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History and cultivation of Criollo cacao and differences with other cacao varieties Criollo cacao is considered the most precious and rare cacao variety in the world: it is not only a fundamental ingredient for the production of high-quality chocolate, but it also represents a true cultural and historical treasure. Originally from Central America, Criollo cacao has a fascinating history intertwined with the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Its economic value is equally remarkable, being highly sought after for gourmet chocolate production and having minimal cultivation (just 0.01% of th..

What is a cacao ceremony and how to celebrate the power of the drink of the gods The cacao ceremony is an ancestral ritual that has its roots in the ancient cultures of Central America. The Aztecs and the Maya, among indigenous peoples, used to celebrate these ceremonies, using cacao not only as food, but also as a key to access deep spiritual dimensions. This rite, imbued with cultural and spiritual significance, has crossed centuries and oceans, reaching us and rediscovering a new popularity. Let's explore together the spiritual and ritual meaning of the cacao ceremony, discovering how to p..

Exploring the use of chaste tree, the benefits for women and men, and the risks of Vitex agnus-castus Chaste tree is a wonderful plant known for its therapeutic properties. Known for centuries in the world of herbal medicine, chaste tree is widely used to address menstrual cycle disorders, thanks to its hormone-regulating action. Let's delve into the details of this unique plant, exploring its properties, benefits, and how to use it most effectively. Chaste tree: what is it? Chaste tree, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus and also known as "chaste berry," "monk's pepper," or "monk..

Natural Muscle Relaxants: What are the best muscle relaxants and how to take them In an increasingly hectic world, where our muscles are constantly subjected to efforts, movements, and postures that can cause contractions, stiffness, cramps, and pain, and stress and tension can cause unpleasant muscle contractions and back pain, natural muscle relaxants are precious allies that nature provides us to relieve the tensions accumulated by our body. These remedies are particularly effective for those suffering from chronic pain, offering natural relief without side effects. But what exactly are ..

What to take for stomach ache? 6 herbal teas as quick natural remedies Stomach ache is a fairly common disorder that can occur for a variety of reasons, from the most trivial to the most serious: gastritis, reflux, acidity, and digestion-related problems are just some of the causes that can generate abdominal pain. Fortunately, nature offers a wide range of solutions to mitigate and resolve these discomforts, with herbs and medicinal plants that can be easily taken in the form of herbal tea. Herbal teas for stomach ache represent a natural and time-tested remedy, thanks to the beneficial ac..

What is the best herbal tea for breastfeeding? Allowed infusions and those to avoid Breastfeeding is a delicate and special moment in a mother's and her baby's life. But it is also a period full of doubts and uncertainties, especially when it comes to nutrition and well-being. Among the various options, breastfeeding teas stand out as an interesting ally, both for the mother and the baby. But beware: not all herbs are the same, and some may not be suitable during this phase. Furthermore, it is essential to remember that everything the mother consumes, including the herbs in teas, can pass to ..

Herbal Teas and Healing Plants for the Skin Have you ever thought about taking care of your skin with herbal teas? Did you know that your skin, the body's largest organ, can greatly benefit from the healing properties of some plants and herbs with soothing, purifying, and anti-inflammatory effects? Herbal teas not only provide relaxation and well-being, but thanks to the benefits of the herbs with which they are prepared, they can also heal the skin from the inside, purify the body, and offer a protective barrier against external elements such as the sun and pollution. In this article, ..

Hypertension: herbs and spices to lower blood pressure Today, many people suffer from hypertension, a disorder characterized by high blood pressure due to various causes. In herbal medicine, there is a wide range of natural remedies useful for dealing with this disorder. There are indeed numerous spices and herbs that lower blood pressure and that can be easily integrated into the day, taken as supplements, in recipes, or for the preparation of herbal teas for high blood pressure. In this article, we will explore together which are the most useful medicinal herbs for those suffering from hy..

Ayurvedic herbs for hair and skin care Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs and spices at the center of the Indian medicine tradition, Ayurveda: widely used since ancient times for their benefits and medicinal power, these plants are able to provide well-being to body and mind, revealing themselves as particularly helpful allies for skin and hair. In this article, we will discover together which are the most important Ayurvedic herbs, with a focus on herbs for hair: we will explore their extraordinary properties and the many ways in which they can be used in everyday life. Ayurvedic herbs: ..

When we sleep little, spend too many hours staring at computers and smartphones, or go through particularly stressful periods of life, an unwelcome companion can show up in our days: headache. Presenting itself as a feeling of heaviness or throbbing pain, which in its chronic forms is accompanied by nausea and dizziness, headache is a condition that risks interfering with our daily routine, making us tired, unfocused, and sensitive to too bright lights or loud sounds. Fortunately, plants offer us numerous natural remedies for headaches capable of restoring the well-being and concentration we..

According to the ancient Indian Ayurvedic tradition, the health of our body derives from the harmony of the three vital energies that inhabit our body: the Dosha Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Derived from the combination of the five fundamental principles of Nature (Water, Air, Earth, Ether, and Fire), the Dosha describe the energetic constitution at the basis of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Present in every human being, the three Dosha are the source of our vitality and vigor. The predominance of one Dosha over the others, however, determines an imbalance that weakens our body,..

A stressful day, the end of the work shift, the conclusion of a meal, a coffee in company: they may seem like simple scenes of everyday life, but for a smoker, these are typical moments when a cigarette is lit. Due to its long-term effects on the health of the lungs, heart, arteries, and eyes, tobacco and nicotine addiction is extremely dangerous for our body's health. However, despite the fact that tobacco smoke is the main cause of serious illnesses such as cancer, thrombosis, and Crohn's disease, smoking shows no signs of decreasing: about 19% of the world's population suffers from tobac..

Great for preparing tasty herbal teas and perfect for adding flavor to many recipes, our beloved plants give us valuable help to face even the small problems of daily domestic life, thanks to their therapeutic virtues. Small cuts, abrasions, burns, but also headaches, stomach aches, and menstrual pains can catch us at any time of the day. That's why it is important to always have effective natural remedies on hand for self-medication! Botanicals with analgesic qualities, essential oils with soothing and emollient action, anti-inflammatory spices, tonic and adaptogenic herbs should never be m..

During the winter months, it is important to take care to protect ourselves from the cold. Scarves, coats, gloves, and hats keep our body warm from the outside, but we often forget the importance of also ensuring the right warmth internally. To defend ourselves from colds, coughs, and the flu, it is necessary that our organs are well heated: the heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, and intestines need warmth to maintain their functions and ensure our well-being during the winter. For this reason, during the cold season, Nature gives us the gift of botanicals capable of strengthening our immune defe..