Chaga Chai + Adaptogenic Elixir

Plant medicine is an incredible gift. Humans have used plants for centuries to help strengthen and rebuild the body. Adaptogenic herbs are a group of plants that are known to help fight fatigue, boost immunity, and rejuvenate + rebalance the body & mind. They work by helping the body adapt to stress and have the ability to help support, sustain, and heal our nervous systems, which can become over-worked due to chronic stress.

Modern life demands constant energy output and often leaves us feeling exhausted. Nourishing our bodies with balanced meals, quiet time, and plenty of sleep is essential to feeling our best, though oftentimes we're lacking in one or all areas and need to call in outside support.

Adding adaptogens to your daily routine can help your body recalibrate. Some adaptogens are calming, while others are uplifting and energizing. All adaptogens support the regeneration of the adrenal glands - the organs that produce hormones in the body that regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and help our body move through stressors, injuries, and illness. 

Here are two of my favorite adaptogenic winter recipes. A warming chaga chai + adaptogenic elixir. Play around with spices variations and have fun creating your own magic!

CHAGA CHAI RECIPE
serves 2

Ingredients

• 6-8 cups of water
• 1 tbsp dried chaga or  1.5 tsp chaga powder (*for powder version - add at the end, after simmering & straining spices)
• 2-3 tsp dried ginger root or 1-2 tbsp fresh ginger
• 5 cardamom pods
• 5 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• Pinch of Vanilla Bean *optional
• Pinch of black peppercorns *optional
• Pinch of Himalayan sea salt *optional

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a large pot on the stove top. (*leave chaga until the end if using the powdered form)
2. Bring the water to a boil & then simmer everything for 20-30 minutes (adding water as needed)
3. Remove from heat & strain. 
4. Add chaga (*if using powdered form)
5. Add 1-2 tsp of raw honey or butterscotch stevia, your favorite nut milk & enjoy! 

ADAPTOGENIC ELIXIR RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chai Base (+ chaga powder, if dry form)
• 1 tsp Ashwagandha Powder  
• 1 tsp Maca Powder
• ½ tsp Licorice Root Powder *optional 
• 1 cup Nut milk of choice & 1 tsp of ghee *optional
• 1-2 tsp honey or 4-6 drops of butterscotch stevia

Directions

1. Heat chai base and nut milk until hot but not boiling.
2. Add maca, ashwagandha and licorice root, along with sweetener if using.
3. Blend until frothy, about 10 seconds. 
4. Sip with intention and enjoy! 

THE BENEFITS 

Chaga - powerful adaptogen. It is considered to be one of the highest scoring ORAC foods (Oxygen Radical Absorbant Capacity) which are known for their ability to fight free-radicals. Chaga boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells and supports the adrenals & nervous system.

Ashwagandha Powder - Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, this adaptogenic herb works to rebalance hormones, strengthen the adrenals and calm the mind.

Maca Powder - Energizing, hormone balancing and earthy, this root is full of vitamins and minerals with sweet earthy flavor. It’s also helpful for fertility balancing excess estrogen in women & increasing sperm count in men. 

Astragalus Chips - This herb has been used in TCM for centuries and is known for its deep strengthening and restorative powers. It’s an adaptogen & surface immune stimulator; which means it’s helpful for building the body up and fighting off sickness.

Licorice Root - Sweet and powerful, licorice root is an energizing and supporting adaptogen. *Be careful if you have blood pressure concerns.