Raw cacao is one of the best remedies for sleep. It is rich in magnesium. Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters, relaxes the muscles and calms the nerves.
I added some adaptogenic herbs that are known to calm the nervous system and induce relaxation.
Adaptogens used in this recipe:
- ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - may help reduce chronic stress and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep
- rhodiola rosea - helps reduce high cortisol levels. This herb does not induce sleep per se but helps you relax and achieve a deeper sleep.
I also added blue spirulina. Spirulina is not only rich in magnesium, but also in the amino acid tryptophan and the B vitamins, notably vitamin B 6 and B 12. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin which is converted in the body to melatonin. B vitamins are involved in the synthesis of dopamine and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.
Wild blueberry powder is another ingredient in these delicious chocolates. Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins and tryptophan.
And last but not least, I added blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) powder. It is a sacred flower that was used in religious rituals and as medicine in Ancient Egypt. Blue lotus may promote relaxation and may induce lucid dreaming.
To enrobe my chocolates I used melted raw cacao paste. To sweeten it I used the amino acid glycine. Glycine helps lower the body temperature and seems to help increase levels of the sleep regulating serotonin in the brain.
Ingredients:
- 11/2 cup raw pecan nuts
- 5 large medjool dates soaked in water overnight and pitted
- 2 Tbsp raw cacao
- 2 Tbsp wild blueberry powder
- 2 Tbsp blue spirulina
- 1 Tbsp ashwagandha powder
- 1 Tbsp rhodiola powder
- 1 Tbsp blue lotus powder, optional
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp powdered vanilla bean
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt to balance the flavors
- 1/3 cup melted raw, unsweatened cacao paste
for enrobing
- 2/3 melted raw cacao paste
- 1 tsp glycine powder or a few drops of stevia
garshish
- chopped blue lotus petals, optional
Method:
- In a food processor, using the S blade, blend the pecan nuts. Blend until the nuts are completely broken and chopped into a slightly coarse meal. Be careful. Do not turn them into nut butter!
- Add the very soft medjool dates and process to combine. Add all the powdered ingredients and process until all ingredients are well combined. When the mass begins to come together add the melted cacao paste and process again. You should have a fairly sticky, compact mass. Adjust the taste if needed.
- To make the chocolates take about one tablespoon of the mass and roll it with clean hands into a ball. Continue until all the mass is processed. You should be able to make 18-20 chocolates.
- Using the bain marie method (water bath) melt the cacao paste for enrobing. Add glycine or stevia, if using, and mix well. Make sure no water gets to the bowl with melted cacao paste.
- Using a candy dipping fork or chopsticks, dip each chocolate in the melted cacao paste and place it on a drying rack or a parchment. Garnish with chopped blue lotus petals or leave them the way they are. Allow to set.
- Once the chocolates set, use a small offset spatula to gently lift them off the surface. Put each chocolate into a candy paper cup for storage, serving amd presentation. Enjoy these goodies in good company for a better sleep at dusk.
Cacao paste, when it sets, holds these chocolates in shape. They store very well in cool temperatures and do not even need refrigeration, but if you made a big batch, keep them in the fridge in a closed glass container for up to one week.
Like with any raw food candy, the taste improves after a few hours when you allow the flavors to mingle. I only used five dates to sweeten the chocolates and added cinnamon to help you balance the blood sugar. There is a connection between the quality of sleep and the levels of glucose in the blood. If you are affected you may need to speak to your health care provider.
Note: If you were to make these chocolates for the blue hour that occurs short before sunrise, you would need to use different adaptogenic herbs - herbs like maca, ginseng and cordyceps for instance, to give energy boost in the morning.
I hope you try this recipe. The chocolates are delicious and very easy to make. The ingredients used are meant to relax your nervous system and help you sleep better. Do not eat them if you have to drive or operate some complex machinery.
In radiant health, passionately raw - Dominique
Dominique Allmon©2026
*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.