Happy Valentine’s Day, friends. It’s been a while since I posted one of my recipes here, so I thought I would spread some love today by sharing one of my favorite nervous system-supporting, caffeine-free latte drinks. I created this calming beverage for my recipe book years ago and offered it in my Herbal Apothecary. It became an instant favorite with friends and family, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!

Health Benefits

Tulsi – One of my favorite apoptogenic herbs that helps the body chill out and relax, hence the name of this drink. Tulsi has been used for centuries to support the body during times of psychological and immunological stress. Studies have found that it lowers inflammation and helps normalize glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Honeybush – Another favorite herb that provides a gentle energy boost without caffeine. Studies have shown that it enhances neuronal function, helps combat stress, supports mitochondrial function, and contains powerful antidiabetic properties.

Dragon Fruit – Naturally high in vitamin C, this power fruit also boasts anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects.

Rose Petals – They are not just beautiful in our gardens; rose petals contain compounds that help lower inflammation, enhance mood, and calm the CNS (central nervous system).

Cinnamon – In addition to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. PMC4003790

Cardamom – One of my favorite spices for adding some pizzazz to any dish. Cardamom has many healing properties, but I especially love it because it helps balance blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation, especially in the liver.

Ingredients

8 ounces of your milk of choice. (I love using fresh coconut milk for this recipe.)
2 ounces of filtered water
2 organic tulsi tea bags
2 organic honeybush tea bags
1/2 tsp dried organic rose petals
1/2 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
Raw honey, unrefined coconut sugar, or pure maple syrup to taste
2 cinnamon chips
1 tsp of red dragon fruit powder
Pinch of organic cardamom

Note: You can also use loose herbs to create this latte, which is my preferred method whenever I have the ingredients I need on hand. For traveling and quick preparations, tea bags are the way to go. Just be sure to avoid synthetic and bleached tea bags. See the suggestions linked above.

Preparation

Bring milk and water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags, cinnamon chips, and rose petals. Cover and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong an infusion you desire.

Gently squeeze the remaining herbal goodness from each tea bag or press each tea bag with two spoons.

You can strain out the steeped rose petals or leave them in if you prefer.
Add dragon fruit powder, cardamom, vanilla extract and sweetener.
Stir and garnish with a few edible rose petals. Sip slowly while reading your favorite book or while sitting outside. You get extra points if you go barefoot and get in some grounding.

If you try my recipe, please come back and comment below this post to let me know if you enjoyed it. If you’re on Instagram, tag @chemicalfreegal in your stories if you create this recipe and share it with others.

Blessings to you and yours.
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