It’s finally hot chocolate season! And one my new favorite recipes is this spiced hot chocolate with ashwagandha root powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Loaded with antioxidants and herbs that can lower inflammation and anxiety, this is a perfect drink to sip in front of the fire while reading your favorite novel. (Maybe a romance novel anthology like Snowed In With You!). While I can get the milk at my grocery store, I prefer to purchase my organic and natural herbs from and Mountain Rose Herbs. I’ve used lots of different types of milk in this recipe (whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc) and they all work well.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to her collection because ashwagandha (also known as Indian Ginseng) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and cardioprotective qualities. Cinnamon and nutmeg have been shown to have antioxidant properties as well as the ability to help regulate blood sugar. And honey is rich in antioxidants that can help aid digestion, soothe coughs, and lower inflammation.
Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Ashwagandha root powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- dash of freshly grated Nutmeg
- 8 oz. milk of choice
- Honey, to taste
Directions for Spiced Hot Chocolate
- This recipe makes on mug of hot chocolate for one serving.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
- Slowly whisk in the cocoa powder, ashwagandha powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Lower the heat and keep warming the milk–slowly–until it’s hot enough to drink but not too hot.
- Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and add honey, if you want it a bit sweeter.
- Enjoy!
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
