When I first heard that dandelion root is used as a coffee substitute, I immediately ruled it out as something I wanted or needed in my life. Because y’all, I. AM. NOT. breaking up with coffee. And yet, as I dug deeper into the health benefits of dandelion flowers, leaves, and roots, I realized that there’s way more to dandelion tea than its use as a coffee substitute.
In Persian, the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale) is called the “small postman” because it is thought to bring good news. (1) It’s one of the first flowers that pops up in spring, and it stays with us all through the summer. That makes it one of the easiest herbs to harvest and use – which is awesome because it has lots of uses!
This rich, creamy dandelion root tea is so delicious that I always make a double batch – one cup for me, and one to replace that cup when my littles steal it.
So, what is dandelion tea used for?
The antioxidant-rich dandelion leaves can be made into a tea that’s traditionally used to strengthen digestion and/or as a diuretic to help the body let go of excess water.
In this recipe we’ll be using the roots, which are helpful for balancing hormones and detox support. They also have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of taraxasterols, and are rich in minerals (iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium) and nutritive compounds such as carotenes. (2)
In traditional herbal medicine, dandelion root is used to help get things moving in cases of mild constipation. Raw roots are rich in the gut-nourishing prebiotic inulin, and although roasting reduces the amount there is still a significant amount in this tea. Hot water and a little time is the best way to extract inulin, which is just another reason to love this recipe.
Where do I get dandelion root?
You can buy dandelion root – which is very affordable – here. Or you can use fresh dandelion roots that you’ve gathered from an area that has not been sprayed with pesticides. Here’s how to properly identify dandelions.
You will need to scrub, chop and dry them out before roasting them, though. I typically put mine in my dehydrator at 95°F for about 12 hours, but you can also just lay them on a towel in a dry, cool area until they’re brittle.
How do you roast dandelion root?
Although you may be imagining that it’s similar to the daunting process of artisanal coffee roasting, it actually couldn’t be easier. All you do is throw some dried roots in a pan over medium-high heat and stir until they become golden brown and fragrant. Yep, that’s it.
What’s the difference between dandelion coffee and tea?
They’re exactly the same thing. 🙂 For whatever reason, dandelion tea is reminiscent of regular coffee and that’s why it’s sometimes called dandelion coffee. It’s a hard connection to explain until you’ve tried it. If you’ve ever had a friend that reminds you of someone else, and yet you can’t put your finger on why, it’s basically like that.
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
This rich, creamy dandelion root tea is so delicious that I always make a double batch – one cup for me, and one to replace that cup when my littles steal away its deliciousness. It’s helpful for detox, digestion, and balancing hormones, plus it has lots of minerals and nutritive compounds that support wellness.
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
Equipment
- medium sized pot
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 4½ tsp dried dandelion root (If using fresh root, see the notes section below)
- 2 cups water
- 1 to 2 tbsp butter or cream to taste (optional)
- optional additions – 1 cinnamon stick OR 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger OR 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger. OR vanilla extract to taste (or a combination of these)
- sweetener to taste
Instructions
- Place a medium pot over medium heat and place the dried dandelion root in the bottom.
- Toast the root until it becomes fragrant and golden brown, then add the water and additional flavorings (if using).
- Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Strain the roasted roots and and add optional flavorings if desired. I blend in a little maple syrup and one tablespoon of butter (or a few tablespoons of cream) and 2-3 drops of vanilla extract.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink dandelion tea if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
According to the Botanical Safety Handbook, dandelion is a Safety Class 1A herb – the safest rating possible. It is described as:
“Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately.
- History of safe traditional use
- No case reports of significant adverse events with high probability of causality
- No significant adverse events in clinical trials
- No identified concerns for use during pregnancy or lactation
- No innately toxic constituents
- Toxicity associated with excessive use is not a basis for exclusion from this class
- Minor or self-limiting side effects are not bases for exclusion from this class”
Always check with your doctor before adding herbs to your diet, and listen to your intuition to help you make the best choice for yourself.
Does dandelion tea have any side effects?
As mentioned above, dandelion has the highest safety rating possible. With that said, it may trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to related plants such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.
More Herbal Tea Recipes To Try
Banana Tea – When taken about an hour before bed, banana peel tea can help calm the nervous system and help the body prepare for deep sleep. That’s because banana peels contain compounds that our bodies use to make melatonin, plus potassium and magnesium (which help relax muscles).
It’s mildly sweet, and all you need to make it is a banana peel (although you can add flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla).
Moon Milk– There’s something that just feels so beautiful and therapeutic – even enchanting – about whipping up a nighttime cup of moon milk with sleep supporting herbs. We’ll dive into its Ayurvedic origins and benefits, plus how to make four yummy versions.
Elderberry Tea – Elderberries are revered for their ability to support the immune system, but they have other benefits, too! For example, they contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that help the body absorb vitamin C – a vital nutrient that assists with collagen production and a variety of other processes. They need a little extra coaxing to release their therapeutic compounds, and I explain what’s needed in this recipe.
Want more research-backed natural remedies?
No problem, I’ve created a free ebook for you – Kitchen Apothecary: 25+ Natural Remedies Using Ingredients From Your Pantry – as a gift for signing up for my newsletter. You’ll also get updates when I post about safe essential oils for pregnant/breastfeeding mamas, exclusive gifts and coupons (I was able to give away a jar of free coconut oil to anyone who wanted it recently!), plus other goodies.
Sign up using the form below.
Sources
1. Rastogi, Sanjeev et. al. (2012) Evidence-Based Practice in Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Perspectives, Protocols, Problems and Potential in Ayurveda
2. Gamora, Lisa (2009) Herbal Constituents: Foundations of Phytochemistry
How does yours look so nice and frothy?
I put it in the blender with butter 🙂
How much butter?
1-2 tablespoons.
Do you ever combine with chicory?
This is awesome, dandelion root tea is super easy to find. I love the additions to amp it up!
Can you make a tea with the dandelion powder?
Thank you
Hi, I got some dandelion powder and after making a pot of tea I noticed that after a while it starts to form some little round stuff in the tea at the bottom of the pot. And even when it’s left in the cup, at the bottom of the cup…Is that normal?
Thanks I’m so excited to meet it in coming spring.
Does dandy blend have the sane benefits?
Is Dandelion tra safe to consume while pregnant?
Why do you have to simmer it instead of just steeping like any other tea?
Roots require simmering to extract more of their goodness. Teas which are derived from leaves are best extracted by steeping.
So what do you think Dandelion Root Tea is made of? leaves or root?
Hi I’m just wondering if it is better to ground the root in a mortar and pestle before roasting, or is it fine to simply roast the chunks? Some recipes have suggested it’s better to ground/blend the root.
Thank you for taking the time to explain things and for adding links where the info is.
Dandelions are my easiest forage herb. The root I add to coffee and brew as coffee or just make a lovely tea as you have described. I like the idea of blending with butter. Like a bullet proof Dandy! Can I rehydrate the root for cooking with any success? Planning to try it out but lack any ideas for yummy tasting roots. Thanks!
I have read that dandelion root tea is good to destroy cancer cells. How do I make the tea to make it tastier and still get the benefit of destroying cancer cells ? All help is appreciated.
I used to like adding condensed milk which makes it super tasty, but I’ve acquired a taste for it when it’s plain. Adding stevia is also a good way to sweeten it without making it unhealthy.
Thankyouu
Im wondering if its ok to use raw dandelion root. I just get it out of the ground, wash it up super good, then grate about 2 tbls of the roo in about 2 cups of clean water and boil for 10 or 15 mins, then add some lemon slices and honey; so far so good! What do you think?
Totally fine 🙂
While simmer for 30 to 40 mins should it be covered?
Uncovered
Hey,
Thank you for coffee recipe, I really really like the way you explained it, Me and my family this coffee so i’m going to try this one in upcoming weekend where we set together once in a week so this will be amazing can you please tell me if i can use persian saffron in it?
Thanks
Debra
Mine cooked down to 1/2 cup. Can i add water to it and heat it up. I simmered for 40 minutes
Yes, you definitely can!
Hey,
Can i use milk and sugar instead of water and honey!? (with dandelion root tea sachets!?)
Some dried raspberry leaves pair well with dandelions’ natural flavor, and tastes great even unsweetened (depending on your mindset when tasting), thank you for the recipe, butter was unexpectedly joyful imo a better texture than cream.
Being, I never read such an interesting article on ‘TEA’.
Thanks for sharing.
This is awesome! I just brewed some Sunday afternoon espresso coffee and I am going to add some of this Dandy Blend to it and cinnamon nutmeg and butter 🙂 gives it that froth creamy amazing texture the added butter is a game changer for me lol 🙂
a few weeks a go, I purchased Roasted Dandelion Tea – not knowing this was Coffee – smelled like coffee & tasted like coffee. – I do not like coffee & have never drank it. –
Your recipe above is probably very good for those who Like Coffee, – but now I plan to give to someone who does like coffee.
Wow, thank you for this guide. I used your recipe and made my ownI added fenugreek seeds to the roast (they cook faster than dandelion root) I added cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, allspice, nutmeg and maple syrup for flavor and almond milk creamer. It was so delicious!!!
The store stopped selling my favorite dandelion tea (with vanilla). I’m going to try your recipe and add some vanilla bean to it – so glad to have found this!