We know that adaptogens are herbs that help us adapt to stress. Some adaptogens are energizing, some are calming, and some do both. It all depends on what you need. But how can you easily incorporate these beneficial herbs into daily life? One way is through a daily adaptogenic tea blend. Let’s check out a tasty and simple tea blend that incorporates adaptogens!
Making Adaptogenic Tea
You don’t need to own fancy kitchen equipment or spend a fortune to make a satisfying, stress-soothing adaptogenic tea blend. This nourishing tea requires some common kitchen staples such as black tea and cocoa powder. In addition, you will need a teaspoon of an herbal adaptogen of choice.
Wondering which adaptogen to choose? Experimentation is encouraged! However, here are a few ideas to get you started. This is by no means an exhaustive list!
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushrooms can be purchased in powdered form. This mushroom has a chocolatey color and a slightly bitter taste that blends really well with tea, coffee, and chocolate. Reishi has numerous benefits, including soothing the nerves, resisting fatigue, modulating the immune system, and supporting lung function (1).
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a relatively safe and versatile adaptogen. Also, considered a rasayana in Ayurveda, this root is deeply nourishing. In fact, it is an ingredient in the rejuvenating ayurvedic food, Chyawanprash. It has a starchy taste and texture and blends well into beverages, smoothies, and porridges. Consider ashwagandha for supporting a healthy sleep cycle, recovering from fatigue, soothing the nerves, and boosting libido.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Formerly known as Siberian Ginseng, eleuthero is one of the most well-researched adaptogens. One well-respected herbalist that I know says that eleuthero is particularly good for stress or debility related to trauma. Also, research has demonstrated its effectiveness in resisting mental and physical stress, boosting performance, and increasing vitality (1).
Adaptogenic Tea Latte Recipe
Now for the tea-making! This recipe was adapted from Minimalist Baker, one of my favorite resources for plant-based cooking.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup strong brewed black tea (or sub tulsi tea for a caffeine-free option)
- 3/4 cup whole cow’s milk, or coconut, almond or oat milk
- 1 teaspoon powdered adaptogen of choice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, date syrup, or coconut palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon cacao powder
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 tiny pinch pink Himalayan salt
Directions
- Brew the tea to taste.
- In a small saucepan, heat milk just to the edge of boiling (but do not boil).
- In a blender, combine all ingredients. Or, add all ingredients to saucepan and use an immersion blender. Blend until evenly mixed and frothy.
- Top with a dash of cardamom (optional).
Enjoy this adaptogenic tea blend as a nourishing morning pick-me-up. Or, make it with tulsi and enjoy any time of day. Plus, tulsi is also an adaptogen!
A simple way to get several adaptogens at once – plus numerous other health boosting herbs and spices – is to consume Chyawanprash. PIOR Living Chyawanprash uses ashwagandha, shatavari, holy basil and bacopa in their superfood formula to create a nourishing and ojas building jam that can be melted in hot water as tea.
References
(1) Groves, M.N. (2016). Body into balance: an herbal guide to holistic self-care. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.
