(edited from the original post by The Urban Herbalist on 10/10/2012)

For those of you who are trying to conceive, or thinking at some point it may want to, then I advise you to begin preparing your body and your mind for the daunting task of taking care of a child while in the womb, and out of it. Raising a child ain’t easy.

But raising ourselves isn’t easy either. Finding a partner to conceive with, WHOA! is enough work as it is. Choosing to have a child without a partner is an adventure only the truly brave with a higher calling will accomplish (well done!). Then, the idea of actually growing a human in that little womb of yours (or partner’s), birthing it, nursing it, raising it (and trying to sleep in between), all adds stress to our previously easier lives. Yet, this stress is worthy and the rewards are great. 

So, (fast forward) you’ve decided to try to conceive; mazel tov! Let the fun begin. Being prepared to conceive can be stressful which makes your love-making sometimes less than great. First, reduce the stress (adaptogens here we come) then, increase your sex drive: bring in the aphrodisiacs, baby! That’s where Ashwagandha Hot Chocolate comes in (and maybe a bath).

Ashwagandha can increase fertility in men and women, reduces cortisol production (stress hormone) and encourages deep sleep.  Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a unique adaptogenic herb as it helps relax the body as well as supports adrenal function. This is why it is encouraged for someone to try Ashwagandha while attempting to conceive. I do often recommend this for queer couples to take together to encourage fertility, and if they know the donor to encourage him to take Ashwagandha as well. 

Chocolate as you know is considered an aphrodisiac, and it’s the divine food of the gods. I added cayenne and cinnamon to this recipe because according to Ayurveda, if one is too cold, having a Vata or Kapha imbalance, fertility can be a struggle as the body needs to be warm to conceive.

Chill out, make love, eat good food, and drink hot chocolate.

Spicy Ashwagandha Hot Chocolate

1 Tbls. Ashwagandha powder

3 Tbls. Organic Dark Chocolate Cocoa powder (Green & Black’s is one of my faves)

1-3 tsp. organic coconut sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 pinch cayenne (or more if you like it spicy!)

2 cups of milk (whatever nut or animal milk strikes your fancy)

*Mix the powders together in a small bowl with the coconut sugar, making sure to use a little whisk or fork to prevent clumping. Warm up the milk in a small sauce pan, keeping the heat on low, add the Spicy Hot Ashwagandha Chocolate Powder mix and whisk to desired texture. Divide the hot chocolate into two mugs, light a candle or two, and enjoy yourself.