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Dandelion Root Tea Benefits for Liver, Gut, and More
Why is Dandelion Root so amazing?! I’m sure we all know what a dandelion is, but we’ve been tricked into thinking it is just a lowly little weed. Would it surprise you to know that dandelion is actually an extremely powerful healing herb? I know I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about dandelion’s healing powers. I mean, we used to tear them out of the ground as kids and destroy them because they were “just weeds”. Too bad we didn’t know enough to just start eating them back then! Dandelion is one of my favorite herbs, and I am always talking about the dandelion root tea benefits
From Herbal Legacy:
“There are so many uses claimed for the plant that it takes place among the herbal cure-alls. Its most frequent use, however, is an herb to heal the liver. In Europe, many scientific experiments have been undertaken which prove the traditional belief that the herb truly does cure hepatic ailments (Lucas: Herbal: 33). The herb acts in two ways for these conditions: it promotes the formation of bile and removes excess water from the body in edematous conditions resulting from liver congestion (Lust: 171). “
Dandelion’s Uses
Dandelion can help those healing from cancer, infections, hepatitis, and its main purpose is to help cleanse the body. It can be helpful for hypoglycemia, UTIs, blood pressure regulation, acne, weight loss, anemia, jaundice, constipation, and more. Dandelion cleans toxicities from the blood, lymph system, kidneys, liver and urinary system. Since dandelion is a bitter herb, it is amazing for digestion.
We use dandelion in many of our HTMA protocols because it has so many uses. It can be a gentle but effective liver healer, so it’s great for those that need gentle support but it can still be incredibly helpful for those that need more intense liver healing. It is affordable, easy to use, and one of the most beneficial herbs ever.
Liver Detox
Dandelion’s most common use is for liver health. This herb is especially amazing for the liver since it not only protects the liver, it also helps rebuild it. Dandelion helps stimulate bile flow in the liver, which is an important factor for people trying to regain their health and detox effectively. One source that it actually quadruples bile flow! Read more on liver healing and gallbladder health.
Apparently there have been several studies done on dandelion and how it can heal hepatitis in a short amount of time because of the cleansing and healing effects it has on the liver.
Nutritional Value of Dandelion
Dandelion is high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, beta carotene, and B vitamins. Dandelion is especially praised for its potassium content- it is a diuretic, but it doesn’t deplete potassium like other diuretics. Herbal diuretics are mineral rich which means they are not going to affect you as negatively as OTC ones.
How to Use Dandelion Root
The most common way to enjoy dandelion is in a tea. I personally love Traditional Medicinals. I make a giant cup everyday with 2 tea bags and a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses (plus a splash of A2 or grass-fed Milk).
Or you can make infusions, tinctures, cordials, or even wine with the loose root.
How to make Dandelion Root Tea (“Bulletproof” inspired)
- Brew 1-2 tea bags of dandelion root tea in 8 ounces of boiling water, let steep for 10-15 minutes. I like my dandelion strong so I use 2 teabags. You can use loose dandelion root too (1tsp-1Tbs of the root per cup of water), or even use your pre-made dandelion decoction.
- Pour tea into blender with 1 tsp-1Tbs of ghee, 1tsp-1Tbs of MCT or coconut oil, 1 scoop of Perfect Supplements’ Collagen (start lower on the fat amounts if you’re just starting out to test our your
- The other parts are going to be customization depending on what you want: you can add Ceylon cinnamon, raw cacao powder, or a pinch of coconut or organic brown sugar (yes, I know technically Bulletproof doesn’t recommend sugar in their coffee/tea, but I’m a rebel especially if it turns out more bitter than usual- I’m also not a sugar hater. Everything in moderation! ).
- Blend everything up for a few seconds and then enjoy! I was surprised at how frothy it actually gets, and I honestly am loving this more than my coffee version now.
Also, you can use your bitter herb supplement before drinking this to help utilize these fats even better! I love Herb Pharm Better Bitters, Earthley, or Urban Moonshine for bitters because they all have handy, dandy spray bottles.
Another awesome way to enjoy dandelion is in a decoction.
Decoctions are made by adding dandelion root (raw or roasted) to boiling water and simmering on low for at least 20 minutes or longer. Strain the root out before drinking the liquid. I like to add 2 tablespoons of black-strap molasses to the hot liquid, and just enough grass-fed whole milk (or whatever non-dairy milk you might use) to lighten the color a little bit. Voila, you have a dandelion latte 🙂
For major liver support, use 4-5 Tablespoons of dandelion root per quart of water. Use 2 tablespoons for a more mild detox effect. You can have up to a quart a day for about 3 months.
You can also eat dandelion leaves in salads or sauté them.
Just like any new food or supplement, start slow when adding in dandelion. It can cause a detox reaction– but I have found that the more consistent you are with it, the more it continues to help make detox easier.
Loose Dandelion Root from Frontier Herbs
Happy Healing!
You Can read more about Dandelion here:
- Susun Weed on Dandelion and other herbs
- Dandelion for Cancer Therapy
- More Benefits of Dandelion
- Superfoods: Dandelion
The body is a whole and we must treat it as such! I have my Bachelor of Science in Natural Health Sciences, certificates in Herbal Studies from Herbal Academy, and I am constantly learning more about health to help my clients and followers.
My goal is to help you unleash your own inner healer! You already hold the power to heal inside you. My role is as a guide to help you realize this potential.