March into health this month with these herbs from our Bulk Herb & Spice Department! Learn how to use everyone’s favorite adaptogenic herb, Ashwagandha, and a new way to use an oldie but a goodie, Alfalfa Leaf!
Ashwagandha Root Powder
Ashwagandha powder, known as an adaptogenic and rejuvenating herb, makes a perfect addition to snacks like energy bars. The powder from this root can also be taken straight in capsules, or added to drinks such as smoothies.
Paleo Ashwagandha Chocolate Bites
The perfect snack to keep you focused and energized! These no-bake bites will satisfy your sweet tooth and lift you mood.
Makes 14-18 (depending on size)
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup organic tahini
- 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp organic almond butter (or nut butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp local honey
- 1/4 cup fair trade, organic dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 Tbsp organic ashwagandha powder
- 2 Tbsp organic cacao powder (plus more as needed)
- 2 Tbsp organic hemp seeds
- 1 tsp organic cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp organic ginger powder
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp organic nutmeg powder
- 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract (optional)
Toppings:
Organic hemp seeds
Organic coconut flakes
Directions:
Add tahini, almond butter, and honey into a medium bowl and mix until smooth.
Add herb powders and mix until well combined.
Mix in vanilla extract and hemp seeds.
Mix in chopped chocolate.
Add more cacao powder, a little at a time, until dough is thick enough to hold shape.
Once the dough is thick enough and doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl, roll into 1-inch balls.
Coat with coconut flakes or hemp seeds and enjoy!
Alfalfa Leaf
Well known as a feed plant for livestock, alfalfa has a rich tradition of other uses. In traditional American folk medicine, it has been administered as a nutritive tonic. The dried alfalfa leaf is widely available in herbal shops and health food stores as an herbal tea, tablet, or powder. The seed is often sprouted and eaten in salads and sandwiches.
Emerald Salt Blend
Making your own herbal salt offers a wonderful way to add herbs to every meal with just a sprinkle. It can also help you cut down on the amount of salt you use to season your meals, adding the benefit of more flavor and the opportunity to include more healthful herbs in your diet. Feel free to use powdered herbs or grind your own!
Ingredients
- 2 parts organic rosemary leaf powder
- 1 part organic nettle leaf
- 1 part organic alfalfa leaf
- 1 part organic thyme or oregano leaf
- coarse sea salt
Directions
In a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle, powder each herb. Mix the herbs together in a bowl and measure the total amount prepared. Take that measurement and divide the amount by half. That will be the measurement needed for the salt component. So, if you have 1 cup of herbal powder, you'll measure out 1/2 cup of salt. Mix the salt with the herbs and return to your grinder to blend together. You want the herb to be well distributed to dust the salt crystals. Store in a salt jar, shaker, or grinder.
