Medicinal Peruvian Spiced Cacao



This recipes does involve many a superfood, which I know can seem intimidating if they aren’t already in your cupboard. But do not fear. If you don’t have all of the ingredients, just work with what you have and perhaps consider adding to your medicinal blend cupboard at a later date (or not... no pressure). 
I love cacao. You could consider it a hot chocolate that you can feel exceedingly virtuous about - but it is so much more than that! Cacao, similarly to matcha, is used traditionally for ceremonial purposes, and we should always work very respectfully with medicines of this kind.
I go into the health benefits of this blend below, but just like when honouring tea, I drink cacao in a meditative internal space, being sensitive to the powers at work within the body and mind and offering all due respects to the plants within my cup. I do not drink cacao on a regular basis, instead reserving it for times of of deep self work or introspection, such as full moon. However, cacao can enrich your life in many different ways, individual to each. Explore it and see how it works for you.
So, without further ado, I will share with you my medicinal Peruvian spiced cacao recipe. 


Ingredients
(makes 1 cup)

1 cup Nut Milk (I usually use homemade vanilla cashew milk)
1 Date
1 1/2 tbsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder
1/2 tsp Maca Powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Reishi or Chaga mushroom powder
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Pinch of Salt

Method:
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a blender until full combined and smooth
- Transfer into a saucepan and warm through over a low heat  until hot but not boiling.
- Pour into your favourite mug or tea bowl and enjoy!


Health Benefits:

Cacao is the king of antioxidants - containing 40 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries. It is also the highest plant based source of iron and magnesium, supporting healthy blood, brain, and heart. It contains more calcium than cows milk and is a natural stimulant, meaning it promotes energy and is a mood elevator and anti-depressant.  
Maca is a peruvian root often used medicinally to promote reproductive health in both men and women. It is also supportive to the immune system, promotes energy and improves mood. It has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce the symptoms of menopause, fight against free-radicals, reduce sun damage, and support the healthy functioning of the brain. Pretty hefty list but sounds good right?  
Reishi is used to boost the immune system and fight viruses. It has been found very effective in treating conditions of the lungs, heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and contains anti cancer properties.