10 Benefits of Dandelion Tea
Article Sources
- 1. ‘Dandelion Greens, Raw Nutrition Facts & Calories.’ Nutrition Data Know What You Eat, nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2441/2
- 2. Khoo, Hock-Eng, et al. ‘Carotenoids and Their Isomers: Color Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336241
- 3. Davaatseren, Munkhtugs, et al. ‘Taraxacum Official (Dandelion) Leaf Extract Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23603008
- 4. Choi, Ung-Kyu, et al. ‘Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20162002
- 5. Colle, Dirleise, et al. ‘Antioxidant Properties of Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract Are Involved in the Protective Effect against Hepatoxicity Induced by Acetaminophen in Mice.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22424457
- 6. Wirngo, Fonyuy E, et al. ‘The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes.’ PubMed PMC, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762
- 7. Davaatseren, Munkhtugs, et al. ‘Taraxacum Official (Dandelion) Leaf Extract Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23603008
- 8. Sigstedt, Sophia C, et al. ‘Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on Growth and Invasion of Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425335
- 9. Ovadje, Pamela, et al. ‘Selective Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy through Treatment with Dandelion Root Extract in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22647733
- 10. Jin, Y-R, et al. ‘The Effect of Taraxacum Officinale on Gastric Emptying and Smooth Muscle Motility in Rodents.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21453412
Dandelion is a flowering plant with a rosette of leaves at its base and a stem that's hollow and smooth. The plant has a single yellow flower head with ray flowers and a ball-shaped fruit with many small one-seeded fruits. Most people know dandelion as a relentless weed that's difficult to get rid of from their garden or lawn.
However, dandelion is highly valued in the traditional herbal medicine community because it has many potential medicinal benefits. It has been used in folk medicine to prevent and manage various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease, skin conditions and cancer.
Highly Nutritious
The nutritional value of dandelion has earned this plant a place in many vegetable gardens. Everything from its flowers to its roots provides nutrients, such as minerals and vitamins. Whether eaten raw or cooked, dandelion greens are rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as folate and limited amounts of other B vitamins.1‘Dandelion Greens, Raw Nutrition Facts & Calories.’ Nutrition Data Know What You Eat, nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2441/2
Dandelion greens also have plenty of minerals, including calcium and iron. Dandelion roots are an excellent source of inulin, a soluble plant fiber and prebiotic that aids the growth of healthy gut bacteria. These roots can be eaten whole but are commonly dried and made into dandelion tea.
Has Antioxidants Properties
Dandelions contain antioxidants, which are essential molecules that help curb the adverse effects of free radicals. Free radicals can be destructive to the body, even if they are a byproduct of normal metabolism. When present in excess, free radicals contribute to aging and chronic diseases.
Dandelion is rich in the antioxidants beta-carotene and polyphenols, both of which help curb aging and disease by protecting the body against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Fights Inflammation
Polyphenols and other bioactive compounds in dandelion may help reduce disease-related inflammation, which is the body's response to illness or injury. Excessive inflammation can eventually lead to permanent DNA and body tissue damage.
In some studies, treating cells with dandelion compounds significantly reduced inflammation markers.2Khoo, Hock-Eng, et al. ‘Carotenoids and Their Isomers: Color Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336241 However, these studies were conducted on animals, and more research is required to fully determine the role of dandelion in reducing inflammation in humans.
Helps Control Blood Sugar
Dandelion has several bioactive compounds, including chicoric and chlorogenic acid. Present in all parts of the plant, these compounds may help reduce blood sugar. According to some studies, these compounds may facilitate insulin secretion from the pancreas and aid glucose absorption in muscle tissue. As a result, insulin sensitivity improves and blood sugar levels go down.
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid impede the body's ability to digest starchy carbohydrates. This may add to the plant's ability to lower blood sugar levels.
Reduces Cholesterol
Some of the dandelion's bioactive compounds may reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol levels. In one study, mice were given dandelion extract, which led to dramatically lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.2Khoo, Hock-Eng, et al. ‘Carotenoids and Their Isomers: Color Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21336241
Another study conducted on rabbits investigated the effect of adding dandelion leaves and roots to a high-cholesterol diet. Lower cholesterol levels were observed in the rabbits that consumed the dandelion extract.4Choi, Ung-Kyu, et al. ‘Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) Root and Leaf on Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20162002 Additional research is required to fully determine the impact of dandelion on cholesterol levels in humans.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Some people have reported reduced blood pressure as a result of consuming dandelion. However, there is limited evidence to support these claims. Herbal health practitioners believe that dandelion may detoxify body organs because of its diuretic effect.
Likewise, diuretic medications in Western medical practice are used to remove excess liquids from the body and reduce blood pressure. Dandelion has potassium, a mineral that plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. The potassium in dandelion may contribute to its impact on blood pressure.
Aids Liver Health
According to some animal studies, dandelion may help protect liver tissue from stress and toxic substances. One study in mice exposed to harmful levels of acetaminophen attributed significant protection of liver tissue to the antioxidant content in dandelion.5Colle, Dirleise, et al. ‘Antioxidant Properties of Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract Are Involved in the Protective Effect against Hepatoxicity Induced by Acetaminophen in Mice.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22424457
According to other studies on animals, dandelion extract may decrease the excess fats that the liver stores and mitigate oxidative stress in liver tissue.6Wirngo, Fonyuy E, et al. ‘The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes.’ PubMed PMC, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762 However, further research is needed to determine the effects of dandelion on human metabolism, which differs significantly from other animals.
Aids Weight Loss
Some studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in dandelion may be beneficial to weight loss and maintenance. However, the evidence isn't concrete. One study in mice found an association between weight loss and dandelion supplementation.
However, it's important to note that this finding was inadvertent and not the study's primary focus.7Davaatseren, Munkhtugs, et al. ‘Taraxacum Official (Dandelion) Leaf Extract Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23603008 More research on humans is needed to conclusively identify the role that dandelion may play in weight management.
May Fight Cancer
Among the most promising benefits of dandelion is its potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in various organs. One study found treating cancerous cells with dandelion leaf extract significantly impeded their growth. The extract from the roots and flowers of dandelion did not have the same impact.8Sigstedt, Sophia C, et al. ‘Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on Growth and Invasion of Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425335
According to other studies, dandelion root extract may have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in pancreatic, colon and liver tissues.8Sigstedt, Sophia C, et al. ‘Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on Growth and Invasion of Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425335 However, further research is needed to ascertain these benefits.
Promotes Good Digestive Health
Dandelion is used in traditional herbal medicine to manage digestive health problems, such as constipation. Some research supports these claims. In one study where rats were given dandelion extract, researchers observed a significant increase in stomach contractions and the passage of all stomach contents into the small intestines.10Jin, Y-R, et al. ‘The Effect of Taraxacum Officinale on Gastric Emptying and Smooth Muscle Motility in Rodents.’ PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21453412
Dandelion roots also contain inulin, a prebiotic fiber. Inulin is effective in reducing constipation and can improve the movement of the intestines. Anecdotal evidence suggests that dandelion tea may improve digestion due to its bitter taste.
