Dandelion Tea for Weight Loss – Does it Work? [Recipe & Side Effects]

Does drinking dandelion tea for weight loss work? This tea is often promoted for detoxification and diet cleanses.

The roots and leaves of the dandelion plant are nutritionally-dense and contain a number of phytochemicals that can support general well-being. However, there is no evidence supporting its use for long-term weight loss results.

Many people do report temporarily losing weight with dandelion tea, but the weight lost is mostly from ridding the body of excessive fluid accumulations. This herb acts as a diuretic or water pill.

In one human study, dandelion was shown to increase the amount of urine produced by the kidneys (diuresis) in 100% of subjects. [1] It also increased the frequency of urination.

By helping to clear away extra water and other fluids from body cavities and tissues, dandelion often causes a reduction in bodyweight, but may not promote fat loss. It can help with temporarily relieving bloating and slimming down, but should not be used as a long-term diet aid.

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 Tea Uses

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been used in traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.

Sometimes recognized as a weed, it is an edible flower that has also been used as a food item in North America and Europe. In addition to being brewed into a tea, it has been used to make wines and a non-caffeinated coffee alternative.

This plant is a rich source of vitamins and nutrients. It contains high amounts of the prebiotic fibre inulin and may support a healthy gut microflora.

It is also high in Vitamin A and contains moderate amounts of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus and Zinc.

This plant also has several active phytochemicals including caffeic acid, pectin, beta sitosterol, taraxacin (taraxinic acid) and taraxasterol. The diuretic effects are associated with the taraxacin content of the plant.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that people use dandelion as a blood, skin, digestive and circulation tonic. It is also used both as a laxative and diuretic and a cholagogue to stimulate bile secretion.

It is used commonly to improve digestive conditions, flatulence, heartburn and poor appetite. It has also been taken as a natural immunostimulant.

Dandelion is used for skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne. It is also used to alleviate pain associated with arthritis, bruising and muscle aches.

Dandelion root and leaf extracts have been studied for their effects on heart disease, cancer and viral infections. Some people use this herb because it is purported to clear UTIs (urinary tract infections.

While this medicinal plant has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, many of its purported uses have not been validated clinically. Most of the research completed on dandelion to date has been animal-based.

More research is needed to understand the ways that dandelion might affect obesity, heart disease, cancer or other health conditions in humans. Dandelion is not an FDA-approved medicine for any health condition or disease currently.

Dandelion Tea for Weight Loss

A number of sources recommend use of dandelion extract products to promote body weight reduction. These claims are mostly attributed to its diuretic effect.

As a diuretic, this herb can help users shed excess water weight in short periods of time. This may be beneficial for bodybuilders who want to improve their physique or other athletes who need to weigh in before a competition.

Consumption of dandelion products is well-established to promote diuresis In a 2009 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, it was shown that consumption of this herb increased the volume and frequency of urination.

However, this effect is only temporary, and the water weight will return upon hydrating. While the weight recorded on your scale may decrease for a short period of time, it will return to normal after the diuretic effects have worn off.

Can dandelion extract promote long-term weight reduction or cause body fat to be burned? Some of the compound identified in this plant have been associated with appetite suppression, increased metabolism and changes in blood sugar regulation.

However, the effects are likely to be very mild compared to other herbal diet teas and weight loss beverages on the market. Preliminary evidence for using dandelion tea as an adjunct to support a weight loss program seems promising, but randomized human studies are needed.

Phytonutrients found in dandelion may affect certain factors associated with weight gain and obesity, like adipogenesis and lipolysis, for example.

In 2016, Italian researchers examined several natural medicines for their capacities to enhance the breakdown of lipids (lipolysis) and to inhibit the differentiation of new fat storage cells (adipogenesis).

This study compared the antiadipogenesis and prolipolysis effects of dandelion, curcumin, caffeine, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), Citrus aurantium, oleuropein and resveratrol.

Results from this study stated that, “in differentiating cells (dandelion) extract was the most effective in inducing apoptosis and caffeine and DHA extracts were more efficient in inhibition of differentiation and in induction of cell lipolysis.”. [2]

Drinking dandelion tea for weight loss might help to prevent the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. This could limit the amount of fat stored in the body; possibly helping to facilitate weight loss and weight management.

This herb may also support the breakdown of stored fats (adipose tissue) into fatty acids. Research is ongoing to determine how this might help to naturally balance blood lipids.

This could be helpful for addressing atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) and other cardiovascular conditions.

Dandelion Tea Benefits

Dandelion has been previously shown to possess “diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-coagulatory and prebiotic effects.” [3]

According to PubMed, there has been significant research activity in this plant since 2010. Ongoing studies are exploring how dandelion root and leaf extracts may be helpful for:

• Kidney, liver and gallbladder dysfunction;
• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• Certain forms of cancer;
• Various skin disorders;
• Detoxification;
• Obesity;

This list is not exhaustive. Dandelion is under review for various other possible health benefits as well.

One of the proposed benefits for this plant is the improvement of blood cholesterol levels. It is a source of phytosterols that can support healthy blood lipid levels by decreasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol.

It is also a source of the phospholipid complex lecithin, which can support liver health and detoxification. Liver function is important for healthy weight management.

In a 2012 research study for Spain, it was declared that “dandelion contains a wide array of phytochemicals whose biological activities are actively being explored in various areas of human health. In particular, emerging evidence suggests that dandelion and its constituents have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that result in diverse biological effects. “. [3]

It is not known whether all of the beneficial phytochemicals found in this plant are preserved when making teas as opposed to consuming this herb orally.

Dandelion Tea Recipe

Both the leaves and roots of dandelion contain various nutrients; including vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, polysaccharides, sterols and more.

You can purchase pre-packaged dandelion root tea bags online or buy liquid tinctures or loose-leaf powder to prepare the tea. It is also easy and cost-effective to make your own dandelion tea for weight loss at home.

You can begin by harvesting wild dandelion from any location you know to be free of pesticides and herbicides. Many local, state and national parks are excellent dandelion hunting locations.

Carefully gather the roots and leaves and wash them thoroughly. You can use fresh plant material or let the raw herb dry. Both methods are accepted for making dandelion tea.

Bring purified water to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Place your small-cut dandelion roots and/or leaves into the hot water and place a tight-fitting cover on it. Allow to steep for at least ten minutes.

Strain out the plant material and then add any flavor enhancers you may like (honey, lemon, mint, etc.).

Jillian Michaels Dandelion Tea Recipe

Personal trainer Jillian Michaels suggest using lemon juice and cranberry juice in dandelion tea to accentuate its detoxifying effects.

In her recipe, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of cranberry juice concentrate is added to 60 ounces of purified water.

Next, either fresh or dried dandelion is used to make tea – or you may choose to use an organic dandelion tea bag. These are available from a variety of manufacturers, both online and off.

Dandelion Tea Side Effects and Interactions

Dandelion is a GRAS food according to the US FDA. In common dietary amounts, it is known to be generally safe for consumption in healthy adults. Some people experience allergic reactions to dandelion.

Dandelion can affect the metabolism of certain prescription medications and herbal supplements. It is best to discuss using dandelion tea for weight loss, or any other purpose, with a doctor before beginning.

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