What are the benefits of steeping dried dandelion in water?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
"Pópoding" usually refers to dandelion. Drying dandelion and steeping it in water is a common health practice, with core benefits including clearing heat and detoxifying the body, promoting urination to reduce swelling, relieving sore throat, aiding digestion, and inhibiting bacteria and inflammation. However, precautions and contraindications should be observed when consuming it. Because of its bitter and cold nature, individuals with deficiency and cold in the spleen and stomach or those prone to diarrhea should consume it in moderation and avoid long-term or excessive intake.
Popo Ding usually refers to dandelion. Drying dandelion and steeping it in water is a common health-preserving practice, with core benefits mainly including clearing heat and detoxifying the body, promoting urination to reduce swelling, relieving sore throat, aiding digestion, and inhibiting bacteria and inflammation. The specific details are as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Detoxification: Dandelion has a bitter and cold nature. When dried and steeped in water, it helps eliminate internal heat and toxins. It is suitable for symptoms such as dry mouth, irritability, and skin redness or swelling caused by excessive summer heat or toxic heat, alleviating discomfort through its cooling properties.
2. Promoting Urination and Reducing Swelling: Dandelion has notable diuretic effects, enhancing water metabolism in the body and helping expel excess fluids and metabolic waste. It is beneficial for individuals experiencing difficulty urinating or mild bodily edema, especially those suffering from lower-limb swelling due to prolonged sitting or standing.
3. Relieving Sore Throat: It helps alleviate throat pain, dryness, and itching caused by heat toxicity or inflammation. Drinking dandelion tea can moisten the throat and reduce local inflammatory responses, making it suitable for early-stage colds or throat discomfort due to excessive voice use.
4. Supporting Digestive Health: Dandelion stimulates gastrointestinal motility and promotes the secretion of digestive juices, thereby improving poor appetite and indigestion. It also provides some relief for symptoms such as abdominal fullness and sticky stools caused by damp-heat in the spleen and stomach.
5. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Containing active components such as taraxacerin and taraxacin, dandelion exhibits certain antibacterial properties. It can assist in managing mild inflammations like oral ulcers and gingivitis. Gargling with dandelion tea may also help relieve oral discomfort.
When consuming dandelion tea, precautions should be observed. Due to its bitter and cold nature, individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach or those prone to diarrhea should consume it in moderation. Long-term and excessive consumption should be avoided to ensure safety and suitability.
