If you've been through grief or trauma, you most likely have higher levels of anxiety, stress, and sleep issues. In this flavor-filled smoothie we combine ingredients to help ease these emotions and counteract the negative impact on the body.

For instance, you may have elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In turn, your cholesterol may increase. Cholesterol acts as a lubricant for the circulatory system to help with emotional scarring. Overtime, if the emotions go unaddressed, cholesterol levels could continue to rise, leading to serious health issues. This is why addressing both the body and emotions is essential.

Why eat Cashews, Mangoes, and Peaches together for PTSD?
They are high in the amino acid tryptophan and vitamin B6. These improve the uptake of serotonin, which affects happiness and anxiety levels, as well as sleep patterns. Each is also a good source of magnesium, which regulates the nervous system, helping to deal with stressful emotions such as anxiety, fear, or restlessness.

For additional heart support and delicious flavor, we include strawberries as an amazing source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that have been shown to be key for the cardiovascular system and heart health.

Why Energy Nutrients?
Studies show that forest bathing helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and speeds recovery from surgery or illness. Energy nutrients are the atoms nature emits and that your body absorbs when forest bathing or spending time in nature. In the 1930's, Dr. Bach began documenting the effects certain energy nutrients had on specific emotions. For this recipe, we have specifically chosen Comfort and Recovery due to their beneficial support for the emotions associated with grief, trauma, and PTSD.

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peach slices*
• 1/2 cup frozen mango
• 2 tablespoons cashew butter
• 3/4 cup flax milk (or other nondairy milk)
• 1 squirt Recovery Beverage Booster
• 1 squirt Comfort Beverage Booster
• 1 cup frozen strawberries*
• Recommended: take probiotic of choice for gut-brain emotional benefits

*organic if possible

Note: not all fruit needs to be frozen, but it helps make the smoothie creamy. Depending on how much of the fruit is frozen, you may want to add a couple ice cubes, or you may need more milk or even coconut water if it becomes too thick.

Directions:

1. Add peach, mango, cashew butter, milk, and Beverage Boosters to blender and blend until smooth. Divide half the peach mix between two glasses, leaving the other half in the blender.
2. Add strawberries to the blender and blend until the mixture is completely smooth and pink. Slowly pour the strawberry layer on top of the peach layer, working from the outside to the inside of the jar (using the back of a spoon can help).