Organic Raw Ceremonial Cacao is a key part of our treatments. The start of many of our treatments incorporates a cup of cacao. This Amazonian superfood has 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Cacao is also a very high plant-based source of iron and has more calcium than cow’s milk! We include it in our treatments to help you journey within and connect with your emotional heart to uplift, heal your emotions. It will leave you with a feeling of uttermost bliss.
Read on to learn more about the history and benefits of cacao, as well as instructions on preparing cacao.
The History of Cacao
The cacao plant is a medicinal plant. Throughout history it has been used for spiritual, medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
Cacao grows as pods in trees. As they cracked open the pod it revealed a sweet, gelatinous pulp and seeds within a milky substance. The ancients processed the seeds to create the very first form of cacao, or “kakawa” (Coe & Coe 35). 
The Izapan, Maya, Toltecs, and Aztecs also enjoyed cacao for its properties. They drank it in the form of a frothed drink. It was a prized possession and available only to the elite.  They considered cacao a godly potion that would grant energy and power. Their belief was that the Mayan gods bled onto cacao pods, intertwining cacao and their blood. So they used the flowers as a remedy for fatigue, and  the beans to help alleviate fever. 
The word Cacao originated from the Maya word Ka'kau', as well as the Maya words chokola'j  to drink chocolate together. Its active ingredient is Theobromine. This translates to 'Food of the Gods'                              
Cacao tastes very different to the chocolate we know and love. Milk chocolate usually only contains around 20–40% cacao, with milk and sugar making up the rest of the ingredients. Raw Cacao tastes very bitter. Cacao can be mixed with hot water or plant milk. You can also add spices like chili, nutmeg and cinnamon, and vanilla, orange or rosewater.
The Benefits of Cacao
Naturally high in iron, magnesium, and B-complex vitamins. This gives cacao a number of physical benefits.
Cacao is also high in anandamide. Anandamide is know as the bliss molecule. (This is what give you a rush of good energy after you work out.) It is associated with rebalancing our energies and giving us good health.
Cacao is also renowned for releasing dopamine and endorphins in the body. These can soothe symptoms of PMS as well as depression, boosting our mood. and clearing the mind for moments of pure self-reflection.
Incorporating Ceremonial Cacao and Skincare
Ceremonial Cacao is said to open the emotional heart and help us to hear our true self. It can help work through old wounds and past traumas, dissolve any pent- up negative energy, and help us align with who we truly are. It can also help give clarity to the mind, enhance creativity and give you the strength to move forward, let go, and create space for better things to come in.
Recipe
Mix together 25g Cacao chopped, and 200ml (or a small cup) of water (or 1/3rd Oat Milk plus water). Blend in your blender. Heat and serve.
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, honey, a little rosewater, orange essence or coconut sugar (not all together!)
It’s special stuff!
