How To Balance Hormones With This Easy Adaptogenic Snack

What are Adaptogenic Herbs?

Adaptogens such as Reishi (also known as ‘lingzhi’), He Shou Wu and Ashwagandha have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries.

Adaptogenic herbs are known for their hormone balancing abilities, with He Shou Wu reported to support fertility. By reducing cortisol levels, adaptogens are able to assist the body in dealing with stress. Too much cortisol can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, and high blood pressure and blood sugar.

Boost hormonal health and energy at the same time

This recipe is a great way to incorporate the many benefits of adaptogens in a great tasting and quick-to-make snack. As a bonus, they offer a satisfying, healthy combination of quality proteins, good fats and complex carbohydrates. Coating them in extra nourishing ingredients makes them even tastier and better for your body. They make the perfect post-workout or any-time treat that are also packed with skin-loving ingredients. We're currently plating them as a healthy, festive snack for guests (particularly if anyone is vegan) over the holiday season!

To take advantage of a variety of adaptogens we created this recipe using our current product favourite - Sun Potion’s Yin Powder. This adaptogenic blend of herbs on the yin end of the spectrum exude spirit, feminine, cooling and calming properties, in opposition to the physical, masculine, warm, earthy and energising herbs on the yang end.

Simply simmer, blend and chill

These energy balls take less than an hour total to complete! Creating them yourself means you know exactly what goes in them, so you can tailor them to your tastes, and needs.

Best of all, this recipe is gluten free and dairy free.

Recipe: No Bake Cacao and Almond Energy Balls

Prep time: 45 minutes | Makes: 20 balls

• Ingredients
• Method

• • 1-2 tablespoons of water or almond milk
  • 120g of pitted Medjool dates
  • 100g unsalted almonds
  • 120g sugar-free peanut or almond butter
  • 30g raw cacao powder or cocoa powder 
  • 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted and at room temp (we love Coco Khmer for cooking!) 
  • 50g desiccated coconut
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon flaky salt 
  • 1 tablespoon Sun Potion Yin powder (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional) 
  • Half a ripe avocado (optional, for extra creaminess)

  Optional Toppings: crushed freeze-dried raspberries, toasted desiccated coconut, crushed almonds or pistachios, dark chocolate, cacao powder.

• 1. Simmer the dates and the water or almond milk in a pan for five minutes to soften.
  2. Pulse the almonds in a blender, or food processor, on medium speed about five times to chop roughly.
  3. Add rest of the ingredients to the blender, holding back the liquid from the dates and pulse on medium another five times to bring everything together.
  4. Blend on high, until combined to the texture you want. The mixture can be as chunky or as smooth as you like. Add a little of the date cooking liquid at a time until you get the desired consistency (it should be a little wet and sticky, it will harden in the fridge).
  5. Scrape into a bowl and chill for about 30 minutes before forming into balls with your hands. Use about one heaped tablespoon per ball.
  6. Dust with fun stuff like toasted coconut, cacao nibs, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, and flaky salt. You can even dip them in melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
  7. Serve immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to one week.

We'd love to hear how you went with this recipe!

Resident GSB nutritional expert, Alice Fotheringham, is a registered nutritional practitioner and chef, specialising in working with young children and women’s hormone health. Based in London & Hong Kong, Alice has a successful clinical practice as well as running aromatherapy candle & beauty workshops.