Making Heavenly Herbal Elixirs

By Amy Baker

Herbal elixirs have been used medicinally to heal and build health for centuries. Typically sweet herbal extractions (often containing alcohol), the term “elixir” is more liberally used these days to include nourishing and healing drinks that incorporate substantial quantities of herbs. It’s easy to blend these delicious drinks at home; in fact, we recommend folding them into your daily routine! A far cry from sugar-laden, nutrient-lacking drinks you’ll find at a coffee shop, the decadent-tasting recipes below will nourish and sustain you. We apologize in advance, as you may never want to order another who-knows-what-accino, frappé or latte again.

 basic formula:beneficial herbs and/or spices+healthy fat +protein+natural sweetener

To get started, add these staples to your Community Pharmacy/Community Wellness Shop shopping list.

✅ Reishi Powder -- can boost immune function, supports heart health, prebiotic.

✅ Sunfood Hemp Seeds -– high in protein, good source of essential fatty acids.

✅ Sunfood Chia Seeds -- high in calcium and phosphorus, soothing to the digestive tract.

✅ Flax Seeds -- high in omega 3s and lignans.

✅ Coconut Oil -- contains fatty acids with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties.

✅ Dandy Blend (instant herbal drink) -- supports the liver and digestive system.

✅ Maca Powder -- supports energy and stamina, balances hormones.

✅ Collagen Powder (various forms) -- can support healthy gut, joints, bones, skin, hair and nails.

✅ Ashwagandha Powder -- assists the body in adapting to stress, calming, restoring.

✅ Marshmallow Root -- coats and soothes the gut and mucosal tissue throughout the body

✅ Rose Petals -- calms and soothes the nervous system; anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.

✅ Dark Chocolate or Raw Cacao Powder -- rich in antioxidants, magnesium and anandamide, also known as the “bliss” chemical. (note:  raw cacao is lower in caffeine)

HERBAL ELIXIR RECIPES

Heart-loving Hot Chocolate - serves 2
Dreamy and Decadent

• 12 oz spring water

• 1 T organic rose petals

• ¼ c hemp seeds

• 1 t reishi powder

• Pinch salt

• 2-3 t maple syrup or natural sweetener of choice

• ½ t vanilla extract

• 2 oz 70-80% dark chocolate (bar) or 1 ½ T raw cacao

Instructions: Boil water and pour over rose petals. Cover and let steep 5 minutes, then strain. Let tea cool slightly before adding to a high speed blender along with hemp seeds and reishi powder. Blend on high until very smooth. In a small saucepan, heat rose-hemp milk along with 2 oz of broken chocolate bar over low heat, whisking frequently. When chocolate is melted, divide between 2 mugs. Top with organic whipped cream or coconut cream for an even more decadent drink.

Love Your Gut Elixir - serves 1
Slightly sweet and soothing

• 8 oz marshmallow infusion*

• 1/2 c full fat coconut milk

• 1 scoop collagen powder

• 1 T hemp seeds

• 1 T coconut oil

• 1 T flax seeds

• 1 t chia seeds

• 1 t reishi mushroom powder

• ¼ t powdered ginger OR small chunk fresh ginger

• ¼ t vanilla

• ¼ t cardamom

• 2 t raw honey

Instructions: Add everything to a blender and process until very smooth.

Macadamia Adaptogen Herbal Latte - serves 2
Creamy, mellow and grounding

• 8 oz water

• ⅔ c full-fat coconut milk

• 2 t Dandy Blend

• ½ c macadamia nuts

• 2 t maca powder

• 2 t reishi powder

• ½ t ashwagandha powder

• 1-2 dates (pits removed) or 1-2 tsp honey (to taste)

• 8 oz boiling water

Instructions: Add everything except boiling water to a blender and process on high until mixture is very smooth. Divide between two mugs, add boiling water and stir. Less water will yield a thicker, creamier drink. 

Matcha Maple Latte - serves 1
Energizing and sustaining

• 1 t matcha

• 1 ¼ c almond milk or milk of choice

• 1+ t maple syrup

• Pinch ginger

• 1 T hemp seeds

Instructions: Add everything to a blender and process until smooth. Enjoy at room temperature or warm gently on stovetop.

*To Make Marshmallow Cold Water Infusion
Fill a mason jar ¼ full with marshmallow root. Add room-temperature water to the jar, cover and let sit for 4-10 hours before straining liquid. Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.

Amy Baker is a gardener, teacher, wildcrafter, herb enthusiast and an award-winning writer.  She has studied herbal medicine with various teachers in Chicago and Madison, and earned her certification as a Culinary Nutrition Expert and Instructor through the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. Amy has enjoyed creating plant medicines, natural beauty and cleaning products, and all manner of tasty, nutritious, healing recipes for decades.