The days are getting warmer, and the grass is getting green. Spring is here, and with it, the dandelions. Instead of thinking of them as weeds, it's time to get creative and learn how to make dandelion tea as a delicious, natural, and soothing spring beverage.
What to Know About Dandelions
Caution: Keep all medicinal plants, natural and herbal remedies and medicines safely out of the reach of children. Talk to your trusted healthcare provider l before using dandelion tincture or dandelion extract. It may interact with other medicines or prompt allergic reactions.
Dandelions, known scientifically as Taraxacum officinale, belong to the Asteraceae family, like daisies and chicory. These bright yellow flowers are often unfairly dismissed as pesky weeds, yet every part of the dandelion—the whole plant, from the tender leaves to the deep roots—offers nutritional and medicinal properties.
Dandelion flowers, leaves, and roots are edible and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support liver function, aid digestion, and act as a natural diuretic for fluid retention. In our home, we use those pesky dandelions in many ways.
Last year, we made dandelion jelly for the first time. It's so good on sourdough biscuits. We ate dandelion greens in our salads. I made dandelion flower shortbread, too.
I also experimented with different ways to include dandelions in my home remedies toolkit, including making dandelion oil and salve for dry and irritated skin. Finally, I used vodka and dandelion leaves and roots to make dandelion tincture.
Dandelions for Health
The health benefits of dandelions are extensive. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and E, as well as folate, iron, and calcium, dandelions have antioxidant properties that support the immune system and help maintain blood sugar levels.
Dandelion tea can be a great way to incorporate these medicinal herbs into your diet. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you have medical conditions or are concerned about potential allergic reactions.
How to Make Dandelion Tea
This dandelion tea recipe could be called dandelion flower tea. Or even dandelion root tea. It all depends on which parts of the plant you want to include in your recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of hot water
- ¼ cup of fresh dandelion flowers (Ensure they are free from pesticides and not from areas treated with weed killer)
- Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
- Lemon slice (optional)
Directions
- Carefully wash the dandelion flowers to remove any dirt. Make sure to use only the flowers of the dandelion plant that you know are safe, such as those from your own garden or a trusted field, away from direct sunlight and chemical exposure.
- Separate the yellow flower petals from the rest of the plant. Small pieces of the green part are okay, but too much can alter the sweet flavor of your tea.
- Boil 2 cups of water. Place the flower petals in a jar or a tea ball and pour the hot water over them. Or, if you have a reusable cloth tea bag, you could try that.
- Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes. This is the best way to extract the flavors and health benefits.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove the petals or simply remove the tea ball.
- Add honey and a slice of lemon to enhance the flavor if desired. This step is optional but can add a lovely, sweet, and tangy taste to your tea.
Note: you can use the dandelion root to make dandelion coffee. This hot drink tastes similar to chicory root coffee.
I enjoy herbal teas and coffee, too. I find it relaxing to sip a cup of tea made with herbs or a vanilla lavender latte when I'm reading a favorite homesteading book or a new cookbook. Come to think of it, I'll have to try making a dandelion latte one of these days as a coffee substitute.
There's something soothing about drinking tea made with my own dandelions. The earthy and sweet flavor makes me look forward to summer. And by the way, you can also get dandelion leaf tea at your local health food stores or even online.
Whether you drink dandelion tea for its potential to aid digestion, support liver health, or simply as a comforting herbal remedy, it is a wonderful addition to your tea collection.
Making your own dandelion tea is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the natural benefits of this common but often overlooked plant. Whether you use the bright yellow flower heads for a light floral tea or the roots for a coffee-like flavor, each part of the dandelion offers a unique taste and health benefit. So, the next time you spot those bright yellow flowers in your yard, consider brewing a fresh pot of dandelion tea.
Dandelion Tea FAQs
Got questions about making tea from dandelions? We have answers!
What are the best times to harvest dandelions for tea?
The best time to gather dandelions for your tea is in early spring when the flowers are young and tender. This is when the nutritional content, especially vitamin C and antioxidant properties, is at its peak. Early morning is ideal for picking fresh flowers before exposure to too much sun.
Can dandelion tea help with digestive issues?
Yes, dandelion tea can aid the digestive system. Both dandelion root and leaf teas stimulate digestion, relieve an upset stomach, and help with fluid retention by acting as a natural diuretic. It's a traditional remedy for many digestive ailments, but always consult a healthcare provider for guidance on specific medical conditions.
Are there any side effects to drinking dandelion tea?
While dandelion tea is safe for most people, it can cause allergic reactions in some, especially those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. It can also interact with certain medications, affecting blood sugar levels and diuretic processes.
Although dandelion tea offers numerous health benefits, remember to discuss all herbal remedies with your healthcare provider before adding this or any other medicinal teas to your diet, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking medication.
Dandelion Tea Recipe
Enjoy this simple dandelion tea recipe, sweetened with honey or maple syrup and a touch of lemon for a taste of spring.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup fresh dandelion flowers
- Honey to taste
- optional-lemon
Instructions
- Wash your dandelion plants well, be sure to remove all dirt, and pull off any dead leaves.
- Pluck out the yellow petals only, a little green won’t hurt but it will affect the light flavor of your tea.
- Boil 2 cups of water and pour over flower petals in a jar. Allow to steep for 10 minutes.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer, alternatively you could put your dandelion flowers in a mesh tea strainer or bag. Squeeze out all the liquid to get every drop of the golden goodness.
Notes
Add honey and lemon if desired to taste.
Enjoy the flavor and the benefits!
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 44Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 11mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 0g
