Broccoli & Potato Leek Soup

This thick and creamy potato leek soup includes broccoli and carrots, with subtle hints of ginger and lemon. Devour this soup as a light dinner with a side of fresh bread. Bon Appétit!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp of olive oil
• 2 leeks, chopped
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled & chopped into small bites
• 3 carrots, peeled & chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 6 cups of broccoli
• 1/2 tsp of minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp of minced ginger
• 1 Tbsp of fresh or dried chopped thyme
• 1 tsp of fresh or dried dill
• salt and pepper
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 3 cups of vegetable broth
• juice of 1/2 a lemon

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the leeks, potato, carrots, celery, and broccoli. Sauté on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add more oil if needed.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, thyme, dill, and desired amount of salt and pepper. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a rolling boil. Once boiled, turn down to low heat, put the lid on, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4. Add the fresh lemon juice to the pot. Stir to evenly incorporate.
5. Remove 4 cups of the soup from the pot and transfer into a food processor. Pureé until smooth. Return the pureéd soup back into the pot and stir to combine.
6. Serve in soup bowls. Enjoy!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

-Broccoli aids in digestion, prevents chronic diseases, protects liver health, boosts brain health, reduces allergies, contains anti-aging properties, and improves metabolism.

-Potatoes help to reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, stimulates brain function, prevents formation of kidney stones, relieves high blood pressure, prevents heart diseases, and facilitates digestion.

-Ginger relieves nausea, treats cold and flu symptoms, aids in digestion, removes excess gas, reduces arthritis pain, detoxifies the body, prevents menstrual cramps, and prevents infection in the body.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com and http://www.organicfacts.net

 

 

 

(Vegan) Maple Apple Cinnamon Oatcakes

These tasty oatcakes are made with an oat flour base, spiced with sweet maple cinnamon plus slivered almonds as an added crunch. They make for a delightful Sunday morning breakfast, paired with some fruit salad and herbal tea. Enjoy!

Ingredients for caramelized apple topping:

• 1 Tbsp of coconut oil
• 1 small honey crisp apple, peeled and chopped into small bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp of lemon juice
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp of maple syrup

Ingredients for the oatcakes:

• 1 1/4 cups of oat flour
• 1 Tbsp of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 cup of slivered almonds
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of oat milk
• 1/2 cup of apple sauce
• 4 Tbsp of maple syrup
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• coconut oil for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. First, make your caramelized apple topping. Heat 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in a small sauce pan on medium-high heat. Add the chopped apple pieces, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Sauté the apples until they are soft and cooked through. Set the sauce pan aside with the lid on.
2. Next, make the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the oat flour, cinnamon, salt, slivered almonds, and baking soda.
3. Now add in the oat milk, apple sauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle/frying pan over medium-high heat. Scoop about a 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle. Cook each side until golden brown.
5. Serve the oatcakes hot with a scoop of caramelized apple topping. Optional: drizzle with more maple syrup.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Apples are high in fiber, a good source of vitamin C, and is a great source of antioxidants.

-Oats are high in fiber, reduces heart disease risk, and lowers cholesterol.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com

Eat Well Mademoiselle’s Healthy Traveling Tips

Hello friends! I just got back from a wonderful vacation to Ireland to visit my family. Before I started the long trip from Los Angeles to Europe, I wanted to make sure to take the best care of my body to prevent sickness, digestive discomfort, and other health issues from traveling. Here are my wellness tips and tricks that I followed during my journey that left me feeling healthy from the inside out.

1. Take a yoga class before your flight. 

Practicing yoga before a long flight has many benefits. It calms the mind and releases stress and anxiety that you may experience from flying. It also stimulates your circulation and digestion systems. Vinyasa yoga classes are great to get the body moving and to stretch your muscles before you are cooped up in an airplane seat for 10 hours.

2.  Take probiotics for a healthy, happy gut!

Keeping your gut healthy will ensure that you won’t have to deal with bloating or discomfort through a long flight. Keeping a probiotic supplement in your carry-on bag will be your lifesaver. Probiotics also protect your immune system which is essential while traveling in a germ-filled airplane.

3.  Stay hydrated.

It may seem obvious, but it is very important to drink lots and lots of water while traveling to prevent dehydration. The humidity levels inside the airplane are usually extremely low which causes the cabin to be more dry than a desert. After passing through security, purchase a large water bottle to keep with you at all times on the plane. Try not to drink soda or alcohol as it may dehydrate you even more.

4.  Bring Ginger Candies for Motion Sickness.

Ginger is a lifesaver when it comes to battling nausea. An easy way to consume ginger on a plane are “Gin gin” candies which are available here on Amazon.

5. Essential oils.

doTERRA has a great essential oil blend called “On Guard”. This oil is a blend of wild orange peel, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary which protects the immune system when the body is introduced to environmental threats that may be present in the airplane. Keep a small roll-on bottle with you on the plane to apply to the palm of your hands for germ protection.

6. Eat Lightly. 

If you are on a long flight, your body is barely moving and is not burning many calories. Therefore, overeating can slow you down and may cause bloating. In the air your bodily gases expand by one third and the digestion process slows down in pace. When you are hungry stick to eating healthy choices such as fresh fruits or probiotic-rich yogurt.

7. Get up and walk around.

Don’t forget to get out of your seat periodically and walk around the plane. This is the best way to get your circulation moving and to prevent stiff muscles.

8. Fun self care tip: use collagen eye pads!

Purchase some Honest Hazel Eye Pads and bring them on your flight. An hour before you land, put the eye pads on for about 45 minutes to refresh your tired and puffy eyes. You will feel instantly refreshed and look well-rested (even if you’re not!)

I hope these healthy traveling tips will help make your next trip a smooth one!

Love,

 

 

Healthy Tips for Self Care and Wellness at Work

Let’s face it- working a 9 to 5 job, commuting in bumper to bumper traffic, and getting email notifications on your phone all throughout the night can really put a toll on your body, mind, and overall wellbeing. As much as I love working hard at my career, I notice a downfall in my health and stress levels if I don’t take the right self-care steps. I have put together a list of tips that I practice on a day-to-day basis at work so that I can manage my wellbeing.

1. Pack your lunch the night before. 

Packing a healthy lunch and some snacks for yourself the night before will save some time in the morning so that you aren’t rushed before you leave for work. You will feel like you have a little head start to the day. It’s just one less thing to worry about in the crazy rush of the morning!

2.  Make a work-start ritual

The first thing I do when I get to the office is make myself a cup of tea. For me, this is my mental sign that I am ready to start my day and be productive. Having a simple routine like this helps to keep on schedule.

3. Talk and connect with others. 

Smile at your coworkers, say good morning, and ask them how they are doing today. A friendly greeting can boost the good vibes of your work environment. Getting to know your coworkers in a friendly way helps to create a workplace where everyone works better together. You do spend the majority of your time at work, so you might as well be happy with the people you spend that time with.

4. Keep water on your desk at all times.

It is so important for your health to drink enough water during the day. Keeping yourself hydrated will naturally increase your energy and will prevent headaches during the day. I always keep a large bottle of fresh water on my desk so that it is easy for me to remember to drink it. Sometimes I will add a fresh lemon slice or some mint leaves in my water for some extra flavor.

5. Get out of the office.

This is something that is necessary, but really hard for me to find the time to do. Taking breaks actually increase work productivity and keeps us from being mentally stagnant. Even if you bring your own lunch to work, try to at least get outside for 5 minutes for some fresh air or go for a brief walk.

6. Must have oils: Lavender Oil & CBD Oil

I have expressed my love of lavender oil before in my blog post, 8 Wellness Tips to ensure a Healthy & Happy Day.  This is my key to stress relief. I always keep a bottle of lavender oil on my desk at work. I simply rub it on my wrists and the aroma of the oil instantly relaxes and calms me. I recently started using CBD oil and I am hooked! I use “Plus” brand CBD oil spray from this website. CBD oil has many benefits but I use it to treat anxiety that I experience in times of stress at work.

7. Make plans for self-care after work to destress.

For me, the key to managing my wellbeing is dedicating some time to myself to destress and wind down. My favorite way to unwind is to take a yoga or meditation class. Other options would be to go for a walk, do a 60 minute gym workout, read a book, bake some healthy treats, or watch a movie while drinking some herbal tea.

8. Unplug.

For us workaholics, it can be challenging to completely unplug and not respond to work emails that we get during the night. However, it is important for your mental health to take a break and turn off those notifications so that your mind can get a rest. Try to set a time (for example, after 8:00 p.m.) where you turn off your work emails, relax, and spend time with your family.

I hope you try out these wellness tips and that it helps your work-life balance like it has helped mine.

xoxo,

 

Easy 5 Ingredient Fudge Brownies (vegan & gluten free)

When I am baking desserts, I try to create recipes that are very simple with minimal, healthy ingredients. This fudge brownie recipe is made with only 5 ingredients, one of them being bananas! However, you would never even guess that there are bananas in this recipe. These brownies are chocolatey and rich, so I recommend cutting them into small squares and enjoying them with a scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 Ripe Bananas
• 1 C Almond Butter (no sugar or salt added)
• 1/2 C Cacao Powder
• 1 t Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 C Non-dairy Chocolate Chips plus extra for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
2. Unpeel the bananas and put them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork until they are completely mashed.
3. Add the almond butter to the bananas and mix with an electric beater. Next, add the vanilla extract and cacao powder. Mix until the cacao powder is completely incorporated into the wet ingredients. Finally, add the chocolate chips.
4. Grease a 7″x7″ square pan with coconut oil. Pour the batter into the pan. Top with a handful of more chocolate chips.
5. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Let the brownies cool completely for 25 minutes. Cut into small squares.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Bananas boost energy, are high in potassium, improves digestive health, and is a good source of brain, skin, and bone health-boosting manganese.

-Almond butter contains many essential nutrients that protects heart health, supports a healthy brain function, maintains skin health, helps control blood sugar levels, and maintains good bone and dental health.

-Cacao can improve stress levels, cholesterol, and heart health.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com, http://www.foodfacts.mercola.com, and http://www.draxe.com

Veggie-Packed Chickpea Stew

Making a delicious stew is a great way to combine a bunch of vitamin-packed vegetables into a healthy meal. This veggie-packed chickpea stew is hearty, filling, and simple to make. I would recommend serving this dish with basmati rice. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Makes about 7-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 T of Olive Oil
• 1/2 of a White Onion, diced
• 1/2 t of Minced Garlic
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Zucchini Squash, chopped
• 3 Large Carrots, chopped
• 1 Head of Cauliflower, chopped
• 15 oz of Canned Corn, drained
• 30 oz Chickpeas (This is equal to 2 cans), drained
• 1 14.5 oz of Canned Roma Tomatoes
• 1/4 C of Tomato Paste
• 1/4 C of Fresh Basil, chopped
• 1/4 C of Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/2 t of Dried Oregano, chopped
• 2 C of Vegetable Broth
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 C of Spinach, chopped
  

  Instructions:

  1. Once all of the veggies are chopped, turn a large pot on high heat. Add 2 T of olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic. When they are cooked and browned, add the red pepper, carrots, zucchini squash, and cauliflower. Sauté for about 10 minutes. Turn the pot to a simmer.

  2. Add the corn and chickpeas to the pot. Stir to evenly combine.

  3. Add the canned tomatoes (including its juice) to the pot and the tomato paste. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Add the basil, parsley, oregano, and bay leaves to the pot and stir.

  5. Add the vegetable broth and stir. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, all of the vegetables should be nice and tender.

  6. Add the spinach and stir. Let the spinach wilt for about 2 minutes.

  7. Serve up!

  

  Benefits of this recipe:

  -Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they improve heart health, helps improve vision and eye health, benefits skin health, and protects bone health.

  -Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

  -Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

  -Cauliflower helps lower cancer risk, fights inflammation, decreases risk of heart disease, provides high levels of vitamins and minerals, improves digestion and detoxification, helps balance hormones, and preserves eye health.

   

  The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com and http://www.draxe.com

   

   

Curry Spiced Quinoa with Roasted Cauliflower

I love anything with a curry flavor…and this dish definitely has that! This is a satisfying dish packed with the rich flavors of curried quinoa, garam masala-spiced cauliflower, and fresh vegetables and herbs. A bowl of this dish makes a great lunch or a delicious dinner side dish. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 75 minutes

Makes about 5-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C Green Lentils (uncooked)
• 1 Head of Cauliflower
• 3 T Olive Oil (divided)
• 2 t Garam Masala
• Dash of Salt and Pepper
• 1/2 Yellow Onion, diced
• 1/4 t Minced Garlic
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 t Coriander Powder
• 2 t Curry Powder
• 1 C Uncooked Quinoa
• 1 C Canned Coconut Milk
• 1 C Water
• 1/2 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 a Lime
• 1/4 C Chopped Cashews

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized peices. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Transfer the chopped cauliflower onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 T olive oil, 2 t garam masala, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir evenly so everything is combined. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. In a medium sized pot, combine the lentils with 1.5 C of water. Bring to a boil. Once boiled, turn to a simmer for 25 minutes until cooked. Set aside.
4. In another medium sized pot, combine 1 C of uncooked quinoa with 1 C canned coconut milk and 1 C of water. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked.
5. Heat a skillet on medium. Saute the diced onion in 1 T Olive Oil. Add the garlic and chopped red pepper and cook until browned.
6. Stir in the 1 t coriander powder, 2 t curry powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
7. Now, add the roasted cauliflower, quinoa, and lentils into the skillet. Stir to combine. Add the 1/2 C fresh chopped cilantro, juice of 1/2 a lime, and the 1/4 C chopped cashews. Stir everything and heat for 5 minutes to cook all of the flavors together. Serve up!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Quinoa is loaded with Potassium and Magnesium which supports a healthy heart. Eating quinoa also supports bone health, a healthy digestive system, and contains disease-fighting antioxidants.

-Lentils can help lower cholesterol, are high in protein, good for digestive health, and beneficial for heart health.

-Cauliflower helps lower cancer risk, fights inflammation, decreases risk of heart disease, provides high levels of vitamins and minerals, improves digestion and detoxification, helps balance hormones, and preserves eye health.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com

 

Creamy Avocado Pesto Salad

I love pesto, so combining a leafy green salad with savory pesto dressing is a no-brainer for me. This salad is packed with the flavors of fresh herbs and lemony goodness. The avocado is loaded with nourishing healthy fats and creates a creaminess to this salad. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 30 minutes

Makes about 5-6 servings

For the Pesto Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 C Packed Fresh Basil
• 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 C Pine Nuts
• 1/3 C Raw Cashews
• 1/4 C Olive Oil
• 1/4 t Minced Garlic
• 1 T Water
• Dash of Salt & Pepper
• 1 T Nutritional Yeast

Instructions:

1. Put all of the ingredients for the pesto dressing into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and set aside. 

For the Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 Avocados
• 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
• Dash of Salt & Pepper
• 1 15 oz can of Chickpeas
• 1/2 a Cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 C Green Onion, chopped
• 1/4 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 6 C  Spring Greens Mix or Arugula
• 1/4 C Cashews, chopped 

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados into small cubes. Put them into a large salad bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice to the avocados and mix until the avocados are evenly coated. Add a dash of Salt & Pepper. 
3. Drain the chickpeas. Add to the bowl of avocado. Stir to combine. Now, add the cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Stir again to combine.
4. Add the spring greens. Toss the salad and add the pesto dressing. (You may not need to add all of the pesto if you don’t want as much dressing). Add more salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with the chopped cashews and serve.

Benefits of this recipe:

–Avocado protects heart health, aids in better digestive health, protects from diabetes, balances hormones naturally, and boosts your mood. It is also great for keeping your hair, skin, and eyes healthy.

-Basil contains disease fighting antioxidants, helps lower inflammation in the body, reduces stress, fights depression and anxiety, supports the liver, and promotes cardiovascular health.

-Salad greens or arugula protects eye health, improves heart health, helps maintain strong bones, improves digestion, helps prevent diabetes, and reduces skin inflammation.

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com

 

 

Carmelized Beet & Sweet Potato Farro with Roasted Chickpeas

Mmmm beets and sweet potatoes- two of my favorite vegetables! This carmelized beet and sweet potato salad is hearty and warm with nutty and sweet undertones. This dish is packed with wonderful nutrients that will keep you more than satisfied. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 90 minutes

Makes about 7-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Sweet Potatoes
• 1 Shallot
• 2 T Coconut Oil
• 2 T Maple Syrup
• 2 t Cinnamon  (Divided)
• 1/2 t Nutmeg  (Divided)
• 2 lbs Beets
• 1 C Uncooked Farro
• 1/2 C Raw Almonds
• 2 T Olive Oil (Divided)
• 3 C Chopped Kale
• 1/4 t Garlic
• 1/2 t Paprika
• Salt and Pepper
• 2 15 oz Cans of Chickpeas
• Juice from 1/2 a Lemon
• 1 T Fresh Rosemary, chopped
• 1 t Dried Thyme
• 1/2 C Pomegranate Seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Dice the shallot.
3. In a microwave safe container, melt the coconut oil for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and add maple syrup. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the sweet potatoes and shallots to a large bowl. Pour half of the oil/maple syrup mix and toss. Add 1 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, and a dash of salt and pepper to the bowl. Stir until all the sweet potatoes and shallot are evenly covered. Transfer to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Peel and chop the beets into small pieces.
6. Add the beets to the same bowl. Pour the remaining coconut oil/maple syrup mixture on top of the beets. Top the beets with 1 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, and a dash of salt and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the beets to a separate aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. 
7. Prepare the roasted chickpeas. Drain them from the can and put them on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 T olive oil, 1/2 t paprika, 1/4 t garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper.
8. Now place all 3 baking pans into the oven. Remove the chickpeas from the oven after 35 minutes. The beets and sweet potatoes need to cook for 40 minutes.
9. While the veggies are baking, cook the farro. Put 1 C of farro into a medium pot. Cover with 3 C of water. Bring to a boil. Turn to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Set aside once cooked.
10. Prepare the toasted almonds. Chop 1/2 C of almonds into small pieces.  Put them in a skillet with a dash of salt and pepper and 1 T of olive oil. Keep stirring to make sure they don’t burn.Toast for 5 mins until golden brown. Set aside.
11. Once everything is done cooking, it is time to combine the ingredients into a salad. In a large bowl, add the chopped kale. Squeeze the juice from the 1/2 lemon onto the kale. Massage to evenly coat the kale. Add the sweet potatoes, beets, farro, toasted almonds, rosemary, thyme, and pomegranate seeds. Stir to mix evenly. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
12. Top each plate with roasted chickpeas. Serve warm.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. The high levels of vitamin C and E provide an immunity boost, support eye health, and prevent degenerative damage.

-Beets are high in antioxidants, contain anti-inflammatory properties, supports brain health, supports digestion, can improve athletic performance, and keeps blood pressure in check.

-Kale is among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet! It is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, can help lower cholesterol, and protects eye health. There are also numerous cancer-fighting substances in kale.

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com and http://www.draxe.com

 

 

5 Health-Boosting Teas I’m loving right now

Ever since I stopped drinking coffee about a year ago, I have been completely hooked on tea. Drinking herbal teas can heal many ailments in the body, keep you hydrated, and are filled with immune-strengthening antioxidants. Tea benefits your wellbeing and nourishes the body from within. Here are a few of my current favorite teas that I brew at home and the benefits that it can bring to you.

1. Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is absolutely my favorite tea at the moment. I love that it wakes me up and makes me feel alert without making me jittery. It actually makes me feel grounded and relaxed. I make matcha part of my morning ritual so it is definitely something I look forward to drinking every morning. Here are some of the benefits of matcha that I love:

• Boosts energy while keeping you calm
• Burns fat and boosts metabolism
• May help prevent cancer (specifically prostate cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer according to many studies)
• Detoxifies the body of unwanted toxins
• Lowers type 2 diabetes risk

As I breifly mentioned in my blog post, 8 Wellness Tips to ensure a Healthy & Happy Day I add unsweetened coconut milk, maca powder, and ashwaganda powder into my matcha. These added superfood powders help to reduce anxiety, improve brain function, balance estrogen levels, and enhances mood. This is why my matcha tea is my morning superpower drink. There are so many benefits!

 2. Dandy Blend

Dandy Blend tea is strangely similar to a coffee taste. If anyone is trying to wean themselves off of coffee, I would highly recommend trying Dandy Blend. It is easy to find on amazon. It is an herbal tea blend mix of barley, rye, chicory root, and dandelion root. As an afternoon pick-me-up, I like to enjoy one teaspoon of dandy blend mixed with 8 oz of hot water for my tasty, coffee-like drink. It has a very rich, earthy taste and is great plain or mixed with almond milk. Some of its benefits are:

• The dandelion root has potential to kill cancer cells, reduces cholesterol, is rich in antioxidants, supports liver health, and fights bacteria in the body.
• The chicory root supports the digestive system, improves cholesterol, reduces stress, and can prevent diabetes.

3. Green Tea Kombucha

I buy the “Yogi Tea” brand of Green Tea Kombucha. It is one of the best tasting teas I have ever tried! This tea is a combination of green tea, lemongrass, spearmint leaf, and kombucha. It is very soothing on the tummy and I can’t get enough of the taste. I like to enjoy it when I am at work to keep myself feeling healthy and focused. Benefits I love are:

• Green tea improves memory, prevents cancer, lowers blood pressure, and reduces risk of heart disease.
• Lemongrass reduces headaches, reduces stomach aches, and boosts energy.
• Kombucha supports a healthy gut, may improve mental state, and helps maintain a healthy liver

 4. Peppermint-Ginger-Burdock Detox Tea

This is one of my favorite detox teas whenever I feel like my body needs a reset. I buy mine from Tealyra which is available on amazon here. This tea contains burdock, dandelion root, peppermint, red clover, licorice, yellowdock, and ginger. Here are the reasons why I love this tea:

• The peppermint enhances the taste of this tea but it also cleanses from the inside out.
• The Burdock and dandelion root flush toxins out of the body. They also improve skin conditions, high in antioxidants, high in fiber, and help to treat diabetes.
• Ginger helps stimulate the production of the body’s digestive enzymes which helps soothe the stomach. It enhances immunity and keeps cholesterol in check.

 5. Nettle Leaf  Tea

Nettle Leaf Tea is new for me. It comes from the Stinging Nettle Plant, which does seem a little intimidating from the name. I have been reading about its benefits for a while now and was fascinated how people have been using it medicinally since the ancient Egyptian times. So I finally decided to try it…and I really like it! The taste is slightly woody and grassy, but still very drinkable. Here are some benefits and common uses:

• Home remedy for bladder infections
• Supports immune system
• Reduces menstrual cramps
• Control blood sugar
• Improves digestion
• Helps soothe skin conditions (by drinking it or letting the tea cool and applying topically to skin for healing scarring or eczema)

To wrap up, there are so many benefits of herbal teas that you may not realize. I believe that it is much better to use these properties to heal your ailments such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and stomach aches before using medications like Tylenol or Advil. Let your body try to heal the natural way using the sources from the earth. All of these advantages can create so much goodness for your body to help you create your healthiest life.

xoxo,

 

My research on the benefits of these herbal teas was found on http://www.draxe.com.