Dandelion Tea

[Carina1962]

I've read somewhere that diabetics shouldn't drink dandelion tea, is this correct and if so, why? thanks

 

[Amigo]

Hi Carina, I've read totally conflicting reports on dandelion tea and extracts with some extolling it's virtues as a massive health promoter to sites also warning against its use by diabetics. One of the problems is there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds and it's hard to know what's too much to do harm or too little to do any good! Or what else is in them.

I've read there should be extreme caution in using it for people with gallbladder problems, people using antacids, warfarin or diabetics taking medication.
They always suggest asking your GP but I know mine wouldn't have a clue about this and many medics are very nervous about alternative medicines/therapies anyway.

Somehow I can't imagine it tasting so good but I could be wrong!

 

[Vicsetter]

It's a diuretic so could improving your peeing 😱 (no doubt the source of the old wives tale about picking dandelions and wetting the bed, hmmm).
See WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-suppl...gredientid=706&activeingredientname=dandelion

Also have a look at : http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion

Be careful of non-education sites as these tend to promote the use of things like dandelion for commercial purposes, so you will see a number of sites that say it's used to treat T1 and T2 Diabetes in europe (when it hasn't been tested on humans) (they will also take about detoxification which is another smoke and mirrors phrase without scientific basis). It is thought to be able to reduce blood sugar, but not proven.
I would think from what I've found that it is probably safe, but keep an eye out for Blood sugar level drops.

 

[Carina1962]

Thanks, I think I will stick to drinking my daily mug of green tea.