Elevate your mood this autumn and winter and dose up on Mother Nature’s prescription, using roots as medicine. Push your coffee to the side and enjoy this medicinal concoction instead. Sip yourself into a harmonious state of being.
Medicinal Root Mood Latte
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) dried valerian root
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) dried ashwagandha root
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) dried eleuthero root
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) dried marshmallow root
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) dried or fresh turmeric root
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh ginger root, peeled and roughly chopped
- 4 Ceylon cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) whole dried cloves
- 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened soy milk or plant milk of choice
- 8 1/2 cups (2.125 L) filtered water, divided
- 6 pitted Medjool dates
- Optional toppings: frothed plant milk, Ceylon cinnamon powder
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories142
- protein3g
- fat2g
- saturated fat0g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates32g
- sugars24g
- fibre4g
- sodium29mg
Directions
01
Into medium pot, place valerian, ashwagandha, eleuthero, marshmallow, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Pour in 6 cups (1.5 L) filtered water. Bring to boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Take off stove. Pour in 2 cups (500 mL) filtered water. Strain decoction into jug. Pour in milk.
In food processor, add dates and no more than 1/2 cup (125 mL) filtered water. Process until paste-like consistency forms. Add date mixture into liquid concoction. Stir.
Evenly pour into 4 mugs. For that extra bit of wow factor, add some frothed plant milk and powdered Ceylon cinnamon overtop. As you enjoy your cup of medicine, be sure to stir from time to time, since dates have a propensity to settle on the bottom.
Tip: store leftover mixture of roots in refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reuse the mixture of roots for another round of decocting.
Like this recipe?
This recipe is part of the Unearthing Evidence-Based Integrative Remedies to Stress collection.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Strawberry Carpaccio
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Greek Turkey Burger Bites
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Burger with Artichoke Tapenade
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Asian Shrimp Burger with Bean Sprout Slaw and Fresh Mango
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.