Heart Opening Cacao
The water that runs through the heart.
Many ancient and indigenous cultures consider cacao a sacred plant medicine for thousands of years. When consumed in sufficient quantity and in the right setting, cacao is a powerful catalyst for all types of inner work.
In a cacao ceremony, we work with this plant medicine to support our healing and growth. When approached this way, cacao will offer opportunities to cultivate greater self-love, awareness and expansion of our consciousness.
Cacao also pairs well with meditation, yoga, dance, creative flow, sacred self pleasure practices, sharing circles, and shamanic journeying. Consuming a small amount of cacao in the morning (1 oz dose) can be very beneficial and awakening, as well. It is a great substitute for coffee, although these substances have different effects in the body.
Cacao is one of the most complex plant substances known to man. When consumed unsweetened or with very little sugar, it is a superfood, packed with beneficial minerals and neuro-chemicals that affect our state of mind. The mild bitterness of a ceremonial cacao drink can also serve to cleanse the liver or release emotions, and the alkaloid content of pure cacao boosts circulation and absorption of nutrients.
Ceremonial Benefits
✣ Deeper heart opening & love
✣ Enhanced focus
✣ Deeper meditation or sacred practice
✣ Greater connection with other people
✣ Inspiration & creativity
Health Benefits
✣ Increases blood flow
✣ Superfood with high levels of anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals
✣ Contains theobromine, a gentle & grounded stimulant
✣ Contains mood enhancers such as serotonin, PEA & anandamide
✣ Contains cacao butter, a source of healthy fats
✣ High levels of magnesium, a muscle relaxant & important mineral in our diet
Tips for Using Cacao
Create an Intention
Before consuming, create an intention that is supportive to you. Take a look at this blog post for some tips for creating a ritual. For example, it may be for reflection, inner knowing, releasing, creating, self love, etc. Offer gratitude to the cacao before you drink and take a few minutes to meditate in a quiet space.
The Cacao
Make sure you are using high quality ceremonial cacao. I personally use Heartblood Ceremonial Grade Cacao. High quality cacao is completely different from processed chocolate or baking cocoa. Unlike chocolate, ceremonial grade cacao does not contain sugar, milk, preservatives, or anything else that might interfere with or negate the benefits of pure cacao. Likewise, cocoa powder is over-processed and has key ingredients removed.
The Dose
Be certain to use enough cacao per serving in order to feel the effects. Too little and the benefits will be too weak to notice. Too much, on the other hand, can be unpleasant. For most people between 1-2 oz is appropriate.
The Set & Setting
Consume cacao in a mental state and setting that is supportive for your intention. For example, if you want to use cacao ceremony to facilitate meditation, set that intention beforehand and make sure everyone who is participating is aware of the intention. In addition, create an environment to support this with lighting, music, and so forth. Allow for space to move, create, and flow into your intention. It is crucial to consume this in a safe space with yourself or with trusted guides who can support you on your journey.
Integration
Allow quiet time afterwards for integration. Take some time to journal your experience and drink lots of water. Cacao is a detoxifying substance (which is great) and this can dehydrate the body.
Recipe
Conscious Cacao Cappuccino
Ingredients
✣ 1-2 oz ethically sourced ceremonial grade cacao (this is the one I use)
✣ 5-7 oz filtered water
✣ Pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric or preferred warm spices
✣ Local honey, agave or natural sweetener of choice, to taste (optional)
✣ Oat milk, nut milk or preferred non-dairy milk (optional)
Directions
1. Chop your cacao (if it is in a block) and measure out 1-2 oz—1 oz for a light buzz, this is great in the morning or afternoon pick-me-up—2 oz for a ceremonial dose. This is much more opening and intended for ritual use only.
2. Heat the water up in a small pot, just to a boil.
3. Whisk in cacao, spices, and sweetener.
4. Pour a small amount of non-dairy milk into a cup and fluff up with a milk frother. Again, this part is optional.
5. Pour cacao drink mixture in a special cup and top with frothed milk. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or cacao.
Disclaimer:
Cacao is NOT recommended if you are taking any sort of mood altering medications, such as anti-depressants with SSRIs, or any medication that works in the dopamine or serotonin pathways. It may cause an aggravation of acid reflux or ulcers. It may cause breaking out when an individual has herpes.
If pregnant, we recommend not starting with cacao if you don’t already have a practice with it. While breast feeding, cacao is safe. Just keep an eye out on the baby, and see if the baby likes it or not.
As with anything on this site, use your best judgment. Consult with your health physician before consuming if you are unsure if this is for you. We will not be held liable for any side effects or experiences during consumption.
