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Cool down and energize on hot Tahoe mornings

Tamsin Edwards

About the Author

Tamsin Edwards is the office manager at Elevate Wellness. To schedule an herbal or nutrition consult, call 530-541-9355. Elevate Wellness is located at 2034 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Find Elevate Wellness online at http://www.elevate-wellness.com and on social media @elevatewellnesscenter.

I don’t know about you, but these peak-of-summer mornings are getting a little too hot for a steaming cup of coffee. Yes, yes, iced coffee is an easy option but as we love all things health and wellness related, we thought we’d look for some awesome alternatives to that morning cup of Joe that will help refresh, hydrate, boost you up and give you a glow.

What more could you want? And while we’re at it, why not throw in some wellness mocktails (alcohol optional)?

Jasmine: The delicately scented and flavorful green tea has been studied for its stress reducing benefits, immune system support, and digestive improving powers among many others. It’s also been shown to protect the immune system with its antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Try combining it with lavender and basil for a soothing, fragrant tea, then add ice to cool it down.



Turmeric: The all things inflammation-free star, is wonderful at bedtime. But why not try it for breakfast? For a smoothie, add fresh turmeric to nut milk with a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom black pepper and ginger to increase absorption.

The antioxidant packed, powdered green tea matcha is top of our list for its awesome ability to match coffee in the caffeine stakes, however, as the caffeine is combined with the amino acid, L- theanine, the boost you get is less frantic in nature, helping you maintain a sustained alertness.

Rooibos: Also known as redbush, is a South African antioxidant rich tea that makes a wonderful caffeine free alternative in the morning. Brew some leaves, then add a handful of goji berries. Sweeten with honey and fill up with ice before adding lemon slices for extra refreshment. Goji berries have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, being one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet, while rooibos contains quercetin, the UVB-protectant pigment that’s anti-cancer, anti-aging and a natural anti histamine. Bonus!



Maca: The South American superfood has a malty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a few scoops of cocoa, a dollop of almond butter and a date or two. Top it off with milk and a frozen banana and you’ve got a creamy and delicious, energy boosting, vitamin and mineral packed miracle worker. Start with just a teaspoon.

Chlorella powder: A green superfood that helps support our immune systems. It may support the removal of heavy metals and other toxins from the body, while being high in vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes and essential fatty acids. It is exceptionally rich in iron, so great for building up the blood. Add it to your smoothie with a handful of greens, avocado, collagen peptides and mint leaves, with a frozen banana for sweetness. Blend it all up with milk and drink up!

Matcha: The antioxidant packed, powdered green tea, is top of our list for its awesome ability to match coffee in the caffeine stakes, however, as the caffeine is combined with the amino acid, L- theanine, the boost you get is less frantic in nature, helping you maintain a sustained alertness.

Tulsi: Also known as Holy Basil, this has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. It is considered one of the most healing plants in the Orient. Modern day herbalists use it for the nervous system, to clear mental fog, assist memory recall, and to boost mood, among other things. Combine it over ice with mint leaves and green tea for a cleansing and uplifting drink.

Don’t forget to check in with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or product. They can inform you of any potential interactions, side effects or reasons for avoiding them.


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