Beauty Essentials Set

We have upgraded our Mushroom Cacao recipe so the new and improved super blend has tremella, turkey tail, reishi, MCT powder and moringa to supercharge your day with the amazing benefits of vitamins and even more mushrooms (2500mg of mushrooms per serving to be exact!)

DIRTEA Cacao balances subtly sweet tones with a light bitterness from the raw cacao.

Cacao releases anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, stimulating a sense of happiness and mental wellness. This effect is enhanced by the inclusion of blended Lion's Mane mushroom extract, known for its ability to boost brain power. Cacao is a good source of magnesium, an essential mineral that regulates neurotransmitters such as serotonin and can support a sense of calmness. Cacao is also rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which can assist a healthy immune response. (1) The Reishi mushroom extract in our DIRTEA Cacao Super Blend may also help to support the immune system.

Cacao is rich in theobromine, a stimulant with similar effects to caffeine but milder. Theobromine can increase heart rate and dilate blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow to the brain, which may enhance cognitive function. Theobromine has been shown to induce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),(2)  which plays a vital role in learning, emotions and memory.

It has been noted that humans have consumed cacao since at least as early as 460 CE! The ancient peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs, are believed to be the first to cultivate and use cacao. The Mayan civilisation greatly valued cacao and considered it a divine gift from the gods. They prepared a bitter and frothy beverage called "xocolātl". This drink was integral to religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and royal courts. Cacao beans were also used as currency and traded in various Mesoamerican cultures. The Aztecs, who succeeded the Maya in Mesoamerica, continued using cacao as a ceremonial drink and currency. They believed it had potent aphrodisiac and energising properties. Cacao was consumed by nobles, warriors, and priests, who reserved it for special occasions!

Tremella contains polysaccharides, which have been shown to potentially have anti-ageing properties and antioxidant effects. These polysaccharides are also beneficial to promote natural collagen production in the skin. A report published in 2018 showed that tremella has excellent antioxidative and cell protective functions. (3)

Tremella, often called the “beauty mushroom”, behaves much like hyaluronic acid by pulling moisture to the skin, which might improve elasticity and give a more youthful appearance. Tremella mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, including a unique polysaccharide called "Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide". The polysaccharide compounds in Tremella show remarkably high water-holding capacity (1)  potentially holding over 1,000 times its weight in water!  The gelatinous molecules of Tremella are smaller than hyaluronic acid, making it easier to penetrate the skin. Plus, unlike hyaluronic acid, Tremella may offer a host of other beneficial properties that can boost overall health.

Tremella has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Reserved for royalty and the wealthy, it was used to help support immune health. However, its impressive hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties made it incredibly popular. Legend has it that an imperial consort named Yang Guifei was believed to be the most beautiful woman in Chinese history. People claimed that her beauty would put flowers to shame! She attributed her beauty to her consistent use of Tremella.

Tremella is known as the beauty mushroom. It may promote natural collagen production and may increase the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated. Tremella is also extremely high in dietary fibre and has very high levels of antioxidants.

Tremella has a deliciously subtle sweet and smooth flavour. It reminds us of chamomile tea!