Dandelion tea is tea made from the leaves of the dandelion plant. The dandelion plant is a thick, brittle, beige and branching plant with milky sap. The name "dandelion" comes from its seed heads, which are white and are reminiscent of a lion's mane.
Dandelion tea is said to have several health benefits, including improving liver function, removing gall stones and reduces the inflammation of the bile duct.
Dandelion tea has a strong, intense and bitter taste and therefore is usually sweetened before being drunk.
Health benefits of dandelion tea
Dandelion tea uses the leaves of the dandelion plant, and the leaves are highly nutritious.
The leaves contain several vitamins and minerals to promote well-being. Dandelion leaves contains more beta-carotene than carrots, which is important for improving a person's ability to see in dim light. The leaves contain iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, D, E, and P.
Due to the existence of vitamin E, dandelion tea can be used to alleviate skin complaints. Vitamin E can help encourage the growth of body issue and protects cells from damage, therefore promoting healing and reducing scarring.
Preparation of dandelion tea
The best time to harvest the leaves to make dandelion tea is spring, before the flowers appear. Another time is late fall, as after a frost their protective bitterness disappears.
The best plants to use for dandelion tea are young plants with broad leaves, growing in rich, moist soil.
Six dandelion leaves should be used for one cup of tea. The leaves should be torn into strips first, before being placed onto the bottom of the cup. Boiling water should then be poured into the cup, and the tea should be left to stand for 5-10 minutes.
After standing, the tea should be strained before drinking. For a sweeter tasting tea, add one teaspoon of honey or sugar.
Unsweetened dandelion tea may be cooled and applied as a skin wash. The skin wash can be used on minor scars and inflammations.
