Ceremonial CACAO
A high vibrational, gentle ancient plant medicine to support and elevate the mind, body and spirit. Ceremonial cacao is 100% pure, Organic ground Criollo bean paste. It has been minimally processed through traditional production means, with nothing added, nothing taken away.
A heart opener, a wisdom keeper, a guider, teacher, a facilitator and creative partner.
WHAT IS CEREMONIAL CACAO?
Before its widespread use as an ingredient for making chocolate, Cacao has been used for centuries and considered a sacred plant medicine in Mesoamerican civilisations.
The term 'Ceremonial Cacao' refers to where the cacao is sourced, farmed and how it is processed and also refers to the standard of cacao which should meet these criteria;
1. It is a 100% pure cacao bean paste that has nothing added or taken away (ie, added sugars, flavourings, removed fat)
2. The cacao should preferably be a Criollo (native) bean which is used traditionally by Mesoamerican cultures.
3. The origin should be in the geographical area of harvest ( ie Ecuador, Mexio, Guatemala, Peru)
4. The cacao is grown using sustainable growing practices that promotes favorable conditions for the farmers and their families.
5 The cacao is blessed by the indigenous owners of the land and produced with respect to their traditional customs.
HOW IS IT MADE?
Cacao beans are the seeds of the Theobroma Cacao tree, Theobroma literally meaning "food of the gods" (from Greek, theo - "God" and broma - "food").
Cacao is a sacred plant so the spiritual energy of the bean starts with the cultivation of the pod from the farmers who grow it, and positive energy and intentions continue over the plants whole duration of growth. Once picked, the cacao beans are processed by hand, with love and care and finished with a final blessing from the Sharman.
Ceremonial cacao is made by fermenting and lightly toasting, or sun-drying the beans, then peeling the husks (usually by hand) and stone-grinding them down to create a paste which is set into a block.
From seed to your home, it is blessed with love and intention.
what are the benefits of ceremonial cacao?
There are so many things to enjoy with this sacred plant medicine physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Ceremonial cacao is known as a 'heart opener' with high levels of theobromine, which widens blood vessels, and increases blood flow, assisting with energy and supporting heart health.
Cacao can nourish the body and mind as it's packed with antioxidants, iron, calcium and magnesium. Scientific studies have shown that compounds in cacao can assist with cardiovascular health, mental health, immune health, bone health, metabolic health, skin health, mental health, and more.
In Central and South American culture, the cacao bean has always been used as a sacred brain food to maintain mental balance and happiness. Cacao helps to produce mood-boosting bioactive compounds - dopamine, serotonin, anandamide (the 'bliss molecule') and P.E.A, an antidepressant also known as the 'love drug'. Cacao can beautifully support mental health, navigating turbulent emotions and can restore a sense of peace and calm.
It is a wonderful accompaniment to inner work and for support releasing emotional blockages. Cacao can be a beautiful companion with spiritual, healing and creative practices such as yoga, meditation, writing, dance and music - just to name a few.
what's the right dose for me?
There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right amount for you.
Depending on your metabolism, size, sensitivity to stimulants such as caffeine and how clean your diet is in general, will affect how your body feels consuming cacao.
The invitation is to explore and experiment for yourself and allow it to be an intuitive process. The amounts you consume may vary depending on your intentions and how your body feels.
As a guide…
10-15g (approx. 1 Tablespoon) For a calming morning cup or evening nightcap.
20-30g (approx. 2 tablespoons) For a boost of energy, creativity & focus.
45-47g (approx.. 3 tablespoons) for a full ceremonial dose
If you are pregnant, or new to cacao sticking to a lower dose (10-15g) is recommended.
It is not recommended to take ceremonial cacao doses above 55 grams.
This plant medicine may not be suitable for everyone, so it is highly recommended to do your research before consuming.
Enjoy exploring!
