Recipe: Dandelion-Cardamom Tea

According to Joyfulbelly, “Fresh from your yard, dandelion tea is like drinking sunshine in a cup.” We couldn’t agree more—the silver lining of our yards being covered in them at this time of year.

Dandelion leaves contain vitamins A, C, D, and a substantial amount of iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. They can be used in salads, to make wine, and this simple tea. 

Dandelion tea has many health benefits including superb anti-inflammatory properties. (You can sip the tea or apply the tea directly over an inflamed area.) It’s an antioxidant with anti-aging properties, a useful liver and kidney tonic, and it can promote digestion and balance the natural bacteria in the intestine.

Contraindications

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid dandelion. Dandelion may also influence how well the body rids lithium, increase the side effects in certain medications, and decrease the efficacy of the liver to break down medicines. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider or Ayurveda Practitioner if you are on medications before ingesting dandelion tea.

RECIPE: Dandelion-Cardamom Tea

Ingredients

3–4 Dandelion leaves
2 pinches of Cardamom
Mint leaves for flavor (optional)
Dandelion flowers for garnish

Directions

Steep dandelion leaves and cardamom (and mint if you choose) in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Serve garnished with flowers. You may also include your choice of sweetener if you like. Honey is our favorite.