🌟 Adrenal-Friendly Hot Chocolate

Choose Your Base (1 cup):

• Organic cow’s milk – only if well tolerated; choose organic to avoid added hormones/antibiotics.

• A2 lactose-free cow’s milk – gentler on digestion for those sensitive to standard dairy.

• Bonsoy or Happy Soy milk – creamy, higher protein, stabilises blood sugar if soy is tolerated.

• Almond, cashew, or macadamia milk – light, mineral-rich, gentle on digestion.

• Coconut milk (diluted if full-fat) – rich in healthy fats, grounding, supports energy.

• Hemp milk – protein-rich, anti-inflammatory, good alternative to soy.

Ingredients (for 1 serving)

• 1 cup milk of choice (from list above)

• 1 tsp raw cacao powder (magnesium-rich, mood-lifting; use sparingly if sensitive)

• 1 tsp carob powder (adds natural sweetness, lowers cacao’s stimulant effect)

• ½ tsp cinnamon powder (supports blood sugar, warming)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract (calming, aromatic)

• ½–1 tsp maca powder (optional – adrenal & thyroid support, gentle energiser)

• ½ tsp ashwagandha or reishi powder (optional – calming adaptogens, balance stress response)

• 1 tsp collagen or gelatin powder (optional – stabilises blood sugar, supports gut & tissue repair)

• ½ tsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional – gentle sweetener)

• Pinch of sea salt (electrolyte support for adrenals)

Directions

1. Gently warm chosen milk in a saucepan over low heat (avoid boiling soy or cow’s milk for best flavour and nutrient retention).

2. Whisk in cacao, carob, cinnamon, and maca until smooth.

3. Stir through vanilla, adaptogens (if using), collagen, and sea salt.

4. Sweeten lightly to taste.

5. Pour into a mug, sprinkle with cinnamon, and enjoy slowly.

🌿 Naturopathic Notes

• Cow’s milk option: Organic or A2 lactose-free can be suitable if digestion is strong and dairy is tolerated; protein + fat content makes it blood-sugar stabilising.

• Soy option: Bonsoy/Happy Soy provides higher protein and phytoestrogens, supportive in menopause or PMS (caution in thyroid suppression or estrogen dominance). These milks do not containing vegetable oils, and they are GMO free and in Bonsoy's case organic.

• Nut/seed options: Lighter, mineral-rich, suitable for sensitive digestion. Hemp is a great protein-rich choice if soy isn’t tolerated.

• Cacao + carob: Chocolatey taste with reduced stimulant effect.

• Salt + cinnamon: Key adrenal allies for blood sugar and electrolyte balance.

• Maca + adaptogens: Flexible depending on whether the patient needs energising (maca) or calming (ashwagandha/reishi).