How To Eat Dandelion Leaves
Mature dandelion leaves can be on the bitter side. Blanch the greens first, then saute them in oil with garlic. Young greens can be eaten raw in salads or in sandwiches.
Instead of worrying about eradicating the weeds from your lawn this year, think of the weeds as a free, highly nutritious food source. Go ahead and let the kids blow on the dandelion puff balls theyre helping to spread free food for all.
High In Vitamins And Nutritious
The dandelion packs a mighty punch and comes full of all kinds of vitamins and minerals. Dandelion tea is high in vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which boost the immune system and encourages healthy cell growth. It also helps our eyesight and reduces the signs of premature aging. Dandelions are also brightened with vitamin K which helps bone health and is essential to blood clotting. Dandelions are also rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium making them a nutritionists dream and excellent for your overall wellness.
What Is Dandelion Root
Dandelion is a common plant many people are familiar with as a weed. It has a large geographic range it is considered invasive because it can thrive in a large diversity of climatic and soil conditions and plant communities. It also has a high reproductive potential. The scientific name for the plant is Taraxacum officinale.
The plant produces a bright yellow flower and green leaves. Its name is derived from the French phrase, dent de lion, which means lions tooth. The meaning of the name references the jagged edges of the leaves.
This well-known plant has been historically used in Native American, traditional Chinese, and traditional Arabic medicine. European settlers intentionally brought dandelion plants to North America in the 17th century, where they were mainly used by the Puritans as medicine. The leaf, root and flower were believed to alleviate a number of ailments.
Dandelions have deep root systems, which results in a lengthy taproot. One dandelion taproot can extend feet deep into the ground, improving the plants ability to compete with surrounding plants for water and nutrients. The roots are high in potassium, which makes up 2.45% of the dry weight of the root, according to Examine.com. Its often used in teas and supplements.
Traditional medicine uses dandelion root to calm gastrointestinal issues and inflammation. It is also used as a diuretic, though more research is needed.
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Best Naturals Dandelion Root
Best Naturals Dandelion Root is an affordable dandelion root pill taken twice a day for a total of 1,040mg per serving. It is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It is also free from a number of allergens, including gluten.
Specs
- Bulk quantity
Who Makes It?
Frontier Natural Products Co-op is a bulk supplement producer that has been member-owned since its founding in 1976. The company provides a number of pure supplement powders.
Bottom Line
This is a good option for those experienced with dandelion root supplements and interested in purchasing a large quantity of it. It is pure root powder. However, it is not the best product to start with if you have never taken dandelion root supplements.
| Where to Get It |
Dandelion Tea Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of pressure used by your heart to pump blood throughout the body. It is measurable in millimetres of mercury through two figures called systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic refers to the pressure of your heart pushing blood out. Diastolic is the pressure your heart requires when resting between beats. The ideal level is between 60mmHHg and 80mmHg.
High blood pressure, on the other hand, can be the product of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as drinking, smoking, being overweight and not exercising enough. When not addressed, it could lead to many serious issues – heart and circulatory diseases, strokes, eyesight complications and vascular dementia among them. This infusions potassium content and diuretic activity could balance levels.
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May Lower Blood Pressure
Some people claim that dandelion may reduce blood pressure, but supporting evidence is limited.
Traditional herbal medicine practices use dandelion for their diuretic effect based on the belief that this can detoxify certain organs.
In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which can lead to lowered blood pressure.
One human study found dandelion to be an effective diuretic. However, this study was done over a short period and involved only 17 people .
Dandelion contain potassium, a mineral associated with lowered blood pressure in those with previously elevated levels. Thus, dandelion may have an indirect effect on blood pressure due to their potassium content .
Its important to keep in mind that this effect is not unique to dandelion but applies to any potassium-rich food consumed as part of a healthy diet.
Summary
Dandelion may lower blood pressure due to their diuretic effect and potassium content. However, very little formal research has been conducted to support this claim.
Packs A Nutritional Punch
Andrews says that dandelions can be the source of a variety of nutrients. The roots and leaves of dandelion offer flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals, all with widespread health effects, he explains. To see the biggest boost in nutrition, youd likely have to do a little more than just sip your way to health. To get notable amounts of these nutrients, dandelion greens would need to be consumed whole.
The roots are also brimming with soluble fiber, which aids in balancing gut bacteria. Robert Danoff, D.O., M.S., a family physician and program director of The Family Practice Residency at Aria Health in Langhorne, PA, says that while dandelions are rich in important vitamins and nutrients, not everyone can benefit from them in the same way. For example, for those with ragweed pollen allergies and oral allergy syndrome, consuming dandelion greens or tea can trigger an allergic response. And, people taking a coumadin or other blood thinners, the vitamin K in the dandelion greens and tea may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. So its important to talk to your doctor to make sure it doesnt contraindicate any other drugs you’re taking.
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How To Make Dandelion Flower Tea
- Pick 10 Dandelion heads and discard the leaves attached to it. If you are using packed Dandelion flower, add 2 tablespoons.
- Keep this ingredient in a pitcher.
- Let boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
- When the water is hot enough, pour it in the pitcher.
- Let it steep for 20 minutes.
- Restrain the mixture.
- Add 2 tablespoon of honey and stir well.
Voila! Here is your Dandelion Flower tea. You can consume it as an iced tea too. Just let it cool in the refrigerator or add ice cubes.
How To Make Dandelion Flower Tea Taste Better
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Dandelion Flower Tea has a particularly delicate flavor profile. When you decide to blend it with other flavors you need to take particular care in balancing the flavors so that you dont overwhelm the dandelion flower tea.
But thats just not the case with dandelion flower tea. Whether youre adding a little bit of lemon or mixing it with another flower herbal tea like hibiscus or lavender balancing the flavors is going to be of the utmost importance.
If you are just interested in a great dandelion flower/leaf tea to use as the base for these blends then I recommend Buddha Teas Organic Dandelion Leaf Teabags.
Fresh Spring Water Is The Best for Making Tea. Maybe Not That Fresh Though
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How To Make Dandelion Tea At Home
Making dandelion tea at home is very simple.
Just steep one tablespoon of dandelion stems or flowers, for 30 minutes, in five ounces of boiling water.
Strain the water and then the leftover liquid can be drunk.2
You can also roast the roots and stir these into hot water.
The taste may be quite bitter, so feel free to add a little honey to sweeten it up a bit.
Also, be sure that where you pick your dandelions has not previously been sprayed with any weedkiller, herbicides or pesticides.
Dandelion Tea For Liver Detox Better Skin And Healthy Stomach
Most homeowners dont realize that the yellow weeds that pop up every spring, and must be kept at bay for months, are actually plants that have a number of powerful health benefits. In fact, humans have been using dandelions in food for much of recorded history, including dandelion tea.
Dandelion root is used for the treatment of muscle aches, loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, eczema and bruises. It also increases urine production and serves as a laxative to increase bowel movements.
Some people use dandelion to treat infections, especially viral infections and even cancer. Its also used as a skin toner, blood tonic and digestive tonic.
Meanwhile, dandelion greens can be chopped up and used as a garnish or an addition to a sauce, or they can be eaten raw or cooked to minimize their somewhat bitter flavor.
You can also use the dandelion root, stems and flowers to make a delicious and super-healthy dandelion tea. Either way, you reap the benefits of this unexpected nutritional plant.
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How Do You Buy The 10 Best Dandelion Root Tea Review And Buying Guide
Do you get stressed out thinking about shopping for a great dandelion root tea? Do doubts keep creeping into your mind? We understand, because weve already gone through the whole process of researching dandelion root tea, which is why we have assembled a comprehensive list of the greatest dandelion root tea available in the current market. Weve also come up with a list of questions that you probably have yourself.
Huts Frankand Angies has done the best we can with our thoughts and recommendations, but its still crucial that you do thorough research on your own for dandelion root tea that you consider buying. Your questions might include the following:
- Is it worth buying an dandelion root tea?
- What benefits are there with buying an dandelion root tea?
- What factors deserve consideration when shopping for an effective dandelion root tea?
- Why is it crucial to invest in any dandelion root tea, much less the best one?
- Which dandelion root tea are good in the current market?
- Where can you find information like this about dandelion root tea?
Were convinced that you likely have far more questions than just these regarding dandelion root tea, and the only real way to satisfy your need for knowledge is to get information from as many reputable online sources as you possibly can.
This technology we use to assemble our list depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:
The Republic Of Tea Organic Dandelion Tea
This high-quality dandelion root tea by renowned brand The Republic of Tea is USDA certified organic and has a subtle organic vanilla flavor that elevates the overall taste of the tea.
The teabags are verified gluten-free, sugar-free, carb-free, caffeine-free, and kosher, and this product is available in a tin of 36 tea bags and a refill pack of 250.
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Is Raw Or Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Better
You will find both raw and roasted dandelion root teas on the market, and which one you choose depends on whether you prioritize health or flavor.
Roasting the root gives the tea a very earthy flavor similar to coffee and is ideal for coffee drinkers looking to cut down their caffeine intake.
However, if you want maximum health benefits, you should opt for raw dandelion root that is full of antioxidants and nutrients that help you stay in optimal shape.
Garnish Desserts With Dandelion Petals
Use fresh or dried petals as a garnish in salads and desserts. Young dandelion petals have a honey-like flavor mature blossoms are bitter but still nutritious and pretty. You can dry the flowers in a dehydrator or lay them out in a single layer on a lined cookie sheet and place it outside in the mid-day sun.
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Dandelion Tea Good For The Liver
Having Dandelion Tea for fatty liver problems is one of the most renowned uses today. The reason, according to advocates, is its detoxifying function. This term refers to the process of removing toxins from the body such as trace amounts of alcohol left behind after consumption. The livers job is already to help filter and detoxify the blood. But the infusion could provide additional support.
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology might well have the evidence to back the claim. It showed that the Tea increased a detoxifying enzyme for the control group of animals tested. There is a catch, though, as a large portion of the scientific community questions the legitimacy of Detox Tea. We therefore do not explicitly endorse it, nor any other type of Tea we stock.
Helps Urinary Tract Infections
The mashup of awesome antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties means that drinking dandelion tea is good for battling all kinds of infections and studies have shown that it can also help you to kick out urinary tract infections fast when combined with uva ursi. This is also linked to dandelion teas natural diuretic capabilities.
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How Do You Make Dandelion Tea
To make dandelion root tea, place the dry roots in a teapot and add in some boiling water. Leave it for about 10 minutes to steep. Strain out the root and add your desired sweetener, if necessary.
If youre using tea bags, simply dip one for a couple of minutes in a cup filled with hot water. Make sure to not overstep it or it may turn too bitter.
If your tea develops a bitter flavor, you can add sweeteners such as raw honey or maple syrup to balance it out or use one of our flavored varieties in the list above.
As an alternative to using water, you can also make your dandelion root tea with milk and coconut oil as a great replacement for your morning cup of coffee.
Naturally Sweet Hibiscus Adds A Nice Element
Hibiscus is a wonderful flower herbal infusion to add to your dandelion flower tea. Hibiscus is a little bit sweeter than dandelion flower tea and a little bit more floral as well.
You have to be careful not to add too much hibiscus so you will risk overpowering the dandelion flower tea. In the right proportions, it can add just enough additional floral and sweet flavors to the dandelion tea to make it a real treat to drink.
The dandelion tea helps smooth out some of the bitterness of the hibiscus tea, see our flavor profile, and together they really balance each other out and make a great little homemade dandelion tea blend.
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Are There Any Risks
Dandelion is one of the least problematic medicinal herbs, says Worden, but it does still carry risks for some people. As with many herbals, not enough is known about dandelion use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so I would suggest not consuming it during this time, she says. Also avoid dandelion if you have a known allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. You may also be allergic to dandelion. It may also counteract antibiotics, decreasing their efficacy, as well as interact negatively with lithium, medications that change liver function, and diuretics. The bottom line: Talk to your doctor to make sure its safe for you, especially if you fall into one of the aforementioned categories. Worden adds that if you are given the green light by your physician, the proper dosage will be dependent on your age, health, and other conditions. Be aware of these 12 trusted home remedies that will only make you worse.
Traditional Medicinals Roasted Dandelion Root
Traditional Medicinals Roasted Dandelion Root is an extremely popular source of pre-made dandelion tea, already packaged into tea satchels.
Unlike some of its other competitors, this dandelion tea is roasted, which gives it a toasted flavor thats more similar to real teas, but at the downside of potentially destroying some of the biologically active compounds in the fresh plant material.
Look elsewhere if you want to maximize the concentration of herbal compounds in your dandelion root, but its good for occasional users who want something premade and ready to go.
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Promotes Gut Health & Gut Flora
For those who suffer from digestive issues, just brew up a cup of dandelion tea and let this ancient folk remedy work its magic. This bright and bold flower knows exactly how to set your stomach straight as it can help finetune your flow of bile, soothe the stomach lining, and help the gut absorb all those much- needed minerals. The dandelion plant is also found to increase your bodies natural probiotic properties by boosting your lactobacillus.
Improves The Immune System
Fight off infection and get protected against a whole swathe of harmful bacteria as you turn to the boost of dandelion tea. This robust root may have a host of antimicrobial and antiviral powers, both of which help your body to fend off short term and long-term ailments. Test-tube studies also found that dandelion reduced the capability for viruses to replicate and spread inside the body.
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Can Dandelion Tea Help You Lose Weight
Drinking dandelion tea has a variety of health benefits and is also a great option if youre looking to lose some weight.
Since dandelion tea is a diuretic, it increases liver function and helps flush out toxins and excess water from the body, leading to a reduction in water weight and helping you achieve a flatter tummy.
Also, since it is low in calories, it is a great option for individuals on a diet.