CBD Hot Chocolate
Looking for a yummy night cap to help you slide into bed? This nighttime hot cocoa formulated in collaboration with Plus CBD is meant to support relaxation and overnight brain fortification. This delicious, plant-based hot chocolate is packed full of nutrients, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. What's in it you ask? Hemp-based CBD and he shou wu are the main plant-actives that intermingle with the goodness of cacao and flax milk. This night cap is a perfect addition to your potions recipes collection that you'll want to make over and over again. Scroll down for the recipe and some science on the wellness benefits of the ingredients!
But first, science...
What's CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a compound derived from Cannabis sativa. Yup, Cannabis. The Cannabis family can be divided into plants that are high in psychoactive components [aka tetrahydrocannibiol (THC)] and plants that are higher in CBD. CBD has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of complaints, and research reveals that CBD could:
- Provide relief for neuropathic pain through its anti-inflammatory actions and its interplay with the endocannabinoid system
- Protect the brain and its neurons in animal models
- Help reduce the severity of anxiety in animal and human models
- Modulate the immune system (particularly in the intestines)
- Reduce ethanol consumption, motivation, and relapse in animal models
- Reduce the frequency of convulsive seizures in subjects with Dravet Syndrome
HEADS UP: The CBD dosage in my recipe below can be steep for some, with immediate drowsy effects. So, do not drive, operate any heavy machinery, or combine with any pharmaceuticals used for sleep when you take CBD. Also, in studies conducted on young adults and children researching the effects of CBD on Dravet Syndrome, the adverse effects observed by researchers were diarrhea, vomiting, fever/increased body temperature, and abnormal liver function tests, along with drowsiness. So, if it is your first time using CBD, make sure you are doing it under your doctor's supervision so that you're starting off at a dosage safe for you. I like to tell people to start low and slow until they reach a point where they are happy.
What's He shou wu?
He shou wu (aka Fo-ti, aka Polygonum multiform) is an herb commonly found in Chinese Medicine formulas targeting sleeping issues. The main component found in He shou wu is the tetrahydroxy stilbene glucoside that research shows could:
- Improve cognitive performance in aged animal models
- Have protective effects on the brain
- Have beneficial effects on anxiety in those with bipolar disorder
- Support a healthy sleep cycle in those with bipolar disorder
HEADS UP: He shou wu is a slight laxative, which could cause electrolyte imbalances if combined with certain medications. So, if you have any heart or gastrointestinal issues, make sure that you talk to your doctor about taking He shou wu before taking it. Also, there are reports of hepatitis from taking He shou wu, but cases have been tied to chronic high doses of the herb. So, if you have any chronic liver conditions, do not supplement with He shou wu. If you are healthy and do plan on taking He shou wu everyday, again, make sure you talk to your doctor about it. Simply following liver enzymes with your 3-month or 6-month follow-ups should suffice and guide your He shou wu supplementation. Don't be afraid of He shou wu though, it is generally a safe herb when consumed under a health professional's supervision and at the proper dosages.
CBD Hot Chocolate Recipe
Recipe Yield:
One 16-ounce drink
Ingredients:
16 oz unsweetened flax milk or milk alternative of your choice
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon he shou wu powder
1/2-1 teaspoon monkfruit sweetener
15 drops PlusCBD CBD oil
Steps:
• Warm milk in a sauce pan over medium heat until steaming. Make sure not to boil the milk.
• Pour steaming milk into blender with all of the herbs and the sweetener. Blend until frothy.
• Pour into mug.
• Serve. Gram. Sip. Relax.
Hope you keep warm through the rest of the winter with this nighttime recipe and my other yummy lattes (energy & beauty, antioxidants & beauty, creation energy, and immune support) and other recipes. And, make sure to comment below to let me know what you think of the CBD Hot Chocolate and to share this recipe with friends and family by clicking on the social media links below.
- Dr. B
Sources:
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DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All opinions in this article remain my own. Products for this recipe were provided by PlusCBD Oil™, a hemp-derived CBD brand manufactured by CV Sciences, Inc. This post is not meant to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose conditions or diseases and is meant for educational purposes. As always, please consult your doctor before trying any new treatments or supplements.