Elana's Pantry

New York Times Bestselling author Elana Amsterdam founded Elana’s Pantry, the go-to website for easy, healthy, grain-free, Paleo recipes, in 2006

dandelion root coffee

Dandelion Root Coffee

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With March approaching, I’m starting to think about the possibility of a spring detox and one of my favorite healing roots –dandelion. Dandelion is a fantastic liver cleanser and spring is the perfect season for liver support.

According to Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, dandelion root has bitter, sweet, and cooling properties, making it optimal for the pitta dosha.

Although I use various parts of the dandelion for healing, here, I’m focusing on the root which is a good blood purifying herb. The root is also a useful remedy for stomachaches, and in herbal medicine is said to be beneficial for hypoglycemia and high blood pressure.

How can you get these benefits? According to The Way of Herbs, “Roasted dandelion root makes a pleasant beverage that can be consumed daily. It combines well with kukicha tea or chicory root.” I pair dandelion root with chicory which gives this Dandelion Root Coffee a deliciously bitter, coffee-like flavor. I also add cinnamon sticks because I love the flavor and healing properties of cinnamon. Here’s a delicious way to get healing dandelion root into your diet.

Print Recipe
Dandelion Root Coffee
Serves:2-4
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Place water, dandelion root, chicory root, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes
  3. Pour coffee into cups through a fine mesh strainer
  4. Add coconut milk or heavy cream if desired
  5. Serve

During my Ayurvedic training in the early 1990’s, we were taught that it is important when making tea with roots to boil them for 2-3 minutes to release the healing properties.

And I cannot forget to mention the synchronistic dandelion incident that took place with my friend Kelly from Celiac Chicks. It was 2009, and I was on my book tour in New York City for The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook. I was feeling a bit tired and craving my dandelion coffee. At one of the signings, which Kelly had so graciously arranged, I grabbed myself a hot water. Next thing you know, Kelly whipped a bag of dandelion tea out of her purse. She gave it to me and we discussed our love affair with dandelion root.

If you were wondering how to make dandelion coffee I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my other healing drink recipes for you!

Comments

  1. Thanks for this recipe. Great post. Do you toss out the used grounds after extraction? Or Freeze for another use ? If you Freeze them – then how many times can you reuse these grounds. Any thoughts?

    Reply

  2. Today was my first try at roasting and powdering dandalion and chicory roots. The house smells wonderful. I’ve never been a coffee drinker, but thought I would love to try a coffee or tea with the powder. Any recipe suggestions on how to use the powder would be much appreciated . Just starting to use and harvest medicinal herbs, I think I have found something I love to do and it’s actually good for me .
    Thank you in advance,
    Sharon

    Reply

  3. This is very good (and strong). And I can see why you don’t suggest almond milk in it. I tasted it with almond milk and with cream top milk, and the latter was much better (cream will be even better, of course).

    Wondering if you’ve ever added either cardamom or Crio Bru to the pot while cooking, either with or instead of the cinnamon?

    Reply

    • Susan, feel free to have fun with this and experiment with different herbs! I’m so happy to hear this is very good. We love it too :-)

      Reply

  4. Hi Elana,
    I had to stop drinking coffee and most teas due to LPR (silent reflux). The acid-y drinks aren’t the cause, but they can be irritating for people with LPR.
    Question: How acidic are the dandelion and chicory root in this “coffee” recipe?
    Thanks,
    Susan

    Reply

  5. Hi Elana,
    Will non roasted dandelion root affect the taste of the coffee? I can only find non roasted dandelion root.

    Reply

    • Sonia, I haven’t tried that so not sure. If you click the words “roasted dandelion root” in the ingredients portion of the recipe you will be taken to a place where you can purchase it :-)

      Reply

  6. HI Elana,

    I love this *coffee* :) It has helped me break a coffee habit.

    I have also been using Rasa Koffee, a Boulder coffee alternative which has the same ingredients as your drink and then some adrenal reviving herbs. Have you tried this option? I really like it.

    Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Oh, I discovered Rasa koffee at the GOOD FESTIVAL also…I love it…I am hypothyroid, insulin resistant and this has been a wonderful find for me…I also like roasted dandelion tea…I am doing the KETO woe…at the suggestion of my doctor to help with GERD…one and a half weeks of doing Keto and no more GERD….

      Reply

    • Stephanie, thanks for your comment! I drink it everyday, but I would recommend checking with your Functional Medicine practitioner before doing so :-)

      Reply

  8. Elana I ordered all of the ingredients for the coffee exactly as per your instructions and I made the coffee exactly as per your instructions. It’s is amazing as always when I try your recipes, the chicory reminded me of my old grandmother who also cooked her chicory grinds too. As children she made us coffee so thick, dark, sweet and full of real cream on cold mornings when we visited the country during Christmas and Thanksgiving break. Thank you so much for your never ending hard work and for kindly sharing with your fans. God Bless you and your family!

    Reply

    • Rosita, thanks for another wonderful comment and for being such an amazing longtime faithful reader here! I’m so glad to hear this coffee is amazing :-)

      Reply

  9. Hello,
    I made this in a 6 cup Bodum French press coffee maker using the ingredient proportions per the recipe.
    I poured boiling water over the herbs. After giving the brew a quick stir, I let it steep for five minutes,
    ending with a gentle press. The end result was a tasty, healthy coffee substitute with the added benefit
    of easy clean up.

    Thank you for the great recipe, Elana!
    JoAnna

    Reply

  10. Hi Elana! Thank you for this recipe. I for one am loving it. I am curious if I’m doing it right though. I purchased the bag of roasted dandelion root that you buy from Amazon. In the bag it’s not exactly “ground” per se. The root is in the form of tiny crumbles. Does it need to be further ground to resemble the chicory? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Kaye, thanks for your question! I buy it cut and roasted and then grind it in the dry container of my vitamix. I’m so glad that you are loving this recipe! I do too :-)

      Reply

      • i purchased my dandelion root from Starwest Botanicals. Ive been using them as is. Should I be grinding them more before use?? I never thought about it until I read this review. Would it make a difference? Tastes pretty good!

        Reply

  11. Ive bitten the bullet and ordered the dandelion and chickory root products. I need to give up caffeine due to thyroid issues. Im skeptical but willing to try.

    Reply

  13. I love coffee, hot with coconut milk, and cold with almond milk and ice cubes. However, I may just try your Dandelion Tea because it aids the Liver. Also, thank you for the Juicer recommendation. The Cilantro Detox is now on my list; beside eating cilantro (cusbara here in Jerusalem), parsley, dill, lettuce among other items in my salad.

    I’d like to pass on this info about cinnamon which you may or may not know, the best and recommended cinnamon for health benefits is Ceylon Cinnamon.

    Reply

  14. I am a big fan of dandelion root tea and regularly drink chicory root as a substitute to coffee but I never thought of combining the two, this sounds simply wonderful!

    Reply

  15. Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I had a chicory and dandelion brew at Sqirl in LA a few months ago and have been obsessively thinking about it ever since. Now I can make my own! I added a little star anise and cardamom to your recipe and it’s just amazing. Thank you, thank you!

    Reply

  16. Hi Elana – Thank you for introducing this drink! I read your post a year or so ago but only finally tried it recently, and have really grown to like it (if only it had that coffee smell!) I assume this drink is safe for children as well?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Hannah, I haven’t ever served this to my children so not sure about that. I’m so glad you are enjoying the Dandelion Root Coffee :-)

      Reply

  17. Hi Elena, I would really love to try the dandelion root coffee. However, I live in Europe and I can not find any European internet stores (or stores for that sake) that sell organic roasted (or not roasted) dandelion root. (If I order from the US I have to wait a long time plus pay extra taxes etc).
    If, by chance, you have any recommendations or links, I would appreciate it. Thank you
    Marie

    Reply

    • Marie, it is so easy to make yourself!
      Put on your foraging cap and dig up several dandelion roots, scrub the roots to get off all the soil. Then gently roast in the oven. When dried and dark brown (not black) either whizz them in a food processor to make for filter dandelion coffee or keep whole as suggested.
      Good luck Charles

      Reply

      • Charles, thanks so much for posting this mini-tutorial on foraging for dandelion root! It’s very much appreciated :-)

        Reply

  18. hi elana:-)
    i have to ask-does anyone experiencing side effects from drinking dandellion tea?
    For two weeks now I am feeling weak..leck of energies like a chronic fatigue:-). The only change I made is to start drinking dandellion tea in quantity of two or three cups a day. Every cup made of tablespoon of the mixture. is it possible that my symptoms related tostart using dandellion? (in terms of diet-Im a yearon Paleo diet)

    Reply

    • Vicka, I haven’t ever experienced this before, but we are all bio-chemical individuals and respond to things differently. What if you take a break from it for a week to see if these symptoms go away. Please stop back by and let me know how it goes :-)

      Reply

    • I am wondering if what you are feeling is a detoxing effect. Dandelion is used in traditional herbalism as a liver cleansing herb. Perhaps reduce the amount of tea and increase your water intake.

      Reply

      • Randy: I agree.

        Vicka: It is a diuretic and has strong cleansing properties – unlike coffee. Definitely increase your water intake, preferably spring water, and stick to one cup per day to monitor your reaction and go from there. I think you are detoxing. :)

        Reply

  19. I have dandelion root that is not roasted. Will the coffee come out the same if it’s not roasted? Can I roast dandelion root that has already been dried and packaged? If so, how?
    Thanks,

    Reply

  20. I am very curious to try the Dandelion coffee substitute … I do see links as to where to purchase .. but its in 1 pound and larger … I don’t want to spend a ton on “trying” this … anyone know where I can purchase a small amount to try, prior to investing in a couple 1 pound bags!?? thanks in advance.

    Reply

  21. If you make a lot of it and put it in a mason jar does anyone know how long it would be good for?

    Reply

    • Has anyone tried the packaged substitue coffees like Dandy blend or teecino gluten free?. I am not sure I will like it. I miss my coffee since I have gastric issues due to a hernia and malabsorption issues. I don’t want to get a box and than not like it. I hope in a few months my body will heal and I can try this recipe . Coconut milk and oil give me gastric attacks so I stay away from it…and just use the almond milk. Any suggestions?

      Reply

      • yes I have tried both and I find them a good substitute for coffee. I was not a huge coffee drinker but liked a cup with dessert and both of these satisfied that desire. Teecino came in bags so I carried them in my purse. I could get 1 whole cup and 1/2 of another with 1 bag.

        Reply

      • My sister uses Dandy Blend & shares it with many people who ALL love it! They say it’s delicious & is the best coffee substitute you can buy. It also has 50 trace minerals added to it & is also great for digestion. We grew up in Louisiana where coffee is king & substituting is a challenge for taste; my sister swears by this replacement for coffee.

        Reply

  22. I love the flavor of this ‘tea’-the richness, the complexity and bitterness. But it does not love me. I want to try it with just the roasted dandelion root next time as I suspect the chicory is the issue.

    I have a mild FODMAPS sensitivity, and mostly to the O’s on the list- including chicory. Inulin fiber in any products causes incredible intestinal distress. And sadly, so does this tea! I get painfully bloated and have horrific gas for hours when I consume it.

    I still recommend it and think it is amazing, but figure since so many who love your site have intestinal issues, some might have this same problem and not know why.

    Reply

  23. I just wanted to share my experience with drinking dandelion and chicory blend as a morning hot drink:) I grind them up as I would coffee beans, put into a french press and then it up with cocoa butters and MCT oil (for creamy added yumminess). Its so relish and i have never looked back and miss coffee at all:)

    Reply

    • Hi Stephanie, just wondering could you tell me how many parts cocoa butters and MCT oil do you add?

      Regards

      Reply

  24. I finally bit the bullet and gave up my excessive coffee drinking, I’ve been suffering from digestive issues and I think a hormonal imbalance. I remembered seeing this post and ordered the ingredients through Amazon. i received them last night and tried this drink last night and I’m in heaven! It’s a great bold flavor , and I gotta say it’s better than coffee! Not to mention that the ingredients have healing properties, I’m so happy! I hope to heal and maybe drink coffee once in a blue moon.
    thank you !

    Reply

  26. I absolutely love this beverage. I have it daily. It’s much better than coffee, as far as I’m concerned. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  27. HI Elana: Quick question? Do you have a source that you love for dandelion and chicory root? I have been looking locally and have struck out many times. I’m craving to make this tea as I am vigilant about eliminating decaf coffee from my health regime.
    I know that in a pinch I could use a teabag of dandelion and one of chicory, but being the holistic foodie that I am, I really prefer my own preparation filled with my intention. Many thanks for whatever your can share with me! In kindness – Nancy

    Reply

    • Nancy, all of the ingredients are linked in the top portion of the recipe. Just click the green text and you will be taken to a place to purchase them :-)

      Reply

  28. Dandelion root coffee- GLUTEN ADVISORY!!! Teccino has barley in it; barley contains gluten. i went to buy some yesterday and was so glad I read the label.

    Reply

  29. This looks great! Must try! I was diagnosed with low thyroid a few years back, and found that a whole foods vegan diet greatly improved my symptoms but I still feel tired sometimes (I’m sure the coffee isn’t helping my thyroid)..

    Reply

    • Gail, all of the ingredients are linked in the top portion of the recipe. Just click the green text and you will be taken to a place to purchase them :-)

      Reply

  31. This is delicious! I was worried that I might have bought too much of the ingredients, but now I’m not sure if I bought enough! :) This is going to be my new go-to drink every morning. Love the fact that it’s good for me and LOVE the taste!

    Reply

    • Beth, I drink a couple of cups a day and I’m fine, but I would definitely check in with your healthcare practitioner on that :-)

      Reply

  33. By the way I tried this using your “instant” recipe using tea bags. It was so yummy, I am going to purchase the bulk herbs so I can make it up ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. It would be pretty expensive to make several cups a day using the tea bag method. However, that said it’s great to know I can always bring it with me using the tea bags. Thank you so much!

    Reply

  34. Elana, Thank you so very much for posting this recipe! I am extremely grateful to you because I love the flavor and have struggled all of my adult life with the addiction to coffee. To put it bluntly, the caffeine in coffee makes me potentially bitchy, edgy, reactive, moody, and yet because of the wonderful flavor and addictive jolt, I couldn’t let it go. I also have suffered from sleep issues, so it was silly to keep going in this destructive cycle. I wouldn’t sleep, then drink coffee to get going, and on and on it went. This dandelion coffee did it for me, finally I am free. I didn’t do the Dandy Blend because I am gluten-intolerant and couldn’t be sure if it was safe. And this recipe is YUMMY!!!!

    Reply

    • Dandy Blend is gluten free, so wouldn’t have barley. I have celiac disease and can have Dandy Blend should I so choose, but as an herbalist, I would prefer making something like this recipe.

      Reply

      • Hi Judith,

        Sometimes that happens right after I do a post and link to a product. Even though my site feels small and intimate more than 30,000 people visit here each day :-)

        Check back with that vendor in the next week or so and I bet they’ll have more product.

        xo Elana

        Reply

  35. Great recipe and easy to make! I found both roasted roots in a local, organically oriented small grocery. A tasty alternative to the teas I have been drinking since I gave up coffee!

    Reply

  36. I started drinking Dandelion Blend Coffee back in 1971. Yep, that’s right 1971. When I lived in Canada we owned a store called the Golden Granary. We used to sell a Dandelion coffee you had to brew on the stove in a pot. I can’t recall what all was in it, but I loved it. Then years later they came out with an instant coffee like the one Elana has put together, and I buy it at the local Herb Store. It’s very tasty!

    Reply

  37. Elana, have you ever heard anything about it being dangerous to drink dandelion or chicory while pregnant? I was drinking both – separately – earlier this Fall when I was detoxing and quitting coffee to clear up a chronic yeast overgrowth (along with alcohol and sugar), which worked, by the way. I stopped drinking both when I found out I was pregnant, but I really miss them and would love to try your combination. Thank you for everything you do!

    Reply

    • Hi Jillian,

      Thanks for your comment :-)

      I would recommend checking in with your physician or health care provider before consuming any herbs during pregnancy.

      Elana

      Reply

  38. this works well with the addition of a little raw carob powder too! yum! I use a french press, or a stovetop percolator. Had to fiddle with the amounts to get to my liking, but it’s definitely worth tinkering with. I still miss coffee, but this really does satisfy that craving for me. It’s a bit too bitter for me straight, but perfect with a little coconut milk.

    Reply

    • Most, or maybe even all, products are organic. Roasted dandelion root is specifically referred to as organic on their web site.

      Reply

  41. mmmm:) Enjoying this today with some homemade cashew/macadamia nut milk:)

    Came out a little strong for me, but just added some hot water and a sprinkle of turmeric on top…yummy!

    Reply

  42. Elana,

    Can I seriously thank you from the bottom of my heart? I have been on a healing journey for 2+ years and espresso/coffee seems to creep back in. It’s my favorite tastes because of the bitter. I have tried other things, but boiling and adding the cinnamon makes it so perfect! I don’t feel deprived. Thank you! I also adore your website, recipes, stories. You are my go-to stop. Thank you for sharing with us all! Blessings!!

    Reply

  44. If I have cut and sifted dandelion root but don’t have roasted – how can I roast the cut and sifted roots myself? Thanks!

    Reply

  45. When I started to drink chicory as a coffee substitute, it was so good, I couldn’t imagine it being any better. Then I found chicory&dandelion recipe:) Every sip made me healthier, in fact even writing about it makes me healthier. And finally(?) Elana, I found your post about adding cinnamon and importance of boiling the drink! Thank you for transforming my mornings from great to divine!

    Reply

  46. I love this recipe!!! I have been missing coffee and this hits the spot!! Also I have been missing mochas so I had an idea… I made your hot cocoa recipe and instead of adding the boiling water I added the dandelion root coffee and PRESTO!!! Mocha!!!! yay… even better with a dollop of coconut whip cream on top!!

    Reply

  47. I am 56 yrs. old and have been drinking Dandelion Tea since I was in my 20’s. I had an old small book on Dandelion and all the things you could make with it, it was great. I’ve never added anything to it though, I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. Thanks for the input on boiling the roots to help with the healing properties, I have always poured the boiling water over and steeped it. Having a cup with one of your muffin recipe’s sounds delicious.

    Reply

  48. I was so excited to try this that I bought a pound of each of the ingredients :) When I made it, though, it was soooo bitter to me I could hardly drink it!

    Does anyone have any suggestions to cut down the bitterness? I’ll still keep drinking it as is for the health benefits, but if anyone knows it would be a tremendous help!

    Reply

    • Lou, To cut down on the bitterness you may want to try several things: cutting back on the amounts by half,less time steeping,or more of one root over the other. Try each by themselves to know their flavor than add the cinnamon to each to see if you like the taste. Adding a natural sweetener may also help. As for me there are days I drink mine hot,cold or room temperature. You’ll find you “cup of tea”,or coffee as Elana puts it, don’t give up!!

      Reply

  49. Wow, I just tried this. This is something completely outside my normal box. This coffee is really good. Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I’m honestly pumped.

    Also, wanted to let you know that all the recipes I’ve ever tried, and I’ve been visiting your site since ’09 when we found my husband has a gluten sensitivity. I’ve been ever so slowly incorporating your healthy recipes into our lives.

    I’ve pre ordered your new cookbook. Honestly, you haven’t let me down with your recipes once. Thank you so much for what you do. My family and I have benefited from it immensely.

    Reply

  50. Anybody know if dandelion is strongly detoxing or just a mild detox? I am breastfeeding and don’t want to dump a whole lot of toxins right now.

    Reply

  51. I’m interesting in trying this “coffee” since it helps lower blood pressure, but am wondering if it would interact in any way with the medication I am currently taking. Wonder if a pharmacist would know–have wondered the same thing about hibiscus tea!

    Reply

  52. In the spring, our field is solid dandelions. They’re so big and beautiful. I love them because it so means winter is over (Pacific NW). When the grass starts growing, it covers the dandelions, but for a few weeks in the spring – dandelion heaven. A couple of years ago, I harvested roots from a few big plants. I scrubbed and “roasted” them at 225 for a couple of hours. And then chopped them and boiled them. A lot of work for one cup. The drink was sooooo good. The dried stuff in the stores is no substitute. It was amazing and felt good too. I love our dandelions. I’d like to hear the real way to process them.

    Reply

  53. I began a community garden where we are fortunate to have a large number of Ukrainian gardens. One of them is always plucking the dandelions before overzealous weeders get to them. She makes dandelion tea all the time. When spring comes, I will be sure to get the recipe from her and post it here.

    Good health to all.

    Tee-Ann

    Reply

  54. I am so excited to try this!! I’ve been drinking coffee for the past 10 years and now have stopped as I’ve been on an anti-inflammatory diet for the past month. Though I don’t miss the caffeine, I desperately miss the taste of coffee!! Thank you for posting this :)

    Reply

  55. I use Dandy Blend instant beverage, I admire you taking the time to create your own. I just came across this alternative and truly LOVE it. My skin is radiant and I know it is cleansing me from the inside out. :)

    Reply

  56. Does this have coffee caffeine in it? So far I drink non-caffeinated Dandelion tea in the evenings but I like my morning coffee for the caffeine kick. This sounds great and I’d love to try it, but I just wanted to cover this base first:)

    Reply

  58. Hello Elana,

    a friend gave me the link to your webpage. Since then I am frequently surfing on your page. Thanks for this great recipes!

    Today I tried the dandelion coffee..and it is just great.
    I was seeking for a while how I can quit drinking coffee and now I know how!

    Thanks for this great idea!

    Take care
    Tanja

    Reply

  59. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing all of your valuable info. I have switched my 7 year old son to a gluten free – casein free diet, and your recipes have made it so much easier to feed my whole family this way!

    Reply

  60. I am wondering about the answer to the questions about roasting fresh raw dandelion roots. We have tons of dandelions in our yard in the spring and summer and we do not use any pesticides or herbicides to treat our yard. I would love to find a good purpose for these prolific flowers.

    BTW…thanks for this recipe! My daughter has recently found Dandi-Blend and loves it. This sounds like a fun recipe to try!!

    Reply

  62. thank you thank you thank you … I’m cleansing now, and as a Pitta dosha also, this will come in handy!

    Reply

  63. I tried some dandelion root tea this morning. I was too lazy to try your recipe here, and it was a bagged tea anyway. The roasted flavor is delicious! I’ll have to start consuming it regularly. I’m so glad there are foods in this world that are both tasty and healthy :)

    Reply

  64. A friend bought me dandelion root ‘coffee’ (I think she’s worried by the vast amount of espressos I consume), but I haven’t gotten around to giving it a try. I certainly will now – great, informative post.

    Reply

  65. Well, I just answered my own question: If you have an allergy to ragweed, you may have an allergic reaction to dandelion coffee.

    Bummer. You guys all had me excited about the possibility of a good coffee substitute!

    :o)

    Reply

  66. I am just enjoying my first cup of this coffee (although I added cardamom and some coconut milk)….better than real coffee! Thank you!

    Reply

  67. My favorite tea is dandelion root (liver) yarrow (anti-inflammatory) and fenugreek (for the lungs)…. it is my go to drink for when I am feeling a little under the weather or need to cleanse

    Reply

    • Lynn, how much of each do you use? I love all of these and would like to try your tea. Is the yarrow fresh or dried? Thanks

      Reply

  68. This is another inspiring post! I rally want to receive some Ayurveda training and really learn about herbs and medicinal plants. I’ve had an Ayurvedic consultation and really dig it.

    Reply

  69. I’ve been drinking dandyblend for a while and honestly didn’t know that the dandelion is good for the liver. I love the addition of cinnamon in your recipe. Thanks!

    Reply

  70. I can buy dandelion root thru my coop, but it is not roasted. Do you need to roast it for the tea? And if so, how do you roast? Thanks.

    Reply

    • I bought some dandelion root at the store today and now got back home and checked the recipe and discovered that it’s supposed to be roasted! Did you ever find an answer to this question? I’m wondering if it could just be toasted in a skillet or on a baking sheet in the oven.

      Reply

      • I know this is an old post, but thought I would mention that I read that if you buy the root dried, you can roast it at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. Roast fresh, scrubbed, towel dried roots 2 1/2 hours at 250 degrees, with door cracked open, stirring every 15 minutes.

        Reply

  71. I’m allergic to dandelion flowers & leaves. Would the roots bear the same oils/properties as the leaves? I know that lobelia flowers are toxic, but the leaves are good for respiratory conditions. Your thoughts?

    Thanks,
    Cathy

    Reply

    • I know this is late, but in case anyone runs across this comment and has the same question: If you have a true allergy to a plant, you are reacting to the plant’s proteins, so yes, the root would cause a reaction too.

      You can try chicory instead, but be careful til you know whether you are OK with it. It’s distantly related to dandelion. Probably not closely enough to matter, but I know some people who are allergic to ragweed have trouble with chamomile, so it doesn’t hurt to say something.

      Elana: Ayurveda’s not the only tradition that says to boil roots in water to get their goodness out. Other traditions that use herbs teach the same thing. Any time you’ve got a woody part, or hard seeds, they need to be made into a decoction rather than an infusion–boiled in water rather than having just-boiled water added to them. Pretty cool, the similarities in various natural-medicine disciplines around the world!

      Reply

  72. Elena,

    I’m not even gf but I’m so loving your site! I was treated by an ayurvedic practitioner in NYC for ovarian cysts and have been a believer ever since. She prescribed a “paste” of alfalfa honey, licorice root powder and turmeric and I just noticed some fresh turmeric root at my local grocers – do you have any recipes or uses for the fresh root?

    Thanks!

    Jenny

    Reply

  73. The first time I drank Dandelion Coffee was back in 1971. My husband and his friend opened a health food store up in Northern Ontario and sold the coffee bags. This coffee had the dandelion root and chicory plus roasted soy beans and other assorted ingredients that were very beneficial to health. I still drink this to this day and I can recommend this type of drink to anyone who loves an alternative healthy beverage.

    Reply

  74. Thanks for sharing! I’m hypoglycemic, so I am definitely going to check this out. I also enjoyed learning about the benefits of licorice root. Any chance you’ll add an Ayurveda section to your website? :-) I would love to learn more about it! Also, are there any books you recommend for someone who knows nothing about Aryurveda, or any other ancient medicines, but would love to learn (ahem, me!)?

    Thanks! Your website and cookbook have been incredible resources for my paleo family.

    Reply

  76. I do a cleanse every spring too, although I’ve never had dandelion root coffee. This looks like a great detoxifying combo. Can’t wait to try it, I love your blog!

    Reply

  77. Again….love your blog for so many reasons. Here is another one!
    Can you share more of your ayurvedic ideas for cleansing?

    Thanks!
    Karen

    Reply

  78. Thanks for the enlightenment? I appreciate your sharing your Ayurvedic knowledge/training with us. I so enjoy it and find it fascinating.

    xo Lexie

    Reply

  79. I’ve been really wanting to try dandelion coffee for quite a while now. So far I’ve been taking dandelion root as a diruetic any time I feel I need to “cleanse”. Although I don’t do this often, it is a very powerful, healing root. Now I know how to make my own herbal coffee! :)

    Reply

  80. I love dandelions, I cringe when I hear the chemicals and so forth that people use to get rid of them. Love roasted dandelion root tea and never thought of adding cinnamon- will have to try it!

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  81. This sounds great. I used to use commercial coffee substitutes until I found out they had gluten in them. I’ll have to try this.

    I didn’t know you had a gardening site!

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  82. the approach of spring always makes me look forward to dandelion. Though usually the small greens- not usually the root. Can you roast a fresh root?

    my son cracks me up- he eats the flowers as one of his favorite outside snacks, and the leaves, and nibbles the stems while telling people “you should eat this more, especially if you eat sugar too much.” tell me they’re not listening.

    maybe this year i’ll add a new beverage to the mix, cause i do miss coffee!

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    • Dear Cassi,

      I bet you could roast your own dandi roots. If you try will you let us know how it goes?

      Thanks :-)
      Elana

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        • Hi Nicole,

          You can grind the dandelion root or leave it in chunks. Either way, I would recommend boiling it for 2-3 minutes in order to extract the healing benefits of the herb from the root.

          Hope you enjoy,
          Elana

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  83. I am really enjoying these post Elana. My husband is now addicted to licorice root tea. He’s always got it in his hand :) I love it when you speak ayurvedic to us too! So informative. Thanks Elana.

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  84. This sounds delicious! And so healthy and detoxing!! I have been wanting to try dandelion coffee for a while now… so far I’ve just been drinking dandelion tea! :)

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  85. I drink a product made of pulverized dandelion and chicory roots, and I think barley — (I don’t have the bag anymore to check!) called Dandi-Blend. It is delicious and I think the addition of cinnamon is a great idea!! I have replaced all but my first cup of coffee with this drink. Can be enjoyed hot or cold — I drink it hot because it is winter… :-)

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      • Dandy Blend claims to be gluten-free on their website because gluten isn’t water soluble. But even the best mesh strainers can let some parts of grains through. Seems like the company has a weird understanding of the meaning of the term “gluten free.”

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        • Dandy blend has been Elisa tested and shown to be gluten free according to the information on the Dandy Blend web site. The reason is that the way that they make it is to brew the mixture then freeze dry the filtered beverage. They are not using the kinds of filers you or I would use at home. What they say is that the gluten does not extract into the water used for brewing. You can go to the company’s web site to see the copy of the Elisa test.

          The same is true for Teeccino, a roasted chicory root coffee alternative that also includes barley. I talked to the company’s dietician some years ago after being concerned that they had falsely labeled their product gluten free. They post the Elisa test results on their web site as well.

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  86. This sounds very good. I’ll have to try it. I’ve also been thinking about a cleanse. I might do a combination of recommendations by Dr. Oz and Kathleen Freston (Veganist). Dr. Oz recommended abstaining from grains of all kinds and replacing them with cruciforous vegetables, like broccoli, which cleanse the liver. I’ve been meaning to quit dairy, as I’m intolerant to it, but addicted. The 21 day cleanse that Kathy Freston recommends, without meat, dairy, sugar or alcohol, might cure me of my sugar addiction. It’s a good idea. Thanks for your inspiration!

    Reply

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