What is Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is the highest quality of cacao, it grows on the tropical tree, Theobroma Cacao. For centuries it has been used by the Mayans and Aztecs for celebrations and rituals. Ceremonial cacao remains rich in natural compounds that boost your energy, open your heart, invoke feelings of love, joy and happiness, bringing many spiritual and physical benefits to your entire being.
What differentiates it from other-cacao-based products like cacao powder and dark chocolate?
Genetics – Ceremonial grade cacao beans have been selectively bred for thousands of years producing a bean rich in medicinal and euphoric compounds. For the mass production chocolate industry huge plantations have been created to produce high quantity but poor quality cacao that have little or no medicinal compounds.
Source – Ceremonial grade cacao is grown in a dynamic agroforestry system supporting biodiversity and reforestation. The quality of the land, soil, climate, rain, flora, fauna and so much more will affect the quality of the cacao.
Fermentation – Ceremonial grade cacao undergoes a unique process further unlocking an array of vitamins, minerals and metabolic compounds. The beans are slow roasted in a low temperature oven, patiently hand peeled and ground down into a paste. Hand-processing cacao in small communities continues to increase its medicinal properties, as well as the intention and value inside the medicine.
In the mass chocolate industry fermentation is overlooked and often non-existent. Most industrial chocolate is processed by machines in factories, flash roasted and exposed to high heat where the quality, medicinal properties and intention are lost.
What are the benefits of Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. It can help against pain, fatigue, depression and much more because of the following health-restoring and consciousness-altering compounds;
Theobromine – acts on your cardiovascular system, opening your heart and blood vessels, lowering your blood pressure so you feel open and relaxed. With an open heart your body circulates more oxygenated blood to your brain supporting mental focus, clarity and concentration.
Phenylethylamine – a natural love, joy, excitement, connection and openness compound.
Anandamide – a natural bliss, happiness and euphoria compound.
Magnesium – for brain clarity, concentration, improves memory, reduces inflammation, stress, migraines and muscle soreness in the body.
Serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, tryptophan and dopamine – the happy hormones that create new neural pathways, elevating your mood and bestowing feelings of happiness and laughter.
Antioxidants and flavonoids – protect against cell damage and slow down aging.
Packed with iron, calcium, copper, zinc, chromium, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B8, C & E.
Cacao as a spiritual medicine;
Consecrating ceremonial cacao which has been sourced with deep reverence to Mother Earth, our ancestors, nature, indigenous families and farmers will undoubtedly enhance your spiritual practice.
The richness of ceremonial cacao activates your vital life force, granting you power, force and strength. With all of its wisdom cacao connects you to your inner most essence, opens your heart for self expression, activating your creative flow while deepening your intuition. The spirit of cacao will meet each individual exactly where they are and it will help them see where in life some changes may be needed.
The spirit of cacao is gentle. It will softly and supportingly nudge you along your path.
Can I make my own Cacao at home?
Yes, of course you can! Cacao pairs so well with so many other flavours so I invite you to get creative with your own cup. Here is a classic to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of chopped up cacao (daily dose 28-30grams)
- 150-200mls of cold water, just enough to cover the cacao
- Dash of cayenne pepper (helps to lift the plant to work in the bloodstream and represents the fire element)
- Dash of himalayan salt (to support your blood pressure)
Preparation:
- Heat water below boiling temperature (boiling water changes cacao structure), add all ingredients and blend your cacao for a more creamy texture.
- If it’s too bitter you could consider adding some of the following: plant based milk, honey, coconut sugar, agave syrup, dates, nut butters, cinnamon, vanilla, or anything you fancy.
- When you prepare cacao it’s important to remember that you’re working with a sacred medicine and the preparation is a ritual itself. Be mindful of why you are preparing your cacao. Take your time, be calm, breathe, offer gratitude and send your intentions into your medicine.
Sip and feel your magic explode!
Notes:
Cacao is advised in lower doses if you are pregnant, have a brain or heart condition, epilepsy, taking SSRI medication, liver failure or kidney stones.
It’s best not to eat dairy around the time you will receive the medicine, enzymes in dairy inhibit cacao uptake.
For a ceremonial dose add 40-45g of cacao.