The childhood treat you love gets an adult makeover full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds along with hormone-regulating dong quai.
Almond butter steps in for peanut butter providing healthy satiating fats while antioxidant-rich dark chocolate takes the place of processed milk chocolate. Instead of processed sugar, raw honey lightly sweetens dark chocolate for the perfect treat.
Dong Quai is the secret ingredient in this dessert recipe. The root herb can be blended into sweet or savory recipes by first grinding it into a powder. Dong Quai has a pungent, sweet aroma that blends easily into recipes, especially those that include sesame oil or nut butter.
Although research on this ancient herb is limited, there have been some studies that support the therapeutic uses that have been applied in eastern medicine for centuries. Women in particular reap the benefits of dong quai as a hormonal adaptogen (helps to regulate hormones) and it has earned the nickname of the “female ginseng.”
Please note, dong quai is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have fibroids or uterine issues.
Dong Quai Benefits at Glance
- May reduce severity of menstrual pain and cramps with antispasmodic effects.
- Supports healthy blood circulation.
- May slow cancer growth.
- Supports overall vitality.
- May reduce muscle pain due to anti inflammatory compounds.
Recipe Tips
- When using dong quai in recipes, it is best to purchase the dried root and grind it into a fine powder using a spice or coffee grinder for the highest potency. Use a grinder that is designated to only spices to keep coffee grounds from mixing in.
- Use dong quai in tea as well as soups and stews to reap its benefits.
- 2 cups dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- ⅓ cup creamy organic almond butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground dong quai powder
- Line 6 muffin tins with paper liners. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler over medium-low heat, about 10 minutes. Once smooth, stir in honey. Spoon heaping tablespoons of chocolate into muffin tins and freeze for 5 minutes to slightly firm.
- While chocolate chills, stir together dong quai powder and almond butter in a small bowl.
- Spoon 1 teaspoon of almond butter onto each chocolate layer. Add a second heaping tablespoon of chocolate over each almond butter layer. Transfer to freezer for 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3174116/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2013/11/WC500155549.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3170324/
Where do you purchase your Dong Quai?
Hi Virginia, at local herbal shops, co-ops, Mountain Rose Herbs, Frontier Co-op, and even Amazon can be an option. I hope that helps! HB Support
What is dong quai
The recipe says to add the honey to the dark chocolate. Shouldn’t you be adding it to the almond butter and dong qui mixture? Dark chocolate is already sweetened and it would make the chocolate stickier/softer.
HI Ro, Give it a try and let us know how it works for you! HB Support
I make my own chocolate, with cacao, coconut butter, and oil. This way I get pure chocolate with NO sugar, or other fillers. So I will try this with my chocolate:)
My daughter is nursing would this be safe for the baby? Jo
Hi Jo,
We don’t normally consult pregnant or nursing women, but this recipe shouldn’t contain anything that would be a problem if exposed through breast milk. Hope this helps.
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
No dong quai is not safe for pregnant or nursing women at all please don’t eat it……….. Nursing and pregnant women can have dates blend with chocolate and almonds then make into small balls or slice these help with milk production. But please please don’t eat this recipe.
No dong quai is not safe for pregnant or nursing women at all please don’t eat it……….. Nursing and pregnant women can have dates blend with chocolate and almonds then make into small balls or slice these help with milk production. But please please don’t eat this recipe.
Hi Jo, Don Quai is not safe for use during pregnancy or nursing. In general, you don’t want to start taking any new herbs or supplements without consulting with a qualified practitioner. ~Kamalani HB Support
Do you think you could substitute sunflower butter in place of almond to make it nut free?
HI Mary,
Yes, that would work perfectly!
Healthy Regards,
HB Team
This recipe looks very good but I’m allergic to chocolate. What can I use instead? Thanks
Hi Irina,
Allergic to chocolate? Ouch. Have you ever heard of carob? that could be a replacement.
Let us know what you end up finding out!
Healthy Regards,
HB Team