Ok, what the heck does adaptogenic even mean. 

Adaptogens or adaptogenic is used to describe herbs that have a normalizing, stress-proofing influence on our whole being.  They are herbs that don’t have a specific action; they are generalists. 

Adaptogens aid longevity and help improve the effects of aging; they increase our resilience and help us resist disease. Adaptogens are frequently anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. 

Studies find consistent use of adaptogens:

• Enhance healthy longevity

• Diminish inflammatory responses

• Nourish immune functioning

• Decrease incidence of cancer

• Improve digestion and deepen sleep

• Decrease anxiety and depression

Enjoy this delicious recipe that includes two of my favorite adaptogenic herbs: shatavari (an ayurvedic herb and a tonic for increasing luster, beauty and relaxing anxiety) and astragalus, the everyday immune nourishing adaptogen. 

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of nut butter, any kind (I like 2 cups almon and 2 cups sunflower seed)

• 2 cups honey

• 1 oz shatavari powder

• 1 oz astragalus powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cayenne powder

Method

In a large mixing bowl, combine the nut butters and honey until smooth. Add in the herb powders until well combined. Next, add the cinnamon and cayenne. The consistency should be thick enough to make into balls but not dry enough to feel the powdered herbs. Don’t be afraid to add more herbs or nut butter to get the consistency you want. Roll into small balls and store in a Tupperware in fridge. Makes 40-60 balls depending on the size. 

You can get the herbs at mountainroseherbs.com. These make a great breakfast, spread on toast, or thrown into a smoothie. 

Warmly,

References: 

Winston, David. Adaptogens. Healing Arts Press, 2007

Yance, Donny. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts, 2013.