Dandelion Coffee Review: Is this Caffeine-Free Alternative Better for You?

Using dandelion coffee as a coffee substitute is one way to reduce your caffeine intake while still enjoying a delicious, flavorful beverage.

When prepared properly, coffee made from roasted dandelion roots is said to taste like a combination of regular coffee, chocolate and caramel.

Dandelion root coffee colors range from deep red to dark brown, depending on how long the roots are roasted prior to brewing them. Organic dandelion coffee can be purchased ready for brewing or made from dandelions harvested in your local area.

One of the most popular brands of this herbal coffee alternative is the Organic Dandy Blend powder which can be made at home similarly to instant coffee.

This product also contains chicory root, rye extract roasted barley and sugar beetroot. It is a rich source of minerals as well as several beneficial compounds found in dandelion root extract.

Dandelion Root

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Immunity

How It Works:

• Supports liver and kidney health
• Used as a diuretic & detox supplement
• Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties

Dosage:

Varies depending on formulation

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Dandelion Coffee Benefits

People drink dandelion coffee instead of regular coffee for several reasons. This beverage is said to have a similar texture, taste and body as coffee. It is widely used by people who can no longer consume coffee for medical reasons.

Because dandelion leaves taste slightly bitter, many people assume that dandelion coffee will also. However, it is the roots and not the leaves that are used to make the coffee.

Dandelion coffee lacks the bitterness or acidity of coffee. Individuals with digestive disorders sometimes need to stop drinking coffee to avoid stomach problems like indigestion or excessive stomach acid.

Switching to Dandy Blend or a similar product can make the transition easier and minimize caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

Dandelion has long been used in traditional medicine for a number of health-promoting purposes. Many people use this plant extract to balance lipids in the blood, support healthy blood glucose levels, and support the immune system.

It is known as a diuretic, increasing the frequency and volume of urination. As an herbal diuretic, it has been used in traditional medicine for improving PMS bloating, mild edema and other conditions that involve water retention.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the diuretic effects of dandelion may be helpful for flushing toxins out of the system. It may benefit conditions like tender breasts (mastalgia) and swollen feet and hands during pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition marked by high blood pressure (hypertension) in pregnant women. If left unchecked, it can develop into eclampsia which is characterized by seizures or convulsions.

Because of its diuretic properties, dandelion extract may be useful for supporting normal blood pressure. It has been used traditionally for pre-eclampsia in pregnant women and for hypertension.

However, dandelion has not been approved as a drug by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions. Many of the traditional uses of dandelion root extracts have not been studied in clinical research trials.

Dandelion Coffee for Digestion

One of the purported benefits of drinking dandelion coffee as an alternative to regular coffee is its effect on the digestive system. Many people experience digestive problems when drinking regular coffee.

Dandelion coffee is said to be easier to tolerate for people with gastrointestinal issue and to act as a mild laxative. Some users report improvements to bowel movements after drinking this brave.

Dandelion has also been shown to act as a choleretic and a cholagogue, increasing the production and flow of bile to the gallbladder. Bile is yellowish-brown fluid produced by the liver that facilitates the digestion and absorption of fats from the gastrointestinal tract.

This beverage may also support the health of the gut microbiome. Coffee made from roasted dandelion roots contains a prebiotic dietary fiber called lutein.

Prebiotics are indigestive fibers that cannot be broken down by stomach acid. They form substrates that promote the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria.

A 2006 research study showed that a dandelion root infusion “stimulated in vitro growth of 14 strains of bifidobacteria”. This is a family of probiotic bacteria that includes strains like Bifidobacterium Longum and Bifidobacterium Lactis, which are found in fermented foods like yogurts.

Increasing the beneficial population of bifidobacteria in the gut can support digestive function, alleviate mild constipation, promote immune function and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Liver and Gallbladder Health

Dandelion has been used for hundreds of years in herbal medicine to improve liver and gallbladder disorders. Because it exerts a diuretic effect, it may help to promote detoxification of the body.

Research also shows that it exerts, “a direct effect on the gallbladder, causing contraction and release of stored bile.”

Preliminary evidence suggests that certain chemicals in dandelion root (sesquiterpene lactones) may help to break down gallstones. Drugs.com states that dandelion root “may aid gallbladder ailments.”

If you believe that you have a liver or gallbladder disorder, it is important to discuss this with your physician to determine the correct diagnoses and treatment protocol.

Note that liver and gallbladder disorders should be diagnosed and treated by physicians. The FDA has not approved dandelion as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions.

Using dandelion extracts is generally not recommended for conditions including bile duct obstructions, ileus (intestinal obstruction) or empyema (accumulated pus in body cavities).

Organic Dandelion Coffee Benefits

Caffeine in coffee is associated with certain side effects including insomnia, nervousness, irritability, digestive disorders – and increased heart and respiration rates.

Some people are very sensitive to the side effects of caffeine and others need to avoid it because it can interact with medications and health conditions.

Dandelion coffee contains no caffeine, making it an option for anyone who enjoys the experience of drinking a cup of coffee but who needs to eliminate or reduce caffeine consumption.

The manufacturers of this product also state that switching to Dandelion coffee can reduce withdrawal symptoms when people stop drinking coffee.

While many people use the Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage with Dandelion product, you can also make this coffee alternative on your own at home. You can learn how to make dandelion root coffee in this article.

Dandelion Coffee Side Effects

Dandelion is a GRAS food according to the US FDA. That means that it is generally regarded as safe for consumption in appropriate amounts.

When used medicinally, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates it as Possibly Safe. This means that there is evidence that it is well tolerated, but more research is needed to evaluate its safety in higher dosages.

Some people may experience allergic reactions when consuming products made from dandelions. Like other plants from the Asteraceae family, it can result in itchy skin or gastric discomfort for people who are allergic.

Dandelion contains high amounts of magnesium, potassium and some other minerals. Excessive consumption of minerals can pose health risks for people who have impaired kidney function.

Dandelion coffee could interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, CYP1A2 substrates, glucuronidated drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), estrogens (Estrace, Premarin, and oral contraceptives, lithium, potassium-sparing diuretics or quinolone antibiotics.

If you are currently taking any prescription drugs or have been diagnosed with a medical condition, it is recommended to check with a doctor before using this product.

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