"Power, Health and History"
If cacao were a pharmaceutical drug, it would be hailed as the greatest medicine of all time, and its discoverer would reap the Nobel prize in medicine. Chris Kilham Herbalist and Author.
Difference between CACAO and COCOA
Cacao Cocoa
Natural Processed
lighter in color Darker in color
Bitter Taste Sweeter Taste
Astringent odor Pleasant Smell
For thousands of years, humans have cultivated the cacao tree, continually fine-tuning the process of turning the interior beans into many smooth chocolate creations today. Do you remember on an early Saturday morning as a child, waking up to a sweet smell of cacao tea? Cacao tea can be made by itself, but other natural ingredients can be added to enhance the power and taste of the tea.
Cacao tea has spiritual properties, meaning it raises your vibration and helps elevate your senses. Its energetics is very warming and its taste is bitter. Cacao has its cultural and medical purpose. Some cultures believed cacao was given to them by their Gods.
INGREDIENTS
Cacao (Theobroma Cacao) also called cocoa, tropical evergreen tree, grown for its edible seeds. Though Cacao is often used as a tea, it is also has therapeutic value as a nervous system stimulant. In central America and the Caribbean, the seeds are taken as a heart and kidney tonic. Cacao is also an inflammatory modulator, stimulating nervine, cardioprotective and neuroprotective.
Star Anise (lllicium verum) grows in the tropical regions across the world. The fruit is harvested when ripe. Star anise has digestive , stimulant and diurect remedy. It contains a volatile oil (mostly anethole) sesquiterpenoids and flavonoids including quercetin. Anethole calms the digestive system and relieves gas. The sesquiterpenoids have analgesic activity. Great anti-viral medicine. Great for rheumatism, back pain, and hernias. Its good for gas and indigestion, especially colic.
Cinnamon Powder ( cinnamomum) is used to treat colds, flu, and digestive problems and is commonly taken to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is now widely cultivated as a spice and a medicine. Its a warming stimulant, carminative, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Nutmeg (myristica fragrans) stimulates digestion and helps treat infections of the digestive tract. Nutmeg also has long been valued as an aphrodisiac and as a remedy for eczema and rheumaism.
BENEFITS
Lowering blood pressure
Improve moods
Increasing Insulin Sensitivity
Supporting healthy cholesterol levels
Supporting brain health
Decreasing inflammation
BREWING INSTRUCTIONS
As I write this, it's a beautiful Saturday morning, the rain is pouring and all I can remember was my childhood days, waiting for mommy to make some hot cacao tea. Trust me, today is begging for a hot cacao tea.
Making this tea is much longer than the average bush tea, but it's worth the long process.
Put 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan and turn the heat to high. When the water is hot (not boiling) put in the cacao and other ingredients (star anise, cinnamon stick or powder, nutmeg) These ingredients can also be grated for faster results. Allow ingredients in the pot to boil 5 -7 minutes, be very careful, tea can spill over from pot very fast. Vanilla essence and milk of your choice can be added for more flavor. Trust me, the smell alone of this cacao tea will take you to another level. After boiling and adding ingredients to your desire, strain in a jug to eliminate grainy remains. Sweeten to your desire and drink your Cacao tea.
Remember everyone has a different way of making their cacao tea. This is one of many methods. This tea can be served to anyone in the family, as long there is no allergic ingredients.
DISCLAIMER
*DO NOT USE ANY HERBAL TEAS ON CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 2 YEARS.