Before we get to the dandelion coffee, or should I say dandelion “coffee,” let’s learn a bit about dandelion.
Volumes could be written on the many uses of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – indeed they have been!
This common weed is often hated and poisoned by those preferring a “weed free” lawn, while those of us in love with dandelion and its many uses happily support it taking over our lawns.
This bitter herb was purposefully brought to North America by Europeans not wanting to leave this valuable resource behind. Every part of the dandelion can be used as food or medicine, making back door herbalism simple and easy, as it should be.
Dandelion Leaves
When the first spring leaves pop up out of the ground they can be harvested heavily and eaten fresh with salads, made into a delicious pesto, or dried for tea.
The leaves are highly nutritious, containing large amounts of vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and many more vitamins and minerals. The French call this plant pissenlit, which alludes to its strong diuretic properties.
A tea of dandelion leaves is a great way to flush excess water from the system. (Of course, before using this effective remedy we always want to make sure the water retention is caused by a non-serious condition like sitting on an airplane too long.)
When eaten with meals, the bitter taste of the leaves helps to promote digestion by stimulating bile to relieve indigestion and other digestive disturbances.
Dandelion Root
The root is a great ally for the liver. It can be tinctured or eaten fresh in a variety of recipes. We’ll see below how to make dandelion coffee. Dandelion root can help clear up acne and other skin disruptions with the root cause being a stagnant liver. Most herbalists agree that long-term use of dandelion is needed for best results.
Dandelion Flower
The flower can be eaten in salads, or fried up as fritters. An oil made from dandelion flowers is warming and can be applied externally to relieve arthritis and other aches and pains.
Dandelion Sap
Lastly the latex, or sap, from the dandelion stems can be used topically on warts. Apply several times daily for best results.
Note
Like burdock, dandelion’s strong diuretic activity makes it an inappropriate choice for someone with low blood pressure or excessive urination.
Want to learn more about the gifts and intricacies of dandelion? Check out my Dandelion Plant Profile on HerbMentor. This in-depth plant profile offers so much more key info on the uses of dandelion. Right now you can join HerbMentor for just $1.
Now, on to dandelion coffee…
Dandelion Coffee Recipe
My favorite way to enjoy dandelion is by making dandelion coffee with the roots. Dandelion root coffee doesn’t contain the caffeine found in coffee, but dandelion root coffee does have a rich, dark taste similar to coffee — making it a tasty decaf coffee alternative.
- Prior to decocting the dandelion root, roast the dried chopped root in a cast iron pan until it is fragrant and has changed color from being off-white to light and dark brown.
- For each 8 ounces of water you are making, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the roasted dandelion root.
- Add the root to simmering hot water and continue to simmer while covered for 7 to 15 minutes. The resulting brew will be darkly colored.
I enjoy my dandelion coffee with cream, and many people enjoy adding honey as well. You can also use coconut milk, oat milk, or other dairy-free milks too.
Enjoy!
