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How Dandelion Tea Promotes Digestion and Liver Health

Dandelion tea
Dandelion tea has many beneficial properties Photo: Getty Images

June 27, 2025, 7:07 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Some adults may remember dandelions as “puff flowers” from their childhood days. However, the diverse health benefits of dandelions are not yet widely known. As a tea, the plant is gaining popularity. FITBOOK reveals the special active ingredients found in dandelion tea, how to prepare it, and how it can even aid in weight loss.

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Dandelion tea is—unsurprisingly—made from dandelions. It is also known by the scientific name Taraxacum Ruderalia and belongs to the family of Asteraceae. Dandelions can grow up to 30 centimeters tall and go through various stages, from a knotted bud to a bright yellow flower and finally to a delicate puffball. The main blooming period in Europe is from April to May, which is also the ideal time for harvesting dandelions. During this period, dandelions are particularly aromatic and vibrant, which is reflected in the golden hue of the infusion.

Overview

Application: Dandelion Tea Is Said to Help with These Ailments

Dandelion tea is recommended in phytotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for digestive tract disturbances and bladder and kidney issues. It is said to have calming, antispasmodic, and detoxifying effects. Dandelion tea can support digestion, relieve bloating, and promote a feeling of fullness. Additionally, its digestive and diuretic effects make it purifying and hydrating. Therefore, it is often consumed during fasting and detoxification regimens to support the detoxification process.

What Active Ingredients Are Behind It?

Dandelion tea is rich in flavonoids and coumarins. These sterols cause a biochemical binding of water and are said to improve circulation. Minerals like potassium and the bitter compounds Eudesmanolid and Tetrahydroiridentin B from the flowers catalyze the release of digestive hormones. Additionally, the root of the dandelion contains numerous complex carbohydrates, as well as insulin, making the tea recommended for diabetics.

What Effect Is Dandelion Tea Supposed to Have on Health, and What Do Studies Say?

Since dandelion is a widespread plant in Europe, its biochemical compositions are now well-researched, including its digestive-promoting effects. The prebiotic fiber inulin found in dandelion root has been shown in studies to promote digestion, relieve constipation, and contribute to a healthy gut flora. In addition to its digestive and diuretic effects, dandelion tea is also said to benefit the liver. Study results from a 2017 investigation suggest that the polysaccharides contained in dandelion may actually support liver function in its detoxification process.1,2,3

Furthermore, the bitter compounds in dandelion can play a supportive role in weight loss. Bitter compounds like Eudesmanolid not only stimulate digestive juices but also curb appetite, as they trigger a hormonal reaction upon contact with taste buds that dampens hunger. Studies suggest that bitter flavors can lead to earlier satiety and thus help reduce calorie intake.4 Additionally, the slightly bitter, spicy taste can curb cravings for sweets and reduce the desire for strongly flavored foods. This is an effect that is particularly beneficial when transitioning to a more conscious diet.

Are There Possible Side Effects or Risks?

In principle, the consumption of dandelion is considered very safe. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur. Dandelion can also interact with some prescription medications. People taking prescription drugs should therefore discuss with their doctor whether consuming dandelion tea is safe.

Where Is Dandelion Tea Available, and How Is It Prepared?

Dandelion tea is readily available in many well-stocked supermarkets and online. Since it has its strongest aroma during its blooming period and shortly after harvest, it is advisable to shop seasonally and enjoy it fresh, especially during the warmer months.

For one liter of the delicious hot beverage, a teaspoon of tea blend or about five grams of fresh dandelion is boiled with hot water, steeped for ten minutes, and then strained. Dandelion tea is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional herbal teas, whether served hot or cold as iced tea.

More on the topic

How Does It Taste?

Dandelion tea tastes best when made from freshly harvested flowers. Since these have the most intense aroma shortly after picking, it is also advisable to pay attention to the harvest date when purchasing. It has a bitter base flavor typical of herbal teas. However, its spicy note is particularly characteristic, making dandelion a popular spice in traditional cuisine and pairing well with potato and meat dishes.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of FITBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@fitbook.de.

Topics #Naturtreu Tee Teesorten

Sources

  1. Jin, Y.-R. Jin X.-X. Pia N. et al. (2011). The effect of Taraxacum officinale on gastric emptying and smooth muscle motility in Rodents. Neurogastroenterology & Motility ↩︎
  2. Yurrita, L.C., San Mauro Martín I., Ciudad-Cabañas M.J. et al. (2014). Effectiveness of inulin intake on indicators of chronic constipation; a meta-analysis of controlled randomized clinical trials. Nutricion Hospitalaria ↩︎
  3. Cai, L., Wan D. , Yi F, Luan L. (2017). Purification, Preliminary Characterization and Hepatoprotective Effects of Polysaccharides from Dandelion Root. Molecules ↩︎
  4. Mattes RD. (2005). Fat taste and lipid metabolism in humans. National Libary of Medicine ↩︎
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