The Formulation
To allow our vision to come to life, we enlisted the talents of “Superior Herbalist” Rehmannia Dean Thomas. Rehmannia practices Taoist Herbology, specifically from a lineage known as the Gate of Life, which he considers to be the most sophisticated system of herbs ever developed. His formulas support our three essential forces, Jing, our physical and reproductive bodies, Chi, our ame or metabolism, and Shen, our spirit. To balance these “Three Treasures,” as they are known, is to create health and energy. Rehmannia studied under the great Master Herbalist Ron Teeguarden and has written six books on tonic herbalism. He’s forged relationships with the most meticulous suppliers of herbs and works with the very highest quality ingredients. For all of these reasons and more, we tapped him to develop our very first collection of adaptogenic blends.
A word from Rehmannia: "Chinese herbs are meticulously categorized according to their “atmospheric energies,” and can be formulated to serve the circadian rhythms, metabolic, hormonal and spiritual needs of our day. When we wake, our body seeks stimulus, and “Yang” herbs are appropriate. As we begin our day, herbs that tonify Chi are helpful to supply our daily energy needs, and as we wind down in the evenings, we can take elixirs of Yin replenishing and spirit soothing (Shen) herbs. The formulas I designed for CAP are combined of herbs that support the differing daily energy needs from stimulation to replenishment, when we need it."
8AM
The first in our series, The 8AM, invites you to elevate and levitate and soar through your mornings with focus. This blend was crafted with White Atractylodes and Astragalus to support immune function, digestion and metabolism and yin-loving Reishi to radiate cosmic calm and set you up perfectly for your morning meditation. Rhodiola delivers focus, creative spark and stamina while Morinda tackles inflammation and fights invasion. Sweetened with a dose of Luo Han Guo, also known as Monk Fruit, The 8AM is all you need to rise and shine and conquer your day, calmly, sweetly and in grace.
We've teamed up with friend and chef, Kat Turner, to create a recipe as magical as the herbs themselves.
The 8AM Bliss Balls
By Kat Turner
20 pitted medjool dates
1⁄2 cup + 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1⁄2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1⁄4 cup chia seeds
1⁄4 cup carob or cacao powder
4 tablespoons the 8AM blend
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 teaspoons CAP pink mountain salt
Grind 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame in a spice grinder or high powered blender and set aside. Place remaining sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds into a food processor and grind until fine but some texture remains.Add all the remaining ingredients and grind until completely combined and a paste forms.
If the mix seems too dry add additional liquid sweetener in 1 tablespoon increments until it comes together.
Roll into 16 1 ounce balls and then toss with the finely ground toasted sesame to coat. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
4PM
The 4PM, our midday offering, reawakens and restores and wards off the mighty afternoon slump. Goji delivers vitality with a mighty dose of Vitamin C and all eight amino acids. Rhodiola sharpens focus while Astragalus and Codonopsis support immune function, digestion and fight the drifting energies of low blood sugar. Rehmannia supports the adrenals and promotes longevity while Reishi offers yin support so we sail through the afternoon in graceful calm. Sweetened with a dose of Luo Han Guo, also known as Monk Fruit, The 4PM is here to revive.
Our beautiful, talented friend and chef, Amy Chaplin, created a recipe that deliciously supports you through this transitional part of the day.
Ginger Spice Macadamia Cashew Butter
By Amy Chaplin
Makes 1 cup, 8 servings
1 cup whole raw macadamia nuts
1 cup raw cashews
1 tablespoon CAP coconut butter
4 to 6 teaspoons the 4PM blend
1 ½ teaspoons ginger powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla powder
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch allspice
Pinch CAP pink mountain salt
½ teaspoon orange zest, optional
Sliced plums, pears or apples to serve
Preheat oven to 300 degrees °F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and add macadamia nuts and cashews. Spread them out in a single layer and roast for 8 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a food processor and blend until a lump forms, break up the lump with a rubber spatula and blend again until smooth and liquid, scraping sides as needed.
Add coconut butter, The 4PM O’Clock blend, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla powder, nutmeg, allspice and salt, blend again until smooth. Add orange zest, if using and pulse to combine. Serve with sliced fruit. Store butter in the fridge for up to a month.
NOTES: Although it may look like a lot of ingredients here, its moistly dried spices that you will likely have in your spice drawer, if not experiment with what you do have and adjust to taste. The spices help balance the bitterness of the adaptogenic herbs and ginger is especially good for brightening the senses when you might be having an afternoon slump. To get the full dose of the 4 O’clock powder use 6 teaspoons.
10 PM
Our evening tonic, The 10 PM, invites you to your soundest slumber. Let nighttime be the right time. Spirit Poria calms the mind and centers the heart. Jujube is known to relieve insomnia, aid digestion and detoxify the blood. Albizzia Flower brings contentment and further supports your deepest sleep. Chinese Skullcap quells anxiety and supports the immune system letting sleep be your time to heal. Polygonum Stem and Pearl put the beauty in your sleep and Luo Han Guo, also known as Monk Fruit, sweetens the deal. They all come together in The 10PM, our ode to your soundest sleep.
The radical plant-based chef, Greg Arnold, got his hands on a jar and created a tonic to aid digestion and encourage relaxation. Cheers to superior shuteye.
The 10PM Soothing Digestive Elixir
By Greg Arnold
Makes 1 cup
1 teaspoon the 10PM blend
1 tablespoon CAP coconut butter
1⁄2 teaspoon Sun Potion Triphala
1 teaspoon (or to taste) honey
8 ounces hot spring water
Heat the water in an electric glass kettle until tiny bubbles start to appear but not to a boil. Put all of the dry ingredients into the bottom of a teacup and pour the water over, then drizzle in the honey. Mix everything together with a handheld frother or a matcha brush and you will get a nice rich bubbly head on the top. You can also put all ingredients into a high speed blender to mix.
A word from Greg: "Aside from being a delicious elixir this blend is rich with antioxidants, prebiotics from the honey and a gentle cleansing effect from the 3 fruits in the ayurvedic triphala. At the end of a long day heading into sleep, relaxation and healthy digestion are the two most important things. I have also made this elixir with about a half teaspoon of kratom for a little extra slightly psychedelic slumber! Enjoy!"
