Not An Herb, But Still a Heavy Hitter: Spirulina, Love from the Sea

Okay friends—this week’s spotlight takes a slight detour from our usual leafy green suspects, but trust me, she absolutely deserves the herbal(ish) stage.

Let’s talk about Spirulina—that wild, vibrant blue-green algae that looks like it was brewed straight from a mermaid’s cauldron. You’ve probably heard it called a “superfood,” and I’m here to confirm: she is.

I first stumbled across spirulina thanks to the amazing Ebby Moyer (if you haven’t seen her content, go follow her right now—she is pure gold in human form). She introduced me to this algae in the most delicious way: through smoothies. It was an easy YES for me. Smoothies are a staple around here, and tossing in a little sea-green powder felt like a no-brainer herbal upgrade. Plus, let’s be honest—some days it’s the only green I manage to get in.

Spirulina is packed with protein (about 60% by weight!) and loaded with amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, and that gorgeous glow-up fatty acid: gamma linolenic acid. If you’re feeling tired, depleted, or like your skin’s a bit blah—she’s a natural pick-me-up. This algae has been used for centuries, from the Aztecs to astronauts. And it’s still here, still strong, and still slaying.

Personally? I’ve only really used her in smoothies, and honestly, that’s where she shines for me. But the beauty of spirulina is that she’s versatile. You can mix her into raw treats, teas, even energy bars. Don’t like the taste? Capsules are totally a thing. The point is—experiment. Find what works for you.

If you're curious where to start, let me gift you the smoothie that got me hooked:

🌀 Wild Greens Smoothie Recipe

Adapted from the Herbal Academy

Yields 2 servings of chlorophyll-packed magic

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups coconut milk (or coconut water)

• 1 ripe avocado, chopped and frozen

• 1 banana, chopped

• ½ small pineapple, peeled and cubed

• ½–1 cup dandelion greens**

• 1 cup carrot tops (stems removed)

• 1 cup cilantro (coriander leaves)

• ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)

• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 tbsp ground flax seeds

• ½ tsp spirulina or chlorella powder

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of pink Himalayan or sea salt

Directions:

1. Blend everything except frozen avocado until well combined.

2. Add frozen avocado last and pulse just until thick and smooth.

3. Keep it thick for smoothie bowls with yummies like granola and dust with cinnamon, or thin it down for sipping with a straw.

Want to try spirulina for yourself? You can find her hanging out in our eco-friendly pouches over in the Rebellious Rose Apothecary — because of course we had to make your smoothie magic low-waste and pantry-pretty.

So here’s your permission slip to play. Try the smoothie, sprinkle some sea-green into your day, and give yourself a little extra nourishment this week. You deserve it.

🌿 With love, algae, and always a touch of rebellion,
—Nikki