Too many cocktails. A heavy dinner. An indulgent vacation. We’ve all experienced the puffy face and bloated belly that quickly follows. What, if anything, can be done?
Aside from downing some extra water and doing a quick workout, drinking dandelion tea may help. The natural ancient remedy is said to help detox and de-puff, and has long been rumored to be used by models before photo shoots and fashion shows. “According to some studies, it can help reduce water retention and improve digestion and liver function,” notes integrative nurse and herbalist Lynn Green. Below, a deeper look at the plant’s health properties and benefits.
The health properties of dandelion
Many of us recall the sunny dandelion flower of our childhoods, the blossoms of which changed from bright yellow to fluffy puffs come summer’s end. But dandelion—scientific name Taraxacum officinale— isn’t just for making wishes and flower crowns; the flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots of the perennial herbaceous plant are also rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants such as polyphenols and beta-carotene.
Though it’s often called a “weed,” the humble plant offers diverse health properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support the liver, heart and even the skin. Its documented uses and properties are numerous: “These properties comprise diuretic, hepatoprotective, anti-colitis, immunoprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antioxidant and anticancer effects,” notes a comprehensive scientific review that examined all the properties of dandelion, which also include liver protective, antioxidant, and anticancer functions. “This plant represents a promising source for the prevention and treatment of health conditions. The protective action of Taraxacum officinale against hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and cancer cell proliferation is well reported in the scientific literature,” the review went on to state.
With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that dandelion’s scientific name is derived from Greek words meaning “medicinal remedy.” Here are just a few of the plant’s properties:
