TONIC HERBS, ADAPTOGENS + MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS TO PAIR WITH CACAO

Cacao is widely believed to be a powerful potentiator and activator for the other substances when they are consumed with it. Whatever herbs or substances are synergistically paired with cacao will be more readily absorbed into the body than if they were taken on their own, so cacao is a perfect delivery system for taking medicine or tonics that might not be quite as palatable on their own. Below are some of the best to pair with chocolate, mostly from the traditions of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. These adaptogenic “tonic” herbs can be taken daily for a few weeks at a time (followed by a week long break) to fortify the body and mind and help adapt to stress of all sorts. They can be in the form of extremely concentrated herbal extract powders or simple dried powdered herbs. The following are some of my personal favorites, and there are so many more.

It's worth doing your own research to decide which you’d like to add to your own health regimen. My favorites include Cordyceps, He Shou Wu, Mucuna Pruriens, Rhodiola, Turkey Tail, and Astragalus. This is the blend I’ve been using most recently. There are also blends formulated specifically for men and women that can be very useful in your health upgrade.

MACA: Maca is a powerful adaptogen with a longstanding reputation. It’s been used for thousands of years for enhancing strength and stamina, to boost mood and memory, increase fertility for men and women, and balance hormones by supporting the endocrine system, the adrenals, and the thyroid. This turnip-like root contains powerful antioxidants and has a malty, butterscotch-y flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. I pretty much recommend adding a bit of maca into any chocolate creation you come up with just because they taste so good together! It's best to get maca that has been gelatinized before drying for highest potency and absorption.

MUCUNA PRURIENS: In Ayurvedic medicine, mucuna is known as a restorative herb that promotes a sense of well-being, increase energy levels and sexual vibrancy, improve sleep, modulate blood lipids, improve adrenal and kidney health, help regenerate nerves, and strengthen the immune system. Most notably, it's a source of L-Dopa, an amino acid that converts into dopamine. Mucuna can be a neuro-protectant, so is useful for diseases that stem from brain and nervous system malfunction, such as depression, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons.

SHILAJIT: Shilajit is essentially dried resin from ancient plant material that oozes from cracks in the Himalayas, the Caucasus and a few other mountain ranges. It is potentially one of the most significant substance one can consume in order to mineralize the body with the full spectrum of dietary minerals and trace minerals needed for human health. It is a mineral powerhouse, and delivers over eighty minerals, along with fulvic and humic acids. Though I don’t love the taste, I highly recommended getting some to add to your creations, as it's a potent medicine and chocolate is its perfect foil. It most commonly comes in powdered form and occasionally is sold as a thick and sticky, dark, viscous paste.

ASHWAGANDA: One of the top adaptogenic immune tonic superherbs, ashwagandha contains many medicinal compounda, including withanolides (steroidal lactones), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, and amino acids. Ashwagandha boosts the immune system, regulates the body’s ability to withstand stress, improves memory and reaction time, stabilizes blood sugar, offers anti-inflammatory benefits, and increases general performance. Highly recommended for the stressed out among us!

CORDYCEPS: Cordyceps is used in traditional Chinese Medicine as a potent adaptogen to tonify the kidneys, to help balance the immune system, and to detoxify the body. It's a great Jing energy tonic, boosting energy levels by increasing both cellular ATP and oxygen utilization, which also helps respiratory function and capacity, making it especially great for use by anyone wanting to enhance their athletic performance. It protects the lungs and helps rejuvenate lung tissue as well.

Cordyceps a potent anti-oxidant, adaptogen, and anti-inflammatory that supports cardiovascular health as well as healthy cholesterol levels. Strangely, it's a type of fungus that is traditionally grown on caterpillars, but it’s nevertheless delicious and it's caramel flavor pairs well with chocolate.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE: Blue-green algae is one of the richest food sources of antioxidant compounds, including carotenoids (beta carotene, lycopene, and lutein), chlorophyll, and phycocyanin. This fantastic array of brain-specific phytochemicals and the huge selection of antioxidants, minerals (especially zinc, selenium, and magnesium), amino acids (it is a complete protein), vitamins, enzymes, and many unique nutrients make this algae a valuable food source. Also found within the blue pigments of algae is a super-concentrated level of phenylethylamine (PEA), one of the most valued compounds in the chocolate itself, so there is strong synergy when using these foods together!

BEE POLLEN: This is another potent raw superfood that pairs delightfully with chocolate, either as an addition to blended drinks, stirred into or topping Essential Chocolates, or sprinkled on top of any drink or pudding. The pollen nuggets come in a range of colors but are usually bright yellow-orange. They are so nutritious, full of B vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, anti-microbial compounds and more. Taking local bee pollen regularly for a while can help mitigate the symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you’ve never had it before, I recommend starting with ¼ teaspoon and working up to more, maybe 1 tablespoon a day, though I admit to often eating more than that!

REISHI: Reishi is a tree mushroom that is highly valued as one of the most important medicines in the entire Chinese herbal pharmacopeia. The ancient Taoist Monks who believed it to be the “Mushroom of Immortality.” Tea or extracts made from it are strengthening to the immune system and protective against radiation, free radicals and other environmental stressors. It is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that mitigates stress, helps protect and regenerate the liver, and improves energy levels and circulation. Reishi is a supreme tonic to the Shen, or Spirit, and can assist with deep meditation and in the quest for enlightenment and harmony with God. This tree mushroom is traditionally brewed in long-simmering teas, but is also available in tinctures and powdered forms.

CHAGA: Also a tree mushroom, gnarly-looking giant chaga growths are found growing on birch trees in northern forests around the globe. Chaga has been used widely in Siberia for generations and is thought by some to be one of the top medicines in the world. Its super high ORAC antioxidant score makes it a strong fighter against cancer, and it's anti-microbial, anti-viral, antibacterial, and immune system modulator, and an adaptogen. Like reishi, pieces of chaga are traditionally long-simmered and make a very dark and delicious tea with a hint of vanilla flavor. It's also available as powdered extract forms, but I recommend finding some chunks of wild-crafted chaga to brew as a tea or tasty base for elixirs. The chunks can be used for several batches of tea, so don't compost them after the first go!

LION'S MANE: Lion’s mane is most famous as an all-natural brain booster, improving memory, boosting creativity, and bolstering concentration. It stimulates Nerve Growth Factors production in the body, which are essential in neural health and responsible for its nootropic effects. Lion's Mane can also help increase myelination of our cells, which assures the clear transmission of information across synapses, and thus can be of great help to people suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological damage. Like other medicinal mushrooms, it fights cancer, decreases inflammation, and supports the nervous system. Look for tasty extract powders, or find the shaggy fresh mushroom at your local farmer's market and use it in savory dishes.

PRODUCT RECS

• everyday additions for me are this well-priced gelatinized Maca and Shilajit 
• super adaptogens are Ashwaganda, Cordyceps, and Mucuna
• blue-green algae, a brilliant pairing with cacao
• medicinal mushroons Lion's Mane for brain power and Chaga for immunity and general health
• bee pollen: please source from your favorite local shop to support local beekeepers 🐝

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