Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion root tea, also known as dandelion coffee, is a drink made by infusing prepared roots of Dandelion plant.

The flowering plant known for its bright butter-colored flowers on long stems. It is native in Europe, Asia and Americas, and it's often considered as a weed because of its hardiness. But parts of the plant, like leaves and its long taproot, are actually edible and are included in the cuisine in some parts of Europe and Asia.

Young dandelion leaves and buds, after blanching and cooking, can be eaten as a leaf vegetable while the taproots of more mature plants, (which can tend to look like pale carrots), can be used to make tea, or coffee substitute.

Benefits of Dandelion Root Tea

The tea has many medicinal uses.

It has high potassium content and offers a benefit to people suffering from diarrhea with vomiting. It's also good for dyspepsia, heartburn and can help improve the appetite. Diabetics can also benefit from blood sugar-lowering effects of dandelion root tea.

People with hypertension may benefit from the tea because it promotes urination that reduces salt and water levels in the blood, lowering excessive pressure.
People with problems in the liver, gall bladder and spleen may benefit from dandelion root tea because it has compounds that protect liver from stress and promotes good bile flow.

Take one cup of dandelion root tea daily to help alleviate stress and reduce inflammation from viral diseases like colds, flu and fever.

Preparation

Dandelion root tea is very easy to prepare. It is commercially available in powder form, which can be purchased in health stores and online tea stores. It is made from freshly harvested mature roots of dandelion plants that are cleaned, dried then ground into powder.

To make a tea, mix 1 tbsp of powder to 8 oz. water then boil for 5 minutes. You can flavor it with cinnamon, or add honey.

Contraindications

Like all herbal plants, some people may not take dandelion root tea. The effects of compounds found in it on unborn, or newborn babies is not known, so it's not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers.

People taking potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Spironolactone and Amiloride, are not allowed to drink it because it may cause Hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood).

People with dealing with hemophilia, or people undergoing chemotherapy or aspirin therapy, should note that drinking it may impair blood clotting.