How to Lose Weight With Dandelion

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By Corinna Underwood
eHow Contributing Writer

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Though most people have a tendency to regard dandelion as a common weed, it has been considered with respect by herbalists for centuries. Its main use is as a liver remedy and recently it has been touted to help with weight loss. Dandelions are a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C and D as well as minerals including iron, zinc and potassium. The plant's roots are the most commonly used, though young, fresh leaves can be eaten raw as part of a salad. Ground dandelion root is also sometimes used as a coffee substitute.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

dandelion herb
water

How to Lose Weight With Dandelions

Step 1

Try making dandelion root coffee. This is a tasty, caffeine free coffee substitute. Clean the roots thoroughly and grind them in a blender. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 2 hours at 250F. When cool, grind the roasted roots to a powder using a coffee grinder or blender. They can now be used in a coffee maker just as you would use regular coffee.
Step 2

Make dandelion tea by boiling one ounce of the dried herb in one pint of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain into a cup and drink while it is still warm. You can also add sugar or honey to sweeten the flavor.
Step 3

Incorporate fresh dandelion leaves into your daily diet. Fresh leaves make a delicious and nutritious addition to salads or sandwiches. They may also be cooked and used in addition to or replacement of spinach or cabbage.
Step 4

The typical dosage for dandelion is 4-10 grams of dried leaf, boiled to make tea, three times per day.

Tips & Warnings

Dandelion has many healing properties such as:
It eliminates waste and toxins form the body and so makes a great general tonic.
It is a rich source of magnesium, which makes it good for bone health.
It has diuretic properties (it stimulates the flow of urine) and is good if you are suffering from a urinary tract infection.
It helps the liver process toxins, making it valuable in the treatment of hepatitis.
If you're harvesting your own dandelion roots, the best time to do so it early fall, at this time they contain the most nutrients.
If you don't want to pick your own dandelion roots you can purchase dandelion tea bags and dandelion root powder at good health stores.
Dandelion herbs and roots are available fresh or dried in a variety of forms, including tinctures, liquid extract, teas, tablets, and capsules. Dandelion can be found alone or in combination dietary supplements.