African figures

Bali Flower Blend

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Bali Flower Blend is a fragrant mixture of finely powdered Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) and Frangipani (Plumeria alba) flowers from Bali, Indonesia. It can be used as potpourri or burned as incense on Charcoal Disks, or added to massage oils.

Contents

This mixture contains Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) and Frangipani (Plumeria alba) flowers.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Champaca (Michelia champaca)
Frangipani (Plumeria spp)

Mentha citrata / Bergamot / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Buddha head metal

Michelia champaca / Champaca / Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Champaka, Champak, Champac, Champa, Sampige, Shamba.

Description

Michelia champaca is an evergreen tree, native to South and Southeast Asia. It is best known and cultivated for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. The flower is the main scent present in the commercial "joy" perfume, and is sometimes commonly called the "joy perfume tree".

Scent

Champaca has an intense, intoxicating, sweet, floral aroma that acts as a fragrant magnet. On warm humid nights, the scents can easily be enjoyed several hundred feet away. Even just driving by in your car, you will notice the scent immediately.

Aromatic Properties

Champaca emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a peaceful state, reducing stress and allowing one to relax and breathe easily. It is especially useful for moments of tranquil contemplation. Champaca's nature is to remind us of the Divine in all things.

Contents

The essential oil of Champaca contains 1-Linalol, Eugenol, Methyl-Eugenol, Methyl- and Ethyl-Ethers. It is one of the most expensive in the world because it requires many flowers to produce.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Rose, Frangipani, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood and other floral scents.

Historical

Champaca is an important flower in many Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. It is used in Ayurveda, ceremonies and massages, and is often planted near temples. It is considered sacred to the god Vishnu. In Bali the flowers are put in water, which is used in house cleansing and praying rituals. An extract of the flowers is used in perfumes, incense sticks, aromatherapy, cosmetics, soaps, food flavors. All parts of the plant are used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

Plant Description

Champaca is a tree related to Magnolia. It has alternate, lanceolate leaves to over 20 cm long that are slightly curved. The flowers are fragrant, a mustard yellow colour, and in each flower the ovaries are free from one another. The central stalk or receptacle elongates and bears the developing fruits along it. When fully developed each individual fruit is about 2.5 cm long, with a reddish tinge and whitish pustules; this follicle opens to release orange-red seeds.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Michelia champaca / Champaca / Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Champaka, Champak, Champac, Champa, Sampige, Shamba.

Description

Michelia champaca is an evergreen tree, native to South and Southeast Asia. It is best known and cultivated for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. The flower is the main scent present in the commercial "joy" perfume, and is sometimes commonly called the "joy perfume tree".

Scent

Champaca has an intense, intoxicating, sweet, floral aroma that acts as a fragrant magnet. On warm humid nights, the scents can easily be enjoyed several hundred feet away. Even just driving by in your car, you will notice the scent immediately.

Aromatic Properties

Champaca emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a peaceful state, reducing stress and allowing one to relax and breathe easily. It is especially useful for moments of tranquil contemplation. Champaca's nature is to remind us of the Divine in all things.

Contents

The essential oil of Champaca contains 1-Linalol, Eugenol, Methyl-Eugenol, Methyl- and Ethyl-Ethers. It is one of the most expensive in the world because it requires many flowers to produce.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Rose, Frangipani, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood and other floral scents.

Historical

Champaca is an important flower in many Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. It is used in Ayurveda, ceremonies and massages, and is often planted near temples. It is considered sacred to the god Vishnu. In Bali the flowers are put in water, which is used in house cleansing and praying rituals. An extract of the flowers is used in perfumes, incense sticks, aromatherapy, cosmetics, soaps, food flavors. All parts of the plant are used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

Plant Description

Champaca is a tree related to Magnolia. It has alternate, lanceolate leaves to over 20 cm long that are slightly curved. The flowers are fragrant, a mustard yellow colour, and in each flower the ovaries are free from one another. The central stalk or receptacle elongates and bears the developing fruits along it. When fully developed each individual fruit is about 2.5 cm long, with a reddish tinge and whitish pustules; this follicle opens to release orange-red seeds.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cinnamomun Zeylanicum, True Cinnamom, Ceylon Cinnamom, Kwai, Kaneel, Canela, Canella.

Description

Cinnamon is an ancient spice mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is a bushy evergreen tree of the Laurel family. Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Burma, Cinnamon is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice consisting of its dried inner bark. The light-brown spice has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavor. It was once more valuable than gold. Today Cinnamon is used as a spice, for incense, and in aromatherapy. The oil is distilled from bark fragments for use in food, medicine, liqueur, and perfumery. There are many species of Cinnamon, but the dominating species used for incense and spice is the Ceylon Cinnamon. It has a more delicate aroma and is the dominating quality on the Western market. Essential oil can be obtained from its bark and leaves.

Scent

Cinnamon has a peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woody fragrance.

Aromatic Properties

It is believed by some, that burning Cinnamon in incense will induce higher spirituality and aid in healing. The fragrance of Cinnamon makes one feel warm and protected. Some people also believe it can stimulate the passions of a male.

Contents

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, essential oils, eugenol, metholeugenol, muscilage, sucrose, starch and tannin.

Synergic Combinations

In a smudge or incense mixtures Cinnamon combines nicely with Ceder, Juniper, Sage and Sandalwood.

Historical

Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term "Amomon", meaning "fragrant spice plant". Ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for "Cannon", Italians called it "Canella", meaning "little tube," which clearly describes Cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon has a huge variety in possible uses in its history. Most common uses are for medicine and cooking. Cinnamon has also a history as a warming and healing ingredient in incense and aromatherapy. Cinnamon has had many medicinal purposes in many cultures throughout the history. It is mentioned in the Old Testament a few times. As a spice it is most known in sweet desserts, but in meditterenean dishes also used with meat (because of its preservative properties). Many wars have been fought over Cinnamon. In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world's largest Cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese, demanding outrageous quotas from the poor laboring Chalia caste. When the Dutch learned of a source of Cinnamon along the coast of India, they bribed and threatened the local king to destroy it all, thus preserving their monopoly on the prized spice.

Health Warnings

As a widely used food spice, ground Cinnamon bark is believed to be safe. However, Cinnamon's essential oil is much more concentrated than the powdered bark commonly used. There is some evidence that high doses of Cinnamon oil might depress the central nervous system (1). Germany's Commission E recommends that pregnant women should avoid taking Cinnamon oil or high doses of the bark (2). Maximum safe doses in young children, nursing women, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined. When used topically, Cinnamon bark oil may cause flushing and a burning sensation (3). Some people have reported strong burning sensations or mouth ulcers after chewing Cinnamon-flavored gum or candy (4-5). However, these reactions disappeared within days of discontinuing the gum.

Plant Description

Cinnamon is the common name for the trees and shrubs that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Cinnamon spice comes primarily from the Sri Lankan Cinnamon known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It is obtained from the plant by drying the central part of the bark, which is then sold in stick or powdered form. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the waste products of drying and the pointed black fruits that the tree bears. It is a small tree, to 90m. Leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, to 18cm long, obtuse or acute; panicles as long as leaves; flowers inconspicuous, yellowish.

References

(1) Harada M, Ozaki Y. Pharmacological studies on Chinese cinnamon. Central effects of cinnamaldehyde (in Japanese). Yakugaku Zasshi. 1972;92:135-140
(2) Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 110.
(3) Perry PA, Dean BS, Krenzelok EP. Cinnamon oil abuse by adolescents. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1990;32:162-164.
(4) Allen CM, Blozis GG. Oral mucosal reactions to cinnamon-flavored chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;116:664-667.
(5) Mihail RC. Oral leukoplakia caused by cinnamon food allergy. J Otolaryngol. 1992;21:366-367.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum - Ethnobotanical Leaflets

Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cinnamomun Zeylanicum, True Cinnamom, Ceylon Cinnamom, Kwai, Kaneel, Canela, Canella.

Description

Cinnamon is an ancient spice mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is a bushy evergreen tree of the Laurel family. Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Burma, Cinnamon is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice consisting of its dried inner bark. The light-brown spice has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavor. It was once more valuable than gold. Today Cinnamon is used as a spice, for incense, and in aromatherapy. The oil is distilled from bark fragments for use in food, medicine, liqueur, and perfumery. There are many species of Cinnamon, but the dominating species used for incense and spice is the Ceylon Cinnamon. It has a more delicate aroma and is the dominating quality on the Western market. Essential oil can be obtained from its bark and leaves.

Scent

Cinnamon has a peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woody fragrance.

Aromatic Properties

It is believed by some, that burning Cinnamon in incense will induce higher spirituality and aid in healing. The fragrance of Cinnamon makes one feel warm and protected. Some people also believe it can stimulate the passions of a male.

Contents

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, essential oils, eugenol, metholeugenol, muscilage, sucrose, starch and tannin.

Synergic Combinations

In a smudge or incense mixtures Cinnamon combines nicely with Ceder, Juniper, Sage and Sandalwood.

Historical

Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term "Amomon", meaning "fragrant spice plant". Ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for "Cannon", Italians called it "Canella", meaning "little tube," which clearly describes Cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon has a huge variety in possible uses in its history. Most common uses are for medicine and cooking. Cinnamon has also a history as a warming and healing ingredient in incense and aromatherapy. Cinnamon has had many medicinal purposes in many cultures throughout the history. It is mentioned in the Old Testament a few times. As a spice it is most known in sweet desserts, but in meditterenean dishes also used with meat (because of its preservative properties). Many wars have been fought over Cinnamon. In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world's largest Cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese, demanding outrageous quotas from the poor laboring Chalia caste. When the Dutch learned of a source of Cinnamon along the coast of India, they bribed and threatened the local king to destroy it all, thus preserving their monopoly on the prized spice.

Health Warnings

As a widely used food spice, ground Cinnamon bark is believed to be safe. However, Cinnamon's essential oil is much more concentrated than the powdered bark commonly used. There is some evidence that high doses of Cinnamon oil might depress the central nervous system (1). Germany's Commission E recommends that pregnant women should avoid taking Cinnamon oil or high doses of the bark (2). Maximum safe doses in young children, nursing women, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined. When used topically, Cinnamon bark oil may cause flushing and a burning sensation (3). Some people have reported strong burning sensations or mouth ulcers after chewing Cinnamon-flavored gum or candy (4-5). However, these reactions disappeared within days of discontinuing the gum.

Plant Description

Cinnamon is the common name for the trees and shrubs that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Cinnamon spice comes primarily from the Sri Lankan Cinnamon known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It is obtained from the plant by drying the central part of the bark, which is then sold in stick or powdered form. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the waste products of drying and the pointed black fruits that the tree bears. It is a small tree, to 90m. Leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, to 18cm long, obtuse or acute; panicles as long as leaves; flowers inconspicuous, yellowish.

References

(1) Harada M, Ozaki Y. Pharmacological studies on Chinese cinnamon. Central effects of cinnamaldehyde (in Japanese). Yakugaku Zasshi. 1972;92:135-140
(2) Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 110.
(3) Perry PA, Dean BS, Krenzelok EP. Cinnamon oil abuse by adolescents. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1990;32:162-164.
(4) Allen CM, Blozis GG. Oral mucosal reactions to cinnamon-flavored chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;116:664-667.
(5) Mihail RC. Oral leukoplakia caused by cinnamon food allergy. J Otolaryngol. 1992;21:366-367.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum - Ethnobotanical Leaflets

Theobroma cacao / Cocoa / Sterculiaceae (Cacao family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Chocolate is a natural product made from the bean of the cacao tree Theobroma cacao. The seeds are dried and roasted and then processed to form cocoa, the basic ingredient in chocolate and chocolate products. When boiled in milk, or milk and water, it is much used as an occasional substitute for coffee, and for a drink at meals. The callets are round drops of chocolate. They are the ideal aid to produce perfectly tempered chocolate quickly and efficiently. They are also the best solution for applications requiring fast melting or the addition of small quantities of chocolate.

Contents

Cocoa beans contain about 2% theobromine, small amounts of caffeine, flavanoids, phenethylamine, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid) and minarls (megnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese). Cocoa beans contain approximately 50% fat, primarily comprised of two saturated fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acids, and the mono unsaturated oleic acid.

Historical

Cacao was named Theobroma by Linnaeus, which literally translates as "Cocoa, food of the Gods".
The Aztecs, Mayas and Toltecs believed that the cocoa tree was indeed a gift from the Gods.
The word cacao is derived from Olmec and the subsequent Mayan languages (kakaw); the chocolate-related term cacahuatl is Nahuatl (Aztec language), derived from Olmec/Mayan etymology, meaning "bitter water".
Cacao beans were used by the Aztecs to prepare to a hot, frothy beverage with stimulant and restorative properties.
Chocolate itself was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests. The Aztecs esteemed its reputed ability to confer wisdom and vitality. Taken fermented as a drink, chocolate was also used in religious ceremonies. The sacred concoction was associated with Xochiquetzal, the goddess of fertility.
Emperor Montezuma (1502-1520) allegedly drank 50 goblets a day. Aztec taxation was levied in cacao beans. 100 cacao beans could buy a slave. 12 cacao beans bought the services of courtesan.
"The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink cocoa permits a man to walk for a whole day without food." --Montezuma II
Legend has it that Montezuma II was the first to discover chocolate ice and sent his runners to the heights of the volcano to bring back blocks of snow over which thick chocolate was poured, whipped, and served as chilled froth. When the ambassadors of Cortes encountered the Aztec Emperor, he was at the breakfast table shielded by a rich screen. Servants were filing by in endless procession with tempting delicacies. The most frequent (and most favoured) offering was a steaming aromatic drink named "cacahuatl". This beverage was made from water and cacao seeds - so valuable that they were used as currency in parts of Mexico and so costly that only royalty could afford them.
The finest chocolate confectionery, containing pure chocolate liquor, with its remarkable nutritional constituents, is also the most nourishing; in the South African War and World Wars I and II, solid chocolate was issued as standard rations for the troops and given by Queen Victoria as a Christmas gift to all her fighting men.
The first chocolate factory in the United States opened in 1765 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1805, Conrad Van Houten, a dutch chemist, invented a cacao press that created confections of cocoa butter and sugar. In 1876, Daniel Peter, a Swiss candymaker, developed milk chocolate by adding condensed milk to chocolate liquor, giving it a smoother texture through a process called conching (referring to the shape of the mixing vats).

Plant Description

Cacao (Theobroma cacao), or the cocoa plant, is a small (4–8 m or 15–26 ft tall) evergreen tree in the family Sterculiaceae (alternatively Malvaceae). Native to southern Mexico (Veracruz, Chiapas), Guatemala, Belize; now cultivated pantropically, especially in West Africa, Ceylon, Java.
Cocoa beans are found in the fruit, or pods, of the cacao trees; each nine-inch pod contains 20 to 50 beans. The annual yield per tree is between 20 and 30 fruit pods. When seeds are ripe they rattle in the capsule when shaken; if separated from the capsule they soon become infertile, but if kept therein they retain their fertility for a long time.
After the cacao beans are removed from the fruit, they undergo fermentation, a process that reduces their bitterness and helps develop their heady aroma. After they are dried the beans are ready to be processed into chocolate products.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Theobroma cacao - Cacao Web
Theobroma cacao - Erowid
Theobroma Cacao - Wikipedia

Theobroma cacao / Cocoa / Sterculiaceae (Cacao family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Chocolate is a natural product made from the bean of the cacao tree Theobroma cacao. The seeds are dried and roasted and then processed to form cocoa, the basic ingredient in chocolate and chocolate products. When boiled in milk, or milk and water, it is much used as an occasional substitute for coffee, and for a drink at meals. The callets are round drops of chocolate. They are the ideal aid to produce perfectly tempered chocolate quickly and efficiently. They are also the best solution for applications requiring fast melting or the addition of small quantities of chocolate.

Contents

Cocoa beans contain about 2% theobromine, small amounts of caffeine, flavanoids, phenethylamine, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid) and minarls (megnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese). Cocoa beans contain approximately 50% fat, primarily comprised of two saturated fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acids, and the mono unsaturated oleic acid.

Historical

Cacao was named Theobroma by Linnaeus, which literally translates as "Cocoa, food of the Gods".
The Aztecs, Mayas and Toltecs believed that the cocoa tree was indeed a gift from the Gods.
The word cacao is derived from Olmec and the subsequent Mayan languages (kakaw); the chocolate-related term cacahuatl is Nahuatl (Aztec language), derived from Olmec/Mayan etymology, meaning "bitter water".
Cacao beans were used by the Aztecs to prepare to a hot, frothy beverage with stimulant and restorative properties.
Chocolate itself was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests. The Aztecs esteemed its reputed ability to confer wisdom and vitality. Taken fermented as a drink, chocolate was also used in religious ceremonies. The sacred concoction was associated with Xochiquetzal, the goddess of fertility.
Emperor Montezuma (1502-1520) allegedly drank 50 goblets a day. Aztec taxation was levied in cacao beans. 100 cacao beans could buy a slave. 12 cacao beans bought the services of courtesan.
"The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink cocoa permits a man to walk for a whole day without food." --Montezuma II
Legend has it that Montezuma II was the first to discover chocolate ice and sent his runners to the heights of the volcano to bring back blocks of snow over which thick chocolate was poured, whipped, and served as chilled froth. When the ambassadors of Cortes encountered the Aztec Emperor, he was at the breakfast table shielded by a rich screen. Servants were filing by in endless procession with tempting delicacies. The most frequent (and most favoured) offering was a steaming aromatic drink named "cacahuatl". This beverage was made from water and cacao seeds - so valuable that they were used as currency in parts of Mexico and so costly that only royalty could afford them.
The finest chocolate confectionery, containing pure chocolate liquor, with its remarkable nutritional constituents, is also the most nourishing; in the South African War and World Wars I and II, solid chocolate was issued as standard rations for the troops and given by Queen Victoria as a Christmas gift to all her fighting men.
The first chocolate factory in the United States opened in 1765 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1805, Conrad Van Houten, a dutch chemist, invented a cacao press that created confections of cocoa butter and sugar. In 1876, Daniel Peter, a Swiss candymaker, developed milk chocolate by adding condensed milk to chocolate liquor, giving it a smoother texture through a process called conching (referring to the shape of the mixing vats).

Plant Description

Cacao (Theobroma cacao), or the cocoa plant, is a small (4–8 m or 15–26 ft tall) evergreen tree in the family Sterculiaceae (alternatively Malvaceae). Native to southern Mexico (Veracruz, Chiapas), Guatemala, Belize; now cultivated pantropically, especially in West Africa, Ceylon, Java.
Cocoa beans are found in the fruit, or pods, of the cacao trees; each nine-inch pod contains 20 to 50 beans. The annual yield per tree is between 20 and 30 fruit pods. When seeds are ripe they rattle in the capsule when shaken; if separated from the capsule they soon become infertile, but if kept therein they retain their fertility for a long time.
After the cacao beans are removed from the fruit, they undergo fermentation, a process that reduces their bitterness and helps develop their heady aroma. After they are dried the beans are ready to be processed into chocolate products.

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Theobroma cacao - Cacao Web
Theobroma cacao - Erowid
Theobroma Cacao - Wikipedia