Just because you’re an adult, it doesn’t mean you stopped loving hot chocolate. It’s just time to upgrade the ingredients from a package of Swiss Miss to nature’s super foods and adaptogens. Once your pantry is stocked with a few key ingredients, you’ll be fully equipped to test out your barista skills on a daily basis.
This recipe is loaded with Vitamins, Iron & Antioxidants to help balance your hormones & promote hair growth. No matter what is out of harmony at the moment this drink will lend a helping hand. Hair loss can be related to a hormone imbalance, something I’m currently tackling since coming off the hormonal birth control pill back in September. Never a fun problem to have, but it led me to cut the coffee and experiment with creating delicious “latte” alternatives! Give it a try.
What you are going to need:
- 1 tsp Moringa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Pine Pollen Powder
- 1 Tbsp Cacao Powder
- 1/2 c peppermint tea (freshly brewed)
- 1 c Tigernut milk (or any milk of choice. My favorites are oat, cashew & hazelnut)
- 1 tsp Maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- Pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt
- To begin, I brewed a cup of fresh peppermint tea. If you have an herb garden, you can use fresh peppermint leaves. Chop up as many as you desire for the strength of minty flavor. For stronger flavor use dried leaves. If you don’t have an herb garden, that’s fine. Check your stash of teas and find a peppermint tea bag. Steep tea for desired strength.
- In a nutribullet or blender add the Moringa, Pine Pollen & Cacao. When the tea is done steeping add 1/2 cup to the blender. Add more for a stronger mint flavor or a less “thick and milky” latte.
- Stir the tea with the powders to help dissolve.
- Add your milk of choice. I often have a homemade nut milk on hand because they are easy to make and taste great. Some easy ones to make at home are cashew, tigernut, & coconut. I have a love for hazelnut but that can get expensive. My favorite milk to buy from the store is oat milk.
- Blend all ingredients for a few seconds to integrate.
- Pour the blend into a saucepan and heat on the stove to desired temperature. Pay close attention to the drink because some milks react differently to levels of heat.
- When hot enough add your sweetener of choice and as much as you’d like/to taste. Real Maple syrup is always my favorite for drinks. Be careful when using honey because extremely high temperatures can destroy enzymes and antioxidants in honey.
- Add a pinch of salt for that balance of sweet and salty. That chocolate covered pretzel magic… Uh if you have some of those laying around, I’d garnish the drink with that!
- If not, garnish with a peppermint sprig.
Cliff Notes on the Ingredients
MORINGA:
This gorgeous herb is packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote hair growth, prevents hair loss & stimulates blood circulation through the scalp. For a detailed breakdown of how Moringa’s magic works click here for a great article.
moringa’s magic
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Iron
- Zinc
- Cysteine (& other key Amino Acids)
- Vitamin C & E
- Omega-3
- Proteins
PINE POLLEN:
Utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000 + years, Pine Pollen is known as a longevity tonic, helping the immune system, digestive system and cardiovascular system along with balancing hormones and promoting anti-aging. For more detailed info click here.
pine pollen’s power
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- B vitamins
- Vitamin E
- Anti-Aging Antioxidants
- Plant-based hormones
- Amino Acids
CACAO:
A natural mood booster, anxiety reducer, muscle relaxant, cardiovascular supporter and increaser of brain function and circulation. As if we need more reasons to love chocolate!
cacao’s crew
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants (flavanols & polyphenols)
- Zinc
- Iron
- Calcium
Happy Healing!
Cyclical Rhythms