The benefits of Ceremonial Cacao range from so many different levels. Most of us in the western world are very aware of the physical health benefits of cacao, but only a small amount of people can tell you the emotional, spiritual and community benefits this powerful sacred plant medicine holds.
Ceremonial cacao is a type of sacred and traditional drink made from 100% pure organic sacred cacao beans. Originating from ancient civilisation of Meso-America, like the Maya thats are still present in countries we now know as, Mexico, Belize, Guatamala & Honduras.
Cacao ceremonies are rituals in which ceremonial cacao is consumed as part of a spiritual or ceremonial practice. There are so many different benefits associated with consuming ceremonial cacao and participating in cacao ceremonies.
From physical health benefits, to emotional and spiritual connection. In the sacred ceremonies the Maya for example preform, offerings are made to the energies of existence and with much love, gratitude and apreciation ceremonial cacao is being offered as a thank you and only after consumed for physical health benefits. Ceremonial cacao has some extraordinary benefits and I have created a clear overview for you here below.
1. ceremonial cacao : Physical health benefits
Ceremonial cacao is made from the native criollo, minimal processed, organic cacao beans. Ceremonial Cacao contains a much higher nutritional value compare to any other cacao products on the market and is therefore listed as the superfood of all superfood!
This is because ceremonial cacao is grown on sacred lands that is extremely fertile and looked after with love and appreciation for Mother Earth. All flora and fauna in it’s surroundings, are organically grown where biodiversity is supported by the belief of cooperation and the law of nature.
Below have listed a variety of physical health benefits that ceremonial cacao offers:
Super nutritious: Ceremonial cacao is a nutrient-dense food that provides a number of essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the key nutrients found in ceremonial cacao include:
- Magnesium: Cacao is an excellent source of magnesium, which is important for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and teeth. It also plays a role in nerve and heart function.
- Iron: Cacao is a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen to the body’s cells.
- Copper: Cacao is a good source of copper, which is important for a number of enzymatic reactions in the body.
- Fiber: Cacao is a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining healthy digestion.
- Protein: Cacao also provides a small amount of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Zinc: Cacao is a good source of zinc, which is important for immune function, wound healing, and maintaining healthy skin.
High in antioxidants: Cacao is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which can help protect cells from damage by neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals.
Improve heart health: The flavonoids in cacao may help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Improve brain function: The flavonoids in cacao may also have a beneficial effect on brain function, potentially improving mood, cognitive function, and blood flow to the brain.
Ceremonial cacao is considered the ‘superfood of all superfoods,’ packed with essential nutrients and grown on sacred lands with love and appreciation for Mother Earth.
2. ceremonial cacao : Emotional health benefits
If you have had a cup of ceremonial cacao you might have noticed the effects it can have upon your emotional state. Ceremonial Cacao is special in it’s composition of holding these “feel good” chemicals that, are unique to this sacred plant medicine!
No other food in the world holds these all together except for cacao. I have combined for you an overview on how Ceremonial Cacao can support you in your emotional body;
Increased feelings of joy, well-being, happiness and euphoria: Cacao contains theobromine, a naturally occurring compound that is structurally similar to caffeine. This compound has been shown to promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
Cacao also contains a number of compounds that have been shown to have positive effects on mood, including theobromine, phenylethylamine, and anandamide. Consuming ceremonial cacao may lead to increased feelings of well-being, euphoria, and overall happiness.
Relaxation and reduced stress: Consuming ceremonial cacao may increase levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and phenylethylamine, which may help reduce stress.
Also cacao ceremonies often involve relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, which can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
Additionally, cacao itself may have a calming effect due to its ability to promote the release of endorphins, which are hormones associated with pleasure and pain relief.
Increased focus and clarity: Cacao ceremonies may also involve practices that promote focus and clarity, such as journaling or intention setting. The ceremonial cacao may also help with this by increasing blood flow to the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function and mental clarity.
3. Ceremonial Cacao: The spiritual benefits
The spiritual benefits of ceremonial cacao and cacao ceremonies can vary depending on the individual and the specific tradition or practices being followed. The ancient way of holding a (cacao) ceremony if completely different compare to how we in the west have taking over this ritual.
Even though both hold there own way of connecting with the divine in their own way, set / setting & intention is key to open up the energetic portals. Some potential spiritual benefits of consuming ceremonial cacao and participating in cacao ceremonies include:
Connection to nature and the earth: Cacao ceremonies often involve a deep connection to nature and a reverence for the natural world. Consuming ceremonial cacao may serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with the earth.
Connection to spirit: Many indigenous cultures believe that the cacao plant is a gift from the spirit world and that consuming it can connect individuals to higher realms of consciousness and understanding. Cacao ceremonies may be used as a tool for personal and spiritual growth, and to gain insight and wisdom.
Personal healing: Some people use cacao ceremonies as a way to release emotional pain and negative energy, promoting emotional and spiritual healing.
Personal transformation: Cacao ceremonies may be used to facilitate personal growth and transformation, and to explore deeper aspects of the self, such as inner thoughts and emotions, or gain deeper understanding about oneself.
Expanding the consciousness: The ceremonial cacao can be used as a tool to access deeper states of awareness, or to explore different dimensions of consciousness, allowing one to see the world in a different light and potentially facilitating personal and spiritual growth.
4. ceremonial cacao : The Community Benefits
Ceremonial cacao has traditionally been consumed in a community setting and is often used as a tool for building community and strengthen connection between individuals. Some potential community benefits of consuming ceremonial cacao and participating in cacao ceremonies include:
Building connections: Cacao ceremonies often involve sharing and connecting with others, both within a community and with the natural world. Consuming ceremonial cacao together can help to build a sense of community and connection between individuals.
Promoting communication and understanding: Cacao ceremonies may involve conversations and discussions about personal experiences, feelings, and perspectives. This can help to promote understanding and communication between individuals and within a community.
Facilitating group healing: Cacao ceremonies may be used as a tool for group healing and personal growth. When individuals come together to participate in a ceremony, they may release their emotional pain and negative energy which can promote healing and a sense of community.
Fostering community development: Cacao ceremonies can be used as a tool to promote community development, by fostering a sense of belonging, connection and community spirit. The ceremony can act as a platform for people to share their stories, ideas and to collaborate on common goals.
Cultural preservation: Cacao ceremonies are an important aspect of the indigenous Maya culture in Meso-America. They are the guardians and wisdom keepers of the sacred plant medicine of cacao and protectors of these ancient sacred rituals. Sharing traditional rituals and practices can be a way of promoting cultural identity and preserving traditional knowledge for future generations.
However, It is important to note that a sacred ceremony has been a tradition for thousands of years by indigenous tribes and takes years long dedication, practice and devotion to be facilitated to a community. It is therefor only allowed to be preformed by a qualified spiritual leader, known by the Maya as an Ajq’ij.
Another important point to take into consideration regarding the health benefits of cacao are that the benefits of ceremonial cacao and cacao ceremonies may vary depending on the person, the amount consumed and the setting and context of the ceremony, as well as the mental and emotional state of the individual.
**As a personal side note I fully recommend to participate in any type of cacao ceremony to benefit from the full potential this amazing powerful sacred plant medicine holds. For this reason Herbal Cacao is holding online Cacao Ceremonies, to strengthen our relationship with the plant medicine and each other.
Once a month we hold a Special Edition where someone from within our own community will share their embodied wisdom with us. The profit of these energie exchanges will be donated to a Maya community that requires financial support. Together we create and raise out vibration and encourage a world were we live from our hearts.
Join our next the virtual community Cacao Ceremony
