General Cacao Benefits:
~ Opens the heart chakra, calling forth more love into our lives
~ Enhances the mood, reduces stress and anxiety
~ Increases focus & creativity
~ Contains theobromine, a compound that has been shown to improve cognitive function and focus.
~ Packed with antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium.
~ Supports heart health and prevention of cardiovascular diseases
~ Contains healthy fats to nourish skin, hair, and nails
Ecuadorian Arriba Cacao Benefits:
~ Creative inspiration
~ Rich and smooth chocolaty flavor making it the perfect cacao for adding to your smoothies, desserts, and baking
~ Energizing and invigorating, both physically and energetically
Ceremonial grade cacao is a pure, raw form of chocolate that is used in traditional indigenous ceremonies and rituals as a means of connecting with the spirit world. Mama Cacao is a powerful plant ally and teacher who lovingly embraces us, bringing teachings, guidance, and sweetness to our lives.
Our Ecuadorian Arriba Cacao comes in the form of cacao chips, rather than in entire 1lb blocks. This makes dosage super easy.
When working with ceremonial cacao, we invite you to utilize prayer and intention and create a ritual around your communion. Below are some tips to creating a sacred ritual with cacao.
Sample Cacao Ceremony:
Prepare the Space: Smudge with copal or another smudging agent to clear the space and invite the spirits of Nature to join you in prayer. You can light candles or put on ceremonial music or add any other elements that you feel called to your ritual.
Intention: Set a clear intention which honors the plant first, then your journey and experience second.
Honor: Take a moment to acknowledge the Original Keepers of tradition, their efforts and sacrifices.
Offering: Make an offering, whether to the spirit of the cacao, the earth, the waters, etc. It’s always good to give thanks by giving back in the form of an offering for all of which we receive. Your offering can be in the form of flowers, copal/herbs, songs, prayers, etc. We always like to offer the best of the best and not just what we have left.
Gratitude: Gratitude is the most important part of our rituals. We give thanks to our ancestors, to the four elements, the four directions, the spirit of the plant(s), the sacred sites, etc.
The following is what we recommend in regards to dosage:
Ceremonial Serving: The recommended individual ceremonial serving is 40-45 grams (approx. 3 tablespoons) of cacao for every 3/4 cup of hot water. For larger groups, the entire block/bag mixed with 8 cups of hot water will serve approximately 12 people.
Meditation Serving: The recommended individual meditation serving is 20-25 grams (approx. 1 1/2 tablespoons) of cacao for every 1/2 cup of hot water. For larger groups, the entire block/bag mixed with 10 cups of hot water will serve approximately 20 people.
Preparing Your Cacao:
Bring the water close to a boil and then mix in the cacao (do not boil the cacao). It can be blended or whisked for a creamier texture, remember to set an intention as you prepare it as the aroma is part of your offering.
*The are no additives or emulsifiers in our cacao as it is 100% pure which means that some natural fats from the plant might separate from the solids and create a thin oily layer or white crumbles as it cools. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the taste of your drink, simply reheat for consumption.
Important Cacao and Health Information
Heart Rate: Cacao will naturally raise your heart rate slightly. Please consume accordingly and mindfully.
Blood Pressure: Epidemiological studies suggest that cacao reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavanols found in cocoa have shown to support blood pressure reduction.
Antidepressants: If you are currently taking SSRI antidepressants and/or anti-psychotics, they might not be compatible with the MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) in cacao. Depending on the dosage, consuming cacao might be ok, as always, if you're taking these types of meds please consult with your doctor.
Pregnant and nursing women: In Guatemala, mothers will drink cacao during pregnancy and certainly during lactation. It is is regularly utilized due to its numerous health benefits.
Caffeine: The caffeine content of cacao varies widely amongst cacao plants and processing, this cacao has shown a very low, to no-caffeine feel.
Children: In moderation and of course smaller doses based on their weight is recommended for children.
Pets: Cacao should NOT be consumed by your pets as it can be deadly. Please keep out of reach from your beloved animals.
100% Ceremonial Grade Arriba Cacao from Ecuador.
**Consumption recommendations are based on use by traditional peoples. This product is not approved by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. All product information is for educational purposes only. We recommend consulting your medical practitioner before beginning treatment.**
