Adaptogen Vitality Balls
These Adaptogen Energy Balls are loaded with nutrition and herbs powders to support your adrenals, immune system, hormones, and vitality levels. I wrote an article several months ago on Adaptogens describing how important this class of herbs are for maintaining wellness and for aiding our bodies during stressful times. You can find that article link below. This following recipe is a fantastic and delicious way to get these powerful and healing adaptogenic herbs into your system!
I was talking to a lovely group of women last weekend and I shared this recipe with them. I created this specific recipe quite a while ago and just love it and I always like to have these on hand now, especially on those busy days that you need a boost. I wanted to share it with all of you too if you’re looking for a nutritional boost and adrenal/ energy/immune supporter.
They are easy to make and delicious! Since I’ve been making them, I find that I’m not having that afternoon slump or after dinner sweet craving. I also find that my energy levels have substantially increased. I am not taking adrenal support supplements either anymore since I’ve been indulging in these little balls of delight. Actually, eating 1-2 of these balls daily will give you much more herb potency than you would ever get in 1-2 capsules or more of an adrenal support formula supplement.
Plus, you’re making them with your own hands and infusing your love and intention into them and that’s the best medicine there is!
Let me give you a little information on the herbs I am using in these energy balls:
1. Maca Root-Maca is an indigenous Andean vegetable (similar appearance to a turnip) but has primarily been cultivated in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes. Maca is known as a prized aphrodisiac and adaptogen superfood. It was used as an important food since the days of the Inca Warriors in Peru. This root helps to balance male and female hormones, increase libido, boost energy, endurance, fertility, and mood, and supports a balanced transition though menopause or andropause.
2. Shatavari Root- Shatavari has a nourishing and grounding effect on the body. It is translated as “having one hundred roots” and also referred to as meaning “having 100 husbands” or “she who possesses one hundred husbands.” It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to support the reproductive system, particularly for females. It is also used as a supportive aid for the digestive system and the blood. It is traditionally used as a rejuvenative tonic for the female reproductive system, for all ages, and helps to gracefully transition through the natural phases of life. This herb is helpful for men too that have a hot “pitta” constitution.
3. Ashwagandha Root- used for deep exhaustion, soothes the mind, muscles, and mood, reduces anxiety, assists in alleviation of nervous system exhaustion, decreases inflammation, calms overactive cortisol levels and boosts too low cortisol levels. It is said to bring "the strength of a stallion," and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for stress, overexertion, excess fatigue, and to promote longevity.
4. Rhodiola Root- The fragrant Rhodiola root, also known as roseroot. Rhodiola is a wonderful and healing herb that does not have an equal to its restoring and revitalizing abilities. It is a fantastic herb to take for anxiety…the calming effect is almost immediate when taken. Rhodiola helps to regulate the mood, supports mental and physical performances and stamina, boosts immunity, fertility, and libido.
5. Chaga Mushroom- this one is optional here but I love to put this in this recipe too to really boost immune function. Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows on the outside of birch trees in cold climates. Chaga has a similar taste to coffee and has a super high antioxidant level, one of the highest of all the super foods! This medicinal mushroom helps to decrease fatigue, boost immunity, reduce spikes in blood sugar, improve digestion, and support cellular regeneration. Chaga is also considered an adaptogenic, which provides a calming effect on our bodies during stress.
6. Bee Pollen- Did you know that a single teaspoon of bee pollen contains over 2.5 billion nutrient-packed flower pollen granules. Bee Pollen is the richest source of vitamins in a single food. Bee Pollen is packed with a total of eighteen vitamins including a B complex, all essential amino acids, fatty acids, RNA/DNA nucleic acids, enzymes, and is at least 25% protein. Some say you could live on this food and get all of your nutrition. Bee Pollen is a nutrient dense power packed rich food! Also, if you can find local bee pollen in your area, it can greatly decrease your allergy potential…it acts like a desensitization therapy to local allergens but you must start taking it daily several months before allergy season starts in your area. Local honey will have a similar effect as well.
7. Cacao Powder and Nibs (optional)- this delicious superfood is high in Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for energy production, encourages a healthy brain and nervous system, assists our muscles, and aids in strong bones and teeth. Magnesium also supports healthy blood pressure. Cacao is also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants.
Okay, with all of that being said, let’s get to the recipe:
Recipe
*please make sure all of your herb and mushroom powders are certified organic or wildcrafted
1 cup of organic almond, walnut, cashew, or sunflower butter (raw and sprouted is the best, if you can find it)
½ cup local raw unfiltered honey
1/3 cup of local (if possible) bee pollen
2 TBSP of the following powders:
Chaga, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, MACA (gelatinized)
1 TBSP of the following powders:
Shatavari and Cacao
1 tsp of Cardamom powder and 1 tsp cinnamon
*If you are diabetic or watching your sugar levels, you may increase the nut butter to 1 and 1/3 cups and add ½ tsp green stevia powder to add sweetness (or more to taste)
Mix all ingredients thoroughly together in a mixing bowl until it resembles a cookie dough type consistency. Roll balls the size of a walnut. Roll balls in either cacao powder or cacao nibs or both. Eat 1-2 balls daily for overall health, adrenal support, and vitality. Refrigerate and enjoy!
Update:The Role Adaptogens Play for Our Bodies During Times of Stress
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