Dandelion Tea for Weight Loss: Benefits & History

Dandelion tea does help many people to shed weight--primarily water weight. It serves as a diuretic, increasing the production of urine by drawing salt and water from the kidneys.

History

• Dandelion tea, dandelion root, leaves and extract have been used for centuries to help with a number of ailments. The ancient Chinese, early American settlers and Native Americans were all known to use the dandelion in several forms as a common medicine.

Effectiveness

• If being used as a diuretic to shed water weight, dandelion tea provides the added bonuses of helping with high blood pressure and liver disorders.

Other Uses

• Dandelion tea has uses that go beyond its effectiveness as a diuretic. It's a good source of potassium, it can be used as an herbal cleaner for the liver and kidneys, it can relieve constipation and it serves as an excellent source of energy.

Choosing a Tea

• Dandelion tea can be made of dandelion root, leaves or flowers. All are effective, but tea made from the flower's root is most often recommended for weight loss. Choosing the form--teabags, powder or capsules--is entirely a matter of personal preference.

Famous Ties

• Jillian Michaels, a well-known fitness expert, gave dandelion tea a great plug when she announced she used it to regularly lose water weight.