I have a love hate relationship with coffee. The aroma, the taste, the rush of feel good stuff that flows immediately following consumption is hard to beat, however I’m well aware I’m probably doing my body a disservice by drinking too much of this nectar from the gods. While a couple of cups of coffee or tea a day aren’t bad for most people, more than that can cause health problems such as irritability and anxiety, sleeplessness, increased heart rate and muscle tremors. That’s why I’m constantly on the lookout for a halfway decent substitute. And no, I don’t mean a virtuous cup of green tea or a turmeric latte – I’m talking about something that actually smells and tastes like coffee. Does this elusive concoction exist?

Enter dandelion coffee. Made from the roasted root of the dandelion plant dandelion coffee has a resemblance to coffee in appearance and taste, and can be prepared black or with your preferred milk and sweetener just like normal coffee. Imagine my delight! Even better is that dandelion coffee also has plenty of health benefits.

It’s a Diuretic

Dandelion coffee is a diuretic and its toxin flushing properties may be useful for treating premenstrual bloating and conditions such as mild edema, high blood pressure and liver problems. It can also assist with pregnancy-related issues such as swollen limbs and sore breasts due to fluid retention (yes! Guilt free coffee while pregnant!).

Digestive Aid

Dandelion root may promote digestion and reduce stomach pain through its gentle laxative effect, and also help promote healthy gastrointestinal bacteria.

Improves Gall Bladder Function

Because of its ability to flush toxins from the system, dandelion root may work well for people prone to gall stones. It seems to promote healthy bile secretion, and may also dissolve the gallstones themselves.

Nutrient Rich

The dandelion comes packed with several crucial vitamins and minerals such as B complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and D, zinc, potassium and iron. Also while other diuretic products can have the unwanted side effect of flushing potassium from the body, dandelion root tea actually adds it.

As a side note dandelion coffee does not actually contain any caffeine so it won’t provide a fix in that sense. My recommendation is to use this blend to reduce your overall coffee consumption. I personally stick to my one cup of regular coffee in the morning, then switch to dandelion coffee.

Pro-tip: Start with just one cup of dandelion coffee per day and build up. Drink too much and the detoxifying effect of the dandelion root could cause a close relationship with the bathroom until your digestive tract adjusts!

If you want to get your hands on some dandelion coffee yourself, you should be able to pick up a bag at your local health food shop. Make sure you buy a ‘roasted’ blend. If you buy unroasted the taste will not be nearly as good. Don’t shy away from blends that include extras such as extracts of roasted barley, rye, chicory root, and sugar beet as they can actually improve the coffee-like aroma and flavour. Enjoy!

Written by Ché Miller

About the author Ché has always had a passion for hospitality having completed a conjoint Bachelors Degree in International Business and Hospitality Management. She has spent the last 15 years working in the hospitality industry. This passion led her to working in a premier health retreat in Australia in her twenties. There she found the knowledge she gained there inspired her to start living a healthier life. Now Ché loves to combine her two favourite things, hospitality and wellbeing. She scours the island for the best nourishing restaurants, products and services. Ché has been living in Mallorca since early 2017, having moved from her home in New Zealand. She absolutely loves the energy of the island and everything it has to offer. Ché’s other interests include ashtanga yoga, boxing, reading, writing, and really good coffee.