This rich, smooth, roasted adaptogenic elixir, has become my favorite morning ritual, infusing the day with warmth & vitality. The Adapt offers a calm nourishing energy that comes from within. I used to rely on that jittery coffee buzz but now I thirst for sustainable energy & that is how The Adapt was born. If you want to start your day with health promoting, stress-fighting, energy boosting herbs, without harmful side-effects, this is the elixir for you! The flavor & energy delivered by these supreme botanicals make The Adapt a great way to phase out coffee. *OR* keep your coffee by adding a tablespoon or two of coffee grinds just before you strain your adaptogenic botanicals, the best of both worlds. You can taper down the grinds with each cup if you are trying to quit caffeine or add it in every time. This blend intentionally tastes fantastic with coffee or on its own.
Adapt-a-what?
Adaptogens are botanicals that have survived & thrived in some of the world’s harshest environments. Studies have revealed that these super-herbs exhibit anti-fatigue, neuroprotective, nootropic (herbs & supplements that can improve cognitive function) activity & that they work at a cellular level. They can help us ADAPT to mental & physical stresses, boost immunity, combat fatigue, increase mental work capacity, enhance performance, support healthy hormone balance, & straight up thrive. Sign me up!! Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Chinese & Ayurvedic healing traditions. The longer you train your body with adaptogens, the better they work!
Why I made this blend
After having my second child I found myself depleted & experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Coffee was no longer serving me, causing anxiety, energy crash & worsening symptoms. I needed something nourishing & healing to start my day. I tried many coffee alternatives before crafting my own & this is it! I am excited to share this delicious elixir with you!!
Brewing Methods
1. Stove Top
This is my preferred brewing method because it’s simple & yields an elixir that’s rich in flavor with maximum potentcy in medicinal benefits. The process of simmering the blend is known as a decoction—a traditional herbal preparation where roots & herbs are boiled in water to create a powerful extract that captures the essence of medicinal botanicals. Simmer 1-2 tablespoons of The Adapt in 8-16oz of water (1 Tbsp per 8oz water). Bring water & botanicals to boil, reduce heat to low, cover & simmer for 10-20 mins. Strain & enjoy!
If this method feels like a lot in the morning or you just do not want to wait 15 mins, you can make a large batch to use the whole week! A batch of The Adapt will last about a week in the fridge. Heat it up as needed or enjoy cold, on ice!
I prefer to make a double batch, pour it into my 32oz French press, refrigerate, then just heat that in the morning.
Feel free to get creative in finding your preferred strength & method of brewing. Want a stronger brew? Simmer longer! Wondering if you can re-boil your left over solids? You can.
2. How to enjoy
Like black coffee? Enjoy this tonic straight! I tend to add something creamy & a hint of something sweet.
I prefer my morning adaptogens bulletproof style. I add a bit of honey, a tablespoon or so of grass-fed butter, & unsweetened Lairds superfood creamer (love this stuff!). Next, I throw it all in a stainless steel blender (use a stainless steel frother if your blender is plastic) & blend until frothy & delicious. But you do YOU!! Prepare as desired, sip, relax, breathe, seize the day!
The Adapt ingredients and benefits
Roasted Chicory root
This woody herbaceous plant of the dandelion family is rich in prebiotic fiber, food for our gut microbiome.
Roasted Dandelion root
A prized digestive bitter, dandelion root supports bile flow & healthy digestion. This root also promotes liver health & function & is rich in antioxidants.
Roasted CAcAo nibs
These crumbled bits of dried & fermented cacao beans are rich in antioxidants & polyphenols. I roast them to bring out that divine rich chocolate flavor. Cacao is packed with vitamins, minerals, & over 300 nutrients & bioactive compounds including theobromine- an alkaloid compound with such a wide array of benefits, we can't fit them all here! I love theobromine for its ability to produce bliss chemicals in the brain.
Roasted Burdock root
This superior tonic root is often used specifically for liver health. It is a beautiful herb for skin health & can be helpful for many skin imbalances. It can also promote healthy kidney function, it's alkalizing & expels acid from the body.
Brahmi/Bacopa
This ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy is known to promote calm & ease & help reduce stress. It contains powerful antioxidants & has been used to improve & strengthen brain function & memory. Brahmi is considered an adaptogenic herb & really lives up to its name. I encourage you to dive down the rabbit hole with this super-herb!
Ashwagandha root
This adaptogenic root increases the body’s overall ability to adapt & resist stress. This ancient Ayurvedic herb has been used for thousands of years & is known to benefit memory & facilitate learning. It is a reproductive tonic often used to restore sexual energy & is one of those special adaptogens that is both soothing & energizing, my favorite combo!
Eleuthero root
This versatile root is an adaptogen, protecting the body from the effects of stress. The root of this shrub, native to China, offers cognitive support, is an immune system booster, can enhance athletic performance, can increase energy, & improve mental performance & mood. Eleuthero has been used for thousands of years as a healing remedy.
Cinnamon
This medicinal bark is fragrant & delicious! Cinnamon has been used for centuries as a warming digestive aid. We use Red Ape cinnamon that is sustainably harvested, sun dried & "slowly ground to sweet fragrant perfection".
Shatavari root
This adaptogenic root has been used for thousands of years as an aphrodisiac. It is widely used as a female reproductive tonic (at any stage) & can help the body & mind withstand stress & calm the nervous system while simultaneously restoring it. These lovely white tuberous roots are found in large clusters, I love to blend them into my tonics to nourish & restore depleted vitality.
Reishi mushroom
I rarely make a tonic without Reishi. This versatile, immune boosting medicinal mushroom can help relax the body while strengthening your mind. Reishi is known for its ability to balance the nervous system, support hormonal health, & glow the skin up. Reishi really lives up to its name as an adaptogen. The longer you incorporate Reishi into your health routine, the better it works!
Fo-ti root (He Shou wu)
There are legends surrounding this adaptogenic herb & its ability to offer immortality. Today it is still used in longevity tonics to ward off aging. Fo-ti root can be used to nourish the blood, liver & kidneys, to support skin, hair, & adrenal gland function, to downregulate the nervous system, balance hormones, assist with stress & increase energy. This flowering vine, native to China, is often used to support male fertility as well as for women’s reproductive health.
Mucuna Pruriens powder (Dopa bean)
This tropical legume native to Africa & Asia is an adaptogen used in Ayurvedic medicine that is known to lower stress, improve focus, boost libido, lower anxiety, & boost mood. This magic "velvet bean" contains high levels of L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine.