Gut Healing Holiday Elixir

I have to say, I've been über intrigued by all of the elixir recipes that I've seen foodies, nutritionists and healers create and post these days. They always look so cozy, decadent and high quality!

I was recently in Van City and stayed with dear friends who own a crazy little ice cream shop named Umaluma. They've cracked the code on dairy free gelato so much that you would never be able to tell the difference between their ice cream and traditional dairy based ice cream.

Seriously.

They also serve up about a dozen different unique, delicious and hand crafted elixirs that aid in balancing hormones, reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system while also being
topped with coconut whip that didn't flop as soon as it got to us! I left feeling inspired and really intrigued on how I could not just enjoy others magic potions but to create one of my own that is geared specifically toward gut health.

That leads us to today. A special day where all of us around here are celebrating the creation of this Holistic Nutritionist's first Gut Healing Elixir Recipe!

Though, before we get into the goods, let's talk about what an elixir actually is.

What is an elixir?

An elixir is a noun known as:

a magical or medicinal potion.
"an elixir guaranteed to induce love"

Synonyms: potion, concoction, brew, philter, decoction, mixture.

More:

• a preparation that was supposedly able to change metals into gold, sought by alchemists.
• a preparation supposedly able to prolong life indefinitely.
• noun: elixir of life; plural noun: elixirs of life

I'd like to think that this elixir and the gut healing marshmallow I put on top of it will both help to indefinitely prolong the lives of those who drink it.

I created the marshmallow recipe for those who would like to indulge without any guilt and have the assurance that the sweet treat will also aid in repairing the gut vs harming it and their immune system. It does so because of the herbs and gelatin!

Why Eat Gut-Healing Foods?

Foods that heal the gut are known to aid in repairing endothelial tissue as well as the mucosal lining which is where 70% of your immune system lives! These foods are rich in collagen, glucosamine, and other amino acids and it also helps to protect the gut barrier and prevent intestinal hyperpermeabilty (leaky gut) as well as reduce inflammation.

When to Eat Gut-Healing Foods

Certain foods known to be good for the gut can often cause a lot of disruption. That can be due to dysbiosis or a current infection/health issue that needs treatment before moving into eating gut healing foods such as chicken broth, homemade marshmallows or other gelatin/collagen rich foods.

More foods known to be good for digestion that often cause disruption are chia, flax, kombucha and other fermented foods, garlic and onions just to name a few.

If this is something you identify with then know that you aren't alone. You aren;t crazy! And you can do something about it.

Signs You May Not Be Able to Tolerate Some Gut-Healing Foods:

• excessive or exacerbated gas
• bloating
• distention
• pain
• worsened constipation or loose stool

If you experience these symptoms when eating or drinking foods known to be healthy for the gut then you may want to investigate doing a Gut Healing Program to help get things in check. We
offer an incredible 12 Week Gut Restore Program that helps to restore proper function in the gut so that you can get back to eating all of these delicious and immune boosting foods!

I know it seems funny that all of these foods are marketed as gut healing yet they can cause more disruption, but know that if you do have trouble, it can be overcome. These foods, in my opinion,
are best enjoyed when your gut health is good and you want to prevent issues in the future.

Benefits of gut healing foods in this recipe:

• Marshmallow Root Tea: Aids in protecting the gut lining from damage, specifically
  leaky gut. Also aids in reducing inflammation.
• Fennel Seed: Acts as a carminative (gas buster) and can reduce pain, bloating and heart burn.
• Ginger: Ginger is anti-inflammatory and helps to calm and soothe the immune system. It is also a very effective carminative.
• Gelatin: Helps to stimulate gastric acid production leading to improved metabolization and absorption of nutrients. This helps to avoid permeability of the gut lining reducing leakage into the bloodstream. It also aids in protecting the mucosa and gut lining and reduces water retention.

Gut Healing Holiday Elixir 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup marshmallow root tea
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp fennel seed
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp clove
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions: 

1. Add all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and remove from heat after 2 minutes.
2. Add elixir to a blender and blend on high for 1 minute.
3. Strain potion through a sieve and pour into your favourite mug.

Enjoy as is, or add my Healthy Marshmallow on top and melt into this festive, delicious and gut healing treat! 

Check out our recipe how-to video here.

 In good health + happiness,
Cassandra Hope, RHN and Founder