Ceremonial cacao - how is it different from regular chocolate?

The ritual of drinking such Cacao opens the heart, stimulates brain function and even... heals the soul. You can perform the cacao ceremony on your own at home, but you will feel its power to the fullest if you are in a group - for example, as part of a women's circle or workshop. 

Can you use the dessert cacao you can buy at any grocery store for the cacao ceremony? If you sip it with the right intention, you will definitely feel great. However, you need to know that True ceremonial cacao is very different from ordinary cacao, and even more so from chocolate! First of all - ordinary cacao is a highly processed product, defatted, with a much lower theobromine content.

Ceremonial cacao comes only from native types of cacao, i.e. the original, primary types. Two such types of cacao can be mentioned. The first is from Guatemala Criollo and Chuncho From Peru. What does ceremonial cacao look like? It is in the form of a pressed, matte paste made from raw cacao beans, deceptively similar to good, crumbly chocolate in the hands. It is gently fermented, organic in nature and full of valuable nutrients and compounds with beneficial effects on the body. These include:

• Phenylethylamine - induces the feeling of "butterflies in the stomach", improves concentration and memory
• Anandamide - also known as "happiness/bliss/pleasure molecule
• Theobromine - dilates blood vessels and oxygenation of the body, it is called the "divine ingredient", has a mildly stimulating effect, also increases the secretion of the neurotransmitters serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
• Serotonin - or "happy hormone"
• Flavanols - reducing oxidative stress
• Zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium - valuable micronutrients

Where did the popularity of drinking cacao in a ceremonial way come from? Well, this ritual is thousands of years old! As far back as the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, the assumption was that people who drank cacao grown with spiritual intention could connect with ancestral knowledge and learn from guardian spirits. Spiritualists to this day call cacao a spiritual guide plant (from Teacher Plant).

How does ceremonial cacao affect the body?

You meet in a group, such as a women's circle, prepare ceremonial cacao and sip it in a wonderful atmosphere built by candlelight and the sounds of subtle music. Could such a ritual have more benefits than simply enjoying the company of other people and sipping a delicious beverage? Of course! As I mentioned, ceremonial cacao not only affects the state of the soul, but is also just very healthy. What are its effects? Specifically:

• Calms the central nervous system, making you feel relaxed and relaxed.
• It gives a feeling of joy, contentment, prosperity, bliss. This wonderful feeling of love spills over all/all of you!
• Increases creativity and creativity, you feel a surge of inspiration, it's easier for you to "connect the dots", come up with new ideas you wouldn't have come up with before
• stimulates blood circulation, increases oxygenation of the body by 30% - this is important especially now, in autumn and winter, when we badly need oxygen to keep our cells healthy and resistant to microorganisms
• Regulates blood pressure,
• stimulates digestion,
• Supports the work of the digestive system,
• Supports meditative states, puts you in a state of deep tranquility, in which it is easier for you to look inside yourself.
• takes off all sorts of emotional blockages - it's easier for you to cry, laugh, delight.
• is a powerful aphrodisiac - it increases libido and intensifies the sensations of sex,
• Helps to achieve better concentration while mildly stimulating
• supports women during menstruation, as it provides sizable doses of iron

How to prepare ceremonial cacao?

Preparing ceremonial cacao is not at all difficult, but it is true that it requires a bit more effort than pouring ready-made chocolate powder over warm milk. However, it is worth approaching every element of this ritual, including for the preparation of the drink, with an open heart and humility - it's a wonderful process that starts right in the kitchen!

To begin with, it is useful to know what dosages will be appropriate. We suggest starting the adventure with ceremonial cacao From smaller doses, for example, 15-20 g. It's worth watching your body's reactions and what happens to your emotions. Keep in mind that initially you may have various symptoms that pass with time, such as a definitely accelerated metabolism. Over time, you can increase the dosage, even up to 50g. If you plan to drink ceremonial cacao more often, for example, before starting your daily work, reach for a smaller amount of the product, such as 10-15 g of cacao. 

What do you need?

• A portion of ceremonial cacao (as needed)
• a serving of plant-based beverage (for example, oat milk or rice milk, we especially recommend thick coconut milk from a can ) - do not mix ceremonial cacao with animal milk, which deactivates the health-promoting effects of this substance
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (due to capsaicin, which will improve the absorption of the beneficial compounds contained in cacao into the body; as needed)
• Honey or other natural sweetener (as needed)

How to make ceremional cacao?

1. Pour the milk (vegetable drink) into a small pot, add cayenne pepper to it and heat it until it boils.
2. Crush the ceremonial cacao paste and put it in a blender.
3. Pour boiling vegetable beverage, wait a moment for the milk to dissolve and blend for about 30-60 seconds.
4. Ready
5. Alternatively, you can crush or chop ceremonial cacao and gradually dissolve it directly in boiling milk, stirring very thoroughly so that no lumps form.
6. Note - you can also dissolve ceremonial cacao in good quality mineral water!

How to drink ceremonial cacao?

Imagine that this warming, thick and sweet drink is goodness itself. Savor it with small sips, taking your time, savoring every moment. It's a good idea to have a glass of plain water nearby, which I rinse my taste buds with from time to time - this way I can better "perceive" the taste of cacao.

When is it better to give up the cacao ceremony?

1. If you are taking psychotropic drugs - Ceremonial cacao contains tryptophan and MAO inhibitors, which can act to potentiate the effects of antidepressants
2. If you have heart and blood pressure problems, circulatory insufficiency -. Theobromine, which is a component of ceremonial cacao, stimulates the heart and gently dilates blood vessels. Moreover, such cacao itself lowers blood pressure, so it could interact dangerously with drugs with similar effects.