What is Dandelion Coffee?
Coffee seems to be indispensable in modern cities – whether it be instant or Nespresso style or in cafes. You might also have heard of Dandelion coffee, which is a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. In fact, dandelion coffee has centuries of history – “It consists of wholly or principally of dandelion root, which has been dried, powdered or otherwise prepared, so as to give it something of the character of ground coffee or cocoa.” [1] So, it’s not anything new but rather making a comeback.

 

A Nutrition Herb to lower blood pressure?
According to the surveys, 12.6% of our population were told by practitioners of Western medicine with known hypertension. And it is believed that “only half of hypertensive cases are diagnosed. [2] Thiazide-type diuretic is a common type of drug used in treating hypertension – it flushes excess water and salt from the body through urine. Unfortunately, this type of drug will also increase mineral loss including potassium. Hence, there are common side effects of muscle spasms, fatigue, and dizziness with mineral depletion.
Dandelion leaf tea is one of the finest diuretics known as it is a non-irritating potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it won’t lead to weakness, muscle cramps, constipation, and fatigue. Apart from potassium, dandelion leaf also contains highly absorbable vitamins (including Vitamins C, D, and B complex) and minerals (calcium, silica, magnesium, iron and zinc). This makes it particularly beneficial in treating hypertension and preventing osteoporosis.
Dandelion is one of the best herbs to support Liver, and it is particularly useful as a blood purifying herb. It is helpful in clearing obstructions of the spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, bladder and kidneys – It can help with fluid retention, cystitis, nephritis, weight loss and hepatitis. It is of tremendous benefit to the stomach and the intestines. Dandelion root balances liver and pancreatic enzymes that simultaneously benefit digestion, assimilation, and elimination. If you are looking to lose a bit of your belly fat, get more nourished in the spring, go Dandelion root!

Other than Dandelion coffee?
Now you know that dandelion has many benefits, and for those who are not looking for coffee alternatives, you can still enjoy this nutritive herb by cooking/brewing with it. In Europe or North American, its leaves as a vegetable are eaten when young in the spring (some people choose to add olive oil and lemon juice to moderate its bitterness) to help clear winter’s excesses and prevent spring’s colds and flu. In this part of the world where dandelion is not in our garden, you can still have soup with dandelion root or a cup of tea with dandelion root/leaf. Your body will love it! Enjoy!

 

Related Products: Liver Detox Herbal Tea, Primavera Refresh Soup Kit

Materia Medica Summary
Parts used: Whole plant
Energy and Flavors: Leaves are cool and bitter, the root is bitter, sweet and cool
Systems affected: Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder
Used for Liver problems, urinary tract infections, skin eruptions, stomach pains, breast cancer

Where the name come from
The common name dandelion comes from the French dent de lion, meaning lion’s tooth and refers to its dentate leaf edges. A very common plant, dandelion grows wild almost everywhere. Dandelion is a native of Europe. In India, it is found through the Himalayas (its Indian name is Kukraundha or Kanphool)

References:

  1. John Churchill in the 1859 version of London’s Pharmaceutical Journal
  2. http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/25/35390.html Hypertension Situation in Hong Kong
  3. http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/low-potassium-levels-from-diuretics
  4. Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra, L. Ac., O.M.D.