Herbal Weight Loss News

Dandelion is a herb with fat metabolising properties. For weight loss, several cups of dandelion tea can be sipped daily, adding 1-2 tablesp. of cider vinegar to each cup.

Dandelion tea has a long history of human usage. Dandelion tea can be used as an herbal detox to help cleanse your liver and kidneys. It can be taken on its own, or in combination with other herbs.A daily tea of dandelion root, or eating the leaves, is recommended for anyone with liver complaints.

Chinese medicinal practitioners used dandelion to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow).

The early American colonial settlers loved the common weed and taught the Native American Indians how to use it.
Dandelion coffee is usually made from dandelion roots that are slightly roasted and ground ready to use. The powder is said to be almost indistinguishable from real coffee, and is claimed to be better than lower quality coffee, which has often been adulterated.

You can make dandelion tea by infusing 1 to 2 teaspoonful of dried dandelion leaves in hot water. Drink up to 3 times daily. The cut leaf form of the herb can be brewed inside a stainless steel tea ball or inside a wicker tea cup basket.

Compared to dandelion flowers and leaves, dandelion root is the part of the plant used most often for medicinal purposes, and which provides the most health benefits. Dandelion root tea is available in teabags, dried powder form, or in capsules.

An infusion of 1 teasp. of root to 1 cup of water may be prepared and taken freely (several cups a day). Sweeten with honey if desired. 5-6 fresh leaves to 1 cup of boiling water, left to steep 5-10 minutes, can be used similarly.

Caution All parts of the dandelion plant contain a milk sap. Those allergic to dandelions should be especially careful not to come into contact with this sap. Most others, however, can tolerate the sap when it is applied to their skin.

Here are some dandelion tea recipes:

Digestive Problems Herbal Tea

1 ounce dandelion root
1 ounce dandelion leaves and stems
2/3 ounce fennel seeds
2/3 ounce peppermint leaves

Steep this mixture in 1 cup of hot water for about 10 minutes and strain. This medicinal tea combination helps stimulate bile production, promote digestion and alleviate intestinal gas.

Caution Never give children an herbal tea with peppermint. The menthol in the peppermint could have an adverse reaction.

Medicinal Tea Ideal for Skin Cleansing

2/3 ounce dandelion root
2/3 ounce dandelion leaves
2/3 ounce nettle leaves
2/3 ounce red clover blossoms
2/3 ounce rose hips

Steep this mixture in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes and strain. You will need to drink a cup of this tea daily for several weeks before the skin-clarifying effect becomes evident.

Dandelion Tea for Fluid Retention

1 ounce dandelion root
1 ounce dandelion leaves
2/3 ounce nettle leaves
2/3 ounce spearmint leaves

Steep this mixture in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes and strain. This tea aids metabolism and stimulates the activity of the kidneys, thereby reducing bloating and fluid retention.