Recipe · Anxiety & low mood
Iced cacao
By Naturopath Annabel Murray
Cacao is bitter and chocolatey, making it a lovely alternative to coffee in the morning – or an afternoon pick-me-up. Raw cacao isn’t heat-treated like cocoa, so it retains more nutrients. It contains theobromine, a gentle stimulant similar to caffeine, and is rich in antioxidants. I like to make a cacao tonic with cinnamon, ginger, maca and medicinal mushrooms, sweetened with a heaped spoon of raw carob powder.
Serves 1 · Prep 5 min
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder (start with less for a milder taste)
- 1–2 tsp medicinal mushroom powder of choice (e.g. reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, tremella)
- Heaped spoon of raw carob powder
- 1 tsp maca root powder
- Any other spices you like
- 250 ml milk of choice (almond, cashew, oat, coconut, macadamia or dairy)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1 tsp raw honey or pure maple syrup
Method
- Measure all ingredients into your blender.
- Add ice cubes and milk, and blend.
- No blender? Mix the dry ingredients in a mug with a splash of hot water to form a paste, then add cold milk and a few ice cubes.
ANNABEL'S tip
Reishi is valued for supporting immune function thanks to its beta-glucans. Check with your naturopath before using medicinal mushrooms if you take medication or are pregnant.
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This recipe is general information only and not a substitute for personalised health advice. Check with your health practitioner if you have allergies, are pregnant or take medication.