Warm Elixir 7-31-10

Cell phone pictures (I was at a stop sign) of my warm elixir this morning.

12 oz gynostemma tea

2 tbs raw cacao powder

1 tbs maca

1 tbs eucommia

1 tbs vitamineral green

1 tbs hemp protein powder

1 tbs coconut oil

dash cinnamon

pinch salt

honey and/or stevia to taste

Lemon Gynostemma Eucommia Elixir

12 oz gynostemma tea 

1 tbs eucommia bark powder available at hyperion herbs

juice from 1/2 lemon

ginger to taste

stevia to taste

Don't brew the gynostemma tea too long, or it will get super bitter.  Blend the above in your vitamix and enjoy warm.  Honey or gojis could be added for a sweeter drink.

Gynostemma is an adaptogenic leaf usually brewed for tea.  I like to mix it with holy basil or goji berries.    Its anti-inflammatory, and high in antioxidants.  It is known as the immortality herb, as drinkers of gynostemma tea live long lives.  

Eucommia bark is famous in Chinese herbalism for nourishing the kidneys and liver, aiding in joint paint specifically in the lower back, knees, and legs, and strengthening the bones.  It also supports the endocrine system and is great for pregnancy.  Eucommia pairs well with reishi or ginseng.

Vitamineral Green and Coconut Water

Blend, shake, stir, or whisk 1 tbs of Vitamineral Green with 12oz of young thai coconut water.  (Boxed coconut water will do.)

Good for breakfast or as a way to re-mineralize anytime of day.

Sun Chips

Kale on the steps of my back deck.  It's 95+ here lately, so I figured why not maximize the sun's energy?

Destem your kale and massage with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.  Let the sun have fun and enjoy after 4ish hours or until crispy.  If you like your oven instead of the sun you can let your kale marinade at about 350 for 10-15 minutes.

Honey Vanilla Lavender Ice Cream

handful of fresh lavender

2 cups of raw cashews soaked 6+ hours with half of the lavender

only the "meat" from 1 thai coconut

1/4-1/2 cup of local, raw honey to taste

pinch of sea salt

pinch of cinnamon

2 tbs of vanilla extract

soak cashews all day with the lavender.  make a tea with the remaining lavender and cool the water.  steep at least 8oz and combined with soaked and drained cashews (without the lavender unless you're feeling crazy) and the other ingredients in your blender, blend and add to your ice cream maker.  My three favorite smells right now are honey, vanilla, and lavender- inspiration for this creamy treat.  :)

Cantaloupe Blackberry Ginger

8oz of young thai coconut water

1/2 cup cantaloupe

1/4 cup blackberries

thumb sized knob of ginger

blend.

so refreshing on a summer day :)