• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Household
  • DIY
  • Food & Drink
  • Health and Beauty

Crafty Little Gnome

Published: May 9, 2019 | Last Modified: Oct 13, 2022 | Author: adrienne

Dandelion Root Tea Recipe- Make Tea from Garden Weeds!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe


Make this dandelion root tea recipe from common weeds growing in your garden. Learn to harvest dandelion roots and make delicious tea after they have been dried and ground up. Infuse the dandelion roots with water to make medicinal tea that can help to detoxify your liver, improve appetite, soothe digestive issues, and possibly relieve constipation.

how to make dandelion root tea

Table of contents

  1. Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
    1. What are the benefits of drinking dandelion tea?
      1. What part of the dandelion is used for tea?
        1. Does dandelion tea help with water retention?
          1. How do you make fresh dandelion tea?
            1. Step 1: Harvesting dandelion roots for tea
            2. How to dry and cook dandelion root
              1. Supplies need for dandelion root tea recipe
                1. How to brew dandelion root tea
                  1. How long should dandelion tea steep?
                    1. What are the side effects of using dandelion root tea?
                      1. Special precautions and warnings for dandelion root tea:

                      Dandelion Root Tea Recipe

                      Did you know those pesky dandelions growing in your yard are edible? Yup, and they are actually good for you too. As spring turns into summer more and more dandelions will start blooming in our yard and on the rest of the farm. It's the perfect time to learn how to make dandelion root tea.

                      There is no way we could ever destroy those weeds all no matter how hard we try. We cut the grass regularly but the roots are still growing beneath the soil. Since we don't use chemical pesticides in our garden we can either ignore and cut the dandelions down or try to dig them up from the roots.

                      If you are suffering from the never-ending dandelion battle you may want to try using them to improve your health by making dandelion root tea.

                      You may also like: How to Wash Grapes

                      What are the benefits of drinking dandelion tea?

                      • Dandelion is believed to help cleanse the liver and gallbladder.
                      • Dandelion root can increase the flow of bile through the liver and biliary tract.
                      • According to the University of Michigan dandelion is rich in vitamins A, B complex, C and D.
                      • Dandelion root is a source of iron, potassium and zinc.
                      • Dandelion is a natural, mild laxitive

                      What part of the dandelion is used for tea?

                      Fun fact: Every part of the dandelion is edible. You can use pretty much the whole dandelion plant in different ways to make food and beverages. 

                      The leaves and flowers can be added to salads and even used to make wine. Today I’m going to  show you how to make tea out of dandelion root.

                      Does dandelion tea help with water retention?

                      This a great tea to drink if you feel like your body needs a bit of a cleanse.

                      Some herbs such as dandelion, ginger, parsley, hawthorn and juniper may have a diuretic effect that can help with sodium and water retention. Natural diuretics can help relieve fluid retention by making you urinate more.

                      Dandelion should not be used in place of prescription medication or as a substitute to medical care.  If you are unsure if you should be using dandelion root for medicinal purposes check with your doctor first.

                      dandelion root tea in cup with yellow flower

                      How do you make fresh dandelion tea?

                      dandelion roots being washed in a yellow strainer
                      Dandelion root tea

                      Step 1: Harvesting dandelion roots for tea

                      This is the hardest part. The roots are tough to get out. The bigger the bunch of leaves growing out of the ground, the bigger the roots. Try to harvest after it has rained. The ground will be considerably softer and it will be easier to pull out  the roots .

                      Using a small shovel slice into the dirt surrounding the root. Try to loosen the soil and then grasp the root as deep as you can and pull. Some will come out nicely, some will just snap off.  Trim the leaves off the root. You can discard them or add them to a salad.

                      Two important things to remember,

                      1) only use roots of plants that you know for sure are dandelion

                      2) Only harvest from dandelions you know have not been sprayed with weed killer or other nasty chemicals.

                        You can harvest any time of the year but it is believed that the roots will have the most nutritional value in the spring and fall.

                      dandelion roots washed

                      How to dry and cook dandelion root

                      Can you eat dandelion roots raw? Yes but they won't taste very good. Most parts of the dandelion plant are very bitter. The roots will taste much better roasted.

                      Supplies need for dandelion root tea recipe

                      • dandelion roots
                      • Kitchen knife
                      • Roasting pan
                      • Coffee grinder

                      Once you have gathered enough roots, take them to the kitchen. Wash them thoroughly and pick off the fibrous stringy bits. Rinse them again and then cut into small pieces. You want them ¼ - ½ inch pieces or smaller.

                      Place on a roasting pan and bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours.  Flip after one hour to make sure all the sides are roasted.  Once they are cooked try to chop them even smaller. You  can put them in a coffee grinder to make them even finer.

                      You may also like: How to Make Homemade Protein Powder 

                      How to brew dandelion root tea

                      Put your root powder in a tea infuser and steep for about 20 minutes. It tastes very light and kind of earthy, a little sweet and a little bitter. I added a cinnamon stick to mine for a little more flavor.

                      Next time I think I will add some cloves and some nutmeg for even more flavor. You can drink it on it’s own, it’s just a little bland for my taste.  Store extra root powder in an airtight container.

                      How long should dandelion tea steep?

                      When you are making tea you never want to steep the tea in boiling water. You should bring the water to a boil and then let it sit for a few minutes before adding your diffuser or tea bag

                      If you place the tea in boiling water to steep you may burn the tea and it can affect the taste

                      I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't plan on liking the taste but I actually don't mind it at all. Since I have so many dandelions growing in my yard I will be experimenting with other recipes like dandelion salad and wine. Stay tuned.

                      dandelion root tea in mug on table with dandelion flowers

                      What are the side effects of using dandelion root tea?

                      Dandelion is likely safe for most people when used in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when used in medicinal amounts (larger amounts than those found in food).

                      Special precautions and warnings for dandelion root tea:

                      Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of dandelion during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

                      Ragweed allergy: Dandelion can cause allergic reactions when taken by mouth or applied to the skin of sensitive people. People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) are likely to be allergic to dandelion. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking dandelion.

                      how to make dandelion tea
                      4.59 from 12 votes
                      Print

                      Dandelion Root Tea Recipe

                      Make this dandelion tea recipe with weeds from your garden. Dandelion is great for your health and the whole plant is edible. Dandelion root tea recipe is fun and easy to make.
                      Cuisine American
                      Prep Time 2 hours
                      Cook Time 20 minutes
                      Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
                      Servings 4 servings
                      Calories 5 kcal
                      Author adrienne

                      Ingredients

                      • 1 teaspoon Dandelion roots roasted and grinded

                      Instructions

                      1. Clean and chop dandelion roots into one inch pieces. Roast them on a pan in the oven for 2 hours at 250 degrees
                      2.  Let the roots cool and grind them in a coffee grinder.
                      3. Place one tablespoon in a tea diffuser and steep in hot water until it reaches your desired taste.
                      Nutrition Facts
                      Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
                      Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
                      Calories 5
                      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
                      « Brick Accent Wall: Stunning DIY results Made Simple
                      Harry Potter Brick Wall Mural Tutorial »

                      Primary Sidebar

                      Portrait of woman in yellow dress.

                      Hi I’m Adrienne Carrie Hubbard.I believe a rich life comes not from the things you have, but the things you do; the experiences you create and the people you meet along the way. Thanks for hanging out!

                      More about me →

                      Popular

                      • Winning the Battle Against Pigeons: Effective Strategies for Bird Control
                      • 4 Brow-Shaping Tips to Complement a Long Face Shape
                      • Women over 40: How to Create an Anti-Aging Skin Care & Wellness Routine
                      • Ubox Like a Pro: Essential Tools You Need to Have

                      Footer

                      ↑ back to top

                      About

                      • Privacy Policy
                      • Accessibility Policy

                      Contact

                      • Info@craftylittlegnome.com

                      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

                      Copyright © 2020