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!
Karis says
If I don’t have a grinder, will it still work well to use the Starwest products right out of the bag? My liver enzymes are climbing and I’m hoping this will help.
Elana says
Karis, I would recommend using a grinder to make the coffee :-)
Matt says
Have you tried using an electric percolator with roasted dandelion root and chicory? If so, results? I’ve order some bulk for this weekend to help reduce my coffee consumption.
Elana says
Matt, I did a long time ago and it worked well :-)
Jennifer says
Hi! Couple of questions…
Is there a difference between dandelion root roasted pieces and dandelion root roasted granules?
And does the chickory root need to be roasted? I have some raw c/s pieces. If I need to get roasted, is there a difference between pieces and granules?
Elana says
Jennifer, I think either of those will work. Yes, I use roasted chicory in this recipe :-)
Mandy says
Hi Elana,
I know this is an older post but just wondering if you grind up your dandelion and chicory yourself? I buy the bags from Starwest and they are like little chunks… Is it necessary to grind them any finer or can I just use as-is for your recipe? Thank you!
Mandy
Elana says
Mandy, I do grind them :-)
Lu Mobley says
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?
Elana says
Lu, I usually boil them up another time to make more coffee, then toss them into the compost bin :-)
Sharon J. Montgomery says
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
Elana says
Sharon, thanks for your comment! Here’s a link to my Iced Dandelion Mocha for you:
https://elanaspantry.com/iced-dandelion-mocha/
Enjoy!
Elana
Susan says
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?
Elana says
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 :-)
Susan says
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
Elana says
Susan, I don’t find them acidic at all :-)
Susan says
Thanks Elana! I will try this! Someone mentioned the product “Cafix” to me which contains both dandy and chicory root — have you tried it? I prefer to make things homemade, but for times of travel or being in a rush, it seems like a possible alternative…any experience with it?
Elana says
Susan, thanks for your comment! I stay away from those types of products in case they have barley in them which is a source of gluten.
Susan says
And BTW, that mug in the picture is gorgeous!
Elana says
Thanks Susan!
Sonia says
Hi Elana,
Will non roasted dandelion root affect the taste of the coffee? I can only find non roasted dandelion root.
Elana says
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 :-)
Christine says
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!
Elana says
Christine, I’m so happy that my Dandelion Root Coffee has helped you break the coffee habit!
yvonne says
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….
Elana says
Thanks Yvonne!