Mushroom Hot Chocolate

A Nourishing Blend for Mind & Body

 

Mushroom Hot ChocolateWhen you think of hot chocolate, you probably imagine a rich, creamy, and comforting drink. But what if I told you that by adding a selection of medicinal mushrooms, you could turn this cozy treat into a powerhouse of nutrition and wellness? Enter Mushroom Hot Chocolate, the perfect combination of indulgence and health.

Why Mushrooms & Cacao Make the Perfect Pair

Both mushrooms and cacao have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their incredible health benefits. When combined, they create a nourishing drink that not only satisfies your chocolate cravings but can also support your body in multiple ways.

Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

I am a big fan of medicinal mushrooms in my clinic and I often add them to different herbal medicine formulas. Some of my favourites are Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Tremella, Cordyceps,  Shiitake, Turkey Tail and Agaricus. Each of these mushrooms have specific benefits and they tend to have an affinity with different organs and processes in the body. Some are good for immunity, some contain anti-ageing goodies, and others are excellent tonics for the adrenal glands. The thing they all have in common is their long held value in ancient traditions for their overall healing properties.

Here are a few of benefits of each mushroom:

  • Medicinal Mushroom

    Reishi: A potent immune tonic that also helps with nervous system relaxation and stress management.

  • Chaga: Packed with antioxidants to support immune function, detoxification and energy.
  • Lion’s Mane: Enhances brain and cognitive function and focus.
  • Shiitake: wonderful immune tonic,  high in minerals and is a general anti-ageing powerhouse.
  • Cordyceps: Nourishes the adrenals, boosts energy and supports athletic performance.

The Power of Cacao

Cacao is more than just a delicious treat—it really is a superfood! We all know that chocolate is made up of a bunch of ingredients, the dominant one being cacao. Theobroma cacao is the famous plant that give us cacao and cocoa butter – the two main ingredients that go into chocolate.  Cocoa butter is sometimes called theobroma oil, is the light yellow, edible oil that is extracted from the cocoa bean.

Cacao nibs are the raw end-product produced after fermenting and dehydrating cocoa beans. We can use the raw nibs in cooking, but they are often quite bitter and not what many people are expecting when used to sweet chocolate! When raw nibs are ground down into a powder we get cacao powder and when roasted we get the milder tasting cocoa powder. Cacao is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols which are potent antioxidants, minerals such as magnesium, and the potent stimulating molecule theobromine.

Cacao has been used for thousands of years but has also been the subject of scientific research. If you are a bit of a science nerd like me, you can check out this nice review paper that summarises much of the research into cacao in recent years. It is important to note that there were some conflicting research findings, so the jury is still out on making solid statements about cacao’s health benefits.  Combining cacao with medicinal mushrooms though and making a mushroom hot chocolate can be a great way of boosting the overall positive impact it has.

Some of the benefits of cacao that were found in some studies include:

Cacao

  1. Improve mood, focus and mental clarity.
  2. Support heart health, blood pressure and circulation.
  3. Enhance overall well-being and mood.

How to Make Mushroom Hot Chocolate

This simple recipe blends earthy mushrooms with the rich taste of cacao for a delicious and nourishing drink. I often add collagen powder as well for a protein boost and if you can get your hands on some dried marshmallow root powder you can also add 1/2 teaspoon to the recipe. Marshmallow is naturally sweet and creamy and makes a nice addition to this drink, adding prebiotics and soothing gut support.  The other cheat’s way of doing this (and one us herbalists often do), is a to add a shot of liquid extracts of mushrooms to the hot chocolate, which is great way of making a super potent mushroom hot chocolate.

You can make this also as a cold smoothie or milk shake by blending all the cold ingredients together!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk – either full cream organic cow’s milk or your choice of plant-based milk (almond, coconut, or oat)
  • 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
  • 1-2 tsp mushroom powder (choose from Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps or a blend)
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon +/- ginger (optional, for extra warmth)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Heat your milk in a small pot over low-medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the cacao powder, mushroom powder, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  3. Stir continuously until smooth and heated through (but not boiling).
  4. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and sweetener.
  5. Blend with a handheld stick mixer or whisk to make it nice and creamy.
  6. Pour into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Mushroom hot chocolate is a delicious way to support your health while enjoying a comforting drink. Whether you need a boost to help focus, or you want to relax and calm your nervous system, or you need immune support, this simple recipe can be adapted with different mushrooms and can be a great addition to your daily routine.

For more nourishing recipes, check out my recipes section and explore my articles and resources on my blog here.