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
Dandelion Root Coffee
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons ground roasted dandelion root
- 2 tablespoons ground roasted chicory root
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Place water, dandelion root, chicory root, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes
- Pour coffee into cups through a fine mesh strainer
- Add coconut milk or heavy cream if desired
- 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
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!
Katie Sommerfeld says
Elana,
I love your recipes. Thank you for such an awesome website! You rock!
-Katie
Tanja says
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
Christie says
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!
Gloria B says
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!!
Morgan says
Yum! This was awesome!! I like it just plain (a change for me).. Definitely better than regular coffee! thanks much!!!
Kelsey, at Happyolks says
thank you thank you thank you … I’m cleansing now, and as a Pitta dosha also, this will come in handy!
Rachel says
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 :)
foodie and the chef says
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.
Cathy in Georgia says
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)
Rin says
I am just enjoying my first cup of this coffee (although I added cardamom and some coconut milk)….better than real coffee! Thank you!