We don’t always admit it, but life can be stressful! Like, reaaally stressful, draining and hard on our poor bodies. Our modern society has lent itself to being busy and chaotic at the best of times.
As humans, our bodies have mechanisms that help us react to stress, and often we can make a speedy recovery.
Prolonged stress can impact our adrenal health, causing fatigue, weight gain, brain fog and sugar cravings!
Sugar cravings can be tough to navigate because the more sugar you eat, the more your adrenals can feel stressed. But what if there were healthy alternatives that could actually support your body?
Let me introduce to you: The adaptogenic brownie.
What is an adaptogen?
An adaptogenic herb helps the body to adapt to stress internally and externally.
Adaptogenic herbs are native to places worldwide and come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Adaptogens have a range of different benefits and plant chemical makeup that makes each plant or mushroom unique. Adaptogenic herbs tend to be the most complex in chemical structure and often support the body in intricate and useful ways.
Research has shown that these plants support our hormonal systems and target us on a cellular level. With the ability to regulate our many systems, including our immune and nervous systems, adaptogens help the body rebuild energy reserves and function.
Furthermore, adaptogenic plants are protective to the liver the heart and supportive of the immune system.
Experiencing chronic stress harms these organs and bodily systems. Our organs and hormonal functions do not act independently or separate from one another but rather as an intimately interconnected dance of synergy within the body.
So, you must be wondering, how can a delicious brownie help me with adrenal stress?
The answer is with the help of two potent herbs: Ashwagandha and the medicinal mushroom Reishi.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a highly revered ayurvedic herb. Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that originates from India that has laid the foundation for the use of many well-respected herbs like Ashwagandha.
We love it because it is energizing yet soothing to the nervous system helping the body achieve better sleep. In addition, it is very supportive of the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the immune system.
In India, Ashwagandha translates to “stamina and strength of a stallion.” This ancient herb has shown to be very useful for combating fatigue, nervousness, low sex drive and irritability.
Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom, the Queen of the fungi kingdom, is the other adaptogen of choice for these stress-fighting brownies.
Thousands of years ago, Reishi was so important that they were kept only for the Emporer and the upper class. Reishi mushroom helps to modulate the immune system, is supportive of the nervous system, beneficial to the lungs, anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, to name just a few qualities.
Reishi contains sugar molecules and triterpenes that support our immune system and protect our cells from stress.
Medicinal mushrooms are gentle, safe and often come in micronized powders that make them very easy to bake with or add to food.
We made these brownies gluten-free with high-quality ingredients and adaptogens to show how easy adding stress combating herbs into a dessert can be. So feel less stressed, have your cake and eat it too.
Adaptogenic Brownie Recipe
3 eggs
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup coconut sugar
2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup raw cacao
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup of nut butter (optional for more fudgy texture)
1/2 cup roughly chopped dark chocolate
1 tbsp ashwagandha
1 tsp reishi powder
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine eggs and olive oil with a whisk.
3. Add coconut sugar and whisk together.
4. Combine almond flour, baking powder, sea salt, nut butter, herbs and whisk together to achieve a smooth texture.
5. Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper and pour batter into the pan in an even layer.
6. Top with chopped dark chocolate or choice of topping.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Allow brownies to cool, cut and enjoy!
Feel free to add any toppings to these brownies like nut butter or fruit and enjoy feeling zen, supported and nourished.
We hope you enjoy these brownies.
For more hormone-balancing desserts, check out:
