Lots of Love Cacao

Theobroma cacao beans and powder

Nutritional Benefits: Cacao is highly antioxidant, rich in magnesium, flavonoids, and many other nutrients. Antioxidants and flavonoids are what help repair and protect the body from oxidation. Oxidation in the body leads to inflammation. In addition to its medicinal benefits in the physical realm, it is also a highly potent and magical medicine for the heart. It increases circulation in the body and to the heart, and can magnify the connection to our spirit when used mindfully. I consider cacao a Spiritual Heart medicine, meaning it helps us tap into the spiritual energy moving through our heart and outwards into the world.

If you can get ahold of a block of raw cacao, that is ideal. The full form cacao is going to be much richer in many nutrients. But please, make sure it is coming from a trusted and ethical source. The more easily accessible option is cacao powder, which is separated from the cacao butter, the natural fat from the cacao bean. So that’s why when I use cacao powder, I often add a fat back into the drink, like ghee or coconut milk.

When I’m feeling like giving myself an extra treat, I like to use a Rose Petal infusion or Hawthorne Berry decoction instead of plain water. Rose petals and Hawthorne berries are both Spiritual Heart herbs, nourishing and opening the heart. In addition, they are also both highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as calming to the nervous system. Hawthorne berries are also indicated for the heart because of their ability to break down fats in the arteries, improving cardiovascular conditions with regular use.

These three plants combined make a truly magical concoction.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp cacao powder OR cacao block

• 2 tbsp coconut milk/other non dairy milk

• 1 tsp ghee or coconut oil (optional. not necessary with raw cacao block)

• 8 oz boiling water OR Rose Petal infusion and/or Hawthorne Berry decoction

  • If you are doing both rose & Hawthorne, use 4 oz of each

• ¼ tsp Cinnamon and/or cayenne

• Optional: small amount of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, to taste

• Optional: 2 dropperfuls of Lots of Love Tincture

  • 1.5 parts Rose petal tincture

  • 1 part Hawthorne berry tincture

  • .5 part Cinnamon tincture

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix. Pour into your favorite mug. Sprinkle a few rose petals on top for an extra treat.

Instructions for Infusion & Decoction:

• Rose Petal infusion: 1 tbsp rose petals infused in 8 oz water

• Hawthorne Berry decoction: 2 tbs ground berries. 16 oz water. simmer on the stove for 20-40 minutes, or until volume of water is halved