As we explore ritual and it's place in our lives, we've connected with some of the women we're inspired by to share the way they invite mindfulness and ritual into their lives. Today, Carter Reid shares a delicious (and adaptogenic!) Cacao & Lavender Latte.

As we redefine our lives in our new normal, it seems as though there is a collective reimagining  of the way in which we approach our health and well-being. The level of impact our self-care and wellness practices have on the quality of lives has never been so abundantly clear. As we come to value our health more and more, the need to understand wellness from a more holistic standpoint emerges.   

With lack of time being such a huge factor in our ability to take proper care of ourselves, it’s important to find approachable, practical ways to tend to our well-being that is rooted in intention and purpose. Not only does the recipe below nourish the skin, from the inside out, promoting radiant, glowing skin, it also helps to balance our moods and support a healthy mental state, promote a healthy gut microbiome, and boosts immunity; areas in which we could all use a little extra support these days. I personally love this warm relaxing elixir, since it not only promotes my health and well-being from a physical standpoint, it also encourages me to slow down and take a moment to myself. Indulging in this latte while reading and masking (it’s the perfect pairing with eluo’s soothing FORMA FLORIS polish), or masking and reflecting, are moments that I gift myself and moments that always leave me feeling a palpable sense of self-connection and grounding. 

Here’s what you’ll need to gift these moments to yourself...

Nutrient Highlights:

Cacao

Rich in antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress, damaging to the skin and other important cells in the body. Extremely high in magnesium, and is also the highest plant source of iron- a nutrient that is especially important for women. 

Lavender 

Extremely calming and soothing to the body and mind, promoting rest and relaxation. It also has been shown to improve mood, by helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression through its impact on the limbic system, the area of the brain responsible for behavioral and emotional responses. It is one of the most popular aromatherapy scents to help manage anxiety. 

Tocos 

Tocos, or tocotrienols, is a fat-soluble nutrient in the vitamin E family. Rich and creamy, it is highly absorbable by the body and has a phenomenal effect on our skin, promoting a supple, youthful texture. 

Turkey Tail 

A medicinal mushroom that is fantastic for boosting the immune system by stimulating immune cells and tackling inflammation. It has also been shown to help protect our gut microbiome since it contains prebiotics, bacteria that probiotics rely on to populate. Our skin’s health and radiance rely heavily on the healthy balance of our gut bacteria.  

Ingredients

300 ml of Oat or nut milk

1 tbsp of Cacao powder

1tsp of Coconut butter

½ tsp of Lavender tea (a lavender tea bag will work perfectly!)

1 dropper of Turkey Tail mushroom tincture (suggestion: @rainbomushrooms)

1 tablespoon of dark maple syrup (or to taste)

1 scoop of tocos powder (suggestion: @moonjuice)

A pinch of Himalayan sea salt 

Method

In a small pot, warm up 300 ml of oat or nut milk. Do not boil. Pour heated milk into a blender. Add remaining ingredients. Blend on medium to high power for 30-45 sec. Strain and pour into your favorite mug. Rest, relax, polish, sip and enjoy. 

Garnish with lavender and a dash of cacao powder. Enjoy!