COCOA
theobroma cacao l.
COCOA
theobroma cacao l.
Habitat:
originally from
Mexico
and
Central
America
. Their cultivation
has
spread to tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Description:
tree of the
family
of Esterculiáceas, which reaches from 6 to 10 m in height, with large
evergreen
leaves and
yellow
or reddish flowers. The fruit is
a
berry big (ear) ovoidea, about 25 cm long by 15 cm wide,
brown
or reddish when ripe. Inside there is the flesh where the seeds, number 20 or 30.
Used parts:
the seeds and peel the fruit.
Properties and indications:
the seeds of the cacao contain 40% - 50% of lipid (fat) 12% - 14%
protein
, theobromine (1%) mineral salts, and small amounts of vitamins
A
,
B1
and
B2
. The
cocoa
powder is produced by grinding the dried seeds of cacao.
The theobromine in
cocoa
is an alkaloid whose chemical
formula
(S - 7 - dimetilxantina) as well as its effects are similar to those of caffeine. It differs, however, that the diuretic is more theobromine and caffeine that less exciting. The diuretic effect of theobromine is accompanied by an anti - inflammatory action on the
kidney
, so it is recommended in cases of
nephritis
and nephrosis.
Overall,
cocoa
is slightly invigorating and stimulating,
though
in large doses or in sensitive individuals, can cause
insomnia
and tachycardia.
Some varieties of
cocoa
also contain caffeine, which can amount to up to 50 mg per cup of chocolate, 100 ml (cup of
coffee
contains 100 to 150 mg)
In preparation for medicinal use the decoction of
cocoa
beans
. This is far preferable to chocolate, it is free of its drawbacks (adding sugar and fat) Unfortunately, the
cocoa
beans
are available only in tropical countries where
cocoa
is grown.
The
cocoa
butter
is extracted by pressure from the roasted seeds. It is
a
powerful healing and emollient, which enters in the composition of numerous pharmaceutical preparations and
cosmetics
.
Its application is particularly useful in the following cases:
Cracking of the lips caused by drought or cold.
Cracks in the
nipple
of nursing mothers.
Burns, rashes and skin irritations.
To remove the hair.
Hemorrhoids
and vaginitis (itching, irritation or itching in the
vagina
)
The shell of the
cocoa
used in
Mexico
against
pertussis
, in the form of decoction. It is also stimulating.
Use:
decoction of seeds that are prepared with 10 or 12 seeds (also called almonds) per
liter
of water, taking 3 cups daily. Decoction of the peel, which is prepared with 50 grams per
liter
of water, take 3 cups
a
day.
Externally, the
cocoa
butter
is applied directly as if it were an ointment on the affected skin area until 6 or 8 times
a
day. In suppositories and ova,
cocoa
butter
and pharmaceutical preparations that are used in case of
hemorrhoids
or vaginitis.
Precautions:
the use of
cocoa
by internal and especially chocolate, are discouraged in the following cases: an
allergy
to
cocoa
, heavy digestions by
biliary
stones
or
dyspepsia
(by its fat content) constipation (what aggravates)
juvenile
acne
,
insomnia
(especially
children
) and tachycardia.
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