Dandelion root has been a well-known natural remedy since ancient times. However, scientists from around the world started studying dandelion roots only a few years ago. The good news is that the preliminary results from these studies were good and scientists are getting support.
One of these studies is the one conducted by researchers in Windsor, Canada, and a few days ago they managed to get an additional $157.000 grant for their study about the effectiveness of dandelion root extract Kris Carr. With a total amount of $217.000, they will probably be able to complete their study.
The team led by Siyaram Pandey, a biochemist working at the University of Windsor, has been studying dandelion root extract for around two years. According to their first results, DRE (dandelion root extract) was able to eliminate a very aggressive blood cancer cell known as chronic monocytic myeloid leukemia. The extract practically forced the cells to destroy themselves.
They also determined that low-dose dandelion root extract treatment showed excellent results when it comes to the elimination of all kinds of cancerous cells. Thanks to these results Mr. Pandey’s team was able to get a $60.000 grant from Seeds4Hope and an additional $167.000 from the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation.
Researcher Was Not Convinced That He Should Start a Study at First
In the beginning, Pandey was not sure that he should start this project. He says that the idea came from a local oncologist Dr. Caroline Hamm who told him that many patients who had dandelion tea regularly had shown better results.
However, Dr. Hamm was persistent which led Pandey to read some literature to find out more about dandelion roots. He found out that many sources claim that dandelion root has these cancer-killing properties and that the structure of this root suggests that these sources might be right. That’s why he assembled a team of scientists and made their first improvised test.
They took a bunch of roots, mixed them with water in a food processor, and created a formula. After that, they tested their formula on commercially available leukemia cells and the results were surprising.
Dandelion root extract triggered a process called apoptosis – cancer cells were killing themselves. Of course, some other substances can also do this, but rarely any other substance can do this without affecting the normal cells.
According to the study, Dandelion Root Extract can trigger apoptosis and autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells and it doesn’t affect the healthy cells. These results can be used as a foundation for more extensive research about the effects of DRE cancer treatment.
It is good to point out that Dr. Hamm had an interview on CBS News and she said that dandelion root extract or even tea should not be taken by patients on their own. They must consult their doctor first because this root can bring some New Life if it is consumed during chemotherapy.
Not long after Dr. Hamm appeared on CBS News, another dandelion-related story was featured in the same news. John DiCarlo a 72-year-old man suffering from leukemia said that thanks to dandelion tea he was able to stay alive. After all the treatments were done and the doctors said that there was no hope for him, he started drinking dandelion tea. Four months later, the cancer was gone.
Dandelion Root Tea Benefits
Dandelion root tea comes with many health benefits. It helps the process of digestion, it stimulates appetite and according to the studies we have mentioned before, it can help cancer patients too. 
Drinking dandelion tea before meals may help with weight loss. According to Mary Koithan, Ph., in a 2011 issue of “The Journal for Nurse Practitioners,” you can maintain your optimal weight using this herb. Dandelion tea stimulates gastric secretions and drinking it before eating promotes fat and cholesterol breakdown. It also boosts satiation and drinking this tea before meals makes you eat fewer calories during meals.
Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
You can create this tea from both fresh and dried roots. Fresh roots can be obtained from your garden while dried roots can be purchased in a health food store. It is always a good idea to ask your doctor before you start using this tea because there is a small percentage of people who can feel some side effects.
Fresh Dandelion Root Tea Preparation
Dig the dandelion plant from your yard. Keep in mind that the root is usually very long, so it might take some time before you unearth it. Remove the leaves, flowers, and stems from the root. Rinse the root carefully by using cold water. Boil one quart of water in a saucepan. Chop the dandelion root and add two teaspoons to the saucepan.
Cover the pan and decrease the amount of heat. Leave it like that for around one minute. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat and leave it for 40 minutes (don’t remove the cover of the saucepan). You can also add clean dandelion leaves while the mixture is steeping. Remove the pieces of dandelion root and drink the clear liquid.
NOTE: RAW enthusiasts can use lukewarm water, instead of boiling the water.
Dry Dandelion Root Tea Preparation
Take one quart of water and boil it in a saucepan. Chop two teaspoons of dried root and place them in the saucepan. Let the solution boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the chopped pieces from the liquid. Enjoy your tea!