Nourishing Burdock Cacao Tonic

Burdock Cacao Tonic (dairy-free, low-caffeine)

After pivoting my wellness business practices during covid and dealing with the stressors of covid-19, I pushed harder than I should have, over consuming coffee and working longer hours. My body took a toll for the worse. I became even more of a stress case, jumpy, irritable, and I couldn’t handle small tasks. It all felt so overwhelming and scary. Even though I was eating well, I felt depleted. Knowing how excess caffeine intake can deplete nutrient reserves and harm the adrenals and cortisol levels, I knew I had to take a break.

When caffeine causes your body to excrete more magnesium through urine, it can trigger a cascade of PMS symptoms you might not have connected to your coffee habit like…

• Increased irritability and mood swings

• Heightened anxiety and tension

• More intense period cramps

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Stronger sugar cravings

Read Mood Swings and Your Cup of Coffee to learn more about the coffee-mineral connection.

I started drinking this daily in the winter of 2021 and noticed a major difference after sipping on this… I felt more grounded, experienced less inflammation and cramps around my period, and felt deeply nourished and strong…oh and mood-wise? much happier! I haven’t stopped sipping since and have shared this with dozens of women trying to reduce their caffeine intake.

Prepare Burdock Infusion Night Before:

• 1 palm-sized amount of dried burdock root

• 32 oz hot water

• Place in a jar with lid and steep overnight

• Strain in the morning

Herbal Tonic Ingredients (16 oz serving):

• 13 oz strained burdock infusion

• 3 oz coconut milk

• 1-2 tablespoons cacao powder OR 20 cacao discs

• Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)

• Optional: 1 shot (1 oz or less) espresso for "dirty" version

Warming Spices (choose 1-2):

• ⅛ teaspoon dried ginger (or a splash of pure fresh ginger juice)

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (goes great with cardamom)

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions:

1. Warm the burdock infusion and coconut milk in a small pot until steaming (not boiling)

2. Add your chosen warming spices at this stage

3. If using cacao powder: Whisk it directly into the warm liquid until fully incorporated If using a cacao disc: Break into smaller pieces and slowly melt into the warm liquid, stirring constantly

4. Add sweetener if desired

5. For the "dirty" version: Add a shot of espresso

6. Use a blender or whisker to create a frothy texture

Nourish Tonic Benefits:

Burdock provides:

• Prebiotic support for gut health

• Lymphatic system cleansing

• Hormone balance support

• Rich mineral content

• Nervous system support

Cacao offers:

• Natural energy boost (low-caffeine: 12 milligrams of caffeine per tablespoon) without coffee's jitters

• Rich magnesium content for nervous system support

• Heart-opening properties linked to theobromine content

• Sustained mental clarity and focus

• Antioxidant properties

Warming Spices enhance:

• Circulation and blood flow

• Digestive support

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Blood sugar regulation (cinnamon)

• Heart health (cardamom)

The "dirty" version with espresso provides an extra energy boost while the burdock and cacao help balance the coffee's effects.

Storage & Tips:

• Store any leftover burdock infusion in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours

• Best enjoyed warm, but can be served over ice in summer months

• Increase spice amount to your liking

• Burdock root can spoil in hot temperatures, so refrigerate any unused infusion promptly

Want more recipes to support your hormonal health? Join Femme Balance | Cycle Wisdom course to learn how to nourish yourself for improved menstrual cycles and hormone support.