Ever wonder if chocolate can cure health ailments and cosmetic problems? It can!
I’ll describe 5 uses for some common woes, from A to Z, and provide amazing but different chocolate folk remedies for each Chocolate cure straight from The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington) which includes dozens of chocolate home cures. So, take two chocolates (or sip a coffee mocha) and call me in the morning.
1 ACHES AND PAINS
What Chocolate Cures to Use: Try eating an ounce (or two) of dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa content to lessen sugar intake) or drinking a cup of hot dark chocolate once a day during a bout of pain.
Also, teaming this remedy with aerobic exercise (such as walking or swimming) can help loosen tight muscles and improve symptoms of pain. A soothing Jacuzzi is also helpful for achy muscles.
Why You’ll Like It: Chocolate is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help both muscle pain and stress. Both exercise and hydrotherapy paired with dark chocolate (it includes endorphins–natural painkillers in your body that act on the nervous system to alleviate pain).
2 BRAIN FOG
What Chocolate Cures to Use: Try two squares of dark chocolate or exotic truffles found from chocolatiers, such as San Francisco-based Michael Rechuitti and See’s Candy in Reno. Repeat as needed in moderation.
Why You’ll Like It: A chocolate square infused with spices, herbs, and fruit) is convenient, quick, and it works. So whether you have a test or a mental task to tend to, wouldn’t it be fun to enjoy something that is good for you as well as tastes superb?
3 SINUSITUS
What Chocolate Cures to Use: Try a half-cup serving of Mexican or Sicilian mole, complete with spices, such as cayenne, chili paired with antioxidant-rich, immune-boosting onions, garlic–and chocolate.
Serve over whole-wheat pasta or brown rice. Note: Dark chocolate infused with chili spice is a treat that will suffice, too.
Why You’ll Like It: Hot spices help unblock sinuses. Hot foods stimulate nasal secretions and loosen up unwanted mucus.
4 SLUGGISH (Athletic Lack Of Energy)
What Chocolate Cures to Use: Drink a cup of brewed coffee mocha before you perform your physical performance.
Why You’ll Like It: Athletes are all too familiar with the energetic buzz linked to the properties of quality chocolate and java. Not only does it enhance energy, but it also curbs distracting hunger pangs before participating in a physical event.
And yes, brewed coffee contains caffeine (about 85 milligrams per 8-ounce mug), much more than chocolate (1 ounce of semi-sweet dark chocolate contains about 20 milligrams of caffeine).
5 UNIVERSAL EMERGENCY
What Chocolate Cures to Use: Put chocolate bars, unsweetened cocoa powders, pistoles, and enhanced healthy chocolate cookies in an airtight container, and store these chocolate lifesavers with your emergency supplies.
Why You’ll Like It: If you are waiting for a tornado to hit or miss, having chocolate can uplift your spirits, calm your nerves, and keep your mind alert.
If disaster hits, such as an earthquake or flood to power outage, chocolate in easy to eat form will be a godsend as you cope with the disaster or rejoice that you got through it.
Summertime Berry Good Chocolate Croissants
1 tube refrigerated croissant rolls
8 tablespoons chocolate chips (60 or 70 percent cocoa)
8 tablespoons all-natural fruit honey jelly
8 tablespoons fresh, raw berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), chopped
2 teaspoons European style butter, soft
Confectioners’ sugar
Sliced almonds (optional)
Put a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Pop open package of rolls. On a flat surface unroll the pre-cut eight triangle shaped dough pieces.
Spread each triangle with melted butter. Put a tablespoon each of chocolate chips, cranberries, and cranberry jelly on each triangle (the wide end). Roll into croissant shape.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or till golden brown. Cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and sprinkle almonds on top. Serves eight.
You can find much more information on living a holistic lifestyle in these free magazines and on our YouTube channel.
Author’s Bio
Cal Orey is an accomplished author and journalist specializing in topics such as health, nutrition, science, and pets. Her books include The Healing Powers of Chocolate, The Healing Powers of Vinegar, and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil and The Healing Powers of Coffee. She lives in northern California. Her website is www.calorey.com.
