Gaia Professionals
Holiday Closure: December 25, 26, and January 1. From the Gaia Herbs family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season!

Cacao

Theobroma cacao

Native to Central America, Cacao (Theobroma cacao) was used as a medicinal and religious beverage by the Aztecs and Mayans. Spanish conquistadors were responsible for its spread to Europe in the 1600s. The plant has long been beloved and valued. Swedish taxonomer Carl Linnaeus gave it the genus Theobroma, or “food of the gods,” and cacao was so valuable that it was used as currency in Mexico until the late 19th century. Cacao is a relative of cola and cotton, and it historically was considered to be an aphrodisiac.

What is Cacao Used For?

Naturally bitter, Cacao is rich in antioxidants, and it’s a source of flavonoids and alkaloids, such as theobromine. It also contains caffeine. Theobromine is a natural stimulant, as is caffeine, so Cacao is often used to support healthy energy levels.*

Highlights

Traditional Health Benefits of Cacao

Heart Support
Heart Support
Energy Support
Energy Support
Beauty & Radiance Support
Beauty & Radiance Support
Brain & Cognitive Support
Brain & Cognitive Support

Additional Information on this Herb

Popular Herbs

Our Herbal Reference Guide lets you enhance your relationship with herbs by giving you a comprehensive profile of each plant.

We're sorry, there were no result found for Popular Herbs.