Cacao Medicine

Cacao can offer a profound effect on both our physical and spiritual wellbeing.

The cacao bean contains a plethora of natural compounds; endorphins, minerals, and vitamins that can nourish our mind and body.

On the physical plane…

Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, Chromium, Manganese

All these essential minerals are known to support a healthy cardiovascular, nervous and immune system along with healthy cognitive functioning.

Phenylethylamine, Anandamide, and Serotonin

Phenylethylamine is known as the love molecule as it one of the chemicals the brain releases when we fall in love.
Anandamide is responsible for the sense of bliss one experiences with pure cacao.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is essential for transporting signals between nerve cells in the nervous system. Stress and other lifestyle choices can deplete this neurotransmitter that is essential for a balanced state of being - mood, behaviour and sleep cycles.

Flavonoids & Antioxidants

Cacao has some of the highest levels of antioxidants found in any food source.
Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals that can build up in the body - an excess of free radicals in the body is associated with accelerating the aging process.

On healing…

When cacao is worked within a ceremony or a personal ritual with intention - the experience of cacao or its true essence is truly witnessed.

From experience, I can attest to the profound relationship that can be developed with this medicine.

A simple “personal meditation” can be performed where one sits in a quiet place with a cup of drinking cacao and focuses their attention on the aromas, flavors, texture, and the spirit of the cacao and as one continues to drink - focus on the breath flowing through the body. Remain attentive to the process of the cacao interacting with your own biological system and practice to be mindful of what arises - this is your own relationship and experience with cacao.

I refrain from giving too much away of what to expect from working with cacao as I prefer people to tune into their own authentic experience with the plant…

However, energetically (as well as physiologically) it is associated with the heart chakra and opens up this pathway of energy. A beautiful meditation can be practiced by focusing your attention on this area whilst meditating and drinking cacao.

Activities such as dancing, movement, yoga are highly recommended for moving around the increase of energy in our bodies that is generated from cacao.

I have also witnessed the benefit of releasing stagnant energy and even trauma when working with cacao. Although sometimes a trained professional is recommended to assist in some cases, cacao has the ability to open us up to our past and meet them with a sense of peace, giving us an opportunity to release and grow anew.