Happy Hormones Latte

So my dad gets all the credit for this yummy “coffee Latte”. We were on vacation together in Ouray, Colorado last week when he told me he made the switch from coffee to his new mix and had been feeling better than ever. I had been making the switch already with organic hot chocolate( raw cacao) in the mornings. When I was trying to make the switch to a more nourishing morning ritual, I started drinking raw cacao or hot chocolate in the mornings instead of coffee. Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE coffee. It makes me feel like I can do most things and gives me a happy boost. However, like most good things, moderation and breaks are good. I gently started to decrease my coffee intake to half and then 1/4 cup and then switched to raw cacao. I chose raw cacao because I still wanted the mood uplifting benefits that coffee offers without as much of the buzz. The great thing about raw cacao is that it is full of hormone happy nutrients such as magnesium which can really calm frazzled nerves and hormones. It is nourishing. It also has a chemical in it similar to caffeine, so it can boost serotonin( happy brain neurotransmitters or feel good hormones). I made the switch this month to help with PMS and fibrocystic breasts. Did you know that caffeine makes fibrocystic breasts worse? So if you have painful breasts after ovulation or before your period, this is for you.

This “coffee” alternative is also good if you are wanting to get pregnant. It is perfect during Month 1 of my 90 Day Fertility Program. This cleanse period is designed to get rid of things we are addicted to that may not be optimal for preconception time. Things like excess caffeine, sugar, too many carbs, processed foods and alcohol. Dandelion root in general is a great liver detoxer. It has been used medicinally by many different cultures for centuries. So, here it is, my nourishing morning ritual that increases your vitalituy.

 

Dandelion Root Benefits

• benefits liver ( root)
• stimulates digestion
• increase bile flow
• mild laxative
• relieve bloating/ light diruetic ( leaves)

Dandelion Root Benefits: The roots stimulate digestion, increase bile flow, mild laxative, and relieves bloating by acting as a light diuretic. It is high in vitamins A,C, D, zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium. A 2009 study by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that after just two doses of dandelion root tea, subjects had a notable  increase in urination. Bloating and water weight decreased. This is good news for those with PMS bloat before your period starts. One study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology showed dandelion tea to dramatically increase a detoxifying enzyme of the control group of animals tested. This shows that it is good for a liver detox. An efficient, healthy liver is the foundation to all hormonal health. The leaves are good for diabetics and can help with blood sugar levels.

Caution: The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that antacids, blood-thinning medications, Cipro, diabetes medication and anything else that is broken down in the liver may interact with dandelion tea. If you are allergic to ragweed and weeds in same family, avoid dandelion.

Raw Cacao Benefits

• Boost bliss and mood ( contains anandamide) or “bliss” molecule
• Aphrodisiac: contains phenethylamine –often released when falling in love or having sex
• Good for heart health and blood circulation: contains flavanols and antioxidants
• Good for weight loss: contains MAO inhibitors which lower appetite. Drink before meals

Raw cacao powder has more than 300 phytochemicals! This is 4 times the antioxidant power of dark chocolate, and contains protein, calcium, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, and sulfur.

The Department of Nutrition at University of California, Davis discovered that  raw cacao thins blood and can prevent  blood clots. It showed that it can be as effective as taking 1 aspirin a day. This is fantastic for women with decreased pelvic blood supply to uterus and ovaries. Some Reproductive endocrinologists recommend  a baby aspirin for older women to improve blood circulation. I think raw cacao is a lot yummier!If you have PMS or cramps, this can really help. Period cramps are a sign that blood flow is less than optimal which can cause problems getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. It can also help lower blood pressure naturally. Don’t consume more than 4 TBS of raw cacao in a day. It can also help lower blood pressure naturally.

Maca Root Benefits

• Fertility and Vitality booster: may increase serum luteinizing hormone in the pituitary gland ( animal study)
• Increase energy and athletic performance: High in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
• Improve sexual function/libido
• Increase hormonal balance/decrease menopausal symptoms of night sweats, and depression

Maca root has been used for thousands of years to increase vitality and energy. It is a root and can be added to baking, smoothies, and lattes.

Happy Hormones ” Coffee” Latte

What is it? I mix 3/4 dandy blend with 1/4 raw cacao in a large mason jar and then add in maca root. If you like your latte’s tasting more on the espresso side, keep this ratio or even add in more dandy blend ( coffee taste). If you want your Happy Hormone Latte to taste more chocolaty, do 1/2 dandy 1/2 raw cacao. If you struggle with painful period cramps, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS or cold hands and feet, add in Ceylon cinnamon to increase circulation. Cinnamon has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulas for fertility for centuries.

• Mix dandy, raw cacao, and maca in a large mason jar for storage
• Heat your water
• Add 1 tsp of Happy Hormone Coffee mixture into cup.
• Add hot water
• Add honey to taste
• Froth and add Almond Milk
• Enjoy

Get it on amazon here:

Dandy blend ( dandelion roots):
Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage with Dandelion – Organic 3.53 oz (100 grams) Pkg

Get the maca root powder here:
Navitas Organics Maca Gelatinized Powder, 4 Ounce

 

Get your Raw Cacao here:
Viva Naturals 1 Best Selling Certified Organic Cacao Powder from Superior Criollo Beans, 1 LB Bag

 

Get your Frother here:
1Easylife H422 Stainless Steel Handheld Electric Milk Frother with Bonus Mix Spoon

 

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy your new morning ritual, as we all need a nourishing one.

Joy Lechner

Board certified and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist

Owner of Nourished Roots LLC

nourishedrootsacu.com

References:

http://dailysuperfoodlove.com/2852/21-fantastic-benefits-of-cacao/#ixzz4nVO02Gjq

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/7-benefits-of-maca-root-for-women/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzMbLBRBzEiwAfFz4gYNgooE4WpeyuIrHK0JeYxs7D6AJ02rS8kf-e-0-R_jjnV1hMLsIwRoCWmUQAvD_BwE