How To Make Adaptogenic Dandelion + Chicory Coffee Alternative [Recipe]

by | Feb 6, 2019 | Cooked, Elixirs & Tonics, Low-Gycemic, Paleo, Primal, Recipe, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Hey, friends.

What is it about coffee that is so darn tasty? It is the robust flavor? The way it slightly (or, sometimes, heavily) perks up your soul? Maybe we love it because of the routine…

Whatever the reason billions of humans crave coffee (caffeine = happiness in a cup…?) each day, it’s safe to say that drinking it all of the time is not healthy. Sure, a cup every now and again won’t send you to an early grave. But, drinking more than 2 cups each day, on a regular basis, can lead to adrenal fatigue, endocrine disruptions, and more lethargy than before.

It’s because of this that I started making my own “coffee” alternative, which I first learned about from my workplace Wonder Press. However, my version is a little different. So, you should definitely still visit the juice + smoothie shop on Pearl Street in Boulder, CO, and try a dandy latte for yourself. (I recommend the house-made almond-coconut  or cashew-cinnamon nut “milks” #vegan).

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Credit: Pixabay

Before we get to the recipe, I’d love to share WHY this coffee alternative is so amazing.

  1. It tastes REALLY good. The flavor isn’t exactly like coffee, but it does have a nutty, roasted taste that rivals coffee.
  2. It’s so healthy, thanks to dandelion root, chicory root, reishi mushroom, and Chaga mushroom (*see more below)
  3. It’s just as easy to make as regular coffee!

Health Benefits

  1. Dandelion Root
    I LOVE dandelion root. It has been used for centuries to remedy the loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, joint pain, muscle aches, eczema, and bruises. Dandelion helps cleanse the liver, can help tone the skin and is a blood and digestive tonic. As Web MD reports, some people use dandelion to treat infection, such as viral infections or cancer.
  2. Chicory Root
    Chicory root is a good source of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that supports digestion and weight loss. It also contains manganese and vitamin B6, two nutrients linked to brain health.
  3. Reishi Mushroom 
    Mushrooms, mushrooms, mushrooms. Fungi are amazing, and reishi is perhaps one of the most notable. As HealthLine reports, reishi mushroom has been proven to boost the immune system and reduce the likelihood of developing cancer. Furthermore, it is useful in fighting fatigue and depression (which caffeine can exacerbate), supports a healthy heart, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and is rich in antioxidants. Read more here.
  4. Chaga Mushroom 
    Similar to Reishi, Chaga is AMAZING. In addition to being abundant in a variety of anti-aging nutrients, it has been proven to slow the aging process, reduce cholesterol, prevent and fight cancer, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and keep blood sugar stabilized. Read more here.Both Reishi and Chaga mushroom are adaptogenic, which means they support the endocrine system and fight the adverse effects of stress. Coffee does the exact opposite, which is why I LOVE this alternative beverage.

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Now that you’re excited, I suppose it’s time to share the recipe. Without further ado…

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How To Make Adaptogenic Dandelion + Chicory Coffee Alternative [Recipe]

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A delicious, warming and nourishing coffee alternative.

  • Author: Mandy | Life in Bloom Nutrition
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 quarts of water (depending on how dark you like the “brew”)
  • 1/8 cup dandelion root
  • 1/8 cup chicory root
  • ~1/2 tsp Reishi mushroom powder
  • ~1/2 tsp Chaga mushroom powder
  • Optional: 1-2 tsp raw honey + cinnamon + almond milk

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the dandelion and chicory root. Turn the heat to low-medium and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Use a strainer to strain the alternative coffee. Before serving, add a pinch of the Reishi and Chaga powders. Stir well, drink as-is or follow my super special directions in the next step.
  4. For the best beverage ever, add 2-3 cups of the hot dandelion + chicory “coffee” to a blender, along with 1/4 tsp of Reishi mushroom powder and 1/4 tsp Chaga mushroom powder. Add 1/2 cup homemade almond or coconut milk, a dash of cinnamon, and sweetener to taste (I love raw honey). Blend until creamy and frothy. Then, enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @lifeinbloom7 on Instagram and hashtag it #LifeinBloomNutrition!

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If you guys like this drink, please share it with your friends and family members. Your support really helps my site.

Until next time,

Mandy