Cocoa has an interesting and decorated history. Of course, it’s best known as being a key ingredient in chocolate, but it’s used in a lot more products than you’re probably aware of. I used cocoa essential oil recently for a few different applications. Also known as organic cocoa absolute essential oil.
I went to Cadbury’s World in the UK last year which was an interesting day out. They take you through the history of the cocoa tree. It was originally native to Central America and the tree flourishes near riverbanks and nice luscious areas.
It was actually Christopher Columbus who introduced the cocoa plant to Europe. He picked up some on one of his ventures to the Central America and saw the value in the plant. Cocoa was being used as currency at the time, as well as being chewed on and used in various recipes.
Contents
Cocoa Essential Oil
Organic cocoa absolute oil isn’t an essential oil. You will see some products called essential oils, but it’s basically an oil with cocoa properties and a strong scent. It’s a must for all chocolate lovers, and works wonderfully in products you want to fragrance.
Edens Garden 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Absolute Cocoa Oil
This product from Edens Garden is one of the best quality oils on the market. Bear in mind that this is an absolute oil. This means it’s been processed by using chemicals and not the steam process.
You cannot ingest this product or use it as you would an essential oil. It will not mix with carrier oils. If you want to mix it you will have to use an alcohol base, not an oil base.
Cocoa Absolute Oil Benefits
Cocoa is wonderful for nourishing the skin. It’s high in natural antioxidants and elastin, two active properties in repairing damaged skin. Combined with its smooth texture and lovely chocolatey scent it makes for a desirable skin care product.
It’s also known to be an aphrodisiac. Stimulating the brain and the sexual organs, increasing libido and stimulating blood flow. If this wasn’t enough, cocoa oil is also known to reduce stress and give your mood a natural boost. There are so many reasons to enjoy cocoa oil, as if you needed a reason!
Ways to Use Cocoa Absolute Oil
Seeing as it’s the scent of chocolate that stimulates most people first it’s a good idea to diffuse it. A few drops in a diffuser and set the scene for a relaxing evening will set you up to destress a little and relax. Or maybe you are looking to take advantage of the aphrodisiac properties, it’s your choice.
You will have seen some of the many chocolate body butter and scrub products on the market I’m sure. If you’re looking for chocolate essential oil recipes to make your own try the following:
How to Make Cocoa Body Butter
Ingredients
- Half cup of coconut oil
- Half cup of cocoa butter
- Half cup shea butter
- Half cup of almond or jajoba oil
- 10-15 drops of cocoa absolute oil
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients except for the absolute oil into a glass bowl.
- Heat up on the stove and keep stirring to keep a smooth consistency.
- Take off the heat after a few minutes and let the mixture cool naturally.
- Add the cocoa absolute oil as the temperature normalises, this ensures the oil retains all its properties.
- Once near to room temperature, place in the fridge to harden a little.
- Whip up the mixture to give it a light and fluffy texture, this makes the product easier to use.
The oil has a lot of obvious uses as a fragrance. There are some fragrance oils available too if this is the only intended use you have for the oil. If you really love the scent, as most do, then experiment using it in different ways and see what works best for you.
What does cocoa essential oil blend well with…
This is where a little experimenting will go a long way as I’ve not blended it myself and I couldn’t find a lot of decent information. Some obvious choices that will make a nice blend are cinnamon, coffee, vanilla, and almond. All delicious blends.
Precautions and Safety Information
The usual precautions apply. If you’re pregnant, suffering from any serious health conditions, or have any concerns always consult a medical professional. Essential and absolute oils are safe to use as long as you follow the directions of the product. Allergies and reactions are very rare.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.