ADAPTOGEN BASICS + ADAPTOGEN LATTE RECIPES
WTF is an adaptogen?
Adapt: to become accustomed to new conditions. Our bodies adapt to the chilled water of the ocean as we dive in. Our brains adapt to the energy of a room – whether their noisy and stimulating, or calm and relaxing. There are all clear examples of the adaptation we undergo on a daily basis, but these simple external factors are just a tiny glimpse into what our bodies are doing internally.
Bad sleep (or lack thereof), unhealthy foods, alcohol, being constantly connected via devices + a wild work schedule add up to an immense amount of stress – whether we realize it or not. And that stress can cause a whole hot mess of issues: from inflammation, to weakened immunity to trouble sleeping. Stress also causes cardiovascular issues. You and I both have heard the saying, STRESS KILLS. But despite how rampant chronic stress is, only about 30% of Americans take the time to delve into stress management techniques and implement them into their lives.
MANAGING + DECREASING STRESS
So, the question becomes: how do we deal with this chronic stress? There are many things we can do to decrease and manage our daily stressors. Daily meditation practice, yoga practice, breathing exercises, incorporating daily movement and prioritizing a sleep schedule (aka going to bed and waking up at the same time every day) are great places to start! And to help your body recover from the days, weeks, months, and in many cases, years of chronic stress, there’s many superfoods that can help in an impactful way!
ENTER: THE ADAPTOGEN
Adaptogens are naturally occurring substances that have a normalizing effect upon bodily processes and work with the body in a non-specific way to help it, well… adapt! They are safe and they have a balancing effect on what’s called the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine axis. AKA the delicate dance between our brains and endocrine systems. Adaptogens come from plants, but that doesn’t mean all plants are adaptogens.
To be considered an adaptogen, a plant must meet some strict criteria:
- The plant must be nontoxic to the recipient and non-habit forming.
- The plant must work with the body to normalize systems and bring balance.
- It should help a variety of systems, having a non-specific but beneficial effect.
It sounds fancy but many of our favorite plants and spices are actually adaptogens, including ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. These adaptogens work with the body to help it readjust after a stressful event (or lifetime), helping to normalize hormone function, lower cortisol (the stress hormone), and realign sleep patterns (among other functions).
While a plant must have a non-specific effect to be considered an adaptogen, most adaptogens have been used for thousands of years to assist the body in adjusting certain areas.
Adaptogens are natural substances that work with a person’s body to help them adapt. They help replenish the body with vital minerals and vitamins to energize and heal the body. They also help us feel more balanced and at ease.
My sister-in-law Raechelle who is a nutrition specialist and personal trainer told me about the idea of adaptogens a little over a year ago. Since then, I have tried many adaptogens from brands like Sun Potion, Moodbeli, Four Sigmatic + Fresh Cap. Before speaking with her, I had NO idea what an “adaptogen” was and thought people were drinking ‘mushroom coffee’ because it was trendy! LOL
Now, after a year of incorporating adaptogens into my routine, I am so happy I had that conversation with her and other friends who love them. I’ve been switching up my coffee + matcha since!
HOW I MAKE LATTES WITH ADAPTOGENS:
My Bulletproof Coffee Recipe With Adaptogens:
1 Cup fresh brewed hot coffee (my favorite coffee is from organic farms in Kona!)
1/2 Cup non-dairy milk if you like ‘creamer’ in your coffee (best if homemade – I love almond, cashew, mac nut or oat milk)
1 tbsp 4th & Heart ghee (or coconut butter)
1/2 teaspoon Ashwagandha
1 teaspoon Cacao + Cordyceps + Chaga Powder
1 Scoop Collagen
Honey to taste
Combine all ingredients in a your mug + use the matcha frother.
OR combine all ingredients in high speed blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until frothy.
Pour into a mug. Enjoy!
My Adaptogen Matcha Recipe:
1 Tablespoon Green Flash Matcha Powder (from Maruyama Jones Farm)
1 Cup Warm Non-Dairy Milk (best if homemade – I love almond, cashew, mac nut or oat milk)
1 Tablespoon 4th & Heart ghee (or coconut butter)
1/4 teaspoon Ashwagandha
1/2 teaspoon Reishi
1 teaspoon Cacao + Cordyceps + Chaga Powder
Honey to taste
Combine all ingredients in a your mug + use the matcha frother.
OR combine all ingredients in high speed blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until frothy.
Pour into a mug. Enjoy!
Potential Ingredients for Adaptogen Lattes
CBD Oil
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. I source mine from a local Kona company called Mana Organics that uses organic ingredients. CBD is amazing and I highly recommend it!
- Combats anxiety
- Relieve pain
- Reduce inflammation
PEARL BUTTER
Wondering how to make colored lattes? Try Pearl Butter to naturally make your latte BLUE!
REISHI
Reishi, an adaptogenic functional mushroom, can support winding down at the end of the day and may help you work towards more restful sleep.
- Immune system support
- Anti-cancer properties
- Helps with fatigue
- Blood sugar control
MACA
- Balances the body’s delicate endocrine system
- Supports natural energy and vitality
- Vitamin rich
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha helps balance stress levels throughout the day.
- Immune system support
- Harmonize Mind, Body and Spirit
- Increase the body’s levels of SuperOxide Dismutase
- Reduce the effects of mental, emotional and physical stress
CORDYCEPS
- Oxygenation of the body
- Mental Power
- Athletic Endurance
- Sexual Energy
- Muscle Tone
- Immune System support
TOCOS
Tocos, short for tocotrienols, is a fat-soluble relative of Vitamin E that’s commonly found in certain oils, rice, wheat, barley, rye, and oats. You’ll usually see it in the form of brown rice–bran solubles
- Powerful antioxidant
- Skin hydration
- Fertility aid
- Dementia-prevention
MORINGA
Moringa is an amazing adaptogen and I definitely recommend it on it’s own! The ‘Green Flash‘ matcha powder I have also has local moringa grown in Kona which I love.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Supports brain health
- Protects the liver
- Fights free radicals
- Powerful Antioxidant
- Tissue-protective properties
SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a natural algae powder that is incredibly high in protein + a great source of antioxidants, B-vitamins + other nutrients. It is largely made up of protein + essential amino acids and is often recommended to people with a plant-based diet due to its high natural iron content.
- Helps remove heavy metals
- Extremely nutrient dense
- Eliminates candida
- Reduces cholesterol
Do you use adaptogens? Share with me on Instagram by tagging me @elanaloo
As you know, I’m passionate about is living a well-rounded, full and wholesome life. Check out some of my other blog posts about learning how to live longer and live better!
*Disclaimer* I am not an expert in everything I talked about above – I’m sharing information I have found + my personal experience with these supplements. I’m learning more and more everyday through different resources + trying to find what works best for my body! If you’re new to all of this, you can consult your naturopath or doctor before incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine to identify which are best for you. Always remember that just because something works for one person doesn’t mean it will work for everyone!
Hi,
This looks delicious. I will surely try this. And I love your blog, its awesome.