Cacao
and why it’s the best way to start your day.
Nourishment.
At Earth Milk Moon we believe that small acts of nourishment make a big difference.
One way we aim to put this idea into practice is through the habits we cultivate at the beginning of each day.
When we take intentional pauses and choose to slow down, we notice what parts of our bodies, minds, and spirits need tending to, something that the busy-ness of our day-to-day lives often drowns out.
This allows us to feel into where we need grounding and nourishing, and helps us choose to release what no longer serves us.
Our culture encourages us to move at a rigorous and consistent pace with the same performance and expectations, regardless of the season of the year or of our lives. We treat our bodies as if they are machines, expecting the same output from them day after day.
This leads to burnout, anxiety, depression, overwhelm, hormonal imbalances, adrenal burnout, and autoimmune disease, and is simply not sustainable.
Our bodies have natural rhythms, cravings, desires, and needs, and when we choose to lean into them rather than fight against them, we not only feel better, but are able to better decipher what we are feeling, and what we might need and want.
It may seem insignificant, but even in examining something as simple as our morning coffee, we can find the marks of our output-driven culture, which expects us to start “the grind” right when we wake up.
Coffee first thing in the morning (more often than not on an empty stomach) is a recipe for a day full of anxious energy and stress.
The caffeine gives you what might feel like that quick spurt of energy you need to start the day, but it also throws your body headfirst into a state of stress.
This is not the ideal start to the day for your mood or your hormonal health.
Morning Rituals.
So, what would changing up a morning caffeine ritual look like?
We get the hesitation around it.
Not only is the general population more or less dependent on caffeine to get out of bed, there is also a special sort of magic found in that morning cup of coffee. Some of our cacao elixir fans have mentioned that started weaning themselves off of caffeine by substituting their second cup of coffee with earth milk.
It is such a simple daily ritual, that feels warm, indulgent, and comforting every single morning.
That’s not something we want to overlook, or expect people to give up!
While we could do without the anxiety-riddled caffeine high that coffee gives us (which also takes our hormonal health for quite a spin), we knew there had to be another option that did not mean simply forgoing that morning cup of warmth.
That’s why we were so excited to find the answer (and it’s actually been around for centuries): Cacao.
Cacao elixir to be more specific.
Cacao.
Cacao is what gives dark chocolate its claim to fame, and more importantly proves itself to be a true superfood.
It has been used for centuries as a heart-opener, mood booster, and source of vital minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that activate the release of dopamine, the pleasure hormone.
Cacao is rich in magnesium and iron and contains anandamide, a neurotransmitter that induces a feeling of bliss.
It is also great for blood building after giving birth, which is something we’re particularly interested here at Earth Milk Moon.
While cacao does contain a small amount of caffeine, it is significantly less than a cup of coffee. Additionally, the other minerals found in Cacao (magnesium!) balance out the effects of its caffeine content so our bodies can reap the benefits without the anxious energy.
Basically, Cacao offers vital minerals, is proven to boost mood and energy, is energetically uplifting and tastes great.
What’s not to love?
Our Elixir.
Our elixir, Earth Milk, starts with a blend of Cacao, Reishi, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane.
All three of these mushrooms work alongside the cacao to fortify the immune system, support healing, and reduce inflammation.
Reishi mushroom is known as the ‘queen healer’. It has been used to support well-being for over 2,000 years in China and Japan. Reishi is a well studied mushroom and has been shown to increase immune function, circulation, liver function, supports healthy sleep cycles, and helps your body adapt to stress.
Chaga Mushroom is a nutrient dense superfood rich in B-vitamins and known to fortify the immune system. Chaga is anti-inflammatory, and is rich in antioxidants that may slow down the growth of cancer cells and the aging process.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom enhances the immune system by reducing inflammation and oxidation, increases cognitive function, promotes faster wound healing, and may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Earth Milk also contains Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb that promotes healing and reduces stress by regulating cortisol levels. This herb has the amazing ability to bring the mind, body, and spirit into balance and harmony. It also has been known to assist with breast milk production.
Ashwagandha is an Aruyvedic adaptogenic herb that has been used for over 2 millennia. It contains many healing properties such as, increases immune system function, reduces stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol levels and has anti-inflammatory effects.
We keep things flavorful, warm, and indulgent by added coconut milk powder, cardamom, and cinnamon (two of our favorite warming spices that are amazing for digestive health).
Our cacao blend is mixed by hand in a ceramic bowl, and each batch is given a lot of time and attention.
We believe that the energy mixed into each batch is crucial, so during the mixing process we play high vibrational music and speak positive affirmations for healing and empowerment.
Think of it as the Cacao equivalent of baking something “with love!”
make it at home.
You’re only about 5 minutes away from enjoying a heart-opening cup of cacao! Of course we recommend our Earth Milk blend, but you can also start plain and simple with straight cacao if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
All you need is:
1 heaping tablespoon of Earth Milk (or plain cacao*)
1 teaspoon Coconut oil
1 teaspoon sweetener of choice (we recommend local honey)
8 oz hot water or milk (plant-based or dairy)
Warming spices of your choice*
To prepare:
Put ingredients in a blender and blend on high until thoroughly combined.
Enjoy!
*While cacao and cocoa look similar, it’s important to use cacao here!
*our Earth Milk has spices and sea salt included. If you are starting from square one with cacao, we recommend cinnamon and cardamom.
Interested in Earth Milk?