Most people recognize dandelions as the yellow weed that pops up your backyard. But this plant, officially known as Taraxacum officinale, has long been used in herbal medicine for its health benefits.

Dandelion tea is most often made from the roasted root. Here are a few ways that dandelion tea can help benefit your health.

Reduces Water Weight

One of the earliest recorded uses of dandelion tea is as a diuretic, helping the body eliminate excess body water through the kidneys and urine. This may be due to the plant's high potassium content, which can signal the body to flush out sodium. Diuretics can be helpful for relieving fluid retention, PMS, and bloating.

Supports Liver Health

Dandelion tea has been used to promote liver function in holistic medicine for centuries. Studies have shown this may be due to dandelion's ability to increase the flow of bile, which assists in detoxing the liver and relieve symptoms of liver disease.

Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Dandelion is rich in a soluble fiber called inulin, which can help control blood sugar spikes. Additionally, inulin is a type of complex carbohydrate, supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome, supported by a high-fiber diet, may help alleviate symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Most people think dandelion is just an annoying weed. But it has been used in medical treatments throughout history.