Beat the Bloat: Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is often considered a weed, but this herb has been known by many for its powerful cleansing properties. Dandelion is regarded as a liver and kidney tonic in traditional medicine, and often used to improve digestion. Add the leaves to your salads or enjoy some dandelion root tea – it’s a great way to detox the liver! Plus it has many additional great benefits, such as:

1. Improves digestion and aids weight loss.
2. Eases congestion of the liver.
3. Helps to purify the bladder and kidneys.
4. Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
5. Contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins B and C.
6. Helps purify the blood, regulate blood sugar and improves blood circulation.
7. Ease bloating and aching joints.
8. Helps to cure skin conditions.

   

How to Make Dandelion Tea

There are many companies that make Dandelion tea including Yogi and Traditional Medicinals or you can make it yourself! Harvest dandelion plants that haven’t been treated with chemicals,  clean the plants (younger plants are preferable) and then simply pour hot water over the top of the greens. Steep, strain and enjoy!

You don’t have to look to your yard the next time you have tummy troubles or feel a bad bloat set in. Dandelion greens can be found in the produce section of most health food stores or specialty markets like Whole Foods, and some supermarkets.