When I was at the market recently, standing in front of the meat counter, I couldn’t help but notice that most, if not all, of the cuts of meat were largely low in collagen such as chicken breast, pork tenderloin, and filet of beef.  When I think back to meals at my grandparents’ house, there were always bones simmering in stock pots and whole cuts of meat that included the cartilage. It seems my grandparents consumed more collagen on a regular basis than we do now - as my 102-year-old grandmother can attest.  It can be hard to consume the parts of animals where the collagen is concentrated. Collagen is a key protein in the body that helps maintain the structure of joints and connective tissues. As we age, natural collagen levels decline, which can affect comfort and flexibility.

We recently launched Joint Vitality, inspired by a 14-herb Traditional Chinese Medicine formula called Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.  This powerful formula has been used for thousands of years by doctors and acupuncturists, and remains wildly popular to this day to support the joints, strengthen the back, and increase mobility.  We added coconut oil and collagen for efficacy, and with hints of cinnamon and chocolate, we think this may be our best tasting formula yet.   Hydrolyzed collagen is very similar to what we have in our bodies and can help muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints. As we age, natural wear and tear can affect joint comfort and mobility. Since cartilage is made largely of collagen, Joint Vitality is formulated with traditionally used herbs to support joint health and help you stay active.

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is an ancient Chinese herbal formula that, in the Eastern language, nourishes the blood, soothes the sinews, and expels wind and dampness.  In Western languages, it supports joint and back health. Wind, cold, and dampness can prevent the free flow of Qi-energy and blood, which causes pain. This formula supports the Liver and Kidney.  If taken alone, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang has a very bitter taste - too bitter to even consume it.  Our Joint Vitality formula allows you to get the efficacy of the classic formula in an easy-to-use tasting format. You can mix Joint Vitality with water, coffee, or milk. Our other formulas fizz from the sodium bicarbonate, but this particular formula mixes smoothly. The recipe below includes unsweetened almond milk, a soothing base traditionally used to support Qi, promote balance, and help maintain joint and lower back comfort.

Almonds – Warm and sweet, transform phlegm

Jujube (red date) – Neutral and sweet, tonifies spleen Qi, calms the spirit

Cinnamon – Warms flow in blood vessels, transforms Qi

Cayenne – Warming digestive spice

Coconut oil powder – Lauric acid is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) naturally found in sources like coconut oil. It has been studied for its potential role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

Collagen – Protein in the body that helps form connective tissue and keeps our joints moving smoothly

Joint Vitality Formula – DAO Labs herbal blend for joints

Cacao Nibs – Enhance your mood, stimulate your brains neurotransmitters

Chia -  Chia seeds are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for overall wellness.

EVOO – Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy fats and is often included in diets that emphasize joint and heart health.

Almond Milk with Collagen, Spiced Cacao and Chia

Yield: About 1 serving

Prep Time / Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ¾-1 Cup Almond Milk, Unsweetened
• 2 Scoops DAO Labs Joint Vitality
• 6-8 Jujube (Red Date)
• 1 Tablespoon Cacao Nibs
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• ¾ -1 Ounce Virgin Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
• 1 Tablespoon Sliced Almonds

Directions

Blend all ingredients together until combined and smooth, pour in a glass and garnish with more Cacao nibs, chia seeds, and sliced almonds.  The chia seeds will thicken the smoothie as it sits so if you prefer a less thick texture, it is recommended to drink immediately.

The recipes on The Way are intended as an East meets West look at food and its relationship to health and nutrition. Food is powerful, and every bite can either greatly benefit your system or effectively work against it. In Chinese Medicine, each grain, vegetable, meat, fruit, and spice has unique properties that can be harnessed to help us achieve and maintain balance in our bodies. Our recipes seek to incorporate some of the age-old principles of Chinese medicine into the culinary practices more familiar to the West. Ask Travis about DAO flavors or his other recipes at  travis@mydaolabs.com

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Dining with Culinary Artist Travis Metzger is an unforgettable experience. You can taste the passion, creativity and culinary expertise in each of Travis’s one-of-kind recipes. Most would agree that Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs in their original form taste less than delectable, but Travis has proven that TCM for today can taste great with DAO Labs. Travis develops unique flavors for each DAO formula to complement the proprietary blend of herbs and their health benefits. After extensive training at the New England Culinary Institute, Travis ran some of the finest restaurants across the country before starting his own in Minneapolis. To survive the stresses and physical challenges of the kitchen heat, Travis focused on combining natural ingredients for healthy AND delicious eating and juicing.