Anandamide is often called the “bliss molecule” and is present in abundance in – you guessed it – chocolate. The below chocolate power-food from Sun Potion is really something special. We get a lot of goodies delivered to our HQ – but when a box of Sun Potion’s black and gold bottles arrive on our desks, we know we’re in for an extra-special treat – and a little bit of education. We’re obsessed with their “transformational” tonics and medicinal superfoods.

Eager to expand our foodie vocab, we asked founders Scott and Nitsa to give us the scoop on their favorite products and ways to use them, from ashitaba  “beauty potion” to a He Shou Wu ganache. This month, they’re breaking down the ins and outs of this cacao-based superfood designed to lift your mood to another level…

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: This is a blend of unsweetened, raw heirloom cacao, Sun Potion Tonic Herbs, superfoods, and spices – and it’s named after the cannabinoid neurotransmitter “anandamide.” This pleasure receptor in the brain is activated when you experience a blissful state – ananda. It is a compound produced naturally by humans and, as neuroscientist Daniel Piomelli discovered in 1996, cacao trees.

The Sun Potion Anandamide “Bliss Alchemy” blend is hand-crafted in small batches using high-quality organic or wildcrafted ingredients and freshly-ground spices. The formula has been designed to activate and harmonize the nervous, digestive and immune systems and contains raw Arriba Nacional cacao, tocos, mucuna pruriens extract, reishi mushrooom, suma, maca, rose petals, ashwagandha extract, turmeric, cayenne, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and Himalayan mineral salt. It is an alchemical treat to brighten the mind and open the heart.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRY IT: Sun Potion uses an incredible source of raw Arriba Nacional cacao for the anandamide base. The cacao pods are shade grown on 30-60 year old trees in thriving jungle ecosystems in Ecuador, then harvested, fermented, and sun-dried with integrity. When chocolate is heated and processed it loses its active compounds and will not activate the brain in the same way – so it is important when consuming chocolate to choose a raw cacao with the medicinal “bliss-releasing” properties still intact. Current research is revealing that raw cacao may help with stress management, reducing anxiety, balancing depression, enhancing memory and brain function, increasing fertility, and finding a healthy weight balance. Indigenous cultures in South America have been using cacao in their spiritual ceremonies for millennia and it appears there is a reason why! If anything, this blend serves as an excellent alternative or complement to coffee, with the presence of the herbs as a balance to the energizing effects of the cacao.

LET’S GET TOGETHER: Add a generous spoonful to water, tea, raw nut milk, potions, smoothies, elixirs, hot cocoa, coconut cream or creative brainstorms – and yes, to the occasional cold-pressed espresso indulgence too. In-joy!