Like most Moms, I am always on the lookout for ways to boost my families immune system. Most of the herbal remedies I use to do this don’t taste as yummy as these delicious bites. I recommend these for children ages 3+ because of the chunky texture and the herbs used.
I got the idea for these treats from Rosemary Gladstar, a well known herbalist who created a similar candy to help her students have energy on long hikes. Since I don’t struggle with my kids lacking energy, I decided to take the basic idea and use different herbs to make something that would boost their immune system. It took a little tweaking but I am happy with the result. These are a perfect addition to a packed lunch but they would also be great as a dessert or special snack. If your kids are coming from the typical standard western diet they may not be as thrilled with these as my kids are but you can tweak the recipe for your tastes.
Those that love an exact recipe, prepare yourself. This one is full of opportunities to ad-lib. Don’t be afraid to change things up for your family. I will make a few suggestions to help. Keep the herbs the same and don’t add any refined sugar or flour and you will be ok 🙂
Since the purpose of these little guys is to help boost the immune system I decided to go with some well known immune boosting herbs.
Ashwaganda is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It used to promote good sleep as well as mental clarity and overall vitality. It is an adaptogenic herb so it helps the body deal with stress and relieves anxiety. NOTE: If you deal with low blood pressure this herb is not recommended for you. Ashwaganda is NOT recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This study from AYU suggests a positive impact of ashwaganda on children’s overall health and vitality.
Astragalus is an immune boosting herb from China. It has long been prized for its adaptogenic abilities. This study shows how astragalus helps regulate the bodies immune response. Astragalus also helps fight colds and flus, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Baobab is an amazing African fruit. It contains vitamin C (10x more than oranges) potassium, fiber, calcium, magnesium, protein, zinc, Lysine, manganese, thiamine, and iron. It is basically natures multi-vitamin!
Lemon Balm has antiviral properties as well as a calming effect on the body. When combined with other adaptogenic herbs (like ashwaganda & atragalus) it is especially beneficial in relieving anxiety. If you are concerned about using ashwaganda with children, simply leave it out but be sure to include this herb and astragalus.
Cinnamon is not only tasty but also high in antioxidents, helps boost vitality, stabilizes blood sugar, improves circulation and helps clear congestion.
Ginger is commonly used for digestive issues. When our digestive tract is in good order this helps our body stay well. Ginger is also a wonderful herb for coughs and colds.
Cocoa doesn’t just make these bites taste better, it also has health benefits. According to a study by Antioxidant Redox Signaling “The voluminous literature addressing health effects of cocoa and chocolate, only a portion of which is represented here, is overall quite compelling. The probability of a net health benefit for most people from habitual intake of dark chocolate is high… Food can be medicine, and chocolate may be a noteworthy example. “
Raw Honey gives an energy boost as well as providing health benefits. Raw honey is specifically beneficial for colds, coughs and allergies (when you use local honey)
Herbal Immune Booster Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 cup tahini you could use another nut butter here or simply use an additional cup of almond butter - the goal is 2 cups nut butter
- 1/2 cup raw honey local is best
- 2 TBS ashwaganda powder
- 2 TBS astragalus powder
- 2 TBS baobab powder
- 1 TBS lemon balm powder optional- I use it when I have it but have made them without it as well
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 TBS cinnamon powder
- 1/8 tsp mineral salt
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips I prefer the dark chocolate or stevia sweetened variety
- 1/2 walnuts chopped (you could use another variety of nut if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar optional for rolling bites in at the end
- Optional - dried cranberries raisins, or other dried fruit
Instructions
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Place all ingredients in a stand mixer (or you can mix by hand of you are ready for a work out). Mix until combined. Add more nut butter if mix is too dry, more coconut or nuts if too wet. You can also adjust the sweetness to your taste. Form into balls about the size of a TBS and roll in coconut sugar or other ingredient of choice - coconut, or cocoa are other good options. Place in the refrigerator until firm. Enjoy! Keep stored in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
As always, consult an herbalist or other care provider before adding herbs to your regimen or if you have questions. If you experience unwanted side effects from any of these herbs, stop taking them immediately.
