Use Dandelion Mocha To Cut Back On Coffee
POSTED ON March 31, 2016 BY Kirsten Campbell


Written by: Kirsten Cowart
Dandelions are one of the most overlooked and yet readily available medicinal plants around and yet, most people you talk to are convinced that they are annoying weeds that need to be pulled up or sprayed with harmful chemicals!
I am here to tell you that the wild world of plants is full of exciting adventures and powerful herbs that are far superior to their domesticated cousins (food you get from the produce section of your local grocery store). Wild foods are packed with remedying nutrients that should give us all the more reason to protect the wilds and be extra cautious about what chemicals we use.
Not only can you eat the leaves, flower and heart of this super versatile plant, but even the roots can be used to make homemade tea and a mocha that can help to satisfy your need for a warm healthy morning beverage.
While I am sure that you can pick up some dandelion tea at your local healthfood store, I am going to tell you that you lose out on the adventure of finding these plants and making the tea for yourself. Even if you only ever do it once, it will be an experience worth having.
Health Benefits Of The Noble Dandelion
This plant is used as a digestive system purifier as well as a digestive stimulant. The root specifically is great for creating bile that can help you to keep your cholesterol levels down while breaking down fat. I like to trim a few leaves off of the plant and add them to my smoothies, juices, salads or even stir fry dishes for their awesome kidney and bladder remedying effects.
The leaves have a mild bitter taste that you will hardly notice after it has been cooked or mixed in with other plants. The yellow flowers actually have a mild sweet flavor to them that I particularly like to sprinkle over my salads.
Warning: Do not forage or eat dandelions that have been sprayed with any types of chemicals.
Dandelion Mocha
If you are trying to cut back on your coffee intake, but still want to enjoy a warm beverage, then I recommend gathering some dandelion roots and making this delicious mocha.
Dandelion Mocha
- 3 tbsp of roasted dandelion root
- 1 tbsp of raw cocoa nibs (raw chocolate)
- ½ cup of almond milk
- 1 tbsp of honey
- ½ tsp of cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp of vanilla extract
- Dash of clove powder or nutmeg
- Chop or slice up equal portions of fresh dandelion roots. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place your roots evenly over a cookie sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes. Once your dandelion roots are dark brown, pull them out and let them cool. Get them into a blender or coffee grinder and grind them up.
- Heat up your roasted dandelion root and cacao nibs in 3 cups of water, allowing them to simmer for 30 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, strain, then add in the remaining ingredients, stir them up to combine them and enjoy!
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Best Ways To Enjoy This Beverage
Simply drink this bad boy as you please. If you are looking to cut down your coffee consumption, then when that coffee craving hits, go for this mocha instead. If you are striving to make this work, you can always put a little bit of coffee in to help ease you into this fabulous drink.
What did you think about this tasty drink? Have you come across any other great beverages in any of your travels? If so, then we would love to hear all about them in the comments below!
Sources:
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs 2012, pgs 124-128
Edible Wild Plants, John Kallas, PHD, 2010, pgs. 270, 277, 278

Kirsten Cowart is a writer and researcher that has worked in the spiritual, mental health and medical fields.Kirsten enjoys studying and experiencing the benefits of yoga, meditation, nutrition, herbalism, organic gardening and alternative health.She worked hard in 2014 losing over 40 lbs. and has since maintained a healthy lifestyle.Follow her to learn more about her journey on Twitter, Facebook & Youtube!
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