I simply love foods and beverages that contain healing properties. The ones that not only taste delicious, but while you’re peacefully enjoying them, that little part in the back of your mind knows that you’re doing something that’s incredibly nourishing to your body and overall health.
There are many reasons why female hormones can get out of balance over a lifetime, from child birth to trialing contraceptive pills and irregular periods. Many modern-day Western doctors will focus on prescription medication to re-balance your hormones.
Rather than taking this route, I’ve discovered you can take a gentle plant-based approach to re-balance hormones. Without the harsh use of chemicals.
That’s exactly what this chai latte focuses on. If you’re suffering from high stress, adrenal issues, fatigue or hormonal issues, and haven’t yet heard of the healing powers of adaptogens, then you’ll to be glad you stumbled upon this recipe!
Ashwagandha is a highly prized herb in the Ayuvedic world, a historical Indian system of medicine that has gained huge popularity in our Western World. Ashwagandha is considered the bee-knees in tackling chemical imbalances due to high stress and anxiety.
It is also commonly used to balance out estrogen in women that produce too much of this hormone, especially for those going through the stages of menopause. In particular, it helps to regulate hot flushes and mood swings which is a common feature of menopause!
My other power herb in this latte is rhodiola, known for its unmistakable energy kick, a little like a coffee hit but without the unwanted side effects. Rhodiola is commonly prescribed by naturopaths for those suffering from depression as it is known as a mood lifter.
It has commonly been referred to as nature’s anti-depressant, and of course is much preferable to pharmaceuticals! Combine both ashwagandha and rhodiola together and you have a powerhouse of herbs, both on your side to help bring you back to your normal self.
While I love the classic traditional cup of chai latte, I wanted to add in a bit of a kick for flavor. I’ve combined a touch of cardamom and star anise for their cancer-fighting properties, ability to aid with digestion and also because cardamom holds its own anti-depressant properties.
Star anise has also traditionally been used throughout Chinese medicine to regulate women’s hormones, particularly around pregnancy. As you can see, this is not just your regular order of chai latte thanks to its powerful medicinal properties!
Chai Latte with Adaptogens for Stress Relief (Caffeine Free)
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp good quality roiboos tea
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1/2 inch ginger piece peeled and grated
- 2-3 cardamom pods crushed
- 2 anise stars
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp Ashwagandha powder
- 1 tsp Rhodiola powder
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients, except Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and maple syrup, into a medium pot, and bring to boil over medium heat.
- Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for five minutes over low heat.
- Strain to eliminate the ginger fibers, add the adaptogen powders and maple syrup, mix to incorporate and drink warm.
Notes
Gulia Arno says
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Ana says
Thank you for the nice words. I don’t use Lightroom, I do all my editing in Photoshop 🙂
barry says
I’m glad I came upon your blog.Thank you and Happy New Year.
Ana says
Happy New Year, Barry! Happy you found inspiration in my work 🙂