Dandelion leaves, when young, are a tasty salad vegetable. Dandelion roots can be dried, roasted and then ground as a good coffee substitute without caffeine and which has beneficial healthy effects on indigestion and on rheumatic complaints.

Dandelion contains a significant amount of vitamin A and potassium, as well as moderate amounts of vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. All of these substances can be beneficial to your health, but the dandelion also provides a more specific health benefit. Dandelion can actually act as a gentle and natural diuretic that aids in the function of the entire digestive system, including the function of the kidneys, gallbladder, bowels and more. It can aid in treating constipation and water retention.

Health benefits of drinking dandelion tea. Herbal tea remedies explored.

The benefits of herbal tea remedies can vary. Not every body responds in the same way. What works for someone may not work for you. It is always important to consult your health care provider when including and herb or over the counter medication into your diet.

A simple (and free!) recipe for Dandelion Tea:

- get a handle of young, recent dandelion greens
- wash totally with water to take away grime (steer clear of dandelions in lawns that could have pesticides)


- lay the greens out to dry


- pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of crushed leaves
- steep for 10 minutes


- if the tea is just too bitter on your tastes, simply add apple or orange slices, a sprig of mint, honey, or agave nectar to sweeten up the flavour

There are many more health benefits of dandelion tea than I present to you here. I will address the top Six.

• Natural energy booster. Drinking dandelion tea gives an individual a new level of energy with out any of the negative side effects one might experience with todays energy drinks or caffeine.

• The powerful antioxidants in dandelions make it a good anti cancer fighting agent. In 1979, Japanese researchers developed a patent utilizing dandelions as an anti tumor agent.

• Effective as a natural diuretic. Has been utilized by women for centuries to alleviate water retention prior to their periods. It has been found to be effective in lowering blood pressure in those that suffer from mild hypertension. Rich in linoleic and linolenic acid, these essential fatty acids are utilized by the body to produce prostaglandin, which regulates blood pressure. It is important to note here that the high potassium content in dandelions prevents the common side effects of many prescribed diuretics, which are potassium depleting.

• Promotes heart health and lowers cholesterol. Prevents platelet aggregation meaning it has a slight ability to thin the blood to prevent heart attacks and stroke. The high concentration of B vitamins promotes stress relief. Has been used for centuries as a blood purifier.

• Dandelions have anti inflammatory properties that enhance the immune system and strengthen the liver and gallbladder. It has been found to stimulate bile production and can eliminate any inflammatory conditions of the bile duct.

• Rich in choline and lecithin, it can improve memory. These components together increase the production of acetylcholine, which is responsible for nerve to nerve synapse communications to the brain. This affects memory, muscle movement and learning. Individuals that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have been found to have low levels of acetylcholine.

Nutritionally, dandelion juice is of remarkable value with a high iron content, quadruple the carotene content of lettuce plus rich supplies of calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and E.

Dandelion Medicinal Uses:

Dandelion mead (the flowers, roots and leaves), have been used for centuries in traditional medicine & medicinal teas. In traditional medicine, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver detoxification. The Native Americans were known to have used a dandelion decoction (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water) to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. They also used the natural dandelion as a diuretic and for inflammation reduction. Chinese medical practitioners have used the dandelion tool to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). In Europe, herbalists incorporated it into dandelion remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

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