Adaptogens are herbs that have many functions but are most well-known for their ability to normalize. An adaptogen helps to keep a body balanced and functioning optimally. If a body system is working overtime, an adaptogen can help bring it back into balance. It works the same way for an under functioning body system. Whether the body is under physical, emotional, mental, environmental, or other stresses, adaptogens can help the affected body systems to cope and bring them back to homeostasis. Basically, adaptogens help the body to adapt to the circumstances that it is in.
That being said, one can understand why we would want to include adaptogens in our daily diet, as we are constantly being bombarded with all different kinds of stressors. Chocolate is an easy way to get the medicine to go down, and we’ve concocted a recipe to help you eat your adaptogens.
L to R: hemp seeds, bee pollen, and rose-cinnamon with sea salt truffles
The two adaptogenic herbs we have chosen to use in this recipe are cordyceps fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Flavor-wise, they are both just slightly bitter, and as such, are easily masked by the intensity of the flavor of cacao. Other herbs can be used in place of them, but it’s important to note that herbs with very strong flavor profiles might shine through and not produce the tasty treat that you were expecting.
ingredients:
1 c. roasted almond butter
1/2 c. cacao powder
1 tsp. cordyceps powder
1 tsp. ashwagandha powder
3 Tbs. maple syrup
Pinch of fine sea salt
Pinch of ground vanilla or 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
*optional ingredients for finishing the truffles include (but are not limited to) hemp seeds, bee pollen, crushed rose petals, cinnamon, and sea salt.
recipe:
Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients and add to dry. Knead together with a spoon or with your hands. Roll into balls and then roll them in your choice of finish.
*my favorite finish is this:
1/4 tsp crushed rose petals
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Hefty pinch of large flake sea salt (I used a pink Hawaiian sea salt)
Mix all ingredients and then roll your truffles in it!
