What Happens to Your Gut and Inflammation When You Drink Dandelion Tea Regularly

Dandelion tea is a calorie-free drink that’s packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and prebiotics. It is also known for its benefits on gut health and reducing inflammation.

Several antioxidants and other components of dandelion tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Taraxasterol, in particular, in dandelion tea, is a compound that reduces inflammation.

Dandelion also contains phenolic acids that prevent the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines (proteins that can increase inflammation).

These antioxidant compounds help prevent inflammation by neutralizing harmful free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress. This is associated with chronic health problems like heart disease, infections and cancer.

Dandelion root tea contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. It can help your digestive system by relieving constipation. The polyphenols in dandelion release short-chain fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the intestinal lining, and dandelion root may help protect your liver.

Dandelion is also traditionally used to increase appetite and relieve gas and gallstones.

Dandelion tea contains vitamins A, C, E, K and B. Dandelion leaves are also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron.

Organic Dandelion Root Tea, made only from organic dandelion root steeped in water, is caffeine-free and will provide you with the following:

• Calories: 0
• Fat: 0 grams (g)
• Sodium: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Dandelion tea is generally safe in moderate amounts. However, it can still affect digestion by causing diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach upset in some people.

An allergy to plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds may increase the risk of an allergic reaction to dandelion tea. In rare cases, drinking dandelion tea can lead to anaphylaxis if you are allergic.

Dandelion supplements may have a different nutritional profile than dandelion tea. Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the same standards as foods and drugs. Consult a healthcare professional before consuming supplements containing dandelion.

Consult your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before ingesting large quantities of dandelion tea.

Dandelion tea can also potentially interact with certain blood thinners, diabetes medications, and antibiotics.

Dandelion root is commonly packaged as a tea herb. It has a bitter, smoky flavor similar to chicory coffee. If you like the taste of coffee but not the caffeine, you can enjoy dandelion tea in the morning instead of coffee.

Here’s how to make your own dandelion tea:

• Rinse and dry the dandelion root thoroughly.
• Cook the dandelion root at 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.6 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let the root cool.
• Grind dandelion root in a cup of boiled water.
• Steep the dandelion root tea in water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Filter and enjoy.

Be careful when making your own dandelion tea. Dandelions can be sprayed with pesticides which can be dangerous if ingested. Try to buy organic dandelion root if you can.