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!
Vickie Morris says
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.
Lou says
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!
Vickie M. says
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!!
Michelle Pac says
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.
MariBeth says
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.
Vicki says
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!
Nancy B. says
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.
Tee-Ann says
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
Jessica says
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 :)
Liz says
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. :)
Jessika says
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:)
Elana says
Jessika, this is caffeine -free :-)