Cocoa

Complete guide

Discover the origin of this ancient remedy. What it is, what it is made of, its benefits and risks, studies and research, and much more in this comprehensive guide.

Basic information

Cacao is an ancient remedy that has been revered for millennia by the indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, such as the Mayans and Aztecs, who considered it the "food of the gods". It was used to connect with the divine, as currency and in sacred rituals. This gentle but powerful medicine is prepared from minimally processed cocoa beans, thus preserving all their properties and spirit.

Today, ceremonial Cacao has re-emerged around the world as a tool for heart healing and personal growth. Many people turn to Cacao ceremonies as a way to release emotional blockages, reconnect with their creativity and intuition, and cultivate a deep sense of self-love and connection with others.

Cacao can open the doors of the heart, facilitating emotional healing and introspection, making it a powerful and accessible tool for those seeking a path of self-knowledge and well-being.

The benefits of cocoa have been the subject of interest in both spiritual and scientific circles. Its rich chemical composition naturally supports physical and emotional well-being. Cacao is known to contain theobromine, a vasodilator and mild heart stimulant that increases blood flow and energy without the anxiety of coffee. It also contains anandamide, known as the "bliss molecule", which generates feelings of well-being and happiness.

Cocoa has also been used to promote creativity and concentration. Its ability to improve mood and reduce stress makes it an ally for meditation and introspective practices. It helps to calm the mind and open a space to receive clarity and new perspectives.

Despite its benefits and safety profile, it is important that the person wishing to take it in a ceremonial context does so in a caring environment and with clear intention, ideally under the guidance of an experienced facilitator who can hold the space for a deep and safe experience.

Origin

The origin of Cacao dates back to the ancient traditions of the peoples of Mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence, such as residues found on pottery vessels, suggests that its use dates back more than 5,000 years, beginning with the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in the upper Amazon and spreading through the Olmec, Maya and Aztecs.

For these cultures, cocoa was not a sweet, but a sacred, bitter and spicy drink. They considered it a portal to the spiritual world, a mediator between humans and the gods, and a pillar of their social and ritual life. The Mayans associated it with the underworld and fertility, while for the Aztecs it was a gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.

The first records in the West date back to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It is said that Christopher Columbus was the first European to encounter cocoa beans, although it was Hernán Cortés who understood their value when he observed their use in the court of the emperor Montezuma.

When it was introduced to Europe, its preparation changed drastically. Sugar and milk were added, transforming it into the chocolate we know today and largely stripping it of its sacred context and potent medicinal properties. However, in recent decades, there has been a global movement to rescue the ceremonial use of Cacao, honouring its ancestral roots and its power as a heart medicine.

Composition

The composition of ceremonial cocoa is remarkably complex and rich in bioactive compounds, which sets it apart from commercial chocolate. High quality cocoa varieties (usually "criollo") are used, which are lightly roasted and ground, preserving all the cocoa butter, which is crucial to its effects.

Key components of ceremonial cocoa include:

Theobromine: Unlike caffeine, theobromine is a stimulant of the cardiovascular system, not the nervous system. It increases heart rate and dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and body. This generates a feeling of sustained vitality and alertness without the jitters or subsequent 'comedown' associated with caffeine.
Anandamide: Known as the "bliss molecule", it is an endogenous neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, generating feelings of well-being, euphoria and happiness. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word "ananda", meaning "inner bliss".
Phenylethylamine (PEA): Often called the "love molecule", it is a compound our body produces when we fall in love. It helps improve focus and attention, and is associated with feelings of excitement and pleasure.
Flavonoids and Antioxidants: Cocoa is one of the world's richest sources of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Magnesium: It is an essential mineral for heart health and muscle relaxation. Cocoa is one of the best natural sources of magnesium, which contributes to the feeling of calm and well-being it produces.

Together, this synergy of compounds makes Cacao a unique medicine that nourishes the body on a physical level while facilitating an emotional and spiritual opening.

Effects

What happens under the effect of Cacao is a subtle but profound experience, centred on the heart and emotions. The experience is unique to each person, but there are common threads.

The effects it produces are of openness and connection, and are rarely overwhelming or challenging like those of other master plants.

When drinking Cacao, it is common to feel a warm, expanding sensation in your chest, as if your heart is literally opening up. You may feel more present in your body and more connected to your senses. Mental chatter tends to diminish, leaving room for greater clarity and a connection with your intuition.

As the medicine begins to work, repressed emotions may rise to the surface to be felt and released. It is not unusual for tears of release, spontaneous laughter or a deep sense of gratitude and universal love to appear. Cacao does not force visions, but invites you to feel. Working on our root chakra and helping us to ground ourselves to the Earth.

Unlike other medicines, Cacao does not usually produce intense physical purges such as vomiting. The cleansing it offers is mainly on an emotional level, a gentle unblocking of stagnant energy in the heart.

Finally, it is very common to experience a sense of deep connection: with yourself, with the other participants in the ceremony, and with life in general. This sense of unity and belonging can be a deeply healing experience that helps to dissolve feelings of loneliness and separation.

Potential benefits

The potential benefits of working with ceremonial Cacao are extensive and act on both an emotional and physical level.

In addition to anecdotal reports of spiritual openness, Cacao is increasingly valued as a superfood and a natural nootropic. Its potential to improve mood and cognitive function makes it a gentle and effective therapeutic tool.

General well-being and health

It is not necessary to have a serious emotional problem to benefit from Cacao. For healthy people, it is a wonderful tool for personal growth, expanding creativity and deepening relationships.

By facilitating a direct connection to the wisdom of the heart, Cacao helps us to gain clarity about life decisions, dissolve creative blocks and free ourselves from self-critical thought patterns. It invites us to step out of the analytical mind and into the space of feeling, where many of our answers reside.

Studies on its constituents suggest that Cacao improves blood flow to the brain, which may enhance cognitive function. Its vasodilator effect is also beneficial for cardiovascular health. This combination of physical nourishment and emotional openness helps us to perceive and react to life from a more centred and loving place.

Although the experience with Cacao can be very beautiful and revealing, its true value is manifested in the reflection and integration that follows, bringing the openings of the heart into everyday life.

Health and risks

Ceremonial cacao is generally considered safe for most people when consumed consciously and in adequate doses. Its risk profile is significantly lower than that of potent entheogenic medicines.

However, there are some considerations to be taken into account. The risks are mainly related to its stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system.

Cardiac conditions: People with serious heart conditions should exercise caution, as theobromine speeds up the heart rate.
Antidepressants: Those taking antidepressants, especially MAOIs, should consult an expert, as Cacao contains tryptophan and other compounds that may interact. With SSRIs, it is generally recommended to start with a lower dose.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Caution and lower doses are advised.
Sensitivity to stimulants: People very sensitive to caffeine or theobromine may experience nervousness or difficulty sleeping if consumed in the afternoon.

It is important to always inform the facilitator about your health status and any medication you are taking.

Pre-take preparation

The preparation for a Cacao ceremony is simpler than for other medicines, but equally important to deepen the experience.

Diet: It is recommended to eat lightly on the day of the ceremony. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and heavy foods (red meat, fried foods, excessive dairy products) for at least 24 hours beforehand. It is ideal to arrive at the ceremony on a relatively empty stomach (fast 3-4 hours before). This allows the medicine to be better absorbed and increases sensitivity to its effects.
Intention: It is essential that you set a clear intention before drinking the Cacao. Knowing your current state and having an idea of what you wish to receive or release can be very beneficial. Ancient peoples considered Cacao a kind and loving spirit that responds to the sincerity of the heart. Your intention does not need to be complex, it simply needs to be sincere and meaningful to you. It can be a question ("How can I open my heart more?"), a wish ("I want to connect with my creativity") or an offering ("I come to release this sadness"). By drinking Cacao with a pure intention, you open the door to receive the gentle and loving guidance of this master plant.