How to make homemade dandelion tea from fresh dandelions. This medicinal herb is wonderful for supporting hormonal and digestive health, lactation, or to help remedy conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Who else used to love picking wild dandelions out of the ground to blow the little white seeds everywhere?

This so called “weed” is actually rich in a range of nutrients such as vitamins A,C, K and B-vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium and choline. This medicinal plant has a long history of use as a herbal remedy, helping to support natural detoxification systems in the body, balancing hormones, and remedying ailments such as urinary tract infections or soothing recurring mastitis.

Dandelions can also be used as a food source, with all parts of the plant being edible. The root is usually roasted and used in teas or simply consumed whole. The leaves go really well in salads or other meals requiring greens, and the flowers (while still yellow) can be eaten raw, cooked, or even made into wine!

The Health Benefits of Dandelions

Dandelions have many beneficial properties for the body, including the following.

1. Cleanses the Liver

In my interview with Dee (from FlowFit), she talked about the importance of the liver, and how it acts as the “gatekeeper” to the body, filtering out toxins, hormones, food, heavy metals, and other substances we come into contact with in our everyday lives. If the liver isn’t able to perform its job effectively, it can cause problems down the track. Dandelion is believed to help detoxify the liver. In one of Wellness Mama’s articles, she notes that, ‘in the past, roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and an upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, dandelion was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhoea.’

In an article by Dr. Axe, Christine Ruggeri, CHHC shares how ‘dandelions aid our digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile. Dandelion tea or stems are also good vitamin C foods, which animal studies show may help with mineral absorption, reducing inflammation and preventing the development of disease.’

2. Improves Skin Health

The high levels of zinc and magnesium found in dandelions, and their ability to aid detoxification, make them a powerhouse of a herb for skin health. The herb can be found in tea or capsule form, made into decoctions, tinctures, syrups, wines, skin healing salves, and more.

3. Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections, bladder problems, kidney issues and possibly even cysts on reproductive organs can be helped by consuming dandelion tea. This is largely due to its diuretic properties.

According to an article by Healthline, ‘paired with another herb, uva ursi, dandelion roots and leaves may help prevent urinary tract infections. It’s believed this combination works because of anti-bacterial compounds in uva ursi, and the increased urination associated with dandelion.’

Other health benefits of dandelion, shared by Mommypotamus, include:

• Liver and gallbladder support
• Soothing skin irritations
• Reducing water retention
• Improving skin clarity
• Supporting respiratory function during allergy season
• Supporting healthy bowel function
• Preventing oxidative stress
• Supporting eye health
• Supporting healthy digestion and gut microbiome diversity

Before we get started in learning how to make dandelion tea from fresh dandelions, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

Homemade Dandelion Tea made from Fresh Dandelions

I often make this tea at home, after collecting dandelions from my garden or the forest around where I live. I come inside, brew them up, and the tea’s ready to go!

Please note that, if you gather wild-grown dandelions, it’s important to make sure that the area has not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides and that it doesn’t come from an area where pets have done their business.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups filtered water
• 2 cups fresh, clean dandelions (I use the whole plant) or 1 cup dried dandelion flowers
• 1 tsp raw honey or stevia, to taste (optional)

To make:

1. Place the water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil, then turn the heat off.
2. Add the fresh or dried dandelions to the saucepan with the boiled water, and let it steep until the tea has reached your desired strength; around 20 minutes.
3. Strain the tea and stir in the honey (if using), then serve the tea hot or let it cool and serve it over ice to make iced tea.
4. Dilute the tea with water if the flavour is too strong.

Dandelion root also makes a wonderful coffee substitute when roasted and made into a dandelion latte.

Homemade dandelion tea tutorial

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post. While it’s generally considered safe to consume, those allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine may not be able to consume it.

Have you used dandelions before? What did you make with them? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa