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.
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
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!
Marie says
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
Elana says
Marie, have you looked at amazon.com for Europe? I think it may be on there :-)
Charles says
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
Elana says
Charles, thanks so much for posting this mini-tutorial on foraging for dandelion root! It’s very much appreciated :-)
vicka says
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)
Elana says
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 :-)
Randy says
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.
Shera says
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. :)
Rowena says
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,
Elana says
Rowena, I haven’t tried that so not sure, if you do experiment please let us know how it goes :-)
Melody says
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.
Elana says
Melody, here’s a link to my Instant Dandelion Latte which will not require you to buy such large amounts of ingredients:
https://elanaspantry.com/instant-dandelion-latte/
Enjoy!
Elana
ali says
You should be able to purchase roasted chicory and roasted dandelion root from any health store. Usually in the bulk section so you can get a small amount to try it and see if you like it. I’ve been making mine with a bit of raw honey too. SUPER RECIPE!
Elana says
Ali, thanks for the tips! So great to hear this is a SUPER RECIPE, we love it too :-)
Christina Igaraividez says
If you make a lot of it and put it in a mason jar does anyone know how long it would be good for?
Elana says
Hi Christina, I store mine in the fridge for 3-4 days :-)
laurie says
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?
Sharon Whetstone says
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.
Sarah Canales Rivera says
I love the Dandy blend!
Phil says
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.
MamaCassi says
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.
Elana says
Thanks MamaCassi!
stephanie says
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:)
David Nolan says
Hi Stephanie, just wondering could you tell me how many parts cocoa butters and MCT oil do you add?
Regards
Miriam says
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 !
Elana says
Miriam, thanks for your comment! I’m so happy to hear that this drink is better than coffee :-)
Cari says
Is this ok to drink while breastfeeding?
Elana says
Cari, I would check in with your health care practitioner about that :-)
Magdalena says
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!
Elana says
Magdalena, thanks for letting me know this is much better than coffee!