Q:  What is Cacao?

A:  In essence cacao is raw chocolate. The chocolate you are used to has been highly processed and loses much of it's nutritional and psychoative properties. Cacao is the seed from the fruit, or pod, of the Theobroma cacao tree, ‘Theo’ means God and ‘broma’ means food, making the cacao tree and its fruit, the ‘food of the gods’! The processing and consumption of cacao as a sacred elixir dates back over 5,300 years in South America and had been used by the Olmecs, Maya, Toltecs and Aztecs of Mesoamerica.

Q:  What are the physical benefits of drinking Cacao?

A:  Cacao is a superfood! In fact it is one of the most complex, nutritionally dense and complete foods on the planet. Cacao is even higher in antioxidants than blueberries, and is more abundant in flavanols than other plant-based sources. It also includes healthy fats on a par with avocados, and provides minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Copper and Potassium. Cacao is the world's best source of Magnesium which over 80% of the population are deficient in. Studies have shown that these nutritional properties promote a healthier heart, boost your immune system and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Q:  What are the other benefits of drinking cacao?

A:  In addition to nutrients, cacao also contains neurochemicals, and psychoactive compounds (cacao is not hallucinogenic or psychedelic). Theobromine is a cardiovascular stimulant which lifts mood, energy and mental focus. Cacao includes Phenylethlamine (PEA) which is often referred to as the ‘love chemical’ and is elevated when we feel captivated by a person or task. Anandamide (AEA) is also found in cacao and is referred to as the ‘bliss molecule’. Studies have shown AEA can be found in our bodies after increased levels of exercise, often associated with the term ‘runners high’.

Q:  What effect might Cacao have?

A:  Cacao is known as an entheogen or plant medicine. ‘Entheos‘ translates to “full of god” or “inspired”, and ‘gen’ means to ‘come into being’. An entheogen is a class of psychoactive substances found in plants, which when taken in specific doses, cause you to become inspired or experience feelings of spiritual inspiration, and to release naturally produced chemicals in the body that can invoke gentle changes in mood and awareness. Cacao increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain as well as induces the release of endorphins and dopamine, our feel-good hormones increasing happiness & encouraging creativity.

Q:  What is the Cacao Spirit?

A:  Ceremonial Cacao is considered a facilitator for inner work, due to the physical, energetic and spiritual impacts it has. In shamanic and ancient cultures there is a belief that everything is living and has a soul, and the connection with the land and community are sacred. Most indigenous peoples regard the Cacao Spirit as a feminine force who shows kindness, love and joy and she aids in the communication with Spirit. There is an ancient saying that Mumma Cacao (the Cacao Spirit) will come forth when the connection between humans and nature is lost. Walking with the spirit of cacao can help you to connect with your own wild nature that connects you with everything.

Q:  Are there any contraindications I need to be aware of?

A:  The monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAIO's) in cacao, which allow for the absorption of neurotransmitters in the body, can interact with some anti-depressant and antipsychotic medications, and create unpleasant side effects, such as migraines. We recommend not taking cacao if you are taking a high dose anti-depressant. For low or medium doses, a regular or smaller serving of cacao is fine. Check with your doctor. Cacao will raise your heart rate slightly. If an increase in your heart rate could cause a medical problem, drink less and check with your doctor. Many folks with low blood pressure find our cacao (low-caffeine) stabilizes their heart and helps them. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Q:  Can I drink Cacao if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A:  Most babies, in or out of the womb, do really well with mom consuming cacao. About 1oz (28gm) in the first 2 trimesters, about 2/3oz (20gm) dose in the last trimester. There are a few fetuses and breast-fed babies that do not like cacao. We recommend 2/3oz (20gm) while breast feeding until it is clear how the infant reacts.

Q:  What else do I need to know?

A:  For the best results avoid caffeine for up to 6 hours before consuming cacao, as it may be over stimulating. Avoid dairy as this slows down the absorption and counteract with the antioxidant properties in cacao. Fasting for 2-3 hours beforehand allows for the most optimal experience. For blood sugar issues please bring a snack to enjoy before or during ceremony. During the ceremony listen to your body. Sip slowly, pause and feel into your bodies response. Notice and honor what is being communicated. Drink only as much as what is needed in that moment. Post ceremony break the fast with whole, grounding foods such as vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and stews. If you experience nausea eat a few crackers and hydrate with electrolytes (coconut water is great). Drink plenty of water as cacao is a natural diuretic and detoxifier. Avoid alcohol or mind-altering drugs the day of the ceremony and into the next day.