Connecting and opening your heart with cacao. In this post you'll learn some key benefits of ceremonial cacao and how it can help you as part of your personal & spiritual growth.
I'm often asked about Cacao and its benefits, so I decided to write a short blog post to share some key benefits and the fascinating science behind this ancient superfood and medicine, aptly known as the 'Food of the Gods.'
Drinking Cacao is a part of my Sadhana, (daily spiritual practice). I choose Ceremonial grade cacao, from organically grown cacao beans. This pure, unprocessed cacao comes straight from sustainably farmed beans, a world apart from the heavily processed chocolate laden with sugar and milk.
Cacao, though a plant medicine, is not psychedelic but psychoactive.
It contains some caffeine but is richer in theobromine, caffeine’s distant cousin. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which can leave us feeling jittery. Theobromine, however, offers a calm, steady energy, focusing its effects on enhancing blood flow and heart function without the crash.
Theobromine is what makes dogs unwell if they've eaten chocolate!
Theobromine derives from the Greek word that translates to 'Food of the Gods,' which beautifully captures the sacred and profound essence of cacao.
Cacao is a vasodilator, increasing blood flow, creating a warm, heart-opening sensation. This is why cacao is often called a Heart-Opener. It deepens your connection with your own heart and fosters a greater openness and connection with others.
One of the compounds found in this superfood is Anandamide, known as the ‘bliss’ molecule, uplifting your mood and filling you with happiness contentment. Your body produces this naturally when you feel a 'workout high' and contributes to the profound sense of well-being that cacao brings.
Another key compound is PEA (Phenylethylamine), known for increasing awareness, focus and concentration, making it easier to stay present whilst meditating for extended periods.
As a superfood, it is packed with antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc.
Studies show that regular consumption can even improve heart health.
Cacao is a 'slow food', balancing the blood sugar level in the body, is a natural laxative, and supports and soothes our menstrual cycle. It is also known to help with perimenopause symptoms.
It is important to share that Cacao is a powerful teacher in emotional healing and helped me enormously in my own personal healing journey. Mama Cacao supports us to release emotional blockages, she guides us through our fears and uncertainties, and illuminates the shadows in our subconscious—our conditioned patterns, behaviours, and addictions.
The preparation of Cacao is a sacred ritual for me. It's a process I never rush, dedicating time and space to honour both Cacao medicine and myself. This mindful practice helps me embody my true self and align with how I want to show up in the world. Through this, I can serve my clients, family, and friends from a centred, aligned, and empowered place.
My personal practice consists of a blessing, setting intentions for the day, followed by some gentle kundalini asana, pranayam, meditation, a daily card reading and journaling. This sacred routine connects me with my heart, my higher self and guides, helping me flow through my day with grace and purpose.
As with all plant medicines, Cacao is a profound teacher and requires responsibility and respect when working with her.
If you’re taking any medication, or are breastfeeding, it is always best to seek professional medical advice before exploring Cacao.
If you're interested in cultivating a deeper connection with your heart space, so you can navigate life from a more centred and peaceful place, I have a beautiful Heart Connection meditation to share with you.
Click here to receive this meditation, which you can enjoy with or without a cup of cacao!
Watch the video below to see out how I prepare my daily cup.
