Anti-inflammatory Mayan Spiced Hot Chocolate
Published: September 14, 2021
Updated: November 8, 2026
Is chocolate anti-inflammatory?
It depends on the type of chocolate.
Although I grew up in a coffee-growing town called Amaga in Colombia, my fondest memory was waking up every morning to the delicious aroma of my grandma's spiced hot chocolate.
This wasn’t the syrupy, over-processed drink you’ll find at Tim Hortons. It was authentic hot dark chocolate made with water lightly sweetened with cane sugar, rich chocolate bean powder, and a blend of cinnamon and cloves.
The word cacao comes from the Mayan word kakaw, and early colonial documents showed the Mayans used cocoa flowers as currency and to treat fatigue.
Why This Recipe Works for Autoimmune & Inflammatory Arthritis
Flavonoid Power: Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, especially proanthocyanidins, catechins, and anthocyanidins, that have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in experimental studies, supporting immune balance and helping to ease pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg aren’t just for flavour, they contain compounds that help fight inflammation and may support joint comfort.
Gut-Supporting Benefits: Cocoa polyphenols feed beneficial gut bacteria and support a healthy microbiome, which can help produce anti-inflammatory compounds, key for autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis.
Mineral Support: This recipe is a natural source of magnesium, copper, potassium, and non-heme iron, all important for muscle, nerve, and immune health during chronic inflammation.
As cold weather starts to settle in the north, I invite you to snuggle up to the aroma of this Mayan-inspired, spiced, anti-inflammatory chocolate!
Mayan-Inspired Spiced Hot Chocolate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
*1-2 Servings
Ingredients:
2 cups plant-based beverage (i.e., soy, almond, coconut milk)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably organic
1 tablespoon dark chocolate chunks
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves powder
2 pinches of cayenne pepper or add to taste
Equipment
Saucepan
Frother or whisk
Measuring spoons
Instructions
In a small saucepan, pour your favourite plant-based beverage (i.e., almond, cashew, or hemp). Whisk in cocoa powder, dark chocolate, & maple syrup.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Continue whisking until all ingredients have melted and the mixture is smooth. Add in the spices. Mix well.
Keep stirring until the beverage is fragrant; you can also use a frother.
Pour into a mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cayenne pepper, if desired.
Arthritis & Sjögren-Friendly Tips
Use lactose-free milk, goat milk, or regular cow's milk (if tolerated) for additional protein and minerals to support bone health.
No time to prepare your homemade spice chocolate? Try El Camino chilli & spice hot chocolate made with organic ingredients.
Serve immediately or chill for two hours for a refreshing beverage.
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