Cacao refers to the ground seeds of the Cacao fruit, making a Cacao paste that solidifies into the ceremonial Cacao bricks we share. Conventional chocolate typically uses cocoa, which is the powder that remains after the wet ‘butter’ fraction is removed. The cocoa powder therefore does not contain the full nutrients of the Cacao fruit. Additionally, cocoa is made using high temperatures, which destroy many of the beneficial compounds and medicinal properties that we find in ceremonial Cacao.

Yes, Cacao is a wonderful drink to enjoy for you and your baby. It is recommended to have lower doses and pay careful attention to how you feel when working with Cacao. Low doses are below 20 grams.

Cacao is a sacred plant whose medicinal properties should be honoured and not mixed with alcohol. Instead, when working with Cacao, be sure to drink lots of water to help the body receive all the benefits. If you are taking SSRI antidepressants, low blood pressure medication, or undergoing chemotherapy treatment, moderate consumption of Cacao is recommended. Doses should be below 20 grams.

Ceremonial Cacao comes in a solid brick form. Use a knife to shave down the desired amount of Cacao. Then mix water that has just boiled and blend in a blender until frothy. You can add spices like cayenne, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger as well as natural sweeteners and sea salt. Be sure not to boil the Cacao if preparing on a stove top as it destroys the medicinal properties. For a daily dose, use one or two tablespoons (10-20 grams). For ceremonial doses used in deeper spiritual practices and ceremony, 25-30 grams is more than enough. Do not exceed 42 grams in any single dose.

Cacao can be enjoyed daily in low doses (10-20 grams) and in higher ceremonial doses (25-42 grams) on a more occasional basis. It is important to respect Cacao as the sacred medicine that it is, always becoming aware of your intention for working with it and noticing if any dependence is developing. While it may replace your morning coffee, it should be enjoyed with high awareness and a ceremonial quality that welcomes sacredness into your present moment.

Levels of caffeine are very low in our Cacao. The uplift of energy is thanks to a compound called, Theobromine, which is related to caffeine but is much more gentle on the nervous system and adrenal glands. Instead of creating a jittery, anxious jolt of energy, Cacao gives a grounded lift in our energy and mood, releasing three bliss hormones. Because caffeine is very low, Cacao can be enjoyed up to one hour before sleep. In fact, some people who have trouble sleeping find a low (5-10 gram) dose of Cacao can help them fall asleep and stay asleep.