›

Dandelions Are Anti-Inflammatory

Dandelions help reduce inflammation and skin irritation (3), so it's perfect for sensitive or problem skin types. It has a long history in folk medicine as a soothing treatment for eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin rashes.

Does dandelion tea stain teeth? ›

It won't stain your teeth either; take that, coffee. So, although it may not buzz through your system quite like caffeine does, roasted dandelion root offers its own brand of uplift - gentle yet effective.

Is dandelion tea good for acid reflux? ›

Dandelion: Dandelion supports gastro-intestinal movement, meaning food will pass through the stomach appropriately. Food that moves along at the right pace decreases the demands on stomach acid and the likelihood of reflux. Dandelion also helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Can I drink dandelion tea every day? ›

As long as dandelion tea doesn't cause you any issues, it is fine to drink it every day. If you are drinking it medicinally, check the correct dosage with your herbalist. You might want to avoid drinking dandelion tea just before bedtime.

Does dandelion cleanse the colon? ›

It helps to detox the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and blood, and also regulate bowel motions. The root is used for the liver and colon and the leaves are used as a diuretic to gently flush toxins through the kidneys. Dandelion is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which helps protect cells from toxin damage.

How much weight can you lose drinking dandelion tea? ›

Dandelion has a high potassium content, which gives it diuretic properties, which contribute to the removal of water from the body. Thanks to this, you can easily lose up to two kilograms of weight per week, while drinking from 2 to 3 cups of this tea per day.

Does dandelion tea get rid of water retention? ›

Dandelion also has a history of use as a natural diuretic, according to the NIH . Its diuretic effect means that the tea encourages both urination and reduced water retention in the body. Drinking more of any beverage will typically encourage fluid release because the kidneys maintain water balance in the body.

Is dandelion tea good for estrogen? ›

Moving forward, drinking dandelion tea in the second half of your cycle is a great way to help ensure oestrogen is kept in check and allows progesterone to shine. Of course, it takes more than tea, but it's a start!

Is it safe to take dandelion root supplements daily? ›

Dandelions are rich in antioxidants and could be a healthful addition to a person's diet or daily supplements. As with any supplement, it is best to speak to a doctor before taking them to discuss possible risks and interactions with other medications.

How to make dandelion tea for weight loss? ›

You can make tea with the dandelion roots or flowers. It's very easy — follow these simple directions: Steep about one tablespoon of the stems or flowers for 30 minutes in five ounces of boiling water. Strain the roots and flowers, or drink them up with your tea.

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