The all-star adaptogen that adds major froth to your lattes

Trying to get extra-frothy, coffee shop-worthy lattes at home isn’t easy. But maybe that’s just because you haven’t tried adding a certain hair- and nail-strengthening adaptogen into the mix yet. According to Lee Tilghman, founder of Lee From America, her go-to ingredient that ups the yum-factor is none other than he shou wu.

The adaptogenic root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for everything from its ability to restore your hair color and strengthen your nails to it’s knack at boosting blood circulation as well as treating dizzy spells and backaches. Pretty powerful stuff, huh? That’s exactly why Tilghman loves adding the plant-based collagen into her chai tea lattes—and it just so happens to have the added bonus of making it frothy to the extreme when combined with a little coconut butter.

“Froth like this comes from adding collagen and coconut butter to my tea. I blend it on high for two minutes and let it sit for a second to froth and thicken.” —Lee Tilghman

After adding the two ingredients into a blender along with with some ashwagandha, pine pollen, chai tea, and nutmeg, it takes minimal effort to get two inches of mesmerizing, milky froth. “Froth like this comes from adding collagen and coconut butter to my tea. I blend it on high for two minutes and let it sit for a second to froth and thicken,” Tilghman shares in her Instagram Story.

After pouring your latte into your favorite ceramic mug, the froth will naturally pile up on top, making you feel like you just hit pro barista status in the comfort of your own home. Who needs a fancy espresso machine when you have a solid supply of adaptogens?

Try this moringa latte recipe for caffeine-free morning fuel. And for a full breakfast, pair it with this butternut squash poppy seed loaf.