Chocolate and Social IsolationResearch suggests that social isolation and loneliness have profoundly detrimental effects on physical and mental health. In this talk, Marcos Patchett investigates these consequences and their mechanisms, and reflects on the medicinal potential of Theobroma cacao to offset, prevent and treat many of the probable physiological and psychosocial consequences of social distancing. By exploring pre-Colombian mythology, historical uses, extant pharmacology and current research, Cacao and chocolate are considered as adaptive remedies for bitter times.
This session was originally presented at the Herbal Medicine Conference 2020. If you would like to find out more about our 2021 event you can find details here
Research suggests that social isolation and loneliness have profoundly detrimental effects on physical and mental health. In this talk, Marcos Patchett investigates these consequences and their mechanisms, and reflects on the medicinal potential of Theobroma cacao to offset, prevent and treat many of the probable physiological and psychosocial consequences of social distancing. By exploring pre-Colombian mythology, historical uses, extant pharmacology and current research, Cacao and chocolate are considered as adaptive remedies for bitter times.