Introduction

The health benefits of dandelion are numerous and can be seen in several different body systems. Seen most often in “cleaning a person out” via increased urination or better regularity in bowel movements, a frequently overlooked benefit is the ability of dandelion to reduce systemic inflammation. Tea made from dandelions is beneficial.

Managing inflammation for overall health

Inflammation can be both good and bad in the body. At the correct levels, it promotes healing and stimulates the immune system to become active when there is a threat such as a virus or bacteria. However, too much inflammation or chronic inflammation can cause permanent damage to healthy body tissues. Natural remedies can be very helpful in managing inflammation.

Introduction to dandelion tea as a natural remedy

Dandelion is one of the most accessible natural remedies in North America, Europe, Mexico, and China. While most people look at it simply as a weed, this plant offers so much. All parts of the dandelion (roots, stem, leaves, and flowers) are edible and useful. The tea is an excellent coffee substitute for those trying to limit caffeine. It is also full of vitamins and minerals and can have effects on both the urinary and digestive systems in addition to the liver and immune systems.

Understanding inflammation

As mentioned above, inflammation is the body’s response to an “invader”. This can be in the form of a bacteria, virus, fungi, allergen, or toxin. In the case of auto-immune diseases, the body is attacking its normal tissues. There are two distinct types of inflammation and dandelion tea can help in both cases.

Types of inflammation

Acute inflammation happens when an infection or injury occurs and the immune system begins to respond. Cytokines are a specific type of immune signal that is released to trigger the recruitment of the necessary immune system cells. This response can cause the body to react by producing pain or swelling at the site of the injury or a fever in the case of a foreign bacteria or virus. The entire goal of acute inflammation is to neutralise the threat and begin the healing process. It can last for a couple of hours to several days.

Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system continues to respond and signal for help in eradicating a threat that is no longer present. This is often the case in autoimmune diseases. In this case, the immune system will begin to attack normal body tissues and cause damage. Chronic inflammation cycles through periods of improvement and worsening. Ultimately, this process can last for months, years, or a lifetime.

Causes and symptoms of chronic inflammation

Some causes of chronic inflammation are stress, obesity, eating inflammatory foods, not exercising, using alcohol or tobacco, or an imbalance in the gut bacteria. The symptoms of chronic inflammation are diverse and may include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Mouth sores
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Skin rashes
• Weight fluctuations
• Mood changes

Numerous diagnosed conditions can be caused by or have an inflammatory component. These include:

• Autoimmune diseases: Such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Some cancers
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease

Overview of dandelion tea

Brief introduction to the dandelion plant

The dandelion comes up in early spring with yellow blooms that eventually turn into white flyaway seeds. Most often viewed as a weed, this little flower can be used to improve numerous body systems and processes. For centuries it has been used for food and herbal medicine.

Nutritional profile of dandelion

Dandelion tea is just one delicious way to consume dandelion. The dandelion is entirely edible and has a wealth of vitamins, minerals, polyphenols (antioxidants), fibre, and fatty acids. These nutrients include:

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, K, B, and folate
• Iron
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Phosphorous
• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese
• Polyphenol- quercetin

Traditional uses of dandelion in herbal medicine

Dandelion has been used in folk and herbal medicine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The leaves are frequently used in salads and soups. Medicinally, dandelion can be used in an encapsulated form, tincture (a concentrated liquid form), or a roasted and chopped root which can be ground. Dandelion tea also comes in a powdered form to be mixed with water. Dandelion is known to:

• Regulate blood sugar
• Reduce blood pressure
• Reduce cholesterol
• Support liver health
• Reduce inflammation

Mechanisms of action

Dandelion reduces inflammation by a direct interaction with the immune system signalling pathway. The polyphenols mentioned above are the main players in this process.

Anti-inflammatory properties of dandelion tea

Polyphenols are potent antioxidants which means that damage done by free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) can be prevented or reversed. When free radicals are left unchecked in the body, they can cause inflammation and damage by speeding up the ageing of cells. The polyphenols also increase levels of glutathione and beta-carotene (two specific anti-oxidants) which have a wide range of health benefits. In addition, an enzyme which breaks down the oxygen radicals called superoxide dismutase is activated and able to help reduce damage.

Additionally, anti-cancer activity has been noted in several tumour types (breast, prostate, colon, and liver cancer). This is thought to be related to dandelion’s ability to stop the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha which is a very inflammatory molecule.

How dandelion tea supports immune function

Dandelion tea is an easy way to consume dandelion. Since the tea is made from part or all of the dandelion, the mechanisms discussed above apply. The tea is full of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols which makes it great at reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.¹ Dandelions also contain taraxasterol which re-activates a pathway that is turned down in autoimmune diseases thereby lessening inflammation.² 

Scientific evidence

Numerous research studies support the anti-inflammatory benefits of dandelion tea in addition to the myriad of other benefits on the liver, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal systems.² As mentioned, all parts of the plant can be used for both dietary and medicinal purposes.³

Research studies supporting the anti-inflammatory effects

In the case of heart disease which is driven by inflammation, dandelion has been shown to inhibit the inflammatory pathway through a combination of methods.⁴ Of course, the first is the production of antioxidants. Additional mechanisms of action which are cardioprotective are the modification of cholesterol levels, inhibition of blood clotting, and blocking platelets from clumping together. Liver function is also improved and though that does not have a direct effect on inflammation, a healthy, optimally functioning liver is crucial for overall health.⁴

Comparison with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs

When compared with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or immune-modulating drugs such as methotrexate, dandelion shows multiple anti-inflammatory effects without the side effects associated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.⁵ In mouse studies, the dandelion extract was effective at alleviating symptoms and reducing the production of proinflammatory molecules. Other studies have confirmed that inflammatory mechanisms are turned down with the dandelion-based compound as well.⁶

Preparation and consumption

Dandelion tea is very easy to prepare. There are numerous pre-packaged options which can be found in natural food stores, grocery stores, or online. If dandelions are available, they can also be prepared easily at home. As with all herbs, dry preparations will require less plant matter than fresh ones. Using one cup of boiling water, steep ½ cup of fresh flowers or 1-2 tablespoons of dried leaves for about five minutes. In the case of the fresh flowers, that mixture should also be simmered before steeping for about 5 minutes. The roots can be used but that requires a little more forethought because they need to be washed, chopped, dried, and roasted for about 20-40 minutes at 177 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) before two tablespoons can be simmered in two cups of water for 10-15 minutes. In all of these cases, unless the plant parts are contained in a tea bag, a teapot with a strainer, or very finely ground and fully dissolved in the water, they should be removed before drinking. It is recommended that dandelion tea be consumed every day and two to three cups per day is best. However, one should not consume more than 4-12 grams per day of the leaves, flowers, or stems and no more than 1-3 grams per day of the roots. Before starting routine dandelion usage, one should also verify with their general practitioner that it is ok.

Potential side effects and interactions to consider

While dandelion is an herb with many benefits, it can still cause side effects in some people. Of course, medication interactions also need to be considered. In terms of side effects, these may include:

• Heartburn
• Upset stomach/sour stomach
• Low blood sugar
• Diarrhoea (mild)
• Skin rash
• Allergic reactions (dandelion should be avoided in persons with ragweed allergies)

There are also several classes of drugs which could interact with the dandelion. These include:

• Diuretics (medications that increase urine)
• Medications for low blood sugar
• Heart or blood pressure medications
• Lithium
• Some antibiotics
• Drugs that are a substrate of Cytochrome P450 enzymes, e.g CYP1A2 or CYP3A4
• Drugs that are a substrate of the UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) enzyme 

As mentioned above, it is very important to check with your doctor before beginning any new herbal products, including dandelion.

Summary

Dandelion is a useful food item to add to the diet but is also an excellent herb which provides many benefits to the body. Dandelion tea specifically is known for its many benefits including its ability to reduce inflammation. Numerous compounds in the dandelion affect the inflammatory response. Tea can be a tasty part of a daily routine that promotes health and reduces inflammation.