Dandelion tea has been prized for years by proponents of natural and alternative health remedies for a number of reasons. It has been shown to enhance detoxification, by stimulating urination and replacing the potassium lost in the process. Even more noteworthy, dandelion tea is widely known as a potent disease-fighter, credited with boosting the body’s immune system and helping the body to heal, while combating heart disease, combating cancer and reducing the effects of aging.

Before using any part of the dandelion, please make sure to wash it off well, and don’t be afraid of any bugs that might be on it.  There is no food that you buy from the store that hasn’t once been touched by a bug or worm of some sort, so getting squeamish over seeing them personally is just silly.  I spray all my produce with a vinegar/water mixture, or I put some vinegar/water in a bowl and swish them around for a couple minutes, then rinse it off under cold running water.

Go out in your yard (just make sure its pesticide free) and snip off the yellow flowers.  Now just like you were to brew tea, put the flowers in a cup and let them steep for 20 minutes.  Add some sweetener (I use stevia, but you can use honey) and enjoy a natural immunity boosting drink.  You can strain the flowers out, or eat them.

Dandelion Root Tea

To many people, a lawn covered with dandelions looks like a bed of weeds. With a different perspective, though, you will see that it is actually a medicinal gold mine. Dandelions are versatile plants whose roots and leaves have many health benefits. While its greens can be eaten raw in salads or cooked, many prefer to use this plant to make tea. Although its slightly bitter taste can be a turn-off for some, dandelion tea is beneficial in many different ways.

Dandelion Tea and the Liver

Dandelions can be a great help in maintaining the health of the liver. A study conducted by the Inje University Biohealth Products Research Center in Korea found that dandelion tea was an effective way to protect against liver damage. It can help the liver produce bile, which helps to remove toxins from the body.

Dandelion tea can also boost the liver’s ability to make glycogen, a trait that makes it particularly useful for diabetics. While dandelion tea should never be used as an alternative to the treatment plan recommended by your doctor, drinking it may help stabilize blood sugar levels if they get too high.

Dandelion Tea and the Digestive System

Drinking dandelion tea can have a positive effect on your body’s ability to remove waste. It contains compounds that can help reduce constipation. It is a common ingredient in colon cleanses, removing toxins while providing the body with vitamins A, C, and D.

Dandelion tea has been shown to have a stimulating effect on the kidneys, leading to an increase in urine flow and output. Because it is such a potent diuretic, the tea is recommended for people suffering from kidney stones. The increased urine flow may help to remove stones more quickly, before they become large enough to cause pain.

Dandelion Tea and Weight Loss

Dandelion tea is often referenced as a tool for weight loss. Much of this ability stems from its diuretic properties. Because it stimulates urine production, it helps keep the body from retaining water and salt. This type of weight loss occurs on a short term basis and does not necessarily lead to long term results. However, if you switch to drinking dandelion tea instead of soft drinks or sweetened coffee beverages, you will be reducing your caloric intake. Maintaining a calorie deficit will help lead to weight loss. Dandelions also contain many essential vitamins and minerals, nourishing the body while providing a tasty and healthful drink.

Making Dandelion Tea

The ubiquity of the dandelion makes it easy to make dandelion tea. There is no need to shop for unusual or rare ingredients – simply head out to the back yard and pull out a handful. Both the flower and the root can be made into tea. To make dandelion flower tea, pour 12 oz of boiling water over eight flowers. Allow the mixture to steep for five minutes and then sweeten to taste.

Dandelion roots can be roasted and combined with other ingredients to make a delicious tea. To roast the roots, dig up several dandelions and rinse the roots under a hose or faucet until they are clean. Rub them gently while washing if needed.

Chop the roots up into sections about the size of your thumb. Allow the segments to soak in cold water for a few minutes to get any remaining dirt out. Once clean, chop them up roughly. If you have a dehydrator, dehydrate them first and then roast for 10 minutes in a 300 degree oven. If you do not have a dehydrator, you can roast them on a cookie sheet for two to three hours in a 200 degree oven.

Once your roots are roasted, add a tablespoon to half a teaspoon of minced garlic and one cardamom seed. Pour 12 ounces of water over the mixture, allow it to steep, and then sweeten and enjoy.

Many people find the taste of dandelion tea to be offensively bitter. Honey can be added to improve the taste, as can cinnamon and nutmeg. However, keep in mind that it is a taste you can acquire. Drink it on a regular basis and you will soon come to love it. With so many amazing benefits, dandelion tea is indeed a drink that is easy to love.

How to make the Miracle Dandelion Skin Oil

Pick the dandelion blossoms (yellow flowers) enough to fill a small jar to the top. Then, fill the jar with virgin olive oil and let sit for about 2 weeks. Then, open, strain, and squeeze the flowers. The left over oil is what to use.

Harvesting and Using Dandelion Roots – The Natural Detoxifier
by DIANE

 August 23, 2019

Most people see a dandelion growing and immediately reach for the weed killer, but I am hoping to change a few minds on the usefulness of this “weed”. Dandelions are useful as an herbal remedy, detoxifier, and food source. The are full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy antioxidants. Medicinal Use of Dandelion Roots People have been using dandelion root as a detoxifier for the liver for many years, but recent research shows that it may have many more uses.

 Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that dandelion root is helpful in regulating blood sugar and insulin levels in diabetics. It works by controlling fats in the blood. Additional research at the University of Windsor found that it is useful in fighting a chemo-resistant melanoma and preventing the cancer cells from multiplying. It has also been shown to calm inflammation, prevent urinary tract infections, reduce stomach upsets, and treat joint pain from arthritis and similar problems.

Herbalists use it to treat infections, ease aching muscles, flush excess fluids from the body and as a detoxifier for the liver and gallbladder. With all of these medical benefits going for it, it seems such a waste to spray it with weed killer, doesn’t it? Instead, lets dig it up and make some use from the plant.

 Harvesting Dandelion Roots Look for a clean source of dandelions such as a meadow or field away from traffic and human pesticide and herbicide use. Contaminated plants are not good for you or the environment. Let the plant grow through the summer and produce seeds for the next year. Harvest the roots in the fall after the weather has turned cooler.

At this time, the insoluble fiber levels (inulin) are highest and the plant has the highest medicinal value. You can also harvest in the early spring while the plant is still dormant. Spring roots are sweeter, less bitter, and easier to chew, if you harvest them before they bloom. Spring roots are useful for digestive ailments and stimulate more bile production. Ideally, you want to dig up the dandelion root whole with as little breakage as possible.

The plant has a central tap root which has all the medicinal properties of the plant. Dig deep with a dandelion digger, trowel, or garden fork. Loosen the soil around the plant and pull it up from the base. Wash the roots well to remove all dirt and slice them into pieces strips or slices for drying. Thin slices dry faster. I dry my dandelion roots on a dehydrator set to 95 F until they are completely dry and brittle. Snap a few pieces in half and make sure they are dry all the way through.

Alternately, dry them in a warm (but not hot) oven. Store the dried roots in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Using Dandelion Root For most medicinal uses, a decoction, infusion, or tincture is made to extract the medicinal compounds from the tough root. Go slowly when you first start using dandelion root, it is a diuretic. Start with one cup of dandelion root decoction daily, increasing it slowly if desired.

Here are some general recipes to get you started: Dandelion Root Decoction A decoction is an infusion made with water. It may be consumed as a tea but is often made stronger. To make a dandelion root decoction: 1 ounce dried dandelion root or 2 ounces fresh root, chopped 1 pint filtered or spring water Place the chopped root pieces in a small pot with one pint of water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow the decoction to simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy.

How To Make Survival Dandelion Jelly with 2 Years Shelf Life

Dandelion Root Tincture Because it is an alcohol extract, Dandelion Root Tincture retains some different extracts than the decoction. It can also be made ahead and stored for long periods so that it is always available. It is valuable for people who do not like the tea, since less is needed for the same effects 1 pint jar of dandelion root, chopped 1 pint of 80 proof or stronger vodka. Fill the jar 3/4 full with dandelion root pieces and fill the jar with 80 proof vodka. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake and tap the jar, removing all air bubbles. Steep the root for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking it daily.

Keep the jar in a cool, dark place while steeping. After 4 to 6 weeks, strain out the root material and put the tincture in a dark glass bottle. Keep the tincture in a cool, dark place, tightly covered for 1 to 3 years. Use 10 to 15 drops of tincture daily, as needed. Dandelion Flower Tea Place 1/2 ounce of dried dandelion flower petals or 1 ounces of fresh petals in a tea ball and place in a cup of boiling water. Steep and enjoy warm or cold.

Use Dandelion Flower Tea for weight loss, as a diuretic, a detox, or as a healthy beverage. Dandelion Root Coffee Roasted Dandelion Roots Dandelion Root Coffee is made with roasted dandelion roots that are ground like coffee and brewed. It is enjoyed like coffee and makes a good coffee substitute. Here is the recipe: Chop dried dandelion roots into small pieces and spread onto a roasting pan or cookie sheet.

Roast the dried root in a 200 F oven for approximately 4 hours, stirring and turning occasionally. The roots should be completely browned. Cool the roasted roots and grind them in a coffee grinder. Brew like coffee, or steep 1 teaspoon of ground in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Store the roasted roots in an airtight container and grind fresh for best flavor. Precautions The dandelion plant is edible and considered safe for most people. Some people may be allergic to dandelion and should not use it. It can also interact with some medications, including diuretics, lithium, and Cipro.

It is always best to consult your doctor before using any herbal product if you are taking prescription medications or have a health condition.