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!
Jillian says
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!
Elana Amsterdam says
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
Andi says
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.
Paula Goynes says
You can buy both roasted dandelion root and roasted chicory root a whole lot cheaper from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com I suppose the big difference is, they aren’t organic?
Laura Hofer says
Most, or maybe even all, products are organic. Roasted dandelion root is specifically referred to as organic on their web site.
MJ says
This is delightful!
Claire says
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!
Kristin says
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!!
Ellen Mini says
I love that mug! I am a huge fan of pottery and that mug is a beauty.
Jason says
If I have cut and sifted dandelion root but don’t have roasted – how can I roast the cut and sifted roots myself? Thanks!
Julia says
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!
Pam Buckner says
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!!