(P)amper M(y) S(elf) Potion

The moon is waning, and early tomorrow morning will be the New Moon. These last few days are known as the dark moon - a time to rest and reflect, to plant seeds of change, to ponder and start anew. My menstrual period will begin in a day or so, I've already started to spot and feel the need to nest and rest, and make comfort foods.

Like many women, I crave chocolate during this time of my cycle and after some experimentation, I came up with this recipe which combines chocolate with traditional PMS helpers. By the way, you  do know what PMS really stands for, right?

Pamper My Self Potion Recipe
3/4 cup chocolate soy milk (rice, almond or cow works, too)
3/4 cup red raspberry leaf or nettle infusion*
1 cup frozen raspberries
1 frozen banana cut in chunks
dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Combine the soy milk, infusion, raspberries & banana in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more liquid if you like it thinner. Pour into a glass and garnish with dark chocolate shavings.

Soy contains isoflavones which are thought to balance estrogen levels. Red raspberry leaf infusion is an overall uterine tonic, and nettle is good for water retention among other things. Raspberries and bananas contain vital nutrients for overall health, and dark chocolate is well,  heavenly!

Enjoy and remember to pamper yourself as often as you can!

* To make nettle or red raspberry infusion, I use a 20oz canning jar and put in about 3 TBS of herbs. Fill with boiling water, put the lid on and steep for 4 hours. Strain and drink as desired.