Imagine sipping on an elixir and actually feel the stress evaporate from your life. (And you thought unicorn toast was magical, right?)
While there isn't a potion that instantly eases your troubles, adaptogens have been linked to lowering stress and anxiety over time, if taken regularly—which might explain why they're popping up in everything from coffee to snack bars.
But you don't need to hit up Whole Foods to make your own super-herb soups or granola clusters. All the recipes rounded up here use adaptogens linked to lowering stress. Think: reishi mushrooms (seriously trending right now), ashwagandha, and maca. Paired with other powerful ingredients like serotonin-boosting cacao and the wondrous anti-inflammatory turmeric and you've got yourself a snack with serious superpowers.
And since everything is snack-sized, you can literally eat your feelings.
Ready to turn up your kitchen's healing power?Keep reading for 5 stress-busting, body-balancing recipes with an adaptogenic boost.
1. Coconut Carob Clusters
Siberian ginseng—AKA eleuthero—is the adaptogenic star of this naturally sweet snack. And it more than delivers: The superherb helps the body handle physical stressors, from overexerting yourself at spin class to summer heat.
2. Golden Milk Cocoa
Put down your cup of joe—this energizing and cleansing beverage gets a nutrient kick from coconut oil, turmeric, and adaptogenic ashwagandha. "Long used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha reduces anxiety and cortisol (the stress hormone) as well as improves your ability to focus," writes Local Milk blogger, Beth Kirby. Drink break, anyone?
3. Cleansing and Adaptogenic Chia
This chia-centric beverage may just be your digestive system's new BFF. The adaptogenic additions of ashwagandha, maca, and moringa (triple-threat!) help the body rid itself of added stresses caused by anything from lack of sleep to a few too many glasses of wine.
4. Ginseng, Prune, Cacao, Star Anise, and Vanilla Slice
Siberian ginseng has quite a history. "Traditionally, students in China would take it during study time to help them sharpen their concentration and improve their mental alertness," says Ascension Kitchen blogger Lauren Glucina. It's also been linked to improving endurance, stamina, and overall athletic performance—talk about small but mighty.
5. Peanut Butter Maca Granola Clusters
The natural (caffeine-free) energy boost that maca provides makes the adaptogen perfect for morning noshing. "This is because it tends to give our adrenal glands a little love, thereby regulating energy production throughout the body," dishes Blissful Basil blogger Ashley Melillo. An all-natural caffeine boost that won't cause a crash later? Make a batch of these and you're about to become pretty popular at the office.
If you're still stressed out, try essential oils or "Paleo air"—yep, it's a thing.
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