Before you even think about answering that first email in your inbox— Make a simple, synergizing blend of super-greens and fresh herbs to help balance your gut microbe.
Finding time to make sure you get enough greens in a day can be a struggle. There have been days when I eat super healthy and others when I wish I ate more high-vibe foods. These days when I miss out I usually have to rely on caffeine to give me that midday pick-me-up just to get through the daily grind. With this smoothie blend, you'll find some common and some not so common ingredients. Herbs like fresh fennel and dandelion leafs bring a bit of unique bitter qualities, while dense leafy greens like kale, collards, and spinach round out the flavor. Celery and cucumber embody the flavor along with fresh kitchen herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil are great nutrient builders too! Top with fresh aloe vera and a fresh squeezed lemon for added cellular love that will make your insides thank you.
Wondering how this combo can bring high vibrational energy into your life, here is the scoop:
Fresh Fennel is a GREAT detoxifier for the blood and has wonderful anti-inflammatory powers. Growing up my mom would have fresh fennel bulbs stocked in our fridge and would peel off a piece and eat regularly as a healthy snack. Now I know why! This herb is high in vitamin C, great for your skin, and boasts antioxidants that help to hydrate and protect your cells from forming free-radicals in the body. Fresh fennel also is said to have almost as much potassium as a banana and luckily is popping up in most produce sections in grocery stores across America today.
Dandelion Leaf is full of healthy nutrients and vitamins like A, C, and E that easily absorb into your body once already broken down and blended. This leaf is bitter which may take a bit of getting used to—however if you learn to love it, your body with thank you! Dandelion leaf increases the flow of saliva, containing antibacterial substances and enzymes that speed up and help breakdown your food (McBride 58). Dandelion greens are a tonic to the liver and kidneys, making dandelion great for moving any stagnant toxins out of your body, first thing!
Aloe Vera is natural, healing, and hydrating! I have been lucky to find large whole leafs in my supermarket but feel free to substitute with a natural (non-additive) version. When buying the natural leaf, I slice ahead of time and store small chunks in a mason jar in the fridge. This makes it easy to use for smoothies or any just eating on its own. Aloe Vera gel is known for its ability to heal wounds externally, but is also great for internal healing as well! When eaten fresh, this plant will make a difference in how you feel and how you eliminate toxins.
Celery juice is alkalizing, and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like folate, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin K and vitamin C—making it a fantastic addition to your day! On its own it is said to work wonders on your gut so make sure you add enough to fill at least half of your blender. Don't forget to go for organic whenever possible!
I like to use cilantro when I have it on hand for this smoothy, but feel free to add whatever fresh green herb you have! Cilantro is the plant that coriander seeds come from and is a cooling herb that is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti inflammatory and aids in digestion (McBride 50). In many cultures around the world, cilantro pairs with lime for a a cooling, disinfecting, and digestion supporting combo.
I top this smoothy off with the juice of 1 whole lemon, 1 inch of freshly grated ginger, 1 large cucumber, and 16 oz. of water. If looking for a sweeter blend, make with 8oz coconut water! Blend on high and enjoy the benefits of this green goodness hydrating you from within.
Ingredients:
1 In fresh ginger, skins removed + chopped
4 stalks organic celery (approximately 2 cups) - cleaned well, ends removed
1 cup fresh fennel bulb and stalk - chopped, core removed
1 1/2 cup chopped fresh kale or collard greens - stems removed
1 1/2 cups fresh dandelion leaf - stems removed
1 large cucumber - washed well, (remove skin if 'waxy' to touch)
1/2 cup fresh aloe vera gel
Juice of 1 fresh lemon, seeds removed
30 oz water, Spring water is best if available to you
Optional Add On's
1/2 cup Ice (cubed or crushed)
1/4 cup fresh herbs on choice (cilantro, mint or basil work well)
8 to 16 oz coconut water
Directions:
Grab a cutting board, wash your hands and rinse your herbs. Lay all your ingredients out on a table near your blender. I prefer to use a 64oz Vitamix blender but any large, high efficacy blender should work well. Chop all the ends, remove any skins or stems, and clear your space of any waste/compostable pieces you will not be using. Next, layer the firmest ingredients at the bottom and the most delicate ingredients last — Example: Ice, ginger, fennel, celery, cucumber, kale/collards, dandelion leafs, fresh herbs and aloe vera.
Squeeze fresh lemon into a bowl or cup to make sure none of the seeds sneak into your blender. Add the lemon juice, coconut water (if using) and the remaining water. This makes about 3 full glasses. You will have extra, so save for later or to share with a friend!
I hope you've enjoyed this recipe! This blends works well for me but may be bitter for some. Do what works well for you and reach out if you have any questions! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Aggarwal/Yost, Bharat B. Healing Spices. Bill Gottlieb, Sterling New York, NY. 2011.
Mcbride, Kami. The Herbal Kitchen. Conari Press, San Francisco, CA. 2010.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I personally use and are 100% sure of the quality. If you have questions about how I like my Vitamix blender—comment in the messages below! I'd be happy to help answer questions you may have.