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Mainly Manly Lassi

This recipe is inspired by our friend, Dr.Heather Zwickey, and her team at the National College of Natural Medicine's Helfgott Research Institute, Portland, OR. (link) They recently published a study using Ashwagandha that was administered with milk to replicate the Ayurvedic practice of herbs taken with an "anupana" substance. Anupana may be derived from many different substances, from milk, olive oil or ghee. She is continuing her study of this amazing herb using Ashwagandha that has been grown on our farm.

The title of this recipe implies that it is intended for men, since Ashwagandha is a traditional male tonic (adaptogenic ) herb. However, it is effective for women also.

The recipe is in 2 parts- the decotion, followed by the lassi recipe.

The lassi is a traditional drink from Northern India where it is consumed as a cooling drink or even as a meal during very hot days. The flavor of lassi can be further enhanced by blending fresh fruits like mango or strawberry to create a type of smoothie.

Step 1 - Ashwagandha Decoction

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of milk
2 teaspoons of dried Ashwagandha root c/s

Directions

  1. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Simmer very gently for 5 minutes and let it cool.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Remove the root using a strainer, and reserve the milky decoction for the lassi.

Step 2 - Sweet Lassi

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • ½ cup of water
  • 1 cup of Ashwagandha decoction (cooled)
  • ½ cup of ice cubes
  • 3 to 5 teaspoons of sugar or agave sweetener
  • A pinch of salt
  • Pinch Cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Blend all the ingredients at high speed until frothy.
  2. Keep refrigerated.