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Tiny LED lights create an intricate glowing maze within the branches of the trees that line the city’s streets. Attire has shifted from flowing floral dresses and short-sleeved shirts, to a parade of fluffy sweaters and elaborately knotted scarves.
The scent of pumpkin spiced beverages slides through the breeze as an endless number of Mariah Carey’s holiday songs can be heard just about everywhere. These are the cues that warn me that holiday season is in full swing.
managing stress during the holiday season
The holiday season can be a time of high stress. In both work and professional life, the weight of it all can bring issues with sleep, anxiety, and other ailments.
Fortunately, Mother Nature provides us with an arsenal of allies that provide a defense against certain ailments. Specifically, an expansive list of adaptogenic herbs.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are plants and herbs that balance and support your adrenal system. They have calming properties with the ability to soothe symptoms that result from stress and anxiety.
Adaptogenic Lattes
Hot drinks that make us feel warm and fuzzy are a huge plus during this time of year. Using these beverages to improve mood and energy? Even better.
We’ve created four recipes that elevate your latte into the perfect calming elixir with the help of adaptogenic ingredients.
Included are a few tasty adaptogens that you can use in these simple recipes—you can even use the same ingredients across multiple recipes if you’re looking to get creative!
Common adaptogens and their benefits
Below is a brief overview of the benefits found in some ingredients we used.
(I’m not a doctor, so please consult your doctor and healthcare professional before adding new supplements, or any of the adaptogen listed below that you haven’t used previously. They all could potentially have side effects if not taken properly.)
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that can be beneficial to many parts of the body. When taken internally, it assists with issues related to the immune system, hormones, the reproductive system, and neurological system. It can help with issues including fatigue, anxiety, blood sugar levels, and more.
Butterfly pea flower
This antioxidant soothes symptoms of anxiety, reduces stress, acts as a mild sedative, and is reported to help stabilize memory.
Ginger
Ginger is a miracle root! Internally, it helps issues related to anxiety, digestion, nausea, and and whole a host of other ailments.
Reishi mushroom
Reishi helps soothe symptoms related to high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. It’s also great for strengthening your immune system!
Turmeric
Turmeric may be a common spice used in daily cooking, but it has also been shown to assist with improving brain functions and soothing joint pain when taken internally.
1. Soothing Hibiscus Ginger Mint Tea
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total: 10 mins
Supplies
Small pot
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Grater
Hand frother (optional)
Sieve
Ingredients
¾ cups of hot filtered water
½ cup of hot almond milk
¼ cup dried hibiscus (you can modify to taste)
¼ cup mint leaves
¼ teaspoon Ashwaganda powder
¼ teaspoon grated ginger
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ – ½ teaspoon Honey or Granulated sugar (optional for taste)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil
- When the water starts to boil, add the ginger, Ashwagandha powder, mint leaves, and hibiscus leaves to the pot
- Allow to boil until the leaves soften and you can see a visible change in the water’s color and scent
- Reduce the heat from a boil and add the almond milk
- When the mixture has reached your desired temperature, add the vanilla extract
- Turn off heat and froth with hand frother (optional)
- Pour the mixture through the sieve into your desired mug
- Add the honey or sugar to sweeten if desired
- Garnish with a mint leaf or dried hibiscus petal, and a few sprinkles of sugar
2. Blue Lullaby Latte
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total: 10 mins
Supplies
Small pot
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Hand frother (optional)
Ingredients
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder or 1 TB of dried butterfly pea flowers
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
A few petals of dried butterfly pea flowers or dried violets (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients into the pot, and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and stir the pot until all of the contents are mixed
- Turn off the heat and froth with hand frother (optional)
- Pour into a mug and garnish with a few dried violets or butterfly pea flowers
3. Reishi Spiced Cacao Latte
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total: 10 mins
Supplies
Small pot
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Hand frother (optional)
Ingredients
¾ cup of almond milk
½ cup of water
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon coconut milk
1 teaspoon reishi mushroom powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 dollop whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir until all of the ingredients have mixed well and dissolved.
- Turn off the heat and froth with the hand frother (optional)
- Once you’ve poured the drink into your mug, garnish with a pinch of cacao powder.
4. Roasted Sunset Latte
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 10-15 mins
Total: 10-15 mins
Supplies
Small pot
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Sieve
Grater
Hand frother (optional)
Ingredients
1 cup of roasted dried dandelions
1 tablespoon turmeric
¼ cup almond milk
½ cup of filtered water
¼ cup coconut milk
½ teaspoon ashwagandha (or recommended serving)
⅓ teaspoon grated ginger juice
¼ teaspoon coconut oil
Granulated sugar or honey for taste
Instructions
- Except for the coconut milk and almond, put all of the ingredients into the pot of water and bring to a boil.
- Once it has began to boil, reduce heat and stain the mixture.
- Add the almond milk and stir all of the ingredients until they have all mixed well and blended.
- Reduce heat and add the coconut milk until it has reached your desired temperature.
- Turn off the heat and froth (optional)
- Garnish with a small swirl of honey or a pinch of granulated sugar.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5222619/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116859/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18926895
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/
Where do you buy the adaptogens listed in these recipes?
Hi Tammy. Most can be found on Amazon. Just be sure to research the vendors on Amazon to ensure you are receiving quality ingredients. If you’re not a fan of amazon, your local health food stores may have them. They may be to special order items for you, but often with added fees. Good luck!