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Does drinking dandelion tea help you detox your body and cleanse the liver?
Many people drink organic dandelion tea to enhance detoxification via increased urination. This herb is considered to be a natural diuretic and has long been used to promote liver and kidney health.
By increasing the frequency and volume of urination, this herb is purported to help the body more rapidly eliminate toxins. It may also have a positive effect on immune function and blood sugar regulation.
Dandelion tea is believed to have other health benefits including supporting digestive health, protecting against certain types of infections, and exhibiting an anti-inflammatory effect.
Dandelions have been used as a natural plant medicine for thousands of years. Despite its long history of use, there is limited research available to evaluate its efficacy in humans. Preliminary studies suggest benefits for heart health, circulation and metabolic function.
You can prepare dandelion tea detox drinks at home using fresh plants or you can buy tea bags online. Many of these teas combine this herb with other detoxifying ingredients such as burdock root and milk thistle extract.
Liver Health
Detox
Immunity- Supports liver and kidney health
- Used as a diuretic & detox supplement
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties
Top Dandelion Products* ❯Dandelion Tea for Liver Detox
A dandelion tea detox plan is purported to help the body eliminate toxins faster by naturally supporting the function of the liver and kidneys.
Dandelion is a member of the Asteraceae plant family. There are several different species that are referred to by this name, but the most pervasive is Taraxacum officinale.
The name of the plant comes from the French language dent-de-lion, translating to lion’s tooth. This name reflects the appearance of the flower, which resembles a lion’s mane.
In French, the plant has a different name, pissenlit, which translates roughly to “pee in bed”. The name is indicative of the common side effect associated with drinking this tea.
The dandelion herb is considered to be a diuretic and a laxative according to traditional medicine practices. Both of these processes are involved in the excretion of waste products and chemicals from the body.
Research in animals shows that consuming dandelion root extracts can promote urination, acting to increase the frequency and volume of urine output. This plant contains sesquiterpene lactones which have been found to exhibit diuretic and cholagogue effects.
According to MedLine Plus, urination is the process of filtering out extra water and waste products from the blood. Organic waste products in the blood are called urea.
When blood passes through the kidneys, urea is separated and directed down ureter tubes to the bladder. When urine causes the bladder to swell enough, you will be prompted to urinate.
By eliminating excess water retention from the body, dandelion may help to clear unwanted toxins faster. Urination also supports the filtration functions of both the kidney and the liver.
Constituents found in this plant also increase bile secretion and flow to the gut. Bile is a dark yellowish fluid that is produced by the liver and stored within the gallbladder.
It is released by the gallbladder into the duodenum, which is the first component of the small intestines. Bile is mostly composed of water, but it is also composed of bile salts, bilirubin and various fats.
Bile is involved in nutrient absorption from the gut and in the breakdown of dietary fats, but it also helps to neutralize and eliminate toxins. This fluid carries waste products removed from the blood by the liver and transports them to be excreted.
By increasing bile flow from the liver, dandelion may help to support the natural detoxification function of this organ, helping to remove cholesterol, steroids, drugs and other waste from the blood.
Additional Benefits of Dandelion Detox Tea
Dandelion tea can be made from the root, leaf, flowers and stems of this plant. The roots and leaves are rich sources of a number of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. The plant is known to contain:
- Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, and K
- Minerals – Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, and Manganese
- Electrolytes – Potassium and Sodium
- Fiber – Inulin (Polysaccharide)
- Sesquiterpene lactones
- Quercetin
- Luteolin
- P-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid
- Germacranolide Acids
- Chlorogenic Acid
- Chicoric Acid
- Monocaffeyltartaric Acid
- Scopoletin
- Aesculetin
- Aesculin
- Cichoriin
- Arnidiol
- Faradiol
- Caffeic Acid
- Taraxacoside
- Taraxasterol
Although they are often mistaken for invasive weeds, dandelions are herbaceous perennial vegetable plants that have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years in various parts of the world. [2]
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that this plant has been used for:
- Digestive problems including lacking appetite, heartburn and flatulence;
- Kidney stones, gallstones and bile stimulation;
- Bone and joint pain stemming from arthritis;
- Muscle aches and bruises;
- Urinary tract infections;
- Eczema and dermatitis;
- Heart failure;
- Tonsillitis;
Dandelion is also used as a general blood, skin, circulation and digestion tonic. It has been used historically to combat viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.
Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anticoagulant and prebiotic mechanisms of action have been reported in multiple clinical studies. [1]
It is important to note that most traditional uses for dandelion have not been validated in large-scale, randomized human trials. This herb is not as well-researched as other medicinal herbs used in alternative medicine.
Dandelion has not been approved as a drug by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions. More research is needed to determine therapeutic efficacy.
Dandelion Tea Detox Recipe
You can use all parts of the dandelion plant to make tea, but most people prepare recipes with only the root and/or leaf. Stems and flowers are usually used to make dandelion wine or used for other culinary purposes.
Dandelion leaf contains some phytonutrients that the root does not. These include scopoletin, aesculetin, aesculin, cichoriin, arnidiol, and faradiol.
Conversely, the root is a source of inulin, include caffeic acid, taraxacoside and taraxasterol.
Many people make their own dandelion detox teas at home from fresh, organic plants that they find in pesticide-free areas. Harvesting the leaves and roots is a straightforward process. Simply clip the leaves and gently dig up the taproots.
After cleaning the plant material, slice into small pieces and then add to water. Do not boil the mixture as excessively high temperatures can destroy some of the active nutrients found in this plant. Heat it slowly, without boiling, for at least fifteen minutes.
Many people like to add honey, lemon or other healthy additives to their detox tea for flavor enhancement. Some people enjoy the tea with no flavoring agents at all.
Some people make their own “dandelion coffee” using roasted roots of this plant. The beverage is said to have a similar texture and flavor to real coffee, but is free of caffeine.
Detox Teas for Weight Loss
Does using dandelion tea to promote detoxification help with weight loss? Some people do report losing weight after beginning to drink this tea.
However, most of this weight loss can be attributed to shedding excess fluids from the body. This effect is not permanent because it does not result in a decrease in body fat.
Research shows that this plant causes increased urine production in the kidneys and greater frequency of urination. [3]
Drinking this tea for detox purposes may help to eliminate fluids which accumulate in tissues and cavities. This can temporarily reduce bloating and swelling that can cause a “puffy” appearance.
However, use of this tea is not likely to cause significant or long-lasting weight loss independent of changes in diet and exercise levels. It may support a detox diet, but should not be seen as a fat-burning agent.
There is some evidence that this plant may have anti-obesity effects, but more research is needed to know for sure.
Research shows that dandelion root contains large amounts of a polysaccharide called inulin. In the lower digestive tract, inulin is fermented and helps to increase the colon’s population of beneficial bifidobacterial – a family of probiotic bacteria that makes up a healthy microbione.
Researchers think that increasing inulin in the diet might help to prevent so-called “civilization diseases” like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [4]
A healthy balance of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract is also believed to have benefits for weight management. However, more research is needed to determine whether this is effective or not for weight loss.
Negatives Side Effects
Side effects from drinking dandelion root and leaf tea are rare. This plant is classified as a GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) food by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Individuals who are allergic to the plant and other members of the Asteraceae botanical family should exercise caution when using dandelion plant products. Allergic reactions have been reported.
Other members of the Asteraceae family include marigold, sunflower, zinnia, ragweed and daisy. There are currently more than 26,000 accepted species in this family.
Most healthy adults experience no adverse effects from drinking dandelion tea in moderation. However, this plant is not appropriate for everyone and should not be taken by people with a bile duct obstruction, bleeding disorder or renal impairment.
Consult with a doctor before using this tea if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition. Dandelion tea can interact with various prescription medications and caution is advised.
It is always best to discuss a dandelion tea detox program with your doctor before beginning.
- Williams CA1, Goldstone F, Greenham J. Flavonoids, cinnamic acids and coumarins from the different tissues and medicinal preparations of Taraxacum officinale. Phytochemistry. 1996 May;42(1):121-7.
- Turski MP1, Turska M, Zgrajka W, Bartnik M, Kocki T, Turski WA. Distribution, synthesis, and absorption of kynurenic acid in plants. Planta Med. 2011 May;77(8):858-64. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1250604. Epub 2010 Dec 14.
- Leu YL1, Shi LS, Damu AG. Chemical constituents of Taraxacum formosanum. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2003 May;51(5):599-601.
- Choi UK1, Lee OH, Yim JH, Cho CW, Rhee YK, Lim SI, Kim YC. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and leaf on cholesterol-fed rabbits. Int J Mol Sci. 2010 Jan 6;11(1):67-78. doi: 10.3390/ijms11010067.
- Davaatseren M1, Hur HJ, Yang HJ, Hwang JT, Park JH, Kim HJ, Kim MS, Kim MJ, Kwon DY, Sung MJ Dandelion leaf extract protects against liver injury induced by methionine- and choline-deficient diet in mice. J Med Food. 2013 Jan;16(1):26-33. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2226. Epub 2012 Dec 20.
- Koh YJ1, Cha DS, Ko JS, Park HJ, Choi HD. Anti-inflammatory effect of Taraxacum officinale leaves on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells. J Med Food. 2010 Aug;13(4):870-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2009.1249.
- Clare BA1, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0152.
Article last updated on: July 1st, 2018 by Nootriment