This vibrant smoothie is a fusion of calming and cleansing ingredients specifically chosen to support endocrine function, liver health, and cellular rejuvenation—particularly beneficial for women experiencing hormonal shifts (though it’s excellent for men too). Bay leaves, traditionally used in teas and tonics, provide anti-inflammatory and digestive support, while avocados offer key fats and phytonutrients critical for hormone production and absorption.
We round this out with chlorophyll-rich green fruits, omega-3 boosters, and liver-loving additions to create a functional food ritual that helps balance estrogen levels, improve skin clarity, and optimize metabolism. It’s silky, subtly spiced, and deeply satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 2 servings)
🌿 Core Elements:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 fresh bay leaves (or 1 dried)
- 1 cup green fruits (e.g., green apple, green plum, or gooseberries)
- ½ cup spinach or moringa leaves
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (pre-soaked in water for 10 mins)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cup coconut water or herbal-infused water (such as mint or fennel seed infusion)
🌱 Therapeutic Additions:
- ½ tsp flaxseed oil (source of omega-3s)
- Pinch of cinnamon powder (regulates blood sugar & supports insulin sensitivity)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder with dash of black pepper (anti-inflammatory synergy)
- 1 tsp raw honey or date syrup (optional sweetener)
- Optional: 2 drops vitex tincture (for female hormonal support)
- Ice cubes if desired
🧑🍳 Instructions
🧼 Step 1: Prepare Functional Components
- Bay Leaf Extraction:
- Bring ½ cup of water to a gentle boil. Add bay leaves and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then strain. Use this infused water as part of your liquid base.
- Bay leaves contain compounds like eugenol and cineol which aid digestion and hormone metabolism.
- Soak Chia Seeds:
- Soak in 2 tablespoons water for about 10–15 minutes until gelled.
- This supports gut motility, hydration, and fiber intake.
🥣 Step 2: Build the Blend
- Add avocado, green fruits (cored & chopped), spinach/moringa, and chia gel to blender.
- Pour in coconut water or bay leaf infusion, lemon juice, and all remaining ingredients.
- Blend on high until silky smooth. You may adjust liquid or thickness based on preference.
🍹 Step 3: Taste & Tweak
- Taste your blend. If tart, add a bit more honey or sweet fruit like green pear.
- If it’s too thick, thin out with additional herbal water or coconut water.
- Add ice and re-blend for a cooler version.
🎀 Step 4: Serve Mindfully
- Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with a mint sprig, citrus peel, or even a twist of avocado.
- Sip slowly, preferably mid-morning or in the afternoon when the body is most receptive to nourishment and detox.
🧬 Functional Benefits & Botanical Insights
- Avocado: Rich in oleic acid and vitamin B6, key for progesterone regulation and brain function.
- Bay Leaves: Known for digestive calm, glucose modulation, and liver enzyme stimulation.
- Green Fruits: Chlorophyll, fiber, and flavonoids help reduce oxidative stress and stabilize estrogen levels.
- Flaxseed Oil: Supports hormone balance via lignans and essential fatty acids.
- Turmeric & Cinnamon: Reduce inflammation and balance insulin—both key to hormonal stability.
🌸 Adaptations & Synergy Suggestions
- 👧 Teen Hormonal Support: Swap turmeric for rose petals or raspberry leaf infusion.
- 👩 Postpartum Nourishment: Add soaked almonds and dates for warming, rebuilding energy.
- 🧔 Men’s Version: Add ashwagandha root for stress recovery and prostate health.
- 👵 Menopausal Blend: Use maca root or shatavari for estrogen modulation and vitality.