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This cookies are packed with protein and energizing cacao - making them great for a quick breakfast or a pre/post workout snack. Oh, and they go great with coffee :) Pay attention to the room temp ingredients- it makes a difference! Ingredients ½ cup of your favorite nut butter ¼ cup unrefined coconut oil, room temp ⅓ cup coconut sugar ( or 1/4 c maple syrup) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 egg, room temp 1 c nut flour (we like a combo of pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Simply pulse whole seeds until a grainy, coarse sand texture is achieved)* 1 c finely shredded coconut flakes* ⅓ c cocoa powder ½ tsp baking powder Hefty pinch sea salt Optional: ⅓ cup chocolate chips; extra coconut sugar for sprinkling on top of the cookie dough before baking! *Depending on how runny the nut butter is, you may have to use ~½ cup more of dry ingredients. DirectionsPreheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper.
Using a spoon or whisk in a medium bowl, mix together the first 4 ingredients until well incorporated (much easier when the coconut oil and nut butter are room temp!). Next, mix in the egg (again, make sure its room temp or it will cause the coconut oil to clump). In another bowl or directly into the wet ingredient bowl, add the remaining 5 ingredients to the wet until a slightly sticky batter has formed. You want your batter to come off your spoon in a solid ball when you forcefully drop the batter onto your cookie sheet (like the motion of flicking of a whip, except with a spoon). As mentioned above, you may need to add more dry ingredients to achieve this texture. You can use your fingers to shape the dropped dough balls into uniform spheres, but I like the rough and chunky look. You can also sprinkle with more coconut sugar at this point. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes until firm and slightly golden brown on the top and bottom. Let cool a bit before transferring from Silpat to a wire rack with a spatula. These will store for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container kept in the fridge. (They ain't gonna last that long though...) We don't have babies yet, but we have many in our community carrying on the incredible role of being a mother. While having children is a gift, it certainly comes with its struggles of the body and mind. That's why we created this tea - to nurture the mother after delivery, supporting her physical and emotional body. Postpartum is a speck of time unlike any other, and with this tea we hope to augment the good and celebrate the creation of life! Read on to learn more about the herbs in Post-partea! * ***BONUS: this tea will nourish expecting mothers, too! All the herbs in Post-Partea are Class 1, meaning herbs that can be safely consumed with no identified concerns during pregnancy or nursing. Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, Lamiaceae
This lemon-y mint is indicated for those feeling weary and depressed - it is the ultimate, delightful antidote to that gloom-and-doom sort of depression that sometimes eclipses a new mother after going through such an incredible (yet exhausting!) experience. Lemon balm uplifts and revitalizes. As an antispasmodic and analgesic, she eases physical aches and pains while her nervine, anti-depressant properties tend to emotional pains. Lemon Balm has been used successfully in clinical trials to ease postpartum mother pains. Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum, Lamiaceae Progesterone drops after pregnancy, as does the sense of joy and meaning that high levels of this hormone provide. This drastic change in mood as hormones recalibrate is so common it even has a name - the baby blues - leaving new mothers especially emotional and sensitive. Fortunately, nervines like Holy Basil remedy this situation by nourishing the nervous and endocrine systems. Tulsi is also an adaptogen, enhancing your body’s ability to handle stress - something every postpartum mom can use. Oatstraw, Avena sativa, Poaceae A gentle, restorative tonic perfect for nursing mothers who need added vitamins and minerals to support their transition to motherhood. Drunk regularly, Oatstraw rebuilds tissue - particularly of the nervous system - and supports total body health. Hawthorne, Cratageus spp., Rosaceae This multi-faceted herbs tends to both the emotional and physical heart. Compounds in Hawthorne literally strengthen the heart muscles while its nervine properties build up emotional resolve. Hawthorne leaf, berry, and flower are tonics to the cardiovascular system, intended to be drunk regularly for gradual, inevitable improvement. When we improve our cardiac function, we improve blood flow and therefore nourishment and rejuvenation to the entire body. It can be tricky navigating the does and don'ts of herbal remedies while pregnant. Unfortunately in the West, there's just not enough clinically backed science for medical professionals to advocate for the use of many herbs before/during/after pregnancy, even if they may be safe. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering using herbs while pregnant: 1. Where Does It Come From? This is HUGE. Herbs aren't regulated by the FDA which means you don't know what you are getting unless you trust the company you are purchasing from. Make sure the supplier you use is able to provide details on the herb/products origins, and always opt for organic - the benefits far outweigh the slight price difference. 2. How Much Are You Taking? "Danger is in the dosage" is a phrase that applies here. For example, a sprinkle of Cinnamon on your morning oatmeal may be a harmless treat, but in large amounts, Cinnamon's great warmth and moving energetics make it a powerful uterine stimulant while pregnant. For this reason, it's important to assess all the herbs - culinary & medicinal - you consume and make sure you aren't overdoing it. 3. Who Are Your Resources This one comes with a bit more nuance, but it's important to understand that there are many voices in the medical and herbal field. No matter the herb, you will get conflicting results for many a Google search about its safety while pregnant. Always exercise caution and go to sources you trust. Since there is so much noise on the web, we look to tradition and tried and true textbooks. If you are working with a midwife, doula, holistic doctor, they can also help! Since we have so many mommas in our community, we wanted to share the safety ratings for the herbs used in our products. See below! Also, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any clarifying questions! Safety Rating1 - safely consumed when used appropriately 2 - the following restrictions apply unless otherwise directed by an expert 2a- external use only 2b- not during pregnancy 2c- not while nursing 2d- other specific use restrictions 3 - only use under the supervision of an expert; labeling must include dosage, contraindications, etc. 4 - insufficient data for classification Powdered Herb BlendsGold Dust Turmeric - Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d Therapeutic quantities not to be taken for those with bile duct obstruction or gallstones, stomach ulcers or hyperacidity; stand dose is 1.5-3 g daily; 4.5-9 g when prepared as tea Eleuthero - Class 4 It is likely there are no issues if taking 1 tsp/day of powdered herb during pregnancy/nursing, but data is lacking. Always check sourcing for adulterated products. Maca - Class 1, Class 4 A German doctor released his own article with claims that there is evidence that taking Maca during pregnancy can prevent miscarriage, likely safe but data is limited Cinnamon - Class 1 Fenugreek - Class 2b, Promotes milk flow (galactagogue) Cardamom - Class 1 Nutmeg- Class 1 Black Pepper- Class 1 Matcha Magic Matcha- Class 1 Shatavari- Class 1 Rose- Class 1 Eleuthero- Class 1 Cardamom- Class 1 Ginger- Class 1 RALLY Dandelion- Class 1 Reishi- Class 1 Chicory - Class 1 Shatavari- Class 1 Ashwagandha- Class 2b*, 2d, May potentiate the effects of barbiturates; not recommended for those with hyper-thyroid function; Traditionally used to improve conception and to provide strength and stamina to mom and growing baby. After birth, it is thought to help mom regain energy and stimulate milk flow. Large amounts can cause early menstruation and therefore there lies the risk of abortion (uterine stimulant), which is why it’s discouraged by conservative doctors. Do not exceed 1 tsp/day during pregnancy and always check with primary healthcare provider Cardamom- Class 1 Cinnamon- Class 1 Loose-leaf TeasBless You Tea Nettle- Class 1 Rose- Class 1 Calendula- Class 1 Elecampane- Class 2b*, 2c* Horsetail- Class 2d, contraindicated in cardiac or renal dysfunction; don’t exceed 2 g/day of powdered form. Powdered form is not recommended for children due to silica. If taking 5 g, have with food Ginger*- Class 1 Licorice*- Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d Not for prolonged use in high doses; contraindicated in diabetics, hypertension, liver disorders, severe kidney deficiencies, and hypokalemia; may potentiate potassium depletion of thiazide diuretics, stimulant laxatives, cardiac glycosides, and cortisol; reduce sodium and increase potassium when taking Defender Ginger- Class 1 Elderflower- Class 1 Elderberry- Class 1 Holy Basil-Class 1 Lemon Balm- Class 1 Licorice*- Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d, see previous Cardamom- Class 1 Healing Harvest Tea Roobios - Class 1 Oat straw - Class 1 Orange peel - Class 1 Licorice* - Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d, see previous Ginger*- Class 1 Angelica* -Class 2b*, 2d avoid prolonged sunlight exposure; emmenagogue/uterine stimulant Artichoke - too little data Sexy Time Tea Hawthorne (leaf and flower) - Class 1 Damiana - Class 1 Hawthorne Berry - Class 1 Rose - Class 1 Ginger* - Class 1 Licorice* - Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d, see previous Sol Tea Hibiscus - Class 1 Lemongrass - Class 2b*; emmanogogue/uterine stimulant Holy basil - Class 1 Schisandra - Class 1 Wonderful Woman Oat Straw - Class 1 Tulsi - Class 1 Nettle - Class 1 Raspberry Leaf - Class 1 Rose - Class 1 Ginger* - Class 1 Red Clover - Class 2b* (used in minimal amounts here) Cardamom - Class 1 You’ve Got Male Nettle- Class 1 Lemongrass- Class 2b*, emmanogogue/uterine stimulant Hawthorn Leaf- Class 1 Hawthorn Berry- Class 1 Hibiscus- Class 1 Epimedium- Class 2d*, Not for singular long-term use at large doses; In very large doses, can cause vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, thirst, nosebleed, and respiratory arrest Ashwagandha- Class 2b*, 2d-see previous Ginger*- Class 1 Licorice*- Class 2b*, 2c*, 2d-see previous ***Licorice, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Artichoke leaf, and Black pepper can all cause issues when taking in unnaturally large amounts and without the balancing support of other herbs. We use very small amounts of these synergizing herbs in our formulas, not large therapeutic doses that can have a uterine stimulants effect.*** Our safety ratings were obtained from The Botanical Safety Handbook by The American Herbal Products Association Staff, 1997.
Other Resources: Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines, 4th Edition, Francis Brinker Publications by the American Herbal Products Association |
Eileen Brantley & Amy WrightWe are Herb Girls Athens, LLC. Read our blog! Archives
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