Dandelion Root Tea

Why people make this tea

Dandelion is one of those plants that modern science and traditional medicine have quietly agreed on. In Chinese food therapy, the whole dandelion plant — leaves, stem, and root — has been used for centuries to support the liver, clear heat, and reduce swelling. The root, however, is considered the most potent part, especially when roasted or dried: it develops a pleasant earthy, slightly coffee-like aroma that makes the tea genuinely enjoyable.

Bro Niu first became interested in dandelion root tea after a student in his postnatal care class was recovering from a Helicobacter pylori infection. The student had been successfully treated medically but was worried the bacteria had not been fully eliminated. Dandelion leaf tea, and especially the root, has been studied for its potential to inhibit H. pylori, and Bro Niu recommended it as a daily drink to support the stomach’s recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Because H. pylori is one of the primary risk factors for stomach cancer, he emphasises strongly: anyone who tests positive should see a doctor for complete medical treatment first — food therapy is a complement, never a substitute.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults and children; mild in nature and not overly cooling
• Particularly helpful for those recovering from liver conditions, poor digestion, bloating, or mild urinary discomfort
• Also used traditionally to support clearer skin and fade pigmentation
• Traditional joint discomfort may also benefit from regular consumption
• Those with confirmed gallbladder blockage or obstruction should use caution (dandelion stimulates bile flow)
• Those with ragweed allergy may react to dandelion (same plant family)

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Dandelion root (pu gong ying gen): The root has stronger effects than the leaf, and roasting reduces its naturally cooling quality to make it more balanced; traditionally associated with supporting liver detoxification, clearing heat, reducing swelling, encouraging fluid drainage, nourishing the stomach, brightening the skin, and fading pigmentation; also has antimicrobial properties that have attracted attention in relation to H. pylori

Ingredients (1 pot / 2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried dandelion root	1 tablespoon	Roasted/dried granulated form; available from Chinese herb shops and some health food stores
Raw honey	A little	Optional; stir in after steeping

Method

1. Place the dandelion root in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Pour a small amount of boiling water over the root to rinse; discard the rinse water.
3. Add fresh boiling water to fill the pot; cover and steep for 15 minutes.
4. Pour into cups. Stir in a little raw honey if desired.
5. The same root can be re-steeped with fresh boiling water until the flavour fades.

Bro Niu’s tips

Roasted dandelion root has a pleasant, mild fragrance — less bitter than dandelion leaf tea, and not particularly cold in nature, making it suitable for daily use without the cooling concerns of many other “detox” herbs. It can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you are interested in trying it specifically for H. pylori recovery or prevention, make it a consistent daily tea for several weeks, always alongside proper medical treatment if you have a confirmed infection. Dandelion root is available at Chinese herb shops and Asian grocers, as well as some Western health food stores and online.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): Is dandelion root helpful for H. pylori infection? Where can I buy dandelion leaves? Bro Niu: Dandelion does have properties that may help with H. pylori, but a confirmed infection absolutely requires proper medical treatment first. After treatment, drinking dandelion tea daily may help support recovery and reduce the chance of recurrence. Dandelion root and leaves are available at Chinese herb shops, Asian grocers, and online.

• Q (reader — postnatal): I am four days postpartum and have haemorrhoids and constipation — the pain is severe. Can anything help? Bro Niu: For constipation, buy pure prune juice and drink one bottle daily — it works quickly. For the haemorrhoids, try a soup with dried mussels (dan cai, 2 liang), pagoda tree flowers (huai hua, 3 qian, put in a tea bag), and four figs — simmer with lean pork. This combination is traditionally used to support haemorrhoid recovery and prevent bleeding. If you are breastfeeding, prune juice is safe for milk supply.

• Q (reader): Is the effect of dandelion root the same as the leaf? Bro Niu: The whole dandelion plant has beneficial properties. The roasted root is particularly fragrant and its cooling quality is reduced through roasting, making it gentler and more suitable for daily use.

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Published March 7, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.