Cacao is probably something you associate with chocolate or hot cocoa. The cacao I’m referring to, however, is a little different. I mean pure cacao – the kind with nothing added to make it taste sweeter. When it’s 100% pure, it comes with several health benefits. Like processed chocolate, cacao can affect your mood because it causes your brain to release endorphins when you consume it. The same happens with cacao. Pure cacao is even healthier, though. Because it's so concentrated, it retains many beneficial nutrients for your body, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and even vitamin C. It also contains a small amount of caffeine.
Is cacao halluciogenic?
Not at all! It's often thought that cacao has a hallucinogenic effect because it is sometimes linked with substances like truffles or ayahuasca. However, cacao on its own doesn’t cause this effect.
Ceremonial cacao was used by the Mayans for celebratory rituals: they drank it when there was something to celebrate. Cacao has a light stimulating effect because of its small amount of caffeine, as well as the antioxidants and nutrients it contains. This can create a soothing sensation in your chest area, which is why we say cacao is a "heart opener."
What’s the effect?
During ceremonies, you’re usually guided in drinking cacao. The ceremonial leader often asks you to drink it with an intention. Cacao has great power, and by adding your own intention, you can make that power your own. For example, your intention could be: "I feel empowered." It’s entirely up to you what intention you choose, as long as it’s positive.
Once the cacao is finished, you usually go into meditation. Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything immediately – just trust that the cacao is doing its work.
What does it taste like?
If you’ve never drunk ceremonial cacao before, the taste might take some getting used to. If you enjoy dark chocolate, you’ll probably adapt quickly since the flavor is quite bitter. There are many types of cacao, and the origin of the bean can affect its taste. Often, during preparation, other ingredients are added to soften the flavor.
How often can you drink cacao?
As often as you like! I personally drank a cup of cacao every morning for a while. During ceremonies, you typically receive between 35-40g of cacao per person. When I drink it on my own at home, I usually use less. I stopped drinking it daily because I don’t want to overconsume. The cacao harvest wasn’t very good last year, and I feel it’s important to be mindful and respectful of the plant.
When should you avoid drinking cacao?
Since cacao can have a stimulating effect, it’s advisable to be cautious if you have heart issues, such as high blood pressure. It’s also important to check in with yourself and consult a doctor if you’re on antidepressants. If you have one of these conditions and are still very curious about cacao, feel free to message me. Together, we can figure out how to make it work for you.
Can I drink cacao myself?
Absolutely! I recommend giving it a try. Start with a small amount if you’re drinking it alone for the first time. The seller’s website often provides guidance on the best dosage. Feel free to experiment by adding different herbs and types of milk to find the flavor you enjoy most. For example, I really love adding cinnamon and ground cayenne pepper (which also stimulates cacao’s effect). I also always add a few drops of tincture, which you can find on my webshop!
If you would like some more guidance with your first cup of cacao, I'd love to welcome you to one of the online ceremonies I organize. You can get your tickets at the 'services' page.
Below are some links to where I get my cacao. Enjoy!
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