From Dark Roast to Herbal Infusions: Making the Switch to Tea

People who are ditching coffee for herbal alternatives:

• Anxious people — shocker! (sarcasm) it makes their anxiety worse
• People who are trying to regulate their hormones
• Caffeine sensitive people who don't do well with more than one cup of coffee (me!)
• People with GI issues (trying to improve their "gut" health

• Those who experience severe PMS and find that caffeine makes things worse

I’m a huge proponent of moderation. This isn’t a blog post meant to shame people into never drinking coffee again. I still enjoy a cup of coffee most mornings (and then I drink herbal tea for the remainder of the day!). If you can’t give up your morning cup, here are some steps you can take to protect your body from any potentially negative side effects.

1. Eat something first: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can irritate the lining of your stomach, cause your blood sugar to spike, and dehydrate you. I usually eat something small like a few dates or a banana before taking my first sip.

2. Drink water before you drink coffee: When you drink water first thing in the morning you rehydrate your body and kickstart your digestive system.

3. Add herbs to your coffee: Growing up, my mom always added cinnamon to our coffee, which gave me the idea of adding root herbs like chicory and dandelion to mine to support my gut without giving up my morning coffee fix. This is why I call our Root Coffee blend a coffee complement or substitute — it’s delicious on its own, but it makes a great addition to your coffee beans too.

If you’re the type that chugs 4 cups of coffee every morning on the way to work or sips all the way up until the clock hits 2:00pm, you should probably be aware of some of the adverse reactions you’re exposing yourself to (but I’m sure none of them will come as a surprise).

• Can't sleep? Coffee is a powerful stimulant (duh) — but this means that while it alters levels of happy brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, it also alters levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and noradrenaline. In excess, these alterations can increase levels of anxiety and throw off your body’s natural cortisol ebbs and flows, contributing to sleepless nights. I won’t even go into detail about how it increases your heart rate and blood pressure because I feel like that’s common knowledge at this point.

• Are you the type of person that drinks coffee to keep you regular (yes, I’m talking about poop)? Coffee does contain compounds that increase contractions of the muscles in the colon, but its acidity can lead to acid reflux, heartburn, and GI upset. If you already have issues with your stomach or you’re working on your gut health, consider adding herbs like chicory root, fennel, and dandelion root to your coffee.

Herbal Alternatives to Coffee

1. Chicory root: Chicory root is a bitter herb that can be roasted and ground to make a beverage that is similar to coffee. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor and is often used to add depth and complexity to coffee blends. Scroll down to read more about the benefits of chicory root.

2. Dandelion root: Dandelion root has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that is similar to coffee. It can be roasted and ground to make a beverage that is caffeine-free and has a number of potential health benefits, including improving digestion and supporting liver function. Scroll down to read more about the benefits of dandelion root.

3. Yerba mate: Yerba mate is a plant native to South America that is used to make a caffeine-rich herbal tea. It has a grassy, earthy flavor and is thought to have a number of potential health benefits, including increasing energy and mental clarity. You read that right, it’s a naturally caffeinated herb!

Meet Our Coffee Alternative (or Complement): Root Coffee

Root Coffee is a robust, earthy blend of herbs that benefit the nervous system, digestive system, and liver. It’s delicious on its own or with a little frothed milk (any kind) and maple syrup. One of the unique features of this blend is that you have control over how strong you make it. If you steep it for 5 minutes, you’ll get notes of cinnamon more than anything else. After 10 minutes, you’ll start to get the turmeric and chicory as well as the slight bitterness of dandelion root. If you steep it for longer than 10 minutes, you’ll get a little spice from the cloves and cardamom. If you already have this blend at home, I highly recommend experimenting to find the perfect steeping time for you.

How to Make a Decoction With Your Root Coffee

1. Get out a pot and add 1 tablespoon of herbal tea for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of water you plan to drink.
2. Add in cold or lukewarm water based on your measurements above.
3. Turn your stove on low to medium heat and let the water (and herbs) come to a boil.
4. Once it comes to a boil, immediately turn your stove down to a low heat setting.
5. Let your decoction in the making simmer on low heat for 5-40 minutes (depending on the flavor profile you prefer). Remember that root herbs release more of their medicinal properties when exposed to heat for a longer period of time compared to leaves and blossoms.
6. Remove your pot from heat and strain out the herbs.
7. Optional: add the sweetener and milk of your choice. I love frothing up good old whole milk and adding in a teaspoon of maple syrup.

Only switching to herbal coffee for the health benefits? Read on for an in depth look at the main herbs in this blend.

1. Boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue: Eleuthero is thought to help increase energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue by supporting the body's ability to adapt to stress and by supporting normal adrenal gland function.

2. Enhancing immune system function: Some research suggests that eleuthero may help support the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and improving the body's ability to fight off infections.

3. Reducing stress and anxiety: Eleuthero may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by regulating the production of stress hormones in the body and by supporting normal adrenal gland function.

4. Improving cognitive function: Some research suggests that eleuthero may help improve cognitive function, including memory and mental clarity.

5. Supporting cardiovascular health: Eleuthero may help support cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Chicory Root

1. Improved digestion: Chicory root contains inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn can improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Lowered inflammation: The inulin in chicory root may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially improve conditions like arthritis and heart disease.

3. Blood sugar control: Inulin may also play a role in regulating blood sugar levels, which could be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

4. Liver health: Some research suggests that chicory root may help protect the liver by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver tissue, which could potentially reduce the risk of liver damage and disease.

5. Improved heart health: Chicory root may also have a positive impact on heart health by helping to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. This could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Dandelion Root

1. Digestive Health: Dandelion root has been shown to improve digestion and alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It works by increasing the production of digestive enzymes and bile, which helps to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

2. Liver Health: Dandelion root is known for its liver-protective properties. It can help detoxify the liver and improve liver function, which can help to prevent liver damage and disease.

3. Anti-Inflammatory: Dandelion root contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

4. Immune Support: Dandelion root is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

5. Skin Health: Dandelion root can be beneficial for the skin. It has been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and protect against UV damage. Additionally, it may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Carob

1. High in antioxidants: Carob contains antioxidants, which are substances that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to inflammation and a higher risk of chronic diseases.

2. High in fiber: Carob powder is high in fiber, with about 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon. This can help support healthy digestion and may help lower cholesterol levels.

3. May have a positive effect on blood sugar: Some research suggests that carob may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed carob had lower blood sugar levels after meals compared to those who consumed a control food.

Don’t Forget...

Those of you who want to try Root Coffee but haven’t yet, don’t forget to use promo code: HERBLOVER001 to get 15% off your order.