When I first became interested in herbalism, my dad surprised me by gifting me all of my great grandmother’s herbalism and gardening books. By chance, or most likely not, I had wandered into a family legacy. My dad then regaled me with stories of some of her practices, like how she used to brew sassafras tea and root beer, made dandelion fritters, and added chicory and dandelion root to the coffee she brewed every day.
It is actually a long-standing tradition to add roots like dandelion, chicory, and burdock to coffee to add nutritional benefits and cut some of the bitterness. Beyond those roots, you can get creative with sweet and aromatic spices if you’d like to add more complex flavors. It’s really a very hygge—simple and intentionally cozy—process to develop your own personal mix and roast the ingredients yourself.
I love that I am carrying on my great grandma’s legacy. Many times when I make coffee, I also mix in roasted roots like she used to cut her coffee with. Herbs like dandelion, chicory, and burdock are nutritious and grounding, and help lessen the overall caffeine in your mug. They taste quite similar to coffee, though perhaps more complex and earthy, and you can put your own spin on your recipe with the addition of other flavorful botanicals.
Here is a closer look at some of the ingredients you might add to your own roasted root blend:
Strong liver, gallbladder, + kidney support
Vitamin + mineral rich
Supports heart + balances blood pressure
Vitamin + mineral rich
Digestion support
Antioxidant rich
Supports liver + stomach
Kidney + liver support
Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidant • Detoxifying
Antibacterial + antifungal • Skin clearing
Blood sugar regulating
Mildly stimulating
Synergizes other herbs
Heart + blood pressure support
Blood sugar regulating
Digestive support • Circulation stimulating
Blood sugar regulating • Analgesic
Antimicrobial + antifungal
Antioxidants • Supports brain health
Warming + drying
Allspice, cardamom, cloves, fennel
Digestive support
Promotes circulation • Immune support
Soothing • warming • uplifting
Method
Roast equal parts of chosen roots on a baking sheet at 375° for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent burning. Allow to cool.
Mix in any spices or additional ingredients like cacao nibs and cinnamon chips, then grind in a coffee grinder and brew as you normally brew coffee. Opt for a coarser grind if brewing with a French press.
Adapted from my Roasted Roots article from the Autumn 2022 edition of Botanical Anthology.
For educational purposes only. Not intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician.
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The Herbology Faerie 