Elixirs for Sustained Energy.png — If you find that your energy tanks mid afternoon, perhaps its your morning cup(s) of brew? Some people tolerate caffeine ok according to their genetic pre-disposition and others just don’t! But we do know that caffeine does impact adrenal glands according to research and so reducing your daily caffeine intake can have a positive impact on your health.
If you are working with us, you’ve likely established a good morning routine by drinking a Gut Loving Drink to kick start digestion and cleanse your liver. If you are working on reducing stress and supporting your adrenal glands, the next thing you’ll want to do is to reduce caffeine intake. If you are working with us on balancing hormones, you know that our goal is to keep caffeine to a minimum. We aren’t monsters…you can have your morning brew!
And some days, a second one is a-okay but you’ll do this at your own risk! Enter…a fun coffee replacement…the elixir.
What is an Elixir?
Elixirs are essentially herbal tea lattes. These brews can easily be customized for any dietary restriction (such as keto, vegan, sugar, dairy, and/or nut-free) and health goal (like clear skin, increased energy, reduced hot flashes, etc.).

I like to use high quality herbs and essential oils in my elixirs.
Schisandra berry, for example, is a potent liver tonic. Medicinal mushrooms, like Cordyceps, are known for their beneficial effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Whereas Turmeric essential oil is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body. Filled with so many benefits, you definitely want these herbs in your elixirs!

As a coffee drinker, I’ll often make an elixir as my second drink of the day or on the days I just need a break from caffeine. These elixirs give me the fuel I need to keep up with the kids, and keep me satiated for a couple hours, until I have time to make dinner. Because they don’t contain caffeine, you can have them at any time of the day!

Still need to be convinced to try one? Keep reading.

1. Perfect Coffee Replacement

Yes, it’s true that coffee bestows energy, but it also increases the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. This can be a problem if you have a hormone imbalance – especially if you are struggling with adrenal fatigue – since you need to reduce stress hormones to heal.

An elixir is a solid replacement for coffee because it includes adaptogenic herbs that, when used consistently, help increase your true energy. In addition, elixirs have that warm, coffee shop vibe so you won’t miss out on the pleasure of sipping a mug of pure “bliss.”

2. Elixirs Are a Complete “Meal” With Macros

If you aren’t a breakfast person, elixirs may be your silver bullet. Blend in protein powder (I love flavourless collagen peptides) to create a light meal with fats, carbs, and proteins all accounted for. You can control the amount of calories in each elixir by changing the amount of each ingredient you put into your blend.

3. Initiate a Daily Ritual

The healing benefits of tonic herbs come from consistent use. If you work out one to two days a week, how much benefit are you really going to get? Consistency is key, and a satisfying elixir that you enjoy five to seven days a week will make it almost too easy for you to stick with your herbs.

4. Customize to Your Specific Needs

Looking for hormone balance? Incorporate Schisandra extract powder, a powerful liver tonic, to help with PMS, heavy periods, fibroids, and cysts.

Or need an energy boost? Utilize medicinal mushroom powders like reishi, chaga, and cordyceps to relax and restore your energy.

Add in a teaspoon of lion’s mane mushroom or maca extract powder to sharpen your mental focus.

5. Great Alternative to Supplements

Many of my clients need the benefit of supplements to get results, but aren’t keen on swallowing a handful of pills every morning. Elixirs are a pleasurable vehicle for your superfoods that allow you to access all the benefits without having to pop hundreds of pills.

Recipes to Try

Hormone Balancing Elixir

Ingredients: Makes 1 serving

1 cup of hot water + 1 tbsp of dandy blend
1 tbsp of collagen
1 tbsp of grass fed butter or 1 chunk of cocoa butter
1 tsp of MCT oil (optional)**
1 tsp of maca
dash of turmeric or 1 drop turmeric essential oil
dash of cinnamon or 1 swirl of cinnamon essential oil

Put everything into your blender and blend on low speed until everything is blended and frothy. Serve in your favourite mug and enjoy balanced energy!

**You can use coconut oil if you don’t have MCT oil. Coconut oil doesn’t offer the exact same nutrients as MCT, but it is still a healthy fat source.

If you just aren’t ready to say good-bye to your morning brew. Try adding the above ingredients to your coffee and see how that goes.

Keep it Simple: If you don’t have every item in this recipe, don’t let it hold you back! This is one of my more complicated elixirs. Simply pick and choose from what you have on hand. Keep in mind the basic idea from this one is to add the fat sources (butter, cocoa butter, MCT oil**) to keep you full and satisfied.

Adrenal Tonic Latte

This elixir is my go-to for a satisfying caffeine-free coffee alternative. It features chaga and reishi – medicinal mushrooms that are anti-inflammatory, boost immunity, and reduce stress. The flavour of Dandy Blend combines with the mushrooms to create a coffee-like taste.

Ingredients: Makes one servings

1 cup chaga tea
1/2 Tbsp. Dandy Blend powder
1/2 Tbsp. lucuma powder
1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. brain mushroom mix
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: 1-2 Tbsp. collagen peptides

Preparation
Make the chaga tea: In a saucepan with a lid, combine one litre of water and three tablespoons chaga pieces. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for one hour. Or you can make a large batch in a slow cooker and use it throughout the week.

Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until combined and frothy. Enjoy in your favourite mug.

Pro Tip: Chaga mushroom pieces can be re-used to make tea one to two more times. Store the mushroom pieces in a mason jar in the fridge or freezer until you need them next. Also, extra tea can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.