I have a confession to make. I have recently traded one of my greatest loves for an old flame. Yes, there comes a time in one’s life, when we need to act on these feelings rather than fight them any longer. Whilst I have spent the last few days torn, my favourite tea (who shall remain nameless) has taken a back seat in my pantry and the bold, dark and handsome Dandelion and Chicory Root Tea is back in my life and in prime position. Now that I have invited you into my complicated love triangle, let me explain why Dandelion & Chicory Root Tea offers me so much more than many of my other teas ever could. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine…
DANDELION ROOT can help both the kidneys and the liver to remove impurities from the blood stream. It is also high in potassium and helps to improve appetite and digestion whilst also stimulating the spleen.
… Fun fact, dandelion root extract (not the root itself, but part of it, is being studied for it’s ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) or chemo-resistant melanoma)1.
CHICORY ROOT can also be considered a digestive tonic, known to increase bile flow (stimulates the liver and regulates your gall bladder) and reduce inflammation. It is also believed to support the action of the stomach and liver and cleanses the urinary tract. The Chicory Root itself is also rich in Vitamins A, C, B, K and P and studies have shown that chicory tea may aid the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
Mix the two together and we have one pretty powerful combo. This duo has also been used in combination with other nutrients and herbs in the treatment of gallstones, urinary tract infections, gout, jaundice, arthritis, inflammation, PMS, regulation of blood sugars and weight loss… the list goes on.
Dandelion & Chicory Root Tea makes a great substitution for coffee with zero caffeine. While a little bitter, it is no bitter than your standard cup of coffee. When searching for Dandelion & Chicory Root tea in the aisles of your local supermarkets, look for tea bags only – others coffee substitutes are sweetened. For organic varieties, look on the shelves of health food stores. As always, organic is always better. Ladies (and gents) this could just be the one we have been searching for. 😉
Which Dandelion & Chicory Root Tea do you buy, and from where?
Hi Jeremy,
I use Bonvit Dandelion and Chicory Root tea bags. You can find them here:
http://www.bonvit.com.au/shop/viewitem.php?productid=35
Love Chai Love tea also do a blend of Dandelion and Chai that is delicious:
http://lovechai.com.au/woocommerce-search/keyword/dandelion/
It certainly is delicious, isn’t it, Alyse?!! I first started drinking the Dandelion on its own in the 1970s, but it was a granule which contained lactose. Then I found the plain Dandelion root, which you had to use in a tea infuser, but it was just lacking something – and I, too, kept going back to my favourite tea. But recently I decided that the tea was interfering with my adrenals, and I went in search of a truly lovely replacement that hit that spot and was satisfying, but left me calm instead of shaky. I found it in Coles in the health food aisle – the one you mentioned – Bonvit Dandelion and Chickory. It is exactly what I’ve been looking for – 100% root, with no additives or genetic modification, and the combination (with a little organic honey) is wonderful.
It’s easily still my favourite and definitely one of those teas I turn to when you want a little more comfort. So glad to hear you love it just as much as I do! 🙂 xx
I add a few spoons of it to my homemade masal chai recipe instead of tea. Delicious caffeine-free chai. I love it with almond milk.