Dandelion Root Tea for Weight Loss – Does it Really Work?

Does dandelion root tea work for weight loss? Preliminary research suggests that it might have some anti-obesity benefits.

For thousands of years, dandelion roots, leaves, stems and flowers have been used in cooking and healing.

Teas prepared from different parts of the plant have long been used to promote detoxification, immune health, liver function and anti-inflammatory effects.

Recently, interest in the use of dandelion extract supplements, teas, tinctures and coffee for weight loss has grown with some positive findings in clinical studies.

Early research suggests that dandelion root may help to regulate appetite, increase satiety (fullness) and may inhibit the maturation of fat storage cells in adipogenesis. [1]

Drinking dandelion root tea may not cause you to lose significant amounts of weight overnight, but this beverage may support a weight loss diet and make it easier to slim down safely and naturally.

Dandelion Root

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Immunity

How It Works:

• Supports liver and kidney health
• Used as a diuretic & detox supplement
• Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties

Dosage:

Varies depending on formulation

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Dandelion Root Tea for Weight Loss

Dandelion root has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Some of its popular uses are backed by research data, but many of its uses have not been validated in human-based clinical trials.

Multiple sources cite potential fat loss benefits from drinking this tea. While more research is needed to validate these claims, there are some initial results which suggest it may have a positive effect.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), dandelion root contains the following phytonutrients (plant chemicals):

• Inulin
• Potassium
• Quercetin
• Luteolin
• P-hydroxyphenylacetic acid
• Germacranolide acids
• Chlorogenic acid
• Chicoric acid
• Monocaffeyltartaric acid
• Caffeic acid
• Taraxacoside
• Taraxasterol

All of these constituents are being studied separately for their pharmacological effects.

Most importantly for weight loss, dandelion root contains high amounts of a polysaccharide called inulin. [2] Research shows that inulin may have a positive effect on body fat reduction by promoting digestive health and reducing appetite.

Inulin Effects

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that occurs in several common foods in addition to dandelion root tea. Humans cannot completely digest this fibre, but it does get broken down by bacteria in our gut. As a prebiotic, it also forms a substrate promoting the growth of good probiotic bacterial colonies.

Inulin is a type of polysaccharide called a fructan. Fructans are comprised of multiple chains of fructose molecules. Fructose is a hexose (6-carbon) simple sugar found in fruits and honey.

Some of the best sources of inulin include dandelion roots, asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, onions and garlic. It is estimated that more than 30,000 plants contain inulin, at least in small amounts.

Inulin is partially broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These improve colonic health via fermentation and produce ketone molecules.

Multiple clinical studies have suggested that inulin may be helpful for weight loss and obesity management. Fermentable polysaccharides like inulin are linked to decreased appetite, decreased ad libitum food intake and weight loss in overweight people. [3]

In one study, inulin and another prebiotic called beta-glucan were administered to mice fed high fat diets. Results state that these mice experienced:

• Increased beneficial gut bacteria (bifidobacterium and lactobacillus);
• Significantly less total body fat;
• Less body weight gain;

According to the researchers, “Differential effects of fermentable carbohydrates open new possibilities for nutritionally targeting appetite regulation and body composition.” [4]

Note that these studies used a specific inulin supplement as opposed to dandelion root extract. More research is needed to evaluate the use of inulin from dandelion supplements for weight loss.

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, other health benefits of inulin in dandelion root tea include:

• Improving calcium absorption to strengthen bones;
• Stimulates and supports the immune system;
• Improves IBS (inflammatory bowel disease);
• Lowering triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol;
• May reduce precancerous colon growths;
• Relieves constipation;

Inulin and various other plant chemicals in dandelion root continue to be explored for their weight loss and weight management effects in humans. More studies are needed to determine if and how dandelion root affects body weight.

Additional Health Benefits

The dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) is also being studied for a number of other health benefits. Some of the conditions in which it is currently being studied include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• Various dermatological conditions;
• Heavy metal detoxification;
• Bone and joint disorders;
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• Cardiovascular disease;
• Water retention/Edema;

In traditional Chinese medicine, this herb is defined as a cold and bitter plant with benefits for the liver and stomach. It has been used historically as an antipyretic, for jaundice, hepatitis (liver inflammation), urinary tract infections, swelling, fevers, infections and diabetes.

According to TCM, this herb clears heat from the liver, can improve lactation in breast-feeding women, supports a positive mood and promotes stomach and lunge health.

There is insufficient research available to evaluate the traditional uses of this herb. More research is needed to validate the purported health benefits.

Emerging in vitro research has identified potential anticancer effects from an aqueous dandelion root extract. However, results are preliminary and require more research to validate.

A 2016 study from the University of Windsor in Canada suggests that dandelion root extract “could engage and effectively target multiple vulnerabilities of cancer cells”. They state that this could be an effective alternative therapy, especially in cases of cancer cell drug resistance.
[5]

In a study in human pancreatic cancer cells, dandelion root was shown to induce autophagy and apoptosis. Researchers stated that this occurred with “no significant effect on noncancerous cells”. [6]

Side Effects

Dandelion root tea is generally well tolerated and is safe to use as part of a weight loss program for most people. Before engaging in a new diet or exercise plan, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

Some adverse effects can occur when using this supplement. Dandelion contains FODMAP constituents, like inulin, for instance. FODMAP stands for “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols”.

Some people have problems digesting FODMAPS and experience symptoms including gas, bloating, stomach pain and/or diarrhea after ingesting them.

Sensitive people can experience allergic reactions to members of the Asteraceae botanical family. Dandelion is a relative of more than 26,000 other members of the Asteraceae family.

Some other members include daisies, ragweed, chrysanthemums and marigolds. If you are allergic to these other plants, you may also be allergic to consumption of this tea.

Dandelion is a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) food according to the US FDA. Most people experience no adverse effects from proper use in amounts typically consumed as a food.

Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about using dandelion root tea for weight loss, or any other purpose you are curious about. Make sure your doctor knowns about your health history, medications you use and any other supplements you are taking to lose weight.

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