Does Dandelion Tea Have Caffeine?

Dandelion teas don’t have caffeine. But more people are turning to them to replace their morning cups of coffee. 

Morning coffee enthusiasts like myself love the boost of energy it provides. But cutting back on your caffeine intake can make you feel more energized for a longer time.

Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors in your brain, preventing them from signaling that you’re tired. Once the effects of caffeine wear off, you’ll experience an energy slump. 

Dandelion tea is an excellent coffee alternative you can drink in the morning. It helps you maintain steady energy throughout the day, keeping you awake and alert.

What is Dandelion Tea?

Dandelion tea is a drink made from various parts of the plant, like the dandelion roots, flowers, and leaves. People brew herbal teas from dandelions to help ease many different symptoms.

Dandelions mainly grow in countries in the Northern hemisphere. Historians believe European travelers bought them to Asian countries like India and China. 

Many cultures across the continents believe in their therapeutic properties. It’s often a staple in traditional medicine in countries like China, India, and Arabia, and was even used often in ancient Greece.

The earliest records of dandelion tea date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. But historians believe that brewing dandelions started way before these periods.

Its detailed history may be vague, but many traditional and ancient physicians, botanists, and herbalists firmly believe in the benefits of dandelion tea.

Does It Contain Caffeine?

No. Dandelion tea doesn’t contain caffeine. And this is often why many people use it as a substitute for morning coffee.

Half of the caffeine you consume lingers in your system for up to six hours. It can disrupt sleep, especially if you drink coffee late at night.

Since dandelion tea is caffeine-free, you may consume it any time of the day. It will not cause sleeplessness as it doesn’t affect your sleep cycle.

But, despite being caffeine-free, it may give you the same benefits as coffee. It can help boost your energy levels and keep you awake and alert.

If you’re on the hunt for coffee substitutes, you may want to consider dandelion tea. A cup can invigorate you without making you feel jittery, which is almost always the case with coffee. 

Potential Health Benefits of Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea is a significant part of traditional medicine. Scientific researchers have also looked into the many health benefits of the dandelion plant. 

Here are some of the most notable dandelion tea benefits.

1. Has anti-inflammatory properties

Dandelion has an active compound called taraxasterol, which has significant anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that taraxasterol helps prevent unnecessary inflammatory responses.¹

2. Helps lessen bloatedness

Dandelion tea can help lessen your water weight if you're feeling bloated. Research shows that dandelion is a natural diuretic—it helps eliminate excess fluid by increasing your urine output.² 

3. Helps lowers blood pressure

Dandelion is rich in potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate your heart rate. Research suggests that the potassium content of dandelion and its diuretic properties help control your blood pressure.³

4. Helps improve your liver health

Dandelions contain polysaccharides beneficial to your liver functions. For instance, they promote healthy bile production. They also help your liver with filtering harmful substances.⁴

5. Helps boost your immune system

Dandelions are a good source of vitamins A and C, which help boost your immune system. These micronutrients stimulate the production and function of your white blood cells.^5,6 

The white blood cells are your body’s first line of defense against infections and other foreign bodies. 

6. Promotes healthier gut microbiome

Dandelion’s roots have inulin, a plant-based prebiotic fiber. Prebiotics encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria. By doing so, they help keep the balance in your gut microbiome.

How to Make Dandelion Tea

You can use the dried roots, leaves, flowers, or a mix of these three parts of a dandelion to make a dandelion tea. Most off-the-shelf dandelion tea, however, is made from either the roots or the leaves.

You can check the label for steeping instructions if you’re brewing a store-bought dandelion tea bag. Typically, after pouring hot boiling water, you’ll have to let the tea bag sit still for three to five minutes.

Here is a guide if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to make your own tea from raw dandelions. 

1. Separate the roots from the flowers and leaves. 
2. Roast the roots and dry the leaves and the flowers. 
3. Scoop your desired amount into a loose-leaf infuser and put it in a cup. 
4. Pour freshly boiled water and let the infuser steep for 10 to 20 minutes.
5. Optional: Add honey or other natural sweeteners to your liking.  

You can enjoy roasted dandelion root tea or just the usual herbal tea from dried dandelion leaves and flowers. Some people enjoy a mix of both.

The roots make your dandelion tea taste bold, while the flowers will add a sweet taste. 

Are There Side Effects?

There aren’t too many documented side effects of dandelion tea. Studies show that dandelion plants have relatively low toxicity. It’s generally safe to ingest, especially when consumed as food.⁷

However, it may cause an allergic reaction in people with allergies to ragweed and its relative plants, like:⁸

• Chrysanthemums
• Marigold
• Chamomile
• Yarrow
• Daisies
• Iodine

Ragweed is a flowering plant that only blooms during the fall season. It produces light, airy pollen, which can wander up to 400 miles. It is the usual culprit of fall allergies.

Asthma, stuffy nose, sneezing, and eye irritations are common effects following exposure to dandelion pollen in people with ragweed allergies.⁹

Just like with other things, you must consume dandelion tea in moderation. Too much dandelion may cause discomfort, like diarrhea or heartburn, in some people.

You must talk to your doctor before drinking dandelion tea if you’re taking any medications.

Where Can I Get Dandelion Tea?

You can find dandelion tea in many different retail food stores, like Walmart or Costco. They come in tea bags or loose-leaf forms. 

You can also get dandelion tea online if you plan to do your groceries later. Several brands sell them through platforms like Amazon. 

How Much is Dandelion Tea?

The cost of dandelion tea depends on whether you’re buying the tea bags or the loose-leaf. 

• Box of tea bags — $4 to $10
• Can or resealable pouch — $10 to $30