Heart-opening medicine 

Cacao contains many active substances with more than 700 beneficial effects for your body. Below I list the most important substances for you:

Cacao…

• contains natural sugars (10%) and fats (40-50%), which provide energy and activation. The fat present is indispensable for the uptake of the other beneficial ingredients of cacao.
• contains many minerals that are essential for our health. It contains especially a lot of iron and magnesium. For example, minerals are important for the regeneration of blood cells and for heart and muscle function.
• has antioxidant properties that help scavenge free radicals, which are known to cause a variety of ailments and cancer. It also works anti-aging.
• helps regenerate brain cells, which can help prevent the development of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
• contains stimulants such as theobromine and PEA (phenylethylamine). Theobromine is a stimulant of the cardiovascular system, it dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. PEA is a stimulant to the pleasure centers of the brain, promoting feelings of attraction, excitement, pleasure and joy. This is also the chemical produced when we are in love.
• contains neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The content of serotonin makes cacao a natural antidepressant, it has an effect on the experience of happiness, calmness and it reduces anxiety and stress. Dopamine helps control the reward and pleasure center of the brain, improving motivation, focus and the ability to experience pleasure.
• contains anandamide, another neurotransmitter also known as the happiness molecule, which supports general mood and feelings of pleasure.

I value that cacao is organically grown and processed in a specific way so that the cacao retains its exceptional nutritional value. 

In cacao products such as chocolate and cacao powder, the healthy properties that Ceremonial Cacao possesses (largely) are lost through the processing process. In general, a lot of (sugar) is added to chocolate, and it is also heated to a higher temperature. To obtain cacao powder, the cacao butter is removed from the cacao. However, this healthy cacao butter is an essential ingredient that allows our body to absorb all the nutrients in the cacao. In addition, cacao powder goes through mechanical and chemical processes to neutralize the taste.

• Always drink enough water before and after drinking ceremonial cacao. It has a slightly drying effect, which can cause headaches if you don’t drink enough.
• My advice is not to drink coffee on a day when you also consume Ceremonial Cacao. This can negatively affect the effect of the cacao.

The cacao keeps best when you store it dry, cool and dark. Cacao has a shelf life of at least three years in its original packaging. When you have opened a cacao block, store it in a sealed container. Cacao can then be kept for at least one year, probably even longer, but it is of course a shame to leave it unused in the cupboard for so long 😉
Do not store the cacao in the refrigerator, because the moisture that can then form is unfavorable for its shelf life.
A white deposit or drawing may appear on the cacao over time. This is a natural phenomenon. Cacao contains cacao butter which can give this effect. However, this does not affect the quality of the cacao.

• When you have heart problems; Cacao has a heart rate increasing effect. If you have heart problems, I recommend consulting your doctor or specialist before consuming Ceremonial Cacao.

• When you have low blood pressure; Cacao dilates the blood vessels and thus lowers blood pressure (hence the relaxing effect). If you are familiar with low blood pressure, I recommend drinking a lower dose or smaller amount of cacao. Take your time and don’t drink your cacao too quickly, so that you can tune in to how your body reacts to the cacao.

• When you use antidepressants; Cacao is a natural antidepressant. When you use MAOi / SSRI this can be a contraindication for the use of cacao. Then use a lower dose or drink a smaller amount. Cacao in combination with this medication can cause headaches.

• When you are pregnant; During pregnancy, the advice is to listen carefully to your body in determining how much cacao you drink and possibly to consume a lower dose. Cacao contains the stimulant caffeine, albeit to a much lesser extent than coffee, hence the advice to be mindful in its use. When you exercise caution, cacao can deepen contact with your child in addition to the connection with yourself.

Just as chocolate is known, cacao is deadly to dogs. Cacao contains theobromine, which dogs cannot break down in their bodies. So make sure that your dog does not run off with your cacao.

If it happens that your dog has eaten cacao, make sure you consult a vet as soon as possible.

Cacao can also be lethal for horses and parrots.

Intention

The cacao ritual, this intentional moment for yourself, starts with the preparation of your cacao. Put on some nice music and be with all your attention and love when preparing your Ceremonial Cacao. Stir your intention for this personal cacao moment into your cacao.

Dosage

For a meditative dose, use 10 – 20 grams of Cacao.

For a ceremonial dose, use 25 – 40 grams of Cacao.

Experiment with different doses to find out what works best for you. Know that the effect of the cacao is influenced by what you ate beforehand, the time of day and how you feel that day (physically, mentally and emotionally).

Preparation

• Chop the desired amount of cacao from the Cacao block
• Heat the water (or plant-based milk if desired) 100 – 200 ml, depending on the dosage of the cacao and how thick you want your cacao to be. Make sure that the water does not exceed the boiling point, this has a negative effect on the active substances in the cacao.
• Add spices, nut butter and any other ingredients as desired when the cacao has melted
• Optional: mix with a milk frother or a blender to give your cacao extra airiness
• When your cacao is ready, pour it into a beautiful cup that is special to you

Additional ingredients

For inspiration, below is a list of ingredients that you can add to your cacao. I invite you to experiment with (combinations of) ingredients yourself.

• Spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, vanilla, pinch of salt)

• Nut butter (almond paste, coconut oil, tahini)

• Sweetener (honey, agave, maple, or date syrup or other natural sweetener)

• Tea / infusions (make a cup of tea well in advance, or let it infuse boiling water with, for example, mint, lavender, rose petals or star anise. Then prepare your Ceremonial Cacao with this tea or infusion.)

• Essential oils (My favorites are sweet orange and star anise (organic))

• 100 – 200 ml water (depending on the amount of cacao)
• 10 – 40 grams of Cacao (determine dosage for the moment)
• pinch of cayenne
• natural sweetener if desired

• 100 – 200 ml water or plant-based milk (depending on the amount of cacao)
• 10 – 40 grams of Cacao (appropriate dose for the moment)
• pinch of salt
• pinch of cayenne
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ½ tsp coconut oil or 1 tsp almond butter
• optional: 1 teaspoon honey or other natural sweetener