Yum! Pow! Herbal Cacao Blend
Clever ones, I love a good Cacao (Theobroma cacao) brew. I'm actually not someone whose favorite sweets and candies are chocolate-based (I'm more of a fruity and sour sort of candy person), but liquid chocolate treats are definitely my cup of tea. Hot cocoa, chocolate milk, chocolate teas, yes, please!
What I have found about raw Cacao over the years is that it is a great vehicle to delivering the medicinal qualities of whatever other plants it is blended with. I find Cacao to be less stimulating but still awakening when combined with other herbs which is why I rarely have just a Cacao-only brews except for special and sacred occasions. There is a misunderstanding, however, that Cacao contains caffeine - it doesn't - but it does contain around 1% of a relative of caffeine known as Theobromine. Theobromine has less of a stimulating effect on the nervous system as compared to caffeine and it is also heart opening and strengthening (which may be part of the reason Cacao is considered such a powerful aphrodisiac). Theobromine is also a vasodilator, diuretic, and has protective anti-bacterial qualities. However, theobromine is only one component of Cacao and I would encourage you to learn more about this complex and healing plant if you're ready to engage its healing gifts.
For those who need a bit of pep in the morning, which usually requires us to release tension in order to use our energy more wisely, I like creating a brew with adaptogen herbs. I really like adaptogens and Cacao working together and when you add in a spice or two, clever one, you're on a roll to kickstarting your morning! Yum! Pow! contains Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus) which works with Cacao's heart enhancing gifts as well as improve the function of the immune system as an immunostimulating herb. The immunostimulating qualities of Astragalus work over the long run unlike the faster acting herbs such as Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) which should only be taken for a short period of time.
If you're looking for even more recipes and ways to start your day with energy and magick, check out my Morning Mischief: Enchanted Herbal Recipes for Delicious Awakenings + Resolute Magnificence (and it's currently on sale through February!).
Yum! Pow! Herbal Cacao Brew is super simple to create. If you can stir together a few powders in a bowl (or heck, pour them in a jar and shake) you're set! As always, shop local, if possible, source your herbs responsibly, and have fun!
To create Yum! Pow! combine the following powdered herbs:
- 4 parts Raw Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
- 4 parts Roasted Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus)
- 1 part Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus)
- 1/4 part Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)
- Optional: 1 part Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) for natural sweetness, but it does have a slightly grainier texture.
To brew, add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon to your milk of choice and gently warm. Add sweetener (or not!) to taste. You can also add Yum! Pow! to your smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and more!
