Dandelion is one of the best plants to detoxify the body at the beginning of the spring. This common plant is an excellent cleanser of the liver and the blood. It soothes the stomach, and it is recommended to persons who suffer from diabetes or hypertension.
Every part of this plant has benefits for the body, but its root is the richest in minerals. Dandelion is renowned for its tonifying and stimulating effect on the digestive system and the liver.
The bitter taste of dandelion helps the production of digestive fluids and thus it stimulates the natural detoxifying processes of the body. Recent studies have shown that dandelion root is also useful in fighting cancer.
How to collect dandelion roots
Dandelion roots are collected from plants with mature leaves. Dig around the plant to remove the roots easier.
Place the roots in a bowl of hot water and rub them to remove the caked-on soil. After that, wash them under running warm water and rinse well.
Crush the roots finely and dry them in an airy and cool place. When the roots are completely dry, roast them in a pan at medium heat, mixing constantly. The roots are ready when they become brown and fragrant. Make sure you don’t burn them.
Roasted dandelion roots can be kept in closed jars in a dark place. They can be used for a year.
READ THIS: How to make delicious dandelion syrup
How to make dandelion coffee
Crush several pieces of roots in a coffee grinder into a fine powder similar to coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dandelion root powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 stick cinnamon
Preparation
Add the hot water, the dandelion root powder and the cinnamon into a small pot and bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling, turn the heat to low and boil the water for about five minutes.
Pour the coffee into a cup, straining it through a fine strainer. Add vegetable milk, honey, molasses or brown sugar to taste. The coffee tastes similarly to authentic coffee, but it doesn’t contain caffeine. You may combine dandelion root powder with chicory for stronger coffee.
