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Up to four herbs can be put into Dandelion and Nettles Detox Tea. They each have different properties and benefits, not the least of which is detoxification. One to two glasses of this iced (or hot) tea is beneficial to drink daily each spring. This post looks at dandelion’s and nettles’ properties, as well as burdock’s, hibiscus’s and red clover’s. You’ll love the way they cleanse the liver and stimulate other organs for improved wellness and even immune boosting. I’ll show you, too, how to make a large batch of tea, an overnight decoction, so you have enough in your fridge to last you for a week at a time.
What is a decoction? Decoction means we boil the roots to get at their properties. You’ll see this tea is both a decoction and an infusion: Two of the herbs are boiled, and then continue to steep overnight. The other two herbs, which are leaves (not roots), steep only.
Dandelion’s properties
Dandelion fights inflammation. It lowers cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and improves digestive function. The root cleanses the liver, and the leaf aids the urinary tract. Dandelion can be used for PMS. Dandelion boosts energy levels and the immune system for better overall health.
Iconic herbalist Susan Weed says of dandelion’s effects on the immune system, “The immune system is a network of cells and cell products that defends the body against disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer cells… Dandelion root tincture (20 drops, 2-3 times a day) actually increases the production of interferon, a protein that inhibits viral multiplication and activates T-cells” (source).
Tea is the most ancient way of harnessing an herb’s constituents and a more economical way of enjoying its benefits. (You can find the tincture here.)
Nettles’ properties
I keep nettles in our herbal brew year round. In the winter, my boys sip on a hot blend of nettles, peppermint, alfalfa and hibiscus. (In the spring I brew this blend, with hibiscus added for flavor, color and vitamin C.)
Nettles hydrate the body with a rich mineral profile. The herb helps to decrease mucosal secretions, joint pain, and hay fever. Nettles address eczema, gout, anemia, urinary tract problems and chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and AIDS. Nettles improves circulation, flushes out toxins and helps to boost the metabolism and energy levels.
Burdock’s properties
One of my favorite herbs, burdock cleanses the blood and liver. It stimulates the kidneys, the lymphatic system and the immune system, gently. It can help with eczema, acne and has anti-aging properties for the skin. Burdock is used to address gout, cancer, AIDS and diabetes.
Red Clover’s properties
Red clover is rich in nutrients and a strong blood purifier. Red clover is used to treat stubborn spasmodic coughs (often left over from winter), skin issues, menopause, bone density, ulcers, tumors and improves cardiovascular health. Red clover tea can be used as a cold remedy.
Amazingly, each of the herbs listed above has anti-cancer properties. There are more reasons than one to use a daily brew of powerful, detoxing herbs.
Hibiscus in Dandelion and Nettles Detox Tea
If you’d like your tea to be bright, rosy red and with strong notes of citrus and berry, I highly recommend that you add hibiscus, too! Hibiscus is by far my favorite herbal tea to drink iced. My boys drink lots more wellness herbal teas when I add the fruitiness of hibiscus to the blend, and so do most adults! Both the flavor and the appearance make us remember (because we like it!) to drink our daily brew. Lightly sweeten for a special treat. As you may know, hibiscus is very high in vitamin C, and an excellent addition to one’s daily diet, aiding the immune system and gut health. (Find hibiscus here.)
Dandelion and Nettles Detox Tea recipe
Overnight Decoction of Dandelion and Nettles
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons dandelion root
- 2 Tablespoons burdock root
- 2 Tablespoons dandelion leaf
- 2 Tablespoons nettles leaf
- 2 Tablespoons red clover
- 1 gallon filtered water
Instructions
- Place ½ gallon water, dandelion root and burdock root into large saucepan. Bring water to boil.
- Simmer 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add remaining herbs. Cover. Let sit overnight.
- In the morning, strain equal amounts into ½ gallon mason jars. (Each jar will be only half full.) Add remaining filtered water to each jar, to fill. Refrigerate, drinking 1-2 glasses daily.
Have you used herbs to detox before? Have you made an overnight decoction?
Also see the benefits of Red Root for spring detox here.
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Joni Jessica says
I am so intrigued by this! Sounds amazing.
Yvonne Janowski says
I can’t wait to make this! So many health benefits and a great refreshing drink. Love it!
Renee Kohley says
I have gotten away from doing this and feeling like I have been missing something! I tend to drink less in the winter – it is easier to get this stuff down in the spring and summer! I’ll work on it this week!
Jean says
What a nutritious tea! Definitely need to drink something like this since I’ve been feeling so run down. Love that you can make a big batch ahead of time too.
Tessa@ Tessa the Domestic Diva says
This looks like a version of sun tea i would totally love to partake in!! While I have not used the herbs dried like this, I have definitely used them in capsule form…just have to get some!! Maybe this time I’ll know better than to order a whole pound like the chamomile, LOL!
Lindsey Dietz says
First, I have everything to make this! Second, love all the benefits of the herbs, especially dandelion and nettle. Third, I love that this is more than one serving!
linda spiker says
Your children must be the healthiest kids around! I have never tried a nettle tea. Time to expand my horizons!
Christina Nesbitt Shoemaker says
Well this was a total education for me! I love all the awesome info you provided for each herb! Perfect for me!
Raia Torn says
This sounds wonderful! Do you happen to know if it’s safe to use during pregnancy?
Meredith says
Oh this tea sounds wonderful – I haven’t ventured too far from mint tea or just simple lemon water, but I am excited to give this a try. Especially with hibiscus now that it is spring!
Monique Cormack says
What a beautiful decoction! I would definitely add the hibiscus, I love that in tea. I’m also wondering if it’s safe during pregnancy?
Tatiana Shifruk says
I did use herbs before for healing and in different teas ( local Siberian Herbs, where I grow up ).
Canadiangirl says
What a lot of wonderful benefits this tea has! I also enjoy hibiscus tea, so I think I would add it to mine.
Heather A McPhail says
I made this without the Hibiscus and enjoyed it immensely! It is a gentle, somewhat woodsy, flavor and I found it a comforting-tasting tea. I didn’t add the extra water, before refrigerating, which means I can keep it in a smaller container in my fridge (which is packed!) and just add equal water (hot or cold) before drinking. Question: if I add the Hibiscus, do I do so after boiling the roots? Or, do I boil the Hibiscus with the roots?
Megan says
Hi Heather, sorry to respond late! I’m still getting used to my new commenting system and missed some! I love what you’re doing, making a tea concentrate. Perfect. Add the hibiscus after boiling the roots. Thanks for the great comment and question.
Julie says
I’m interested in an autumn/winter version of the tea. You mention alfalfa, peppermint, and nettles — is there anything else you add? Would you prepare it the same way? Thank you!
Megan says
Hi Julie, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, pepper and cordyceps would all be nice warming herbs and spices to enjoy in the colder months. You could make a chai blend that incorporates the above four. I would not combine it with the three you mention above, though. The purposes are different. As you know, the ones you mention are for detox, in the spring and summer, or whenever needed. There are other ways to detox in winter, like the use of bitters with activated charcoal: https://eatbeautiful.net/how-to-daily-detox-activated-charcoal-apple-cider-vinegar/ This can be paired with time in a near-infrared sauna, grounding, cold showers/baths etc. I hope that helps.
Kylie G says
Hello! Just to clarify, should we only be choosing four of those herbs, or does dandelion root and leaf count as one? And can hibiscus be added on top of those four or would we need to replace one of the original herbs with hibiscus? Sorry for the confusion 😛
Megan says
Hi Kylie, you can use all of the herbs or reduce the number, based on what you have on hand or feel you need. Leaf and root are different, so you can use both. Hibiscus can be used in addition to the others. 🙂 Enjoy!! 🙂
Rachel Brown says
Would this be safe during pregnancy?
Megan says
Hi Rachel, please ask your practitioner to be sure what’s safe for you.
Lailani says
Hi Megan, I Love your recipe. I’ve been drinking dandelion and Nettle tea to detox the liver. I will certainly try your recipe, instead of buying 2 1/2 gallons of MJ I would use smaller Mason Jars. I have 32 ounces would that be alright? how many times do we do this detox for maximum effect?
i appreciate you thank you and Blessings
Lailani
Megan says
Hi Lailani, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the tea! 🙂 1 to 2 glasses daily in the spring is the suggested amount by herbalists. Yes, smaller mason jars sound fine. Blessings!
Rebecca says
Hey! Been drinking this for a couple months, thank you for recipe!. Though I wanted to double check my math. It says 2 half gallon mason jars. 1 half gallon water to start, then after simmer we end up filling the 2 mason jars 1/2 full. Which would still be 1 half gallon total. So are we not losing much water in the simmering process? Thanks. Hope that makes sense.
Also I was going to continue drinking it throughout the summer, is that ok since it’s usually a spring detox? Thanks!
Megan says
Hi Rebecca, glad you’re enjoying it! Just make sure it’s a slow simmer, and whatever you lose to steam, still follow Step 4, and fill each jar the rest of the way with water to make it full to the neck after adding the steeped tea, to make up the difference. Personally, I’d do a break through the summer, or at least in the fall and winter. 🙂 Best!