(C) Kyle Books/Sarah Cuttle 2019
When we are stressed out or chronically tired it can be hard to muster the energy to feed ourselves properly. Start the day the right way with these herb-packed bites. They can be made in bulk and frozen, then thawed for a quick mid-morning snack or eaten with fruit as a balanced breakfast. These bites contain nutrient-dense foods, high in B vitamins, trace minerals and ‘good’ fats, essential for a healthy working nervous system, along with adaptogenic herbal powders to support a healthy functioning nervous system.
An ‘adaptogen’ is a classification for herbs traditionally used to help increase the body’s resilience to stress, be that physical, mental or emotional.
70g brazil nuts
50g hazelnuts or almonds
175g dates
70g porridge oats
40g chopped dried fruit
1 tablespoon Withania (Ashwagandha somnifera) powder
1 tablespoon Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) and/or Cordyceps powder
1 teaspoon nettle (Urtica dioica) seeds
30g poppy seeds
20g coconut oil
150-200ml unsweetened apple juice or water
Recipe adapted from the Herbal Remedy Handbook (Kyle Books, 2019)
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Blend the nuts and dates in a high-powered blender. Scoop the paste out into a bowl and combine with the remaining ingredients, adding the juice little by little until a soft dough is obtained.
Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray to about 1.5cm thick, and bake for 20–25 minutes. Leave to cool and then cut into 2.5–5cm squares. Alternatively, use a dehydrator for ‘raw’ bites.
TO USE Eat 1–2 pieces a day.
SHELF LIFE Up to 2 weeks in the fridge, or 6 months in the freezer, in an airtight container.
CAUTION: Avoid if you are allergic to any ingredients. Always seek advice from a herbalist if you are on any medication, pregnant, lactating, or have any other conditions. Not suitable for children under 12.