We are very excited to have Chocolate Tonics at The Wholisitic Dispensary. These are made in Victoria, BC and are raw, organic cacao made with high quality granulated Traditional Chinese medicine herbs. These chocolate gems are an extremely tasty way to take care of yourself and/or a beautiful way to gift someone you love. These tonics are dairy free, soy free and nourish specifics needs of the individual:
| The Happy Cycle | The Happy Cycle satisfies chocolate cravings while nourishing the blood, easing cramps, and calming the mind. This tonic has Dang gui for supporting when in menses by relieving pain, Bai Shao nourishes the blood and the yin great for spasmodic pain, Da Zao for blood deficiency, Zhi Gan Cao tonifies Qi, Ze Xie as a diuretic, Gou Hi nourishes the kidneys and the liver yin and blood |
| The Blood Builder | Aids in blood and Qi production. |
| The Yang Tonic | ‘The Yang’ strengthens immunity, boosts energy, and improves libido. TCM herbs plus walnut, cherry, maca, and chili |
| The Immune | The Immune’ are immune-boosting superstars. Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ling Zhi (Reishi), and Fu Ling (Poria) not only strengthen immunity, but are all classified as ‘anti-cancer’ herbs in both Eastern and Western medicine. Ling Zhi and Fu Ling, along with cacao, have the added benefit of tranquilizing the mind. Dang Shen is a gentle and effective Qi tonic that has a wide therapeutic value. Gou Qi Zi are not only a sweet addition, but great at tonifying Yin and blood. |
| Decadent Diabetic | Clear excess appétit and acid refluxabd can effectively lower blood sugar with the prescence of Huang Lian aka Berberine. Berberine has even been trialed against the gold standard antidiabetic drug, metformin (Glucophage), with excellent results. Not only does it safely and effectively lower blood glucose levels, but it has been found to be an antioxidant that also increases lipid metabolism (ie. lowers cholesterol). |
| The Dessert Tonic | The Dessert’ is all about treating symptoms. While there are some tonics within the formula, the overall focus of these minty treats is on the digestive system; easing the cramping, gas, and bloating that often follows a big meal. With the focused nature of the herbs, the cool, fresh taste of peppermint, and the delicate crunch of raw cacao nibs, ‘The Dessert’ could very well be the best way to end a meal! |
Ode to Raw Cacao
The numerous health benefits of cacao warrant an entire post, but for now, here’s the ‘short’ list:
- Magnesium, and other essential minerals including calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese
- Polyphenols called flavonoids, with antioxidant properties
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, E
- Essential heart-healthy fat: oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat
- Protein
- Fiber
These nutrients found in raw cacao have been linked to a number of health benefits:
A. Lowers blood pressure & improve circulation
Flavanols, theobromine, and other components found in cacao may lower blood pressure and enhance circulation by promoting dilation, strength, and health of blood vessels
B. Promotes cardiovascular function & health
The antioxidant power of flavonoids and essential minerals and vitamins found in cacao can support healthy heart functioning by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, lowering LDL cholesterol, and reducing plaque buildup on artery walls.
C. Neutralizes free radicals
High levels of antioxidants protect the body from a buildup of free radicals from sun exposure, pollution, cigarette smoking, etc., which may damage healthy body tissue giving rise to cancer and cardiovascular disease.
D. Improves digestion
A sufficient amount of fiber delivered with each serving of cacao supports digestion while cacao stimulates the body’s production of digestive enzymes.
E. Enhances physical and mental well-being
There are many components of cacao including alkaloids, proteins, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic, lipase, lysine, and theobromine, that all work together to improve physical and mental health. For example, theobromine helps to stimulate the central nervous system, relax smooth muscles, and dilate blood vessels, giving the body a boost of energy; “Bliss” chemicals (namely, anandamide) found in cacao help to increase circulation and availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in brain, improving mood and combating depression.
