Roasted and chopped Dandelion Root from Yunnan unpolluluted area.
Great for replacing coffee for its coffee-like aroma, but cafferine-free and nutritious.
You can simply brew it alone, or add some plant-milk to make great dandelion-root latte.
What is Dandelion Root?
Dandelion root is traditionally used as a gentle digestive bitter to improve digestion, increase bile flow choleretic, and relieve nausea and vomiting and improve appetite. The bitter constituents in dandelion increase bile flow, and act as an appetite stimulant.
Dandelion Potential Benefits:
According to herbalgram.org,
"Early 19th century Eclectic physicians used dandelion root extract as a tonic, diuretic, and aperient (to relieve constipation); for conditions of the liver, spleen, and kidneys; and for edema. Additionally, a root extract was used as a cholagogue (to discharge bile); in chronic jaundice; for rheumatism, blood disorders, skin problems, mouth ulcers, and gastritis; and to stimulate the stomach.The British Herbal Compendium described bitter (a medicinal substance that promotes appetite or digestion), mild laxative, and cholagogue effects, while the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia noted dandelion’s beneficial effect on the liver.
In 1984, the German Commission E approved the use of dandelion root with herb (prepared as an herbal tea infusion, a decoction, or a tincture) as a nonprescription medicine for treating disturbances of bile flow, for stimulating diuresis, and for treating loss of appetite and dyspepsia. In 1992, the Commission E approved the use of dandelion herb for treating loss of appetite, dyspepsia, bloating, and flatulence. Now, official national labeling standards monographs of European Union (EU) member states, such as those of the German Commission E, have been superseded by monographs of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)."
According to mindbodygreen.com:
Helps reduce water weight.
One of the earliest recorded uses of dandelion tea is as a diuretic, helping the body eliminate excess body water through the kidneys and urine. This may be due to the plant's high potassium content, which can signal the body to flush out sodium. Diuretics can be helpful for relieving fluid retention, PMS, and bloating.
Improves liver function.
Vitamin-rich dandelion root is a good source of antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and damage. Antioxidants work all over the body, but beta-carotene, in particular, has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver. Plus, a specific carbohydrate found in dandelion root has been shown to act like an antioxidant, protecting the liver from cellular damage that can lead to acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.
What's more, animal studies suggest that dandelion root may prevent diet-related fat accumulation in the liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Helps improve digestion and gut flora.
Because dandelion root is full of gut-friendly fiber, it's no wonder it improves digestion. Research has found the dandelion plant to increase Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, the two most common species used as probiotics and associated with gut health. Dandelion tea may therefore decrease bloating, gas, and general digestive discomfort.
Bitters made from dandelion greens are also a common remedy for digestive maladies.
May help stabilize blood sugar.
Dandelion root has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties such as enhancing insulin secretion and sensitivity and reducing hyperglycemic events. In one study, supplementing with dandelion root powder significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. More research is needed, but the blood sugar stabilizing effects of dandelion tea are promising.
Helps reduce inflammation.
Several phytochemical compounds in dandelion, such as sesquiterpene lactones, taraxasterol, and chlorogenic acid, have been found to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Inflammation has been linked to everything from chronic disease to cognitive function, so keeping it under control should be a priority for everyone.
May help reduce risk of obesity.
According to one study, dandelion exerts similar triglyceride-lowering and pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects to the weight loss drug Orlistat. Pancreatic lipase is the body's primary way of absorbing fat, so reducing this enzyme may result in improved weight maintenance.
Bonus: Dandelion tea can act as a coffee substitute. While dandelion tea is caffeine-free, it has a similar aroma and flavor to coffee (but without the acidity). It's a great natural alternative for those looking to reduce their coffee consumption.
