Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Roasted dandelion root tea is sometimes referred to as dandelion coffee. It is commonly consumed as a non-caffeinated alternative to coffee.

Plant chemicals in roasted dandelion root tea are associated with certain health benefits. It is commonly taken to promote detoxification, liver health and as a diuretic to stimulate urination and shed water weight.

Although many people think of dandelion as a weed, it has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. Since ancient times, it has been used as a general health tonic, especially for complaints of liver and kidney dysfunction. Many people also drink dandelion tea to ease digestive complaints.

Research shows that dandelion root and leaf extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The plant is also being studied for anticancer, antidiabetic, prebiotic and anticoagulant effects. [1]

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea can be prepared at home from freshly harvested dandelion plants. You can also buy this product in pre-packaged tea bags from companies like Traditional Medicinals.

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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Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Benefits

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is a perennial herb that groups throughout the northern hemisphere.

Many people use roasted dandelion root tea as a coffee substitute. Dandelion root is naturally caffeine free but has a similar taste and texture to coffee when roasted.

Unlike coffee, dandelion tea will not cause nervousness, insomnia and other possible side effects associated with caffeine intake. Many use roasted dandelion tea to reduce withdrawal sensations when they stop drinking coffee.

Research shows that dandelion root extract can promote certain health benefits. This herb has a long history of use in plant medicine as a skin, blood, circulatory and digestive tonic.

Dandelion contains antioxidant plant compounds that can protect cells from damage caused by free radical agents. It may help to protect against oxidative stress associated with cardiovascular disorders.

In rabbits fed high-cholesterol diets, dandelion was shown to improved plasma lipid profiles (levels of fat molecules in the blood) and antioxidant enzyme activity. [2]

Drinking roasted dandelion root tea may also support healthy digestion. It is considered to be one of the best plant sources of kynurenic acid, which increases the production of bile in the liver.

Dandelion is a choleretic, which means it increases the production of bile as well as its flow to the gallbladder. It is also a cholagogue, increasing the release of bile from the gallbladder.

Greater secretion of bile into the small intestine supports digestion and helps to detoxify the blood. Bile neutralizes toxins and transports them to filtration organs where they can be eliminated from the body.

This is one of the mechanisms by which dandelion extract is purported to improve detoxification and support the immune system.

Natural antioxidant compounds in roasted dandelion root tea may also help to counteract oxidative stress in liver cells. In mice, this herbal extract was shown to protect liver cells against toxicity due to acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. [3]

More research is needed to determine the potential health benefits of consuming roasted dandelion root tea. Many of the purported effects have been demonstrated in animal studies, but require more research to demonstrate efficacy in humans.

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea for Detoxification

Roasted dandelion root tea is a natural diuretic, which means that it increases the expulsion of water from the body through urination.

Unlike pharmaceutical diuretics, dandelion root is believed to increase urine volume and urination frequency without causing serious risk of side effects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the possible adverse effects of prescription water pills include:

• Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia)
• Potassium excess (hyperkalemia);
• Sodium deficiency (hyponatremia);
• Muscle cramps;
• Dehydration;
• Impotence;
• Headache;
• Dizziness;
• Gout;

Dandelion root helps to reduce uric acid in the blood which can cause pain in the joints and lead to a condition called gout. Decreased uric acid and increased urination are helpful for keeping the urinary tract, digestive tract and reproductive system free of bacterial and viral infections.

This herbal tea has been used traditionally for UTIs (urinary tract infections), kidney problems and disorders of the bladder. It may also help to prevent the formation of cysts located on reproductive organs. [4]

However, the FDA has not evaluated the use of dandelion for these health conditions. It is not approved as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.

Roasted dandelion root tea is commonly used in combination with an herb called Uva Ursi for supporting urinary tract health. Uva Ursi is believed to combat bacterial infections and increase diuresis (urine production) in the kidneys.

Dandelion Tea for Weight Loss

Dandelion extracts are sometimes used to promote weight loss as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan. However, there is no research to suggest that drinking this tea will cause you to lose body fat independent of other interventions.

Many people drink roasted dandelion root tea to make them urinate more, which can help to reduce water weight, bloating and inflammation. As a diuretic, dandelion increases the amount of urine that the kidneys produce and increases urination frequency.

Elimination of water weight will technically result in a lower measurement if you step on a scale but will not result in changes to body composition.

However, there is some novel research that suggests dandelion may exhibit anti-obesity effects independent of its diuretic effect. Ongoing studies are exploring how it influences metabolic health and, “hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inflammation, among others.” [6]

One of the ways that dandelion may influence body weight is due to its content of inulin, a prebiotic fiber. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that dandelion root contains “large amounts of the polysaccharide, inulin.”

Research shows that inulin support weight loss and reduces the risk of diabetes mellitus. [5] It may also support the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut that can contribute to health weight regulation and appetite control.

Dandelion for Edema

Edema is a condition marked by abnormal accumulation of flued in the body’s tissues. It can affect different parts of the body, including the legs, arms, feet, hands, lungs or other areas under the skin.

Edema results in swelling caused by watery fluids leaking from blood vessels into tissues and cavities throughout the body. It can result in long-term complications if the swelling is not addressed.

Dandelion helps to rid the body of fluid accumulations via increased urination and has been used as an herbal remedy for edema symptoms.

However, unless the underlying cause(s) of fluid retention are addressed, the fluid accumulations will continue to develop. According to WebMD, some of the causes of edema include:

• Use of prescription medications;
• Allergic reactions;
• Kidney disease;
• Heart disease;
• Liver disease;
• Pregnancy;

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea During Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant or nursing often abstain from drinking coffee and other sources of caffeine to avoid passing on this stimulant to the developing fetus or infant.

Avoiding coffee can be difficult, especially for people who are regular consumers of this beverage. When you stop drinking caffeine, withdrawal symptoms can occur including brain fog, low energy levels and irritable moods.

Some pregnant and nursing women use roasted dandelion root tea as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. Switching to this beverage is also anecdotally reported to ease some of the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal.

Dandelion also helps to reduce edema which is common in pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, ask your OB/GYN or pediatrician about adding dandelion tea to your diet. This product may not be appropriate for everyone.

How to Use Roasted Dandelion Root Tea

It is easy to prepare organic roasted dandelion root tea at home. You can read detailed instructions on how to brew this beverage here.

Several different brands also provide pre-packaged dandelion tea bags that can be purchased on Amazon or in local grocery stores.

According to one user review, “Traditional Medicinals offers a delicious roasted dandelion root tea which tastes remarkably similar to coffee and makes an excellent substitute.”

Another popular product is the Dandy Blend Instant Drink Mix, which combined dandelion coffee with a number of other herbs that are purported to have health benefits.

Dandelion is a Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) food according to the US Food and Drug Administration. This means it is generally well tolerated and presumed to pose a low risk of side effecs.

Rare allergic reactions are possible. Some people can experience adverse reactions when they use this product. There is also a possibility for drug interactions and this tea may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions.

Human research on the biological effects and safety of dandelion has been very limited in the past. While it has a long history of use in traditional medicine, there have only been a small number of clinical studies conducted to determine its therapeutic effects.

It is best to seek medical advice before making roasted dandelion root tea a part of your routine diet. Be especially careful if you have a health condition or use prescription medications.

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