Dandelion root tea can have many positive effects on your digestive system , although much of the evidence is anecdotal. It has historically been used to improve appetite , soothe minor digestive ailments , and possibly relieve constipation.
Recently, dandelion root has been studied for its cancer-fighting potential, and so far the results appear promising. A Canadian study showed that dandelion root extract induces cell death in melanoma cells without impacting non-cancerous cells.
Another showed that it does the same to pancreatic cancer cells. Paired with another herb, uva ursi, dandelion roots and leaves may help prevent urinary tract infections. Dandelion is considered safe for most people. However, some people may have an allergic reaction from touching or ingesting dandelion. Dandelion has also been found to interact with certain medications , including diuretics , lithium, and Cipro. If you are taking any prescription medications, consult your doctor before drinking dandelion tea.
Just make sure the plants have not been treated with any chemicals before harvesting them. Also, harvest the plants when they are young, preferably.
After cleaning and preparing the plant, pour hot water over the top of greens or roasted and ground roots, steep, strain, and enjoy!
Roots: Wash very thoroughly, chop into fine pieces, and heat on high in an oven for about two hours. Steep teaspoons in hot water for about 10 minutes. Many people are turning to "master cleanses" such as the lemon water detox to improve their health. Small animal and test-tube studies suggest that dandelion have a significant anti-inflammatory capacity, though more research is needed to better understand how dandelion affect inflammation in humans.
Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion. Test-tube and animal studies show that these compounds can improve insulin secretion from the pancreas while simultaneously improving the absorption of glucose sugar in muscle tissue. This process leads to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels 8.
While these early study results are encouraging, more research is needed to determine if dandelion work the same way in humans. The dandelion plant contains bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce blood sugar in animal and test-tube studies.
More research is needed to determine if the same effect would be seen in humans. Some of the bioactive compounds in dandelion may lower cholesterol, which may decrease heart disease risk. One animal study resulted in dramatically reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice that were treated with dandelion extract 9. A rabbit study evaluated the impact of adding dandelion roots and leaves to a high-cholesterol diet.
Rabbits that received dandelion had noticeably reduced cholesterol levels Some animal studies have shown reduced cholesterol levels after consuming dandelion. More research is needed to understand how this plant affects levels in humans. Traditional herbal medicine practices use dandelion for their diuretic effect based on the belief that this can detoxify certain organs. In Western medicine, diuretic medications are used to rid the body of excess fluid, which can lead to lowered blood pressure.
One human study found dandelion to be an effective diuretic. However, this study was done over a short period and involved only 17 people Dandelion contain potassium, a mineral associated with lowered blood pressure in those with previously elevated levels. Thus, dandelion may have an indirect effect on blood pressure due to their potassium content Dandelion may lower blood pressure due to their diuretic effect and potassium content.
However, very little formal research has been conducted to support this claim. Animal studies have found that dandelion have a protective effect on liver tissue in the presence of toxic substances and stress. One study revealed significant protection of liver tissue in mice exposed to toxic levels of acetaminophen Tylenol.
Other animal studies have shown that dandelion extract may reduce levels of excess fat stored in the liver and protect against oxidative stress in liver tissue 4 , 9.
However, the same results should not be expected in humans due to differences in human and animal metabolism. Animal studies have shown that dandelion protect liver tissue from toxic substances and oxidative stress, but more research is needed to determine their effect on liver health in humans. Some research indicates that dandelion and their bioactive components may support weight loss and maintenance, though the data is not entirely conclusive.
However, this notion has yet to be scientifically proven One study in mice showed weight loss associated with dandelion supplementation, though it should be noted that this was an accidental finding and not the main focus of the study 9. Another study in obese mice revealed that chlorogenic acid, a compound found in dandelion, was able to reduce body weight and levels of some fat-storage hormones More focused, human-based research is needed to determine a clear cause-and-effect relationship between dandelion and weight management.
Some animal studies have shown that bioactive components in dandelion may support weight loss, but no human studies have evaluated this effect. Perhaps one of the most intriguing health claims of dandelion is their potential to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in many different organ systems. One test-tube study revealed significantly reduced growth of cancerous cells that were treated with dandelion leaf extract. However, extracts from dandelion flower or root did not lead to the same result Other test-tube studies have shown that dandelion root extract has the capacity to dramatically slow the growth of cancer cells in liver, colon and pancreatic tissue 17 , 18 , These findings are encouraging, but more research is fundamental to fully understand how dandelion may be useful in treating or preventing cancer in humans.
Several test-tube studies have found that dandelion is effective in reducing the growth of cancer cells in various organ tissues. More research is needed to draw conclusions about its efficacy for preventing or treating cancer in humans. Traditional herbal medicine utilizes dandelion to treat constipation and other symptoms of impaired digestion. Some early research seems to support these claims.
One animal study revealed a significant increase in the rates of stomach contractions and emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine in rats who were treated with dandelion extract Additionally, dandelion root is a rich source of the prebiotic fiber inulin. Research indicates that inulin has a strong capacity to reduce constipation and increase intestinal movement Research indicates that dandelion may increase contractions and movement of your gastrointestinal GI tract, acting as a treatment for constipation and indigestion.
This effect is likely due to the prebiotic fiber inulin. Several test-tube studies found that dandelion extract significantly reduced the ability of viruses to replicate 22 , 23 , Research also indicates that some of the active compounds in dandelion protect against various harmful bacteria 4 , 25 , Early research indicates that dandelion have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, though clear applications for medicinal use have yet to be determined.
Animal and test-tube research indicate that dandelion may protect against skin damage from sunlight, aging and acne. In one study, dandelion leaf and flower extracts protected against skin damage when applied just prior to or immediately after exposure to UVB radiation sunlight. Interestingly, dandelion root was not effective in the same way One of the characteristics of aging skin is a decrease in the production of healthy, new skin cells.
One test-tube study showed that dandelion root extract increased the generation of new skin cells, which could slow the aging process However, people with kidney diseases should consult their healthcare provider before taking dandelion root supplements. Dandelion root is traditionally harvested in the fall. That is when inulin levels are at their highest. If you don't plan to use the harvested roots immediately, you can dry them in a dehydrator and store them in a glass jar for up to a year.
If dried correctly, the outer flesh should have a dark color while the inner flesh should remain a creamy white. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners. Ten things you might not know about dandelions. Published March 19, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Updated May The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day.
J Altern Complement Med. Mount Sinai Health System. Fluid and electrolyte balance. Published April 23, Yang Y, Li S. Dandelion extracts protect human skin fibroblasts from UVB damage and cellular senescence. Oxid Med Cell Longev. Rasmussen A, Jacob SE. Dandelion: An important allergen in atopic children. The physiological effects of dandelion t araxacum officinale in type 2 diabetes. Rev Diabet Stud. Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signaling pathways.
Taraxacum officinale and related species-An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol. Jargin SV. Soy and phytoestrogens: possible side effects. Ger Med Sci. American Botanical Council. Herbal Medicine: Expanded commission e.
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