Benefits of Drinking Dandelion Tea
Dandelions have long been used for their medicinal qualities. As long as they have not been sprayed with herbicides or other toxins, they are completely safe to use and offer a plethora of benefits. In fact, they are one of my favorite ingredients for tea. Common to use is either their leaves or the roasted roots of the plant. Here are just a few benefits of dandelion tea
1.Reduces Water Weight
Dandelion tea is an effective diuretic to help increase urination and relieve bloating; try just two cups of tea to see reduced water weight.
2.Soothes Digestive Ailments
Dandelion root tea may help benefit your digestive system. It may help reduce appetite or hunger pains while soothing your digestive tract and relieving constipation.
3.Promotes Liver Health
Dandelion roots have long been used as a tonic for the liver. Recent studies have shown they may increase the flow of bile, assisting with liver detoxification, improving liver functioning, and positively impacting eye and skin health.
4.Promotes Weight Loss
Research has shown that dandelion may provide weight loss support similar to that of the drug Orlistat. This drug works by inhibiting the pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that is released during digestion and helps to break down fats. It has been proven effective against obesity in studies on mice.
5.Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Recent studies have also shown that dandelion root may contain potential cancer-fighting properties that can help expedite treatment results. The research demonstrates that dandelion root extract may kill off melanoma cells without affecting non-cancerous cells.
6.Coffee Substitute
The roots of a young dandelion plant can be roasted to a dark brown color and be brewed into a coffee-like beverage that may be just as effective as its processed, caffeinated counterpart.
7.Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
When paired with the herb uva ursi, dandelion root may help prevent urinary tract infections. This combination is effective because of the diuretic effect of the dandelion and the anti-bacterial compounds of the uva usri.
Possible Side Effects
Although dandelion is safe for most people, some individuals may experience allergic reactions from ingesting or touching it. It also may trigger side effects if it reacts with certain medications like lithium, Cipro, and diuretics. If you are currently on any medications, consult a physician before you begin drinking dandelion tea.
