Dandelion Root Tea is the New “Coffee,” Only Healthier

Roasted dandelion and chicory roots can be brewed into a beverage that tastes like coffee and energizes like coffee, but won’t bring you crashing down.

Want a coffee-like, herbal morning pick-me-up that won’t make you jittery or leave you crashing from caffeine withdrawals an hour later?

Roasted dandelion root or chicory root tea are the new coffee, but better.

Both of these caffeine-free herbs taste similar to coffee — only less bitter and acidic — and are packed with energizing nutrients. Chicory root has a slightly sweet taste and smooth, creamy feeling.

Dandelion Root Benefits

1. Fights Cancer. A recent study found dandelion root extract can kill cancer cells while leaving surrounding healthy cells intact.
2. Heart Healthy. Another study found dandelion root reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
3. Antioxidant Rich. Dandelion root is loaded with antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, reducing risk of heart disease and cancer.
4. Fights Bacteria. Dandelion root has good bacteria that fights bad bacteria. One study showed dandelion root was especially effective against the bacteria responsible for staph infections and foodborne illness.
5. Nutrient Dense. Dandelion root is a super food packed with vitamins A, B complex, C and D, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.

Click here a delicious vanilla chai dandelion latte recipe.

Click here to buy roasted dandelion root “coffee” grounds if you don’t want to harvest and roast your own:

Chicory Root Benefits

1. Reduces Stress. Caffeine exacerbates stress by raising epinephrine and cortisol levels. Chicory gives you a calmer, longer-lasting non-jittery energy.
2. Anti-inflammatory.  A study found the polyphenols in chicory reduce inflammation and are good for the heart.
3. Protects Against Diabetes. Another study found the chicory root extract could delay or prevent the early onset of diabetes.
4. Improves Osteoarthritis. Another study showed chicory root extract reduced inflammation and joint pain in osteoarthritis patients.
5. Improves gut bacteria. Chicory root contains a prebiotic called oligosaccharide-enriched inulin. Prebiotics promote the growth of probiotics in your gut and enhance calcium absorption. This is why you’re likely to see chicory root in probiotic supplements.
6. Nutrient Dense. Chicory root is a good source of vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. It’s also a good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and has as much fiber as psyllium husk.

Click here for a chicory root, maple and almond milk latte recipe.

Click here to buy chicory root coffee substitute:

Or for a combo of both dandelion root and chicory root “coffee,” try this: