Have you thought about drinking dandelion tea during pregnancy, but not sure if it’s safe? Dandelion root and leaves have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Among its users have been pregnant women and new mothers. Being pregnant is a wonderful blessing, but it can be uncomfortable at times. Dandelion can offer help right from your favorite cup.
Learn more about the best tea for pregnancy here.
Keep in mind, consuming dandelion tea in moderation is generally considered safe. Pregnant women can have this tea once a day. Moderation is rather important.
If you suffer from any allergic reactions, or notice any changes in your body, discontinue drinking dandelion tea while pregnant. If in doubt, please consult your care provider to see if drinking one cup of dandelion tea a day is okay.
Refer to this list of healthy pregnancy drinks for more information on what you can drink during pregnancy.
The dandelion root and leaves may be on the same plant, but they offer different benefits and share many benefits. Just when you need it the most, the leaves and root both contain essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- iron
- potassium
- calcium
- magnesium
- vitamins A, C, D and B
Dandelions are said to support organ health, particularly the liver. Dandelion has been used in pregnancy by midwives for centuries. Let’s examine each part separately and discover what is right for you and your baby.
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Dandelion Root Tea During Pregnancy
The root has been living in the dark ground and gathering nutrients from the soil. When pulled and dried, those nutrients remain, waiting to share their goodness with you.
Dandelion root is traditionally used as a gentle digestive bitter to improve the potential discomforts of pregnancy and anytime.
There are no reports in the literature of dandelion being either safe or contraindicated during pregnancy.
It has a mildly bitter taste, but is not typically offensive to pregnant women.
Look at what dandelion root tea can help you with:
- Improves digestion
- Relieves heartburn
- Relieves nausea and vomiting
- Improves appetite
- Relieves and prevents UTI
- Helps to purify the blood
- Regulates blood sugar
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps with constipation
- Mild diuretic to remove excess water
Dandelion roots are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, cholagogue, choleretic, deobstruent, discutient, hepatic, hypnotic, purgative, sedative, alterative, anodyne, antirheumatic root, aperient, astringent, bitter, decongestant, depurative, digestive, diuretic, galactagogue, immune stimulant, laxative, lithotriptic, nutritive, stomachic, and can be used as a tonic.
The downside of dandelion root tea is in the preparation time. Roots (like these you can buy in bulk) require simmering on the stove to release their goodness which takes valuable time, especially if you have other children and a household to run.
I’ve found this is the best dandelion root tea brand. It comes in bags and is so convenient. And it takes only 10 minutes to steep.
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
This rich, creamy dandelion root tea is so delicious that you will want to make a double batch – one cup for you, and one for a loved one. Dandelion root is a wonderful substitute for coffee because it’s caffeine free.
Ingredients
4½ tsp dried roasted dandelion root, crushed in mortar
2 cups water
1 to 2 tbsp butter or cream to taste (optional)
Optional additions – 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced ginger.
Instructions
- Place a medium pot over medium heat and place the dried dandelion root in the bottom.
- Toast the root until it becomes fragrant and golden brown if they are not already roasted. Then add water and additional flavorings (if using) and bring to a boil.
- When the water boils, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes, then strain and serve.
- Blend in a tablespoon of butter, or try a dollop of cream, or maple syrup. Top with 2-3 drops of vanilla extract, sprinkle of nutmeg, brown sugar, ginger powder, cinnamon powder, allspice, or whatever you can dream up (optional).
- Enjoy one cup daily.
Dandelion Leaf Tea During Pregnancy
Dandelion plants are a bright and happy plant, especially the flowers. They come to visit us each spring, offering their tooth edged leaves to release us from our winter blues. They seem to grow everywhere you don’t want them too.
The leaves are often picked for spring salads. You can also gather these for tea to dry, but be careful they have not been sprayed with a chemical. Make sure they are growing 50 feet away from a busy street due to pollution.
Using store brought dried dandelion leaves are of course easier, but buying organic is a great choice when you’re pregnant.
You can learn more about safe herbs, best foods and how to avoid toxins during pregnancy with this online course.
Again, there are no reports in the literature of dandelion leaf being either safe or contraindicated during pregnancy. The leaves are a little bitter, but that’s what your liver needs. It’s not so bitter that it will upset your stomach.
Look at what the dandelion leaf can do for you:
- Gentle diuretic so you can go (and you will)
- Eliminates uric acid
- Nourishes the liver
- Improves anemia
- Relieves insomnia
- Helps with appetite loss
- Improves and relieves UTI
- Improves digestion
- Relieves heartburn
Dandelion leaves are antacid, antioxidant, febrifuge, hypotensive, restorative, vulnerary, alterative, anodyne, antirheumatic root, aperient, astringent, bitter, decongestant, depurative, digestive, diuretic, galactagogue, immune stimulant, laxative, lithotriptic, nutritive, stomachic, and can be used as a tonic.
Dandelion leaf tea is extremely easy to prepare. Add 1 teaspoon dried dandelion leaves to your favorite cup. Pour 1 cup of hot water (not boiling) water over leaves. An infusion cup makes this even easier. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes, strain off leaves, and enjoy one cup daily.
Another great option for immune support and digestion is orange peel tea during pregnancy.
Cautions for dandelion while pregnant
While dandelion is generally considered safe for pregnancy you want to be aware and take proper precautions. If you have any of the following conditions, you will want to avoid dandelion.
Taking dandelion has the potential to worsen certain medical conditions, such as gallbladder disease, gallstones, bile duct obstructions, gastritis, and stomach ulcers.
You might experience heartburn and indigestion while taking dandelion, and dandelion can worsen acid reflux during pregnancy.
Also, if you have allergies to plants such as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, you make need to skip on dandelion.
More on Healthy Drinks for Pregnancy
5 Herbal Teas You Should Be Drinking During Pregnancy (and Postpartum)
Red Raspberry Leaf Pregnancy Iced Tea Recipe
15 Healthy Pregnancy Drinks (that are yummy and actually good for you)
Pregnancy Date Smoothie for Labor
Reference Links:
The following sites were used to find information for this article.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/dandelion
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/dandelion
https://brigittemars.com/other/health-benefits-of-dandelion-roots-leaves-and-flowers/
