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| Ⓒ Provided by Livestrong |
You know those pretty yellow puff-tops that pop up on a meadow? The humble
dandelion is much more than a weed that invades your backyard every spring.
It has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries across many different
cultures, as early as 900 AD. Its roots and leaves are dried and used to
make dandelion tea, which contain vitamins A, C and D, and significant
amounts of zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium. Rich in vitamins and
minerals, the dandelion contains more beta-carotene than carrots per
serving. Lowly weed no more: The dandelion packs a serious nutritious punch
for a plant generally thought of as a nuisance.
What Is Dandelion Tea?
It assists in alleviating symptoms of many different ailments, including
bloating, diabetes and liver dysfunction. There are two parts to the
dandelion: the root and the leaf, and each has its own use. Both help
regulate parts of the digestive system, but the root is best for liver
problems while the leaf is best for ailments related to the kidneys. Choose
your tea accordingly; however, before you begin to use dandelion tea
medicinally, you may want to discuss it with your health care provider.
While dandelion tea has been traditionally used in alternative medicine, the
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, says
that dandelions leaves are also useful when consumed as salad greens and
cooked greens. A new "superfood" drink that is getting some buzz is
dandelion coffee, an herbal drink made from roasted dandelion root, which is
said to taste like coffee but have the health benefits of dandelion tea.
Dandelion Tea Benefits
The compounds in the root "stimulate digestion, increase bile flow and can
act as mild laxatives," says naturopath Dr. Robert Kachko, ND, LAc. This
part of the dandelion works on regulating the liver and stimulating
digestion. "Most conditions of the liver/gallbladder can have a use for
dandelion root, but it should be prescribed by someone with training,"
cautions Kachko. The leaf is used to treat ailments of the kidneys; its
chief function is as a diuretic. However, unlike prescription medication, it
is high in potassium -- so it replenishes lost electrolytes immediately. In
high enough doses, its effect is similar to that of common prescription
diuretics like Lasix. "It also may reduce the occurrence of urinary tract
infections in women," says Dr. Kachko. It should be noted that even though
no link has been found between dandelion tea and the treatment of acne or
eczema, a liver that's not functioning optimally may cause hormonal acne, so
dandelion may help improve acne by helping the liver. A 2008 study conducted
by the laboratory of biochemical and biomedical research at the department
of chemistry at New Mexico Tech found that extract of dandelion root blocked
the invasion of noninvasive breast cancer cells. It didn't, on the other
hand, decrease the growth of these cells. This gives some indication that
dandelion root may prove beneficial in preventing the metastasis -- or
growth -- of breast cancer cells.
Dandelion Tea for Bloating
When used for help with bloating, dandelion tea has been shown have a
significant effect on water content in the body because of its diuretic
properties. In a 2009 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine, after the first two doses of the tea, participants showed a
significant increase in frequency of urination. Water weight, and subsequent
bloat, went down. Further research is recommended to determine how effective
this diuretic ability is.
Dandelion Tea for Liver Detox
When used as a detox for the liver, dandelion tea has been shown to be very
effective. In a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology,
dandelion tea was shown to dramatically increase a detoxifying enzyme of the
control group of animals tested. More research still has to be done, but
this study is a good example of how dandelion tea may actually have a real
effect on liver function.
Dandelion Tea for Diabetes
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine
Service, studies have shown dandelion to lower blood sugar levels overall.
However, there have been no clinical trials that studied its effects in
diabetic humans. In other words, there may be a direct connection, but it is
still unconfirmed.
Warnings and Contraindications of the Tea
Dandelion tea is contraindicated with irritable conditions of the bowels or
stomach (i.e. ulcers). It should be avoided in the case of bile duct
obstruction, and it may enhance the toxicity of the prescription drug
lithium. If you're pregnant and concerned that dandelion tea could cause
problems, there is "insufficient reliable information available," says Dr.
Kachko, so it's best to check with your doctor. The University of Maryland
Medical Center advises that antacids, blood-thinning medications, Cipro,
diabetes medication and anything else that is broken down in the liver may
interact with dandelion tea. Taking oral preparations such as tea can cause
mouth sores for anyone allergic to dandelion. A special note to people who
are allergic to ragweed and related plants, like chamomile, chrysanthemums,
daisies, feverfew marigold, ragweed, sunflower or yarrow: Dandelions may
exacerbate your allergic reaction, so proceed with caution. Anyone allergic
to iodine or latex also should also avoid dandelion preparations. The
University of Maryland Medical Center notes that an allergy to dandelion, as
with many other herbs, could lead to a dangerous anaphylactic reaction.
Dosage and Preparation of Dandelion Tea
Talk to your doctor about dosage. It is possible to forage for dandelions in
your own backyard, chop up the roots and steep as a regular tea. However,
Dr. Kachko cautions, "They should be recommended by someone with sufficient
herbal training, including training in herb-drug-nutrient interactions." A
naturopath or other qualified doctor will be able to diagnose and treat your
conditions properly, administering the correct dose of dandelion tea to give
you relief without side effects.
See More: Livestrong
