How To Use Dandelion Root Tea, Tinctures, Powders, Capsules & Liquid Extracts

There are many different uses for dandelion roots to promote health, detoxification, digestive function, reduce inflammation and improve physique.

Dandelion root supplements are available in several forms, including whole roots, teas, tinctures, powders, liquid extracts and capsule formulations. Fresh roots can also be prepared at home into decoctions or infusions.

All parts of this plant are considered edible and have been used as foods around the world. This commonly overlooked weed is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

Taraxacum officinale roots, leaves, stems and flowers have been used in natural medicine by many different cultures. Native American, Ayurvedic and Chinese practitioners used this plant to prevent and treat digestive disorders, to purify the blood and as a laxative.

Dandelion contains natural phytochemicals that act as a diuretic. This herb increases the frequency of urination and promotes expulsion of excess water and toxins from the body.

Many of the purported health benefits of dandelion root extracts are associated with the diuretic mechanism. Dandelion is also used to promote liver health, metabolic health, bowel regularity and to reduce bloating.

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

Top Dandelion Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

How to Use Dandelion Roots

You will find dandelions growing all around the world, particularly in temperate regions with moist soil. The plants have a range of culinary, decorative and medicinal uses.

Medicinally, the roots are commonly used to make teas. Roots are sometimes roasted to brew a beverage known as “dandelion coffee”, which is a caffeine-free alternative with a remarkably similar taste to real coffee.

The roots are also commonly used to make liquid tinctures. These highly concentrated liquid extracts have a long shelf-life and are convenient for use as a natural remedy.

Dandelion tinctures can be made with or without alcohol. They are available to purchase online in small bottles and come with a dropper that can be used to place the liquid under the tongue (sublingually). It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream with this method of delivery.

Tinctures are typically consumed orally but can also be used topically to address skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The root extract can also be made into a poultice or powder for application to skin.

Many people use the fresh or chopped-up roots for cooking. The powder can also be included into smoothies or mixed into other beverages. The taste of the powder is bitter but can be masked with flavoring agents like honey or agave nectar.

Some people use dandelion root powder in green juice recipes or for detoxification regimens. Online sources also describe infusing the crushed roots into apple cider vinegar for added health benefits.

Harvesting Fresh Roots

Natural health products containing dandelion extract are widely available online. You can also prepare your own teas, tinctures and dried powders by harvesting the fresh roots of this plant.

The ideal time of year to harvest this plant will depend on your intended use. If using dandelion roots to prepare culinary recipes, it is recommended to harvest the plant during the Spring when the roots are less bitter.

If using the herb to prepare a medicinal formulation, it is recommended to harvest in the Autumn when a higher concentration of active compounds has accumulated in the roots.

According to WikiHow, ” A fall harvest is ideal for medicinal content contained in the roots. At this time of year, insoluble fiber content will be higher, and sugar content will be lower.”

Look for plants that grow in undisturbed environments, free of pesticide or fertilizer use, toxins or sources of pollution. Wild dandelions that grow in rural regions or park settings away from roads are ideal to minimize exposure to environmental pollutants.

Choose plants that are large and appear healthy as these ones tend to have longer roots. You will need a garden fork, trowel or small shovel to remove the plant from the ground.

The rootstock can reach deep into the soil. It is important to lift the plant in a way that preserves as much of these long rots as possible. Natural Living Ideas recommends harvesting after a heavy rain so that the soil will be looser around the roots.

Clean the roots to remove any soil or unwanted plant matter. Soaking them in water overnight is recommended by some online sources.

Depending on how you are using the roots, the next step is either to chop the fresh plant into small pieces or to dry the roots in a dehydrator or oven. It is also possible to air-dry them, but this will take several days.

You can then chop the dried roots into small pieces and either use them to make a liquid tincture, brew a tea with them or grind them into a fine powder. Talk to a healthcare provider before using this plant medicinally to ensure it is appropriate for you.

Medicinal Uses of Dandelion Root Extract

In traditional medicine practices, dandelion has a wide range of documented uses. Historically, this plant was associated with improved liver and kidney function, digestive health, diuretic effects and as a general tonic to promote well-being.

Herbalists claim that this plant can support healthy blood sugar regulation, hormonal balance, mood balance, skin health, and spleen and gallbladder function. It is said to have a cleansing effect and to be beneficial for arthritis symptoms and reducing hangovers.

It remains a popular natural remedy for constipation, stomach upset, bloating, inflammation, joint discomfort, skin health, fibroids and detoxification. Dandelion root is also commonly given to pets like cats, dogs and horses.

While this herb has a range of purported health-enhancing properties, it has not been as well-researched in humans compared to other plant medicines. Most of the research into its effects has involved studies on mice, rabbits and pigs.

There is ongoing research interest into the anti-cancer effects of this plant. Some in vitro studies suggest it may inhibit the formation or growth of certain types of cancer cell lines, but more research is needed to determine whether it is effective in humans.

Many people drink dandelion root tea to help them lose weight. It does temporarily cause a reduction in bodyweight, but this is related to its ability to stimulate urination and help expel excess water and fluids from the body.

Shedding this excessive fluid weight technically causes your weight as measured by a scale to decrease but will not result in long-term changes to body composition or fat mass percentage. Use of dandelion root extracts should not be viewed as an effective weight loss strategy for the long term.

Why Do Bodybuilders Drink Dandelion Tea?

Competitive bodybuilders are frequently known to drink teas made from dandelion roots in the weeks prior to participating in physique competitions. As a diuretic, this plant helps to eliminate water retention and reduce bloating.

When water accumulates under the skin, it can result in a puffy appearance that masks muscle tone. Many anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders have the unwanted side effect of increasing water retention.

Use of diuretics can promote excretion of excess water to make athletes appear more chiseled and give muscles a hard, ripped, vascular look.

Most competitive bodybuilding association disallow the use of pharmaceutical diuretics or “water pills.” Dandelions are considered a natural substance that are allowed in every bodybuilding federation.

According to user testimonials, bodybuilders begin taking dandelion root capsules one week to four days prior to competition to improve muscle definition. A common dosage is between 2000 – 3000 mg daily in combination with other techniques such as regular sauna sessions and avoidance of carbohydrates.

During these four days, water consumption is increased to facilitate greater urination and detoxification. Two days before a competition, sodium levels are reduced significantly, and many other foods are avoided.

Use of dandelion as a diuretic for physique competitions can be dangerous, particularly if symptoms of dehydration develop. It is important to hydrate regularly and to maintain adequate electrolyte balance during a cutting phase.

Safety Report

Dandelion is a GRAS (“Generally Regarded as Safe” food according to the US Food and Drug Administration. This means it is safe for most people to consume in typical amounts found in foods.

There are no known serious side effects associated with appropriate use of dandelion root extract. However, taking high dosages or using it in combination with certain drugs could cause negative reactions.

Some people are allergic to dandelion pollen. If you are allergic to the pollen of this plant, you may not necessarily be allergic to natural health products made from the roots. However, it is recommended to be cautious and check with a doctor before taking this supplement.

Dandelion root tea bags can be purchased online or they can be made at home in the kitchen. If you are gathering your own plants locally, be aware that some plants may be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or other toxins.

It is recommended to purchase certified organic dandelion roots to minimize your risk to toxins and pollutants.

There are no standard dosage guidelines for using dandelion root extracts, teas, tinctures or supplements. Many people drink 2 or 3 cups of tea daily to increase urine output and frequency.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database reports that the following dosages have been used:

• 2-8 grams of dried root infusion or decoction
• 1-2 teaspoons of root tincture (1:5 extract) in a 45% alcohol solution

Pay close attention to suggested serving sizes as provided by the manufacturer of the specific dietary supplement you use. Different products can contain different potency extracts of the plant.

Talk with your doctor first before giving this herbal product to children for medicinal reasons. Pregnant or nursing women should discuss usage with their doctors first.

Dandelion extract can interact with certain supplements, herbs, drugs and lab tests. Do not combine this product with antidiabetic, antiplatelet, anticoagulant and/or glucuronidated drugs unless instructed to do so by a physician.

Be careful if combining dandelion with lithium, potassium-sparing diuretics, quinolone antibiotics and/or any medications that are metabolized inside the liver.

Check with a doctor first before using this if you have a bleeding disorder, allergies or renal impairment. Ask your doctor for instructions on how to use dandelion root extract if you are interested in addressing a specific health concern.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)