Herb Blend ‘Coffee’

A blend of herbs — found in most health food stores — can be steeped in hot water to make a beverage that tastes a little like Coffee. And, it’s caffeine free! Some of the herbs that are used to make this blend are believed to aid in detoxing* the liver. Because herbs are considered a form of medicine, ask your doctor or healthcare provider if this beverage is safe** for you, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any health concerns.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups organic chicory root granules
• 2 1/4 cups organic dandelion leaf, cut and sifted
• 1/4 cup organic milk thistle seed
• 2 tablespoons organic burdock root, cut and sifted (optional)
• 2 (4-inch) pieces cinnamon sticks, crushed
• 3 Cups boiled water, per 1/4 cup herb blend

Directions:

1. To make the ‘coffee grinds’ add all the ingredients into a large jar, except for the water. Cover with a tight fitting lid and shake until well combined. Place jar in a cabinet or cupboard (out of direct sunlight) to have on hand when needed.
2. To make the Herb Blend ‘Coffee,’ place 1/4 cup of the ‘coffee grinds’ into a 32oz. French press. Add the boiling water. Insert the plunger, but don’t press down. Let brew for 8 minutes.
3. Press down on the plunger, pour a desired amount into a coffee cup, and serve. Know that full strength is a strong concentrate. If you prefer it milder, fill the cup half way, add boiling water to fill the cup, stir, and serve. Herb Blend ‘Coffee’ stores refrigerated in a glass pitcher with a tight fitting lid for up to 3 days.

Variations:

1. To give it a slight chocolate flavor, before adding water to the French press, add 2 tablespoons cacao nibs. Just know that cacao nibs do contain caffeine.
2. For Iced Herb Blend ‘Coffee,’ after pressing down on the plunger let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a glass pitcher with a tight fitting lid until cold. Pour over a tall glass filled with ice, and serve.
3. To make your coffee sweet, mix in pure maple syrup to taste, or other vegan and gluten-free sweetener. See our Choosing a Sweetener article.
4. For a creamer, add a desired amount of coconut milk, or make our recipe for Nondairy Milk Creamer.

Yield:
Makes 6 cups ‘coffee grinds’ and 48 cups full strength Herb Blend ‘Coffee,’ which equals 2 cups full strength Herb Blend ‘Coffee’ per 1/4 cup ‘coffee grinds.’

* According to WebMD, some studies have shown that milk thistle may help ease the symptoms of certain types of liver disease, but no research has shown this herb to treat the disease itself. They also state that dandelion has been considered a natural remedy for various conditions, but more studies are needed to prove that it works.

** Dr. Axe shares the benefits, risks, and side effects that should be considered when consuming chicory root, milk thistle, burdock root, dandelion root, and cacao nibs. Also ask your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.