Herb lovers are enjoying jitter free caffeine substitutes on National Coffee Day.
Many people are addicted to their morning coffee but it can cause jitters, heart palpitations and more in those who are sensitive.
Caffeine is not needed for energy and too much of it can have a detrimental effect on the adrenal glands. Caffeine can also cause headaches, insomnia, nausea, tremors, anxiety and dry mouth.
There are herbal and plant-based substitutes that can provide that rich, earthy taste that coffee lovers enjoy without the jitters.
Dandelion
Dandelion roots are great as a coffee substitute. They are best roasted in an oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. If digging up dandelion roots and roasting them isn’t your idea of fun, you can find them online.
The coffee is made by boiling the roots with water for about 10 minutes. Or you can make it much like tea by pouring boiling water over the roots and infusing it for 10 minutes, along with your favourite spices like cinnamon.
Cinnamon is an excellent spice to balance blood sugar levels and can actually aid in weight loss when used on a regular basis.
Chicory
Chicory root is another coffee substitute to drink. It comes from the Chicory plant but has no caffeine so it’s safe to drink anytime. It is made by bringing a cup of water to boil, then simmering the roots in the water for 10 minutes.
Flavour with cinnamon, a sweetener like honey and your favourite milk if desired.
Chicory may also have some health benefits as it is a rich source of dietary fiber called inulin which can improve digestive health, control diabetes and aid in weight loss.
Rooibos
Rooibos or red bush tea is a rich tasting tea originating from South Africa that may appeal to coffee drinkers. Unlike other teas, Rooibos is low in tannins and has anti-oxidant properties. It can be steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes before drinking. Sweeten with honey and add your favourite milk as needed.
There are different flavours of Rooibos tea to try nowadays – there is Vanilla Rooibos, Chai Rooibos, Cinnamon Rooibos and others to try.
Chai Tea
Chai tea is another popular rich tasting tea that can appeal to coffee lovers. Chai tea is rich in herbs like black pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and fennel. Chai is simply tea in India so if you want the one with the herbs and spices, look for Masala Chai.
To make it use 4 cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick, about a ¼ inch piece of fresh ginger, 10 or so fennel seeds, several cloves, 1-2 star anise and a few pods of pepper. Boil water and simmer the herbs for 10 minutes to bring out the flavour. Sweeten as desired. The herbs and spices in Chai tea have health benefits for the digestive system and immune health.
You can drink these caffeine free coffee substitutes any time of the day or night, when you need a quick pick up and benefit from the nourishing ingredients.
It’s a nice way to celebrate National Coffee Day without the coffee but still get a nice tasting caffeine substitute. Plus when you drink healthy beverages over time you will feel better and healthier.
Who knows, one of these coffee substitutes may become your daily beverage of choice over coffee?
To learn more about herbs and spices, join the Herbal Collective or get a free sample of the Herbal Collective magazine online.
