CEREMONIAL CACAO

What is Cacao?

​Cacao is a sacred plant medicine that has been deeply embedded in the cultures of Central and South America for thousands of years. It has historically been used in rituals, medicine, spirituality, and ceremonies, and was even once used as currency.

Known as the "heart-opening medicine," cacao serves as a gateway to connect with your inner spirit and wisdom. It enables you to tap into your true self and enhances your ability to connect with others by opening your heart.

Cacao is believed to bring peace, improve mood, inspire creativity, and help you let go of emotional blockages. When used in ceremony or meditation, cacao has the power to elevate your practice, allowing you to experience a deeper spiritual connection and bringing peace to your mind, body, and soul.

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The Power of Cacao – Mind, Body & Soul​

Cacao is an incredibly potent plant with holistic benefits that extend to the mind, body, and soul. Some of the benefits you may experience from a cacao ceremony include:

• An open heart

• Pure happiness and bliss

• A deeper connection with life

• A sense of belonging and love towards others

• The release of negative energy and thoughts

• A desire to be kind

• Enhanced creativity and inspiration

• Increased clarity and focus

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• A boost in energy levels

• Promotes the production of 'happy hormones'

• Deeper meditation and spiritual connection

• Increased peace and contentment

• The ability to release and let go

• Reduced blood pressure

• Boosts immune system function

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Cacao's Nutritional Power

Cacao is a nutrient-dense superfood, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some of its most impressive qualities:

• The highest plant-based source of iron

• More calcium than cow’s milk

• Antioxidant levels that surpass blueberries

• Loaded with zinc

It is rich in flavonoids, nutrients shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. Cacao is also a top source of magnesium, which supports a healthy heart, helps convert glucose into energy, and boosts brain function, clarity, and focus.

In addition, cacao is known to be a natural mood elevator and antidepressant due to the presence of serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine—four bliss chemicals scientifically proven to elevate mood.

 

Cacao’s Psychoactive Benefits

Cacao contains theobromine, a psychoactive compound often referred to as the "food of the Gods." Theobromine is a mild stimulant and vasodilator, which means it opens up your blood vessels, improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing cognitive functions like focus and memory retention. It also helps release endorphins and dopamine, boosting happiness and encouraging creativity.

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The Cacao Spirit​

The Cacao Spirit is regarded as a keeper of ancient, sacred wisdom. In many indigenous cultures, this spirit is viewed as a feminine force, associated with emotional healing, communication with Spirit, and the voice of the heart. Mama Cacao embodies the energies of kindness, unconditional love, and joy, creating a loving connection to yourself and others. Her energy is healing, nurturing, and gentle. When we connect with her, we open our hearts and our voice often speaks with a deeper, more intuitive intelligence, carrying vibrations of peace.

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Many people feel a calling to connect with the Cacao Spirit. This calling may manifest as curiosity, a desire for deeper connection, or a whisper from the heart urging a reconnection with Mother Nature.

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Health conditions & Cacao

Pure Cacao is contraindicated /not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, and for those antidepressants that work on the MAO inhibitors, are pregnant or breastfeeding it is advised to only have small dosages.

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Cacao and Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

While cacao offers many health benefits, it is important for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consult with their healthcare provider before consuming it. Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are stimulants that may affect heart rate and could potentially pass into breast milk. The recommended dose is 20g for those who choose to consume it, but moderation is key. As a precaution, it is advised to consume cacao in moderation or avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, depending on individual circumstances. Always seek professional guidance to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby

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Heart Conditions & Cacao:
Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are stimulants that can have a mild effect on heart rate and blood pressure. For individuals with certain heart conditions, especially those with arrhythmias, high blood pressure, or heart disease, this could potentially exacerbate your condition.

Those with heart conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming pure cacao or chocolate, especially in larger or ceremonial doses. Lower doses may be advisable to avoid overstimulation, and it’s always good to monitor any adverse reactions (such as a racing heart).

MAO Inhibitors & Anti-Depressants

What are MAO inhibitors?: MAO inhibitors (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme is involved in the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine). By inhibiting this enzyme, these medications help to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which is helpful for treating depression and anxiety.

 

Cacao contains naturally occurring compounds like tyramine. Tyramine is a substance that can cause the release of norepinephrine and is a naturally occurring amine found in various foods. When combined with MAO inhibitors, it can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis. This is because the MAO inhibitors prevent the breakdown of tyramine, leading to potentially harmful elevated levels.
Individuals on MAO inhibitors should exercise caution with pure cacao, it is recommended to stick to smaller doses if cacao consumption is desired. It’s always important to consult a healthcare provider if you're on these medications.
Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Selegiline (Emsam), Moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix) are examples of SOME of the antidepressants that are MAO inhibitors
 

​Disclaimer:
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before using cacao, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
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