Tis the season for drinking hot tea! Why not make your body sing by choosing dandelion in your warm mug? The act of holding a warm cup in your hand, steam wafting over your face, is a delightful ritual in and of itself. We invite calm when we pause for tea.
Dandelion is highly nutritious! You can eat the leaves as cooked greens or add them to salads. Add a flavored vinegar or lemon juice to draw out even more nutrients from your raw greens. You can drink dandelion root as an infusion or ingest it in the form of a tincture. You will also find a recipe for dandelion syrup below. No matter how you consume dandelion, you will experience a multitude of health benefits. Let’s explore seven reasons to add dandelion to your routine this winter season!
Dandelion Tea Benefits
Digestive Tonic
Dandelion is widely known for its soothing digestive qualities. Add this herb to a combination of chamomile and lavender for a relaxing after-dinner drink. Dandelion is helpful for heartburn, so ingest it after spicy meals or before bedtime to avoid that uncomfortable feeling. “Know Your Gut, Trust Your Gut – Digestive Blend” combines dandelion with red clover blossom, cornflower petal, and comfrey leaf for a delicious tea- hot or cold! Sweeten however you like. Steep for 2-4 hours for a stronger version to increase dandelion tea benefits.
Supports kidneys and bladder
Dandelion is a wonderful herb to add to your daily supplements if you are prone to kidney and bladder infections. During a urinary tract infection, make a strong infusion of dandelion root tea and sip on it throughout the day (see instructions in the blood pressure section). Combining this herb with cranberry extract and vitamin c will help your kidneys return to their normal state of health faster than ever!
Regulates blood pressure
If your blood pressure is not in the normal ranges, dandelion is for you! When taking an herb daily, you may want to consider making or purchasing a tincture so it is more convenient to take on the go. However, there is nothing like drinking your medicine in the fresh form of tea.
- Use dandelion root to make a strong medicinal cup of tea. Cut up small pieces of the root or use a mortar to break it into pea-size chunks. Simmer the root pieces in water on the stove for fifteen to twenty minutes and then add to a mason jar and seal. You can store your jar of tea in the refrigerator for two to three days. Feel free to add some fresh, raw honey while it’s hot to add a touch of sweetness. Because if you don’t love the taste, you won’t drink as much of this healthful herb.
Mood regulator
Since dandelion improves liver functions, your hormones will naturally regulate. This magical herb is a blood builder and when taken regularly, can reduce symptoms of irritability. We could all use a little help with our moods from time to time!
Liver strengthener & helps with iron absorption
Dandelion tea benefits are plentiful. As mentioned, dandelion supports liver function, therefore the herb helps to make iron readily available in the body. Iron is predominately stored in the liver, so whenever you can nourish your liver, the higher your iron levels will be. Adding vitamin c foods and supplements with dandelion will add to your body’s ability to increase iron levels.
For those suffering from Hepatitis, dandelion should be a staple in your daily routine. You want to do everything possible to protect your liver while undergoing medical treatments.
Itchy belly, hands, and feet can be a bothersome sign of pregnancy and dandelion is here to help! Make sure to discuss your itchy symptoms with your midwife or doctor to rule out serious illnesses that may benefit from medical care.
Consider making an iron tonic for a delicious way to consume dandelion.
- Making Iron Tonic Syrup
Place ½ ounce each of yellow dock and dandelion roots into a quart jar and fill with boiling water. Cover the jar tight and steep for eight hours. Strain into a stainless-steel pot and simmer uncovered until the liquid reduces to one cup. Add ½ cup of blackstrap molasses (also high in iron). Stir well and turn off the heat. Pour into a jar and store in the refrigerator for many months. Dosage is 1-2 tablespoons daily. (Romm 2014)
Regulates blood sugar levels
Since dandelion helps to moderate blood sugar levels, mood swings will be reduced automatically with daily use. Most of us have heard the term “hangry,” when describing young children who become over-emotional or angry if they haven’t eaten in a long time. Children have very fast metabolisms which can cause blood sugar levels to drop suddenly with a lot of activity. Some adults have this issue as well and need to eat often to prevent blood sugar crashes. Adding dandelion tea, tincture, or herbal infusions regularly can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the hangrys!
Dandelion tea benefits for children can easily be achieved by making your favorite blend of dandelion tea sweet and cold, for a refreshing pick me up! Add honey or sugar (or some juice) to Know Your Gut tea and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days so it’s ready when you need it.
Helps to eliminate nausea and prevents gallstones
Dandelion during the first trimester of pregnancy will do wonders for the common discomfort of nausea and vomiting. Making a 32-ounce mason jar of dandelion tea (with honey to taste) and storing in the refrigerator will make it convenient to drink often and when nausea strikes. Adding mint and/or ginger to this tea will add to the anti-nausea benefits.
If you have had gallstones in the past or have recently been diagnosed with them, dandelion can save the day! Keep any of the wonderful versions of dandelion (listed throughout this post) around to take as needed: tea, tonic, or tincture. And don’t forget to add dandelion leaves to your cooked greens and salads!
Precautions for those with latex allergies
Some people are allergic to the milky latex of flowers and stems. If a rash develops, discontinue using this herb.
Dandelion Tea Benefits
As you can see, dandelion should be our friend! This soothing herb is beneficial for many systems in the body and is a wonderful compliment to your tea blends. Consider You, Me & Uni tea blends, such as Know Your Gut, Trust Your Gut – Digestive Blend. Directions are listed on the package to advise you of the perfect steeping time to get the most enjoyment from your yummy cup of tea.
Written by Anastacia Elizabeth Walden
Freelance writer & editor in Gainesville, Florida
http://www.waldenwritesforwomen.com
http://www.waldenwritesforwomen.com/blog
Resources:
Vollbrecht, Jennifer. 2019. Master Herbology Class Notes.
Romm, Aviva Jill. 2014. The Natural Pregnancy Book, Your Complete Guide to a Safe, Organic Pregnancy and Childbirth with Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices.
