This is a super special latte that’ll get you fired up for the day — without the caffeine. We’re making a Medicinal Mushroom Latte with adaptogenic herbs.

First of all, what are adaptogens? Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that are believed to help the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical or biological. These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. This recipe calls for astragalus root, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to combat stress and boost the immune system.

There are several kinds of medicinal mushroom powders and tinctures on the market, and my favorites are lion’s mane and cordyceps. Lion’s mane extract not only supports memory and concentration, but also supports cognitive function and the nervous system. Cordyceps fungi is used for its ability to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support enhanced oxygen uptake — great for pre-workout!

It can be easy to get overwhelmed when deciding which adaptogens to use in your smoothies and lattes. So, let’s keep this one simple, and go with one herb (astralagus), and one type of fungi (lion’s mane).

NOTE: as with any supplement, please check with your doctor before using herbal supplements, especially if you use prescription medication or have significant health issues.