Chocolate Cocktail to Beat the Winter Sniffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of warm milk (whatever kind you choose, almond, coconut, rice, cows etc)

• 1 heaped tsp of cacao

• 1 heaped tsp of cinnamon

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

• good slosh of brandy (omit if Alcohol Free or for children) *optional

• Brandy or Rum Essence *optional

Recipe:

Add all ingredients and froth milk*

Pour into glass

Take it before bed to ensure a good nights sleep.

*I froth my milk to make it "cinno" like:)

What are the benefits?

Raw cacao beans are one of the riches sources of antioxidants found in any food. It is the highest natural source of magnesium, is the highest natural source of chromium, one of the highest natural sources of iron, manganese, zinc and copper. If that isn't enough for you, it is also one of the highest Vitamin C content foods in the world.

Cinnamon increases circulation and helps prevents cold and flu. It warms the body and enhances digestion, especially the metabolism of fats. (do not use in large amounts during pregnancy).

Honey is like a medicine chest on its own. Full of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be a great remedy for sleepless nights. Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin — a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness.

“The body converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep,”

The nectar's thick consistency helps coat the throat while the sweet taste is believed to trigger nerve endings that protect the throat from constant coughing. It can be used in treating upper respiratory tract infections.

Vanilla bean contains small traces of vitamins and minerals.

Brandy has been used as a traditional remedy for the common cold or flu for hundreds of years. The natural warming properties mixed with the relaxing quality helps induce sleep. It may help relieve respiratory issues, such as coughs or sore throats. The strong alcoholic content can help eliminate bacteria and loosens up phlegm and mucus, thereby acting as a type of expectorant. The anti-inflammatory properties in brandy can also help soothe the irritation that causes coughing and sore throats. Use in very small doses. I just add a slosh (around 5mls) to my choc cocktails:)

Brandy or Rum Essence can be used in place of actual brandy if Alcohol Free or if you want to put in an older childs drink for some more flavour. Bear in mind these essences are getting hard to find in the supermarket as a the two main supermarkets have discontinued these lines.

If you have gone past the point of no return and your cold is well and truly there to stay, call us to make up an acute cough and cold herbal tincture for you. (these ones actually taste good......)