Adaptogen Bliss Bombs

Adaptogen Bliss Bombs are a perfect healthy treat to fuel the body, balance stress levels, curb your appetite, increase vitality, and satisfy that sweet tooth.

Adaptogen Bliss Bombs are an Addicting, Power-Packed Treat

Warning these things are addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Consequently, I keep a steady flow of these on hand because when I need a sweet pick-me-up during the day, I want to go for something that nourishes my body, not send me into a slump. In my herbal studies, I have been fascinated with adaptogens in particular, so I am learning how to incorporate them into our daily lives more. Stay tuned for more recipes to come. For now, my husband takes these bite sized adaptogen bliss bombs with him on the road, along with a banana, and he has a powerful energizing and nourishing snack without having to stop for something quick he may regret later.

Just a note of caution…check your teeth after consuming. The chia seeds in the nut/seed butter have a habit of getting stuck in your teeth. These are great for popping in your mouth when time is in a pinch, but please be sure and ask your neighbor if all is clear before flashing your pearly whites.

Adaptogen Bliss Bombs are the perfect healthy treat. Between you and me, I have been guilty of stashing chocolate all over the house in secret places that even I can’t find. It wasn’t until I had my first 3-day water only fast that I realized how many times I put something in my mouth just so I could feel a pop of pleasure. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how pleasure-driven I was.  What do you expect from a California girl? These healthy treats curb that sweet desire and satisfy that chocolate craving…and bonus, they are good for you. Adaptogen Bliss Bombs are a treat you won’t mind becoming addicted to.

Adaptogen Bliss Bombs Can be Adapted to Suit Your Own Tastes

These little bliss bombs pack a powerful, healthy punch and can be adapted to whatever suits your taste. I know there are a few optional ingredients in here that are not typical pantry staples. For instance, things like spirulina, date crystals, cacao nibs, and tahini I use in many other recipes so they are pretty common now in my house. Truthfully, I purchase from many sources because I have my favorites. I take Proverbs 31:14 to heart, “She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.”

Unfortunately, I realize the date crystals can only be found at Shields, and their shipping costs are not cheap, but they are just too amazing and I use enough that I justify the cost.  Nevertheless, they are awesome sprinkled over oatmeal or yogurt and you can grind the crystals into sugar and use it as a natural sugar substitute. If you buy 10 pounds at a time or go in with a friend to split shipping, it can cut down on cost.

What are Adaptogens?

*Adaptogens are certain herbs, roots, legumes, mushrooms, or berries that aide the body in “adapting” to the environment. They are wonderful for balancing out stress levels, fatigue, calming the nerves, supporting the body’s immune system, boosting energy and stamina, as well as promoting the body’s vitality and regeneration. In short, you want to consume as many of these things as possible. A word of caution though… it is recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

Some examples of common adaptogens and how you can add them to your diet are:

• Ashwagandha root: a bitter root that helps support a healthy immune system, sexual stamina by increasing blood flow, and stress reduction by promoting calm. I use this in tincture form as well as in its powdered form mixed with sweet ingredients, like honey, to offset its bitter bite.
• Astragalus root: a root used in supporting a healthy immune system, in particular, the respiratory system. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. I use it in my homemade chai tea, nourishing bone broth, and of course in these bliss bombs.
• Cordyceps: a golden mushroom used to support cellular energy, and endurance. Add to your nourishing bone broth for a beautiful golden hue.
• Eleuthero root: Used to support the adrenals, immune system, and physical stamina. Use in powdered form, mixed with sweet ingredients like honey, to offset its bitter bite.
• Ginseng root: Promotes healthy stamina and both mental and physical energy. Delicious added to vegetable broths or in a tea.
• Goji berry: A beautiful rosy, orange-red berry used to support healthy energy and both physical and mental performance. They are great added to smoothies, or added to trail mix.
• Holy Basil: An Ayurvedic herb (known as Tulsi) used to support a healthy response to occasional stress and positive mood. It is wonderful used in a tea. Plus isn’t the name just so pretty?
• Licorice root: Supports your bodies natural response to occasional stress. A nice addition to a tea blend.
• Maca root: A root used to support healthy energy, stamina, and performance. Great added to a plant based vanilla smoothie to add caramel notes.
• Reishi and Chaga mushrooms: Traditionally used in Chinese herbalism to promote relaxation and support the immune system. A wonderful addition to dark chocolate brownies or a homemade cozy hot chocolate mix.

Where Can I Find Adaptogens?

Amazon

Ultimately, sourcing your herbs and adaptogens from a good, reputable source is important. Amazon can be great in a pinch, with their unlimited selection, convenience, and easy shopping experience, but lately I have been feeling a little concerned that they are becoming too big for their britches. We have all been lulled into comfort and convenience and expect everything now to be delivered in 2-days or less.

Mountain Rose Herbs

Even so, I like to remind myself that it is good to patiently wait for things, and l I have always trusted Mountain Rose Herbs in Oregon for my herbal needs. They are a great small business and I love supporting the little guy. I am not getting a commission for saying this. Without a doubt, I am just a woman who likes good quality ingredients and I love supporting small businesses. When I was visiting family in Oregon, we stopped in the shop and I literally wanted to buy everything there. Their quality and dedication to their products is phenomenal. Check them out here.

Adaptogen Bliss Bomb Recipe:

This recipe has been adapted from a recipe I learned in my Herbal Academy Introductory Herbal Course, Recipes and Monographs.

• 1/2 cup combination of any of these dried adaptogen roots ground into a fine powder (astragalus, eleuthero, and ashwagandha).
• 1 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric (this is my favorite brand)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (this is my favorite brand)
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper (aids in the absorption of turmeric: find out how here)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt to taste
• 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds butter like Nuttzo. You could use peanut or almond butter but Nuttzo is seriously amazing and has so many great nutrient-dense nuts and seeds.
• 1/2 cup tahini (my favorite is Whole Foods store brand)
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (toasted if you want to live on the wild side).
• 1/4 cup Shields date crystals (optional but they add fiber, sweetness, and an amazing crunch)
• 1/2 cup cocoa nibs (optional but I love the touch of chocolate and the crunch).
• 1 tsp spirulina powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut (optional)
• 7 -10 drops therapeutic food-grade Peppermint Essential Oil (optional if you want a chocolate mint flavor)

Process

The great thing about this healthy treat is that although there are a lot of ingredients, this recipe can be thrown together in a matter of minutes and there is no baking required.

To start, I mix together the nut/seed butter, tahini, peppermint essential oil (if using) and honey in a large bowl.

In a second bowl, combine the adaptogen powders, spices, spiralina, and salt. Add the powdered mixture to the wet ingredients.

Additionally, add in any of your optional ingredients such as shredded coconut, cocoa nibs, toasted chopped almonds, and date crystals. Here is where you gage your dough. Now for all you recipe followers, this may be difficult for you. Learning to flow with a recipe is a learned skill.  It is okay to add more or less of an ingredient, or none at all if you don’t have it on hand, unless of course it is a main ingredient.  Omitting the NuttZo, or nut butter, in this recipe is not an option. Be flexible in the kitchen and learn to trust yourself and your tastebuds. At this point, if your dough is too wet, add more coconut or chopped almonds.  If it is too dry, add more NuttZo or honey. The dough should be dry enough to form a raw cookie dough ball, but wet enough to not crumble. 

Finally, use a cookie scooper to form into dough balls (yields 35 large balls) or melon baller (yields 70 bite-sized balls). Store in an airtight container.

Undoubtedly, Adaptogen Bliss Bombs are a healthy treat. Eat 2-3 of these a day to support your overall immune system and vitality or whenever you pass by the container…guilty.

Furthering Your Herbal Education

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of herbs, either for culinary purposes, learning to make your own herbal remedies, herbs with children, or even furthering your education to become a certified herbalist or start your own herbal business, I highly recommend these websites:

• www.learningherbs.com
• www.theherbalacademy.com

Learning Herbs.com

I began my herbal journey on LearningHerbs.com. I took my children through the Herb Fairies course as well as have enjoyed the board game, Wildcraft with them. Learning and discovering along with my children has enriched our relationships as well as passed on a wonderful herbal heritage to them.

I recommend all their courses offered as well as Rosalee De La Foret’s wonderful book, Alchemy of Herbs. You can watch a video trailer of her book here. Truthfully, this book is what launched me into my herbal studies as it easily introduces you to twenty-nine of the most common herbs and several recipes to make with them. I have tried almost all of them. Alchemy of Herbs is one of my favorite go-to herbal cook books. Truly, the recipes have been amazing and I will feature some of them as well as adaptations of her recipes on this blog in the future.

Herbal Academy

As I continued my herbal journey, I wanted to go further and even become certified as an herbalist as well as possibly create my own body, home, and wellness care products to sell as a business. I am currently enrolled at Herbal Academy in their Introductory, Intermediate, and Business courses where I am engaged in over 4 years of intensive study. The courses are phenomenal and I encourage anyone to take charge of their own healthcare even if mastery is not the goal. Learning how to incorporate healing herbs and plants into your diet as well as discovering how the nutrients in various foods have healing properties is a wonderful skill. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is famous for his quote, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Amen that.

Precautions in Using Herbs and Roots

Just a note of caution: Ashwagandha and Astragalus root are not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. It is recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

*This recipe has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Herbs are used to aide the body in promoting a healthy lifestyle. For educational purposes only.

In everything you do -eat, play, and, love- may it always be Seasoned with Joy!