Mood Boosting Ceremonial Cacao

HERBAL PROFILE

• Cacao: Contains the chemicals phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide. PEA is an adrenal-related chemical that we create naturally when we're excited. It also plays a role in feeling focused and alert resulting in a similar feeling to when we are excited or fall in love! Anandamide known as the "bliss molecule" binds to cannabinoid receptors and has been found to increase motivation, happiness, and socialization. 

• Ashwagandha: Is known for increasing mood boosting neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, balancing adrenal and thyroid function, and significantly reducing levels of cortisol (stress hormone).

• Mucuna: Known as the "Dopamine Bean", Mucuna contains trace amounts of L-Dopa (a precursor to Dopamine), Serotonin, Tryptamine and other mood boosting neuro- chemicals, supporting positive mood & empathogenic qualities such as experiences of emotional communion, oneness, relatedness, and emotional openness.

• Lotus Seed: Researchers have confirmed the hypnotic and sedative effects of the lotus plant. In a study recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers created extracts from the lotus plant. They tested neurotransmitter production in the brain after the extract, and found that the alkaloids of the plant increased the production of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), along with serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and dopamine.

• Rhodiola: Known for increasing both mental and physical energy, oxygenation, and positive mood. Rhodiola helps to increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to dopamine and serotonin precursors while also increasing receptor sensitivity to these neurotransmitters and acting as an MAOI (monaamine oxidase inhibitor) preventing the breakdown and extending the activity of these neurotransmitters. 

• Albizzia Bark & Flower: Known popularly as the "happiness herb" & "collective happiness bark" -The flowers and bark of the Albizzia tree are among the most valued of Chinese botanicals for relieving anxiety, stress & depression. The bark is thought to 'anchor' the spirit, while the flowers lighten it. Chinese people traditionally recommend its use for anyone who is suffering from grief as a result of severe loss. 

• Reishi: "The Mushroom of Spiritual Potency" - Taoists have continuously claimed that Reishi promotes calmness, centeredness, balance, inner awareness and inner strength. They have used it to improve meditative practices and to protect the body, mind and spirit so that the adept could attain both a long and healthy life and spiritual“immortality” (an enlightened state). (Source: Master Herbalist Ron Teegarden)

• Shilajit: "Destroyer of Weakness" - Shilajit is a harmonizer, it improves the benefits of other herbal supplements while reducing their side effects. It has been called “Herbal Xanax” showing similar results in reducing panic and anxiety without the side effects.