Gingersnap Cocoa

This is one of my favorite ways to warm me up and calm my nerves. I don't remember whether it was mom or me or when or how, but, we both drink it almost daily in the winter. You gotta try it!

1t. molasses

1t. or up to 1T. honey/ maple syrup/ or agave

1t. cocoa

1/8 scant t. ginger

1/8 scant t. cinnamon

1 1/2 c. hot water

Mix all the ingredients in your favorite mug, minus the hot water, together until it is mixed thoroughly with your spoon.  Then, add the hot water and stir until blended well.  Enjoy!  Sometimes I will add a dash of cayenne!  That really warms me up!

Being an herbalist, I just want to put a plug in for the great benefits of this drink.

#1 Molasses is high in Calcium, Iron, and Postassium which are all great for our bodies, especially women. I just learned this week that worts, moles, cycts, and tumors are signs of a potassium deficiency.  And the calcium and iron in molasses are more available for the body to absorb than in some animal products that  have high amounts, yet, the body can not use them all.

#2 Honey has antibacterial properities and is very soothing to sore throats. It also has enzymes in it to help it digest in our system, whereas white sugar does not.

#3 Cocoa is a flavinoid that is high in antioxidants and also has an effect on our brains. Chocolate can affect the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the molecules that transmit signals between neurons. The amounts of particular neurotransmitters we have at any given time can have a great impact on our mood. Happy neurotransmitters such as endorphins and other opiates can help to reduce stress and lead to feelings of euphoria. Hence, I like chocolate :)

#4 Ginger is a diaphoretic, meaning it makes your inner body warm up and can cause a sweat. It  aids in problems with nausea,  digestion, and diarrhea.

#5 Cinnamon also aids in problems with nausea, helps digestion, and diarrhea to name a few.

#6 Cayenne. If you are so brave to try this, man, cayenne is amazing. Cayenne is a diaphoretic and blood cleanser among many other things. I give it to my children in a warm glass of juice or chocolate when they have a bloody nose or are bleeding excessively from a wound. It will equalize the blood pressure throughout the body so that your nose isn't bleeding profusily and will allow to clot quicker. Give it 30 seconds and you will see a difference for sure! I put it on a deep gash Emma had just above her eye brow. She was crying anyway, so, I thought, sure. Well, she didn't notice and it helped to slow the bleeding down extremely and then the clot could form. Cayenne is one of the best things you could take if you are having a heart attack. A pinch of cayenne in some warm water and drink it up. It will help the blood flow to regulate, the body to calm down, and buy you some time to get to the hospital or doctor.

Ok, so I could go on and on. . . :) I only scratched the surface at what each of these ingredients do for our bodies. But, isn't that so cool!!!!?  Still haven't found my camera cable. I think Noah walked off with it. He loves to fit things into other things. I'm hoping I will find it intact.