Dandelion & Jasmine Flower Tea

Why people make this tea

Nourilo spotted dandelion tea for sale at a Chinese herbal medicine shop — likely dried young dandelion leaves — and bought a packet to try. He found it mildly bitter, with a gently sweet undertone. Being a stomach-cold type himself, he noted straightaway that it would not be ideal for daily use in his own case. But for people who run warm — those who are prone to red, inflamed eyes, tonsil swelling, stomach heat with bloating, mastitis, lymph inflammation, or urinary tract infections — dandelion tea fits beautifully, as dandelion is traditionally classified as a herb for clearing any type of heat-toxin. Modern research has identified dandelion as a potent anti-inflammatory herb, with documented activity against H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) — the bacterium primarily responsible for gastritis and gastric ulcers. Dandelion is also one of nature’s richest plant sources of selenium, at roughly 14.7 micrograms per 100 grams, and selenium has been associated with protective effects against stomach cancer. Pairing dandelion with jasmine flower creates a fragrant, calming blend that aids digestion and reduces gas.

Method

1. Place the dandelion tea and jasmine flowers in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Rinse once with boiling water and discard the first wash.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
4. Drink as is, or with a small amount of honey if desired (add only after the tea has cooled slightly).

(If using whole fresh or dried dandelion herb: rinse well, simmer in 0.9–1.2 L of water for 7–8 minutes, then strain and combine with jasmine.)

Nourilo’s Tips

Dandelion is very cooling in nature and suits heat-type bodies. If your constitution tends to run cold or your stomach is sensitive, this tea is not for you. Drink 1 cup per day until symptoms ease, then reduce frequency. For H. pylori gastritis, Nourilo also recommends drinking fresh cold-pressed black currant juice 10 minutes before meals — black currant has been shown to help reduce this bacterium. Long-term gastric protection can also be supported by regularly making green papaya soup to protect the stomach lining.