How to Drink Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial Cacao is a powerful medicinal plant material which has been used by various cultures for 5000 years or longer. Like any other plant, heb or plant extract with powerful healing properties, cacao must be shown respect and treated with common sense.
for a more information on the amazing history and benefits of Cacao read our Introduction To Cacao post]
Who Should Take Precautions or Not Drink Ceremonial Cacao
Firstly, let's explain the possible dangers of consuming ceremonial cacao for certain people. You should speak with your doctor before consuming ceremonial cacao if you are:
- Taking antidepressants - Cacao contains tryptophan and MAO inhibitors that may cause a synergistic intensification when combined with antidepressants.
- Taking hypertension medication
- Have a Heart Condition
- If you are Pregnant
The theobromine in cacao is a vasodilator (widens the capillaries for blood to flow faster) and therefore lowers blood pressure. Doses can increase blood flow by 40%.
If you have a heart condition or are pregnant it is likely still safe to consume ceremonial grade cacao but at lower doses of around 15-20g.
It is not recommended to drink cacao doses above 55 grams per day — anything above this dosage is known to produce headaches, “the sweats”, nausea, or even heart palpitations for a small percentage of people.
Ceremonial Cacao Paste
Cacao paste is what is extracted from the cacao nibs, it is the butter (fat) and powder combined in its natural state and is the Ceremonial Cacao Product. The fat preserves the various chemicals and Polyphenols that are mainly present in the powder. These therapeutic elements of the cacao start to oxidize as soon as the fat is separated from the powder. This is why the cacao paste is much more powerful and therapeutic than the cacao powder.
Raw Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is where much of the nutritional value is.. Cacao powder contains over 300 important compounds, including protein B-vitamins and minerals such as calcium, sulphur, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper. It also contains most of the antioxidants and theobromine. However, as described above, these start to oxidise (diminish) once the butter (fat) is removed. The powder is great for a lovely hot chocolate drink that provides a nice 'pick me up'. Also for cooking and baking, but the the cacao paste is where the magic is.
Cacao Ceremonies
During a Ceremony the widely recommended dose is 42g of the cacao paste in a cup of liquid (around 250mls). Although a ceremonial dose which has emotional and physical effects can be anywhere from 25 grams. You may like to start with around 25-30g of cacao in total and increase to 40g plus as you get used to it. The liquid should be water or plant milk or a mixture of both. Animal milk is not advised as it inhibits some of the benefits of cacao. For me, a ceremonial cup of cacao induces a slight euphoric, blissful feeling. I feel more connected and open-hearted. It has a real relaxing and warming energy to it.
Blending Cacao Powder & Paste
I usually like to make a drink with both the paste and powder. I usually add about 10g of powder on top of the paste quantity I want that day. The powder adds an extra chocolatey flavour and can add an extra energy. Play with this yourself to see what suits you. Our Raw Cacao Starter Pack includes 200g of both paste and powder. This is a good purchase for those new to cacao.
Over the period of time I have been drinking ceremonial cacao, I have felt the cacao energy affect my state of being. It has helped me to reach a higher level of consciousness in daily life and has complimented my other energetic and spiritual practices such as Yoga, Qi gong and meditation.
How I make a Cup of Ceremonial Cacao
- I prefer to drink Cacao in the morning on an empty stomach or a good few hours after eating a meal.
- To feel the emotional and energetic effects of cacao a 25-42g serving is recommended in around 250 mls of liquid
- It is recommend that you should not consume over 55g per day
- Measure out water, plant milk or mixture of both and add to saucepan
- Weigh desired amount of cacao and add to the liquid
- Gently warm on a low-medium heat until paste has melted and your desired temperature is reached. stirring as you go. DO NOT BOIL
- You can add a little sweetener of your choice. Agave is good. Maple Syrup is divine.
- Other additions you can experiment with include cinnamon, chilli, sea salt, tumeric, vanilla or a pinch of saffron.
- You can give it a whisk at the end to aerate the drink and create a frothy top or place in a suitable blender to really froth up.
- Pour into cup.. drink.. feel & enjoy!
Obviously you can also use the cacao powder and paste for baking and cooking according to your recipe . Yum!
If you want to learn more about the amazing benefits of Cacao read our Introduction To Cacao post.
If you're looking where to buy ceremonial Cacao UK, we have a choice of Cacao products suitable for different requirements.