Adaptogens are everywhere lately and it's no wonder why: we all deal with stressors in our lives and it's thought that adaptogens help our bodies cope with this stress, bringing us back to equilibrium both physically and mentally.
Adaptogens come in many forms—from pills to extracts and powders—but you can also incorporate them into the foods you eat. While maca in a smoothie is a total no-brainer, you can also add adaptogenic mushrooms to your brownies and moringa to your morning matcha for an adaptogenic elixir.
Chill Out with 12 Adaptogenic Recipes
Here are some of our favorite adaptogenic recipes to get you started:
Refreshing Reishi Cooler with Hibiscus & Berries from Hello Glow
Skip the caffeine and reduce the sugar with this Pink Drink copycat. It's the perfect way to start the day when you're stressed and need to center yourself, due to the addition of adaptogens and superfoods.
Adaptogenic PMS Smoothie from Hello Glow
PMS can be stressful and painful, but this adaptogenic mushroom smoothie makes it a big more bearable. It's made with chaga and reishi, for thero calming, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory effects, but also with a tasty combination of cashew butter, raw apple, and bee pollen.
Hormone-Balancing Strawberry Milk from The Awesome Green
Maca combines with other hormone-balancing foods in this gorgeous (and easy to make!) vegan milk.
Immune Supporting Reishi Latte from Hello Glow
Adaptogenic mushrooms can help you kick the caffeine habit! Try substituting a lattes for your morning coffee - the reishi mushroom with rooibos and orange peel is heart warming, yet it also supports the immune system and helps you unwind.
Headache-Soothing Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate from Hello Glow
Hot chocolate always gets a bad rep as unhealthy and childish. But what if we made it all grown-up and... actually good for you? This adaptogenic hot chocolate makes headaches go away and it helps you unwind with maca powder and Siberian ginseng.
Balsamic Pickled Shiitake Crostini from Running to the Kitchen
Adaptogens aren't all exotic, hard-to-find ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms have adaptogenic properties too and when you pickle them, you'll have them on hand for adding to sandwiches, soups, and pasta. You'll probably also feel better next time you order Chinese takeout.
Turmeric Golden Milk For a Better Sleep from The Awesome Green
Make your next cup of golden milk even more calming by adding chamomile and the adaptogen ashwagandha. The combination is gorgeous and a real treat for the body and mind.
Adaptogenic Overnight Oats with Cinnamon Plum Jam from Nourishing Amy
Start your day just right with a tasty bowl of overnight oats: it will help you destress, it will nourish your body, and keep you full until lunch.
Sweet Potato & Maca Soup from Hello Veggie
Maca powder gets a lot of use in smoothies and sweets, but it adds the perfect je ne sais quoi to this warming soup. Combined with sweet potato, it's comforting regardless of the season.
Paleo Adaptogenic Golden Milk Chocolate from Holistic Rendezvous
Chocolate truffles with anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic benefits? And they're paleo too? YES! You're in for a real treat.
Midnight Milk from Hello Glow
This adaptogenic midnight milk will help you sleep better, due to a combination of ashwagandha, schisandra berries, and pretty rose petals. And you have to admit, it's as pretty as a latte can be!
Adaptogen Energizing Moon Dust Powder by Hello Glow
In case you haven't heard of it, Moon Dust is a powdered blend of adaptogens that supposedly does everything from lower stress and soothe irritated skin to boost immunity and promote sleep.
Add a teaspoon or two to coffee, mix into tea, or make your own adaptogenic matcha green tea latte. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, I find that green smoothies make a great base for Moon Dust because the fruity flavor covers up any hint of shrooms!
And since this is a stimulating combination of herbs, toss it in your morning concoction for a quick boost of energy. If you find the taste a little too strong, start with ¼ a teaspoon in the morning and work your way up.
Energizing Moon Dust
Equipment
- Clean coffee grinder
- Glass jar with lid
Materials
1 tablespoon each (ground):
Instructions
- If using whole herbs, grind each one separately in a coffee grinder first.
- In a small bowl, combine approximately 1 tablespoon of each herb. Whisk to remove any clumps and mix everything together. Store in an airtight container.
