An upset stomach? Constant fatigue? Poor sleep? Seeing signs of eczema? The answer to all these issues can be linked to an unhealthy gut. Your gut has a huge part to play in your health and can be the root cause of all the above issues. You ignore it and it's going to take you down. This is why monitoring and improving the health of our gut is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. If you have a gut imbalance, a number of herbs and natural remedies can help whip it back into shape, including a teas like dandelion. Ahead, we talk to experts about why it's important to keep your ‘second brain’ in check, and how dandelion tea can help.
Listen to your gut
The gut has its own complex mechanisms, which when not taken care of, can wreak havoc on your health. So how do you ensure this crucial organ of your body stays in its prime condition? “The reason for a gut detox is because we produce a lot of metabolic byproducts, toxins and burdening substances that have to be eliminated through our intestine, which is the most important organ to do that and also the largest surface for the elimination. Gut cleansing is a very natural process that you can do every day, besides opting for an intensive cleansing process,” according to Professor Dr Harald Stossier, founder and medical director, VIVAMAYR.
How does dandelion tea help
Liver is one of the key organs supporting the process of detoxification. “We have to biochemically metabolise the byproducts, to be able to eliminate them via the intestine or the kidneys. And here the dandelion plant (root and leaves) come into play because they help support the liver. It is quite bitter but the roots and leaves of the plant help improve the capacity or detoxification of the liver,” says Dr Stossier. You can sip on a dandelion tea or use the leaves in a salad mix to take your taste buds for a bittersweet trip.
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw, and are chock-full of Vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium. Dandelion roots have the carbohydrate inulin, which is a soluble fibre that supports a healthy gut bacteria mix. What's more, dandelion plants are also rich in beta-carotene and polyphenols, antioxidants that protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress, making it a true wellness cure-all.
“All the ingredients of the roots are bitter substances and bioflavonoids. They support the liver and they specifically activate enzymes of liver detoxification processes. By activating the liver we also produce more bile acid. The bile acids are to activate the peristaltic motion of the intestine,” explains Dr Stossier. Besides being a liver tonic, dandelion tea also helps to improve your appetite and soothes minor digestive ailments.
Make your own dandelion brew
A steamy cup of dandelion tea also makes for an ideal brew for when you are suffering from exhaustion or fatigue. Here's how you can make it yourself.
Take a glass of cold water and let the roots of dandelion steep overnight
Heat the same mix you kept overnight. This is where you get all the mucus substances and ingredients from the roots.
Let it simmer for three-five minutes before straining and drinking.
Also read:
How to detox—a guide to detoxing in 2019
10 simple ways to improve your digestion for optimum gut health
