More on Chocolate

Talk about sychronicity. Decided to put my Chocolate Mermaid Soap in my Etsy shop and the next day my January issue of The Herb Companion came with a whole chapter on chocolate products, called: "Chocolate: Eat, Wear and Rub In" by Janice Cox.

The article says that chocolate is good for your skin because it has antioxidants and contains compounds with smooth the skin and decrease its sensitivity to the sun.

The antioxidants prevent free radical damage to your skin and protects its natural elasticity.

Dark chocolate is more effective than milk chocolate. To be considered 'dark' it must contain 35% cocoa.

The scent of chocolate releases serotonin, the hormone which promotes happy feelings and reduces stress. And by using chocolate on the outside, you can get those happy feelings without the calories!



To read more about it, get The Herb Companion, January, 2009.

There are several recipes accompanying the article that can easily be made at home. Here are two of them:

Chocolate Lip Balm

Makes 1/2 ounce

1 1/2 teaspoons grated cocoa butter
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon grated dark or milk chocolate
1-2 drops essential oil* (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler on the stovetop and gently melt until you have a smooth liquid.

Pour into a small jar or lipbalm tube and allow to cool completely.

* You can add peppermint, orange or other essential oil for unique gourmet lip balms.

Chocolate Massage Butter

Makes 4 ounces

1/4 cup grated cocoa butter
1 Tablespoon grated dark chocolate
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1 Tablespoon grated beeswax

Place all ingredients in a microwave-safe container or on the stovetop in a double boiler. Melt gently stirring often. Pour the hot liquid into a clean container. For small individual bars pour into an ice cube tray or other mold and let cool completely. Massage into clean skin.

Oooooh... just typing this I can smell the chocolate and feel myself relaxing. Make some to give as gifts. Or get my Chocolate Mermaid Soap and relax in the tub!