College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC RECIPES

Peppermint Cocoa Shake

Save this RecipeSave
Reported by Natalie Immel, Asheville, NC

How to Make Peppermint Cocoa Shake

SERVINGS: 1
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES
SKILL LEVEL: EASY

STYLE: WESTERN
PREPARATION: PUREE, SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS


SKILL LEVEL: EASY
2 whole
1 tbsp
3/4 c
1/2 c
1/4 tsp
1/4 tsp

PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE

1. Chop dates, 1 whole banana, and combine with almond milk, cardamom, peppermint leaves, and cacao in a blender. Blend until smooth. As an option, add 2 tbsp of brewed Tecchino, or coffee for kapha constitutions.

Serve room temperature. For added flair, garnish with crushed candy cane.

How Does This Ayurvedic Recipe Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

The heavenly Peppermint Cocoa Shake brings a jovial smile to your lips with its smooth and creamy sweetness. Everyone loves milkshakes, but it's hard to find one that loves you back. This dairy-free, naturally sweet treat complete with aromatic spices is just the milkshake you've been dreaming of around the holidays. Let the kid in you shine with this fun and festive drink!

Dairy Free

It's hard to resist tempting ice cream that abounds at holiday festivities. The heavy sweetness of ice cream leaves many of us feeling heavy, tired, and maybe even a little bit bloated. You might notice that a bowl of ice cream will trigger a runny nose in less than one hour! This is not the case with the Peppermint Cocoa Shake - it's a blend of lightly sweet almond milk, dates, and creamy banana that give the satisfying feeling of a milkshake without the heaviness.

Heavy December Tummy

Rich foods dominate the November and December table, which can lead to a build-up of mucus in the stomach. Cardamom and mint are both aromatic spices that help keep heavy foods moving in your tummy. They bring a refreshing, breezy lightness into this most festive shake. Aromatic tastes also destroy thick mucus and can ward off an untimely holiday stomach flu.

Naturally Sweet

Are your kids begging for dessert while you dread the sugar rush that sends them spinning? The Peppermint Cocoa Shake is naturally sweetened by banana and juicy dates, so your kids won't be ingesting any harmful processed sugars. The fiber of the dates and banana slow the absorption rate of the sugar, so that it doesn't lead to a sugar spike like refined sugar will. For the many who need to avoid processed sugars (it's not a bad idea, after all), the Peppermint Cocoa Shake is a healthy way to get your sugar fix.

Dessert, or Breakfast of Champions?

The Peppermint Cocoa Shake not only is a delicious dessert or snack, but can make a great breakfast. Simple foods are helpful in the morning, when your body's processes are just waking up. It's heavy and satisfying, with gentleness that kindles the digestive fire so that you feel good all day. For an added flare, add some Teecchino or Ayurvedic Roast and make a faux frappuccino!

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Is Peppermint Cocoa Shake Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Peppermint Cocoa Shake' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.
See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

Learn More

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Learn More

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

Learn More

PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS


Moves Energy:
Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

SEE ALL 'INWARD' FOODS / HERBS


Tissue (dhatu):
Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Peppermint Cocoa Shake
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Quenches Thirst

QUENCHES-THIRST

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.

SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Peristalsis

STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS

An herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS' FOODS / HERBS

Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antidepressant

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.

SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Nitric Oxide

NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

, Soluble Fiber, Potassium,
Flavonoids

FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Catechins

CATECHINS

Antioxidant that reduces cancer and blood clots, dilates blood vessels, and is antimicrobial.

SEE ALL 'CATECHINS' FOODS / HERBS

, Tannins, Melatonin,
Polyphenols

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Resveratrol

RESVERATROL

Antioxidant frequently used for anti-aging. Protects airways and blood vessels. Anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic.

SEE ALL 'RESVERATROL' FOODS / HERBS

, Vitamin C, Carbohydrate,
Caffeine Methylxanthines

CAFFEINE-METHYLXANTHINES

Methylxanthines are purine alkaloids that have a stimulant and bronchodilating effect.

SEE ALL 'CAFFEINE-METHYLXANTHINES' FOODS / HERBS

, Fats

Foods with a Similar Nature to Peppermint Cocoa Shake

Banana

Banana has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Stimulates-energy, Quenches-thirst, Stimulates-peristalsis, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Avocado

Avocado has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Antidepressant, Satisfies-stomach, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Buckwheat

Buckwheat has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Diuretic, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Hemp Seed

Hemp Seed has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Diuretic, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Amaranth

Amaranth has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Satisfies-stomach, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Popped Amaranth

Popped Amaranth has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Diuretic, Satisfies-stomach, Muscle-relaxant

LEARN MORE

Almonds

Almonds has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Stimulates-energy, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Coffee

Coffee has these Actions in Common

Stimulates-peristalsis, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Antidepressant

LEARN MORE

Sorghum Flour

Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Satisfies-stomach, Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Beets

Beets has these Actions in Common

Muscle-relaxant, Stimulates-energy, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Saffron

Saffron has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Antidepressant, Stimulates-energy, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Peppermint Cocoa Shake

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Motherwort

Motherwort has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Kapha Shirodhara Oil

Kapha Shirodhara Oil has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Hyssop Powder

Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Elecampane

Elecampane has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Muscle-relaxant, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding

LEARN MORE

Eleuthero Ginseng

Eleuthero Ginseng has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Muscle-relaxant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

Eat Well for Life With Ayurveda: Balance Your Dosha

Love our recipes? Discover how to balance your diet for only $35 with this popular short course. GET THE ECOURSE

View Other Healthy Recipes for Autumn-Winter

This recipe is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter recipes here. VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER RECIPES MORE VATA / PITTA RECIPES
MAIN RECIPE PAGE
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

Read more

Comments & Impressions of 'Peppermint Cocoa Shake'

Do you like 'peppermint cocoa shake'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'peppermint cocoa shake'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewblank start review(4.00 out of 5 stars) 2 ratings, 1958 likes
blank start reviewblank start reviewblank start reviewblank start reviewblank start reviewSign in to review this recipe

Join Joyful Belly.

Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
If you are already a member please sign in here. Forgot your password?
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

© 2024 Joyful Belly Ayurveda Inc., All rights reserved.
Asheville, North Carolina
1