DANDELION COCONUT ALLSPICE LATTE

Where would we be in the winter without a hot cup of something to get us through it? Coffee, tea, apple cider and hot chocolate are a few treats that warm the soul and can bring a little joy to an otherwise cold and dreary day. 

This holiday season I'm looking forward to sharing a cup of Dandelion Coconut Allspice Latte with my friends and family. Dandelion is loaded with health benefits including stimulating the appetite and promoting good digestion, which, with all the food that is presented over the holidays, we could all use a little assistance. Arguably, the best part of this drink is the combination of allspice, cinnamon, cloves and ginger brewing on the stove top. Your entire entire house will smell like Christmas spice!

ALLSPICE DANDELION COCONUT LATTE: a festive warming detox and digestive aid. 

INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving)

  • 2 cup water
  • 1/4 coconut milk 
  • 1 tbsp dandelion 
  • 1 tsp grated ginger 
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2  tsp cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks 
  • pinch of nutmeg 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Grate ginger and put in a tea basket or cheese cloth tied at one end. 

2. Place water, allspice, cloves, cinnamon sticks and grated ginger (in basket or cheese cloth) in a pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer for 20min. 

3. Place dandelion in mug, then add strained simmered spice water and mix. Ensure to leave an inch of space in the mug for coconut milk to be added next. 

4. Warm coconut milk on stove top stirring continuously and ensuring to not let the milk burn. Once warm, pour into mug along with the spice water. Stir and top with nutmeg. 

Enjoy! 

DANDELION HEALTH BENEFITS: 

Vitamins/Minerals- rich source of vitamin A, B complex, C, D and potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. 

Digestive Aid-  promotes digestion and is a mild laxative, promotes good cultures in the gut, and stimulates appetite.

Liver/Kidney- is a diuretic that helps detox the kidneys and clear out toxins.

Cancer/ Antioxidants – rich in antioxidants that prevent free-radical damage to cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in our cells and prevents and fights cancer. 

High Blood Pressure – As a diuretic dandelion increases urination which then lowers blood pressure. The fiber and potassium in dandelion also regulate blood pressure.

Cholesterol – studies have shown that dandelion lowers and control cholesterol levels.

Gallbladder – increases bile production and reduces inflammation to help with gallbladder problems and blockages.

Inflammation – contains essential fatty acids and phytonutrients that reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Immune System –immune boosting functions and fights off microbes and fungi.