Chocolate Cacao Husk Tea

1. Measure the tea: One heaping tablespoon or 2 teaspoons of dry more or less cacao husks needs to be poured in a teapot or a tea infuser.

2. Water temperature: Water should be heated to about 90 ª C (194 0 F) and should not be boiled if the soft, fragrant notes of the tea should be preserved.

3. Steeping Time: In order for the cacao husks to absorb their wonderful chocolaty flavors fully, they must be steeped for 6-8 minutes.

4. Enhancements: It is optional to put a touch of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweeter cup of fabulousness. For an even richer experience, consider brewing this tea with a bit of regular milk or with milk made from plants.

100% Cacao Husk
Theobroma cacao l., sterculiaceae

Improves Mood: Cacao contains theobromine in its natural form, which produces a soft, energetic sound and uplifts the brain without the nervous effects caffeine may create.

Antioxidants Galore: Owing to several antioxidants, these cocoa husks are good for beating the free radicals. This promotes better skin and less chances of occurrences of inflammation.

Heart Compatible: The flavonoid compounds present in cacao husks may help in the wellbeing of the heart by raising circulation and reducing hypertension.

Promotes Easy Bowel Movements: The cacao channel tea contains natural fibres which ease bowel movements by promoting good gut health.

Weight Control: This tea contains hardly any calories but is quite sweet and hence if you have cravings for chocolate, this helps as the sugary, calorific choc products in the usual sense are avoided.

Stimulant action without caffeine: theobromine in cacao husk may cause mild restlessness, palpitations or sleep disturbance in sensitive people. If affected, avoid late in the morning.

Theobromine might enter breast milk via the placenta during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Keep servings small and seek personalised advice if used frequently.

Methylxanthines like theobromine might raise heart rate and blood pressure. Be careful if you have arrhythmias, hypertension or take stimulant medicines.

Reflux & IBS: theobromine may relax the inferior oesophageal sphincter and increase heartburn or gut sensitivity in some individuals.

Kidney stones: cocoa materials may have relatively high oxalates. Moderate if you have an allergy to calcium oxalate stones and drink plenty of water.

Allergies and intolerances: avoid if you have a cocoa/chocolate allergy. People markedly sensitive to nickel might react to cocoa products.

Theobromine has similar pathways to caffeine. Be wary of other methylxansthines such as theophylline and strong CYP1 A2 inhibitors such as fluvoxamine which may increase stimulant levels.

Children and Pets: limit children because of stimulant effects. Never give to dogs or cats - theobromine is poisonous to pets.

Stop use in case of unusual nervousness, rapid heartbeat, rash or digestive discomfort.