There are times certain foods and drinks help us in ways we didn’t even know about. When stressed you can feel the need to overeat on junk food, which isn’t always the best option. Adaptogens help your body adapt to biological and psychological stress and make it easier to balance your hormonal systems. In India and China, soldiers have used adaptogens for centuries to handle the stress of combat, recover faster, and increase their energy.
Adaptogens are herbs and in some cases, roots and mushrooms. Asian ginseng, holy basil (also called tulsi), eleuthero (siberian ginseng), ashwagandha, astragalus root, sea buckthorn, licorice root, rhodiola rosea and cordycep mushrooms are most common adaptogens. Even though these herbs have worked for thousands of years, scientific research is only beginning to reveal the potential that adaptogens have to upgrade your stress response and energy levels.
Ready to turn up your kitchen’s healing power? Here’s the golden milk. While it is traditionally drunk at bed time, this energizing version is well suited for the morning. Replace your coffee or tea with a power bomb every once in a while. To make two big mugs of this you need half liter of raw cow’s milk (I like almond, coconut, and hemp milks as well), two tablespoons of sifted cocoa, two of turmeric, one of Ashwaganda powder, four of honey nad half tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil per mug. So, in a saucepan heat the milk until very warm but not simmering. Whisk the cocoa into the milk along with turmeric and ashwaganda powder. Once it’s completely combined, whisk in the honey. Remove from heat and pour. In with the ghee or coconut oil. KAboom!
Consider adding adaptogens into your day, especially when you’re going to have a big day, or when you were out late partying or otherwise didn’t recover well the night before.