Chocolate for Pain Relief

I had my chocolate last night. I opted for a 70% dark chocolate with vanilla and cashew butter centre. It was a bit pricy but worth it! This is why:

I’ve been practically debilitated by physical and emotional pain for the past several days. I initially relied on a standard over the counter ibuprofen , mild yoga, meditation and breathing. Yesterday the pain got worse and I had to consult my GP, who prescribed a cocktail of stronger medication. I opted for a stronger ibuprofen that requires a prescription, as opposed to opioid based pain meds (the pain was that bad) and a beta blocker instead of benzodiazepines to relieve the anxiety and relax the tension in my body.

My preference is to use natural methods of healing. Most of the time I move energy and that relieves pain and tension. The results are always phenomenal – glowing skin, bright blue eyes, youthfulness, a happy smile and zero pain. To do my natural and intuitive healing, I need to conquer my mind and these last few days I couldn’t hack it.

Even though the medication worked, I still had a dull ache niggling in the background. I was craving chocolate and the effects have been astonishing!

I experienced an instant mood lift. I was happy and playful last nigh before bed, and this morning I woke up with a cheerful disposition.

My physical pain went away and it’s still at bay this morning.

My tension has evaporated. My headache had disappeared. My body feels light and free. My mind is clear and focussed.

All of this from a tiny bit of chocolate!

Dark chocolate (70% plus) boosts feel good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Endorphins are natural pain killers and mood enhancers. Dopamine gives us a sense of pleasure and reward – which is excellent if you’re dealing with trauma recovery that comes with heavy feelings of shame and regret. Cacao contains tryptophan, an amino acid used by the brain to produce serotonin which helps regulate your mood and reduce anxiety!

Cacao also contains other mods enhancing compounds. Phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical your brain produces when you fall in love, increases alertness and elevates your mood. Theobromine improves your mood and energy. Anandamide which bind to brain receptor linked to pain reduction and bliss enhancement. The word “ananda” actually derives from the Sanskrit word for bliss or joy.

Dark chocolate contains flavanols which help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support oxygen delivery to the brain and muscles. Dark chocolate also helps to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, which helps to calm the nervous system, reduce the perception of pain and support overall emotional resilience.

I’m sure you will agree with me that dark chocolate is indeed a miracle cure for ailments associated with nervous system dysfunction, anxiety, depression, stress and physical pain.

I’m so impressed by the fast acting effects of cacao, that I’ve decided to make my own. Here’s a recipe for you to try at home:

Homemade Dark Chocolate (Mood-Lifting & Nourishing Version)

Base Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50g) cocoa or cacao powder – raw cacao is more nutrient-dense if you want a boost
• ¼ cup (50g) coconut oil or cacao butter – cacao butter gives a more “real chocolate” texture
• 2–4 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey – adjust sweetness to taste
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste – for warmth and aroma
• Pinch of sea salt – enhances flavour and balances sweetness

Optional Add-ins:

• 1–2 tbsp cashew butter – makes it creamier and adds healthy fats (great for PMS support)
• 1 tsp maca powder – hormone-balancing, energy-boosting
• Pinch of cinnamon or chilli – circulation, anti-inflammatory
• Chopped nuts, rose petals, goji berries, sea salt flakes, cacao nibs – texture and magic

How to Make It (Stovetop Method):

1. Melt your coconut oil or cacao butter gently over low heat (double boiler preferred).
2. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth and glossy.
3. Stir in sweetener, vanilla paste, and cashew butter until fully combined.
4. Add salt and other extras, if using.
5. Pour into silicone moulds, a parchment-lined tin, or an ice cube tray.
6. Freeze or refrigerate for 30–60 mins until firm.
7. Store in fridge or freezer and eat mindfully.

May you be pain free and happy. Enjoy!

With love.

Karmic Rebelle