You all know what a smoothie is, right? A blender concoction of ingredients that includes whatever you want. For instance, a green smoothie has greens like kale, spinach or romaine added to a base of water or milk and some fruit. Basically, a smoothie is made from fruits, vegetables, herbs and a host of other healthy ingredients. As well, smoothies require a liquid base such as milk (dairy or non-dairy), stock, broth or herbal teas. And you can drink them hot, cold or room temperature.
Smoothies have the potential to contribute significantly to a healthy diet by making it easier to consume your daily servings of fruits and vegetables. In addition to a host of healthy benefits like
- improve immune system
- increase energy
- strengthen bones
- clear skin
- improve absorption of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients)
- increase fibre
- aid digestion
So, what’s the difference between a smoothie and and elixir? The main difference is the therapeutic benefits offered from selecting herbs and spices that enhance the medicinal qualities of the beverage. While smoothies are whole foods selected for specific nutritional profiles, elixirs go beyond nutrition to tap into the therapeutic benefits.
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According to Meghan Telpner, nutritionistia extraordianire, “your morning shake can truly become your medicine.”
To decide which ingredients you are going to put into your elixir depends on what you want your elixir to do. For instance, do you want decreased inflammation? Improve digestion? Improve energy? Enhance hormones? Then you would select herbs and other superfoods to accomplish your desired goal.
For the purposes of this week’s focus, I am looking at creating an elixir to enhance hormonal health and energy — kind of two-in-one.
These are my hubby’s additions to his elixir (smoothie to him):
Saw Palmetto – used for the prevention of benign prostate hyperplasia, male pattern baldness and urinary tract infections
Maca– can improve prostrate health and sexual vigour
- maca is a superfood and can be used in greater quantities than other medicinal herbs
- no harmful side effects
- a warming food, so it is suitable for use in colder climates
- use in smoothies, teas, nut milks, coffee or any other natural beverage
- recipe –> Maca Balls
Ho shou wu – among its many uses, this herb can be used to enhance sexual drive, increase sperm count and to strengthen sperm [1]
- rich in zinc and iron
- improves adrenal gland function
- cleanses kidney and liver and therefore your blood
- extremely rich in antioxidants
- slows aging of vital organs [2]
Jordan Ellams‘s additions for male and female hormonal health:
For Women:
Maca (tsp-tbls)
Shatavari (1/2-1 tsp powder)
- In Sanskrit, Shatavari translates to “She who has 1000 husbands” – probably the top herb for female hormone balancing
Schinzandra (1/4-1/2 tsp extract powder)
Pearl (1/4-1/2 tsp powder)
For Men:
See Jordan’s blog for details about these male hormone helpers
Maca (tsp-tbps)
Tribulus aka Puncture Vine (1-2 tsp)
Black Ant (tsp powder)
Pine Pollen (1-2 tsp)
Nettle Root (1-2 tsp powder)
Are you wondering where to purchase these elixir additions? Check out The Light Cellar found at 6326 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary, AB or their website. Personally, I enjoy hanging out at their Elixir Bar.
Resources
[1] http://www.longevitywarehouse.com/dragon-herbs-he-shou-wu-eetee-powder
[2] http://www.naturalnews.com/026786_he_shou_wu_herb_liver.html