In the cold months, hot cocoa is my favorite delivery mechanism for medicinal herbs—for kids and adults alike!

Here are two therapeutic cocoa recipes—one boosts immune function with astragalus and licorice, the other is an “adaptogenic” formula made with ashwagandha and licorice. Both recipes contain anti-inflammatory spice blends from my new Anti-inflammatory Family Cookbook.

Astragalus is an herb comes to us from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is highly prized, and has quite a lot of research to support its efficacy. It boosts immune function so our bodies are better at fighting off infection and pathogens.

Ashwagandha is similarly a keystone herb, this time in the Ayurvedic medicine system, where is it considered a “rasayana,” or what we call in Western herbal medicine an “adaptogen.” These herbs are deep, restorative tonics that act on the endocrine and immune systems to help our bodies deal better with stress. The herb’s Latin name, Withania somnifera, points to another of its functions, which is to help the body relax and sleep (somnifera, like somnolence).

Licorice is a crème-de-la-crème herb that does it all. It supports healthy GI, immune and endocrine function. There is quite a lot of research to support this. In my practice, I use it anytime there is a need for GI repair, which is frequently. One caution to take seriously: Do NOT use this herb if you have high blood pressure, or are on any blood pressure medications.

All of these herbs are readily available online and in some natural food stores, and are important additions to your home medicine cabinet. They are most effective when used frequently and preventively….so get your family hot cocoa on at least a few times each week!

Immune-Boosting Hot Cocoa

Adaptogenic Hot Cocoa

Makes 1 Serving

1 cup (8 ounces) milk of choice
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 licorice root tea bag (or 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root powder)
1 teaspoon astragalus powder
¼ teaspoon Sweet Spice Blend (recipe from Anti-inflammatory Family Cookbook)
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
Pinch black pepper

Add all the ingredients to a small pot and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk well to make sure ingredients are well combined. Serve hot.

Makes 1 Serving

1 cup (8 ounces) milk of choice
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 licorice root tea bag (or 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root powder)
1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
¼ teaspoon Sweet Spice Blend (recipe from Anti-inflammatory Family Cookbook)
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
Pinch black pepper

Add all the ingredients to a small pot and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk well to make sure ingredients are well combined. Serve hot