The right amount of ceremonial cacao to be consumed for you can vary in many different factors like; depending on your personal preferences, tolerance, and the specific ceremony or intention.
To be honest in the realm of plant medicine, the dosage is a delicate dance, a symphony of balance between body, mind, and spirit, where you are invited to tune in with all that you are, listen and find your perfect “sweet spot”
The focus of a ceremonial cacao experience is not just on the quantity consumed, but rather on the intention, presence, and connection with the medicine. It is often recommended to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase if you desire to do so, allowing for you to tune into your level of sensitivity and response to the the plant medicine.
My name is Sharon Fernie and I am the Founder of Herbal Cacao, providing the world with high quality Medicinal Ceremonial Cacao Blends, supporting our community in their journey of self and spiritual discovery. I have a deep passion for holistic wellness and ancient traditions.
Through Herbal Cacao, I aim to spread awareness about the profound benefits of ceremonial cacao and other medicinal herbs & mushrooms. I strive to create a space where individuals can connect with themselves and each other on a deeper level, to be the love, share the love and spread the love.
Join me here in the “Herbal Cacao Journal” as we explore the fascinating world of our active medicinal ingredients, cacao rituals, ancient healing practices, and modern wellness techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey, this blog post in the “Herbal Cacao Journal” is your invitation to deepen your understanding of this sacred plant and its profound impact on mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s embark on this journey together, cultivating a community rooted in love, healing, and spiritual exploration.
Ceremonial cacao is not about quantity, but about presence and intention. Whether you're new to cacao or a seasoned practitioner, the goal is to honour your body's wisdom and find a dosage that nurtures your unique journey.
The 4 Main Health Effects
Ceremonial cacao can have various effects on our health and overall well-being and been used for centuries in spiritual and ceremonial practices.
1. Deepen your spiritual journey: Many people believe that it can facilitate a deeper spiritual experience, connect them to their inner selves, and provide a sense of guidance and insight.
2. Nutrient powerhouse: Cacao is rich in various nutrients, including antioxidants, minerals (such as magnesium, iron, and zinc), and vitamins (such as B vitamins). These nutrients can support overall health and contribute to a balanced diet.
3. Mood enhancing: Cacao contains several compounds, including theobromine and anandamide, which can contribute to feelings of happiness, euphoria, and relaxation. Powerful heart opening: Ceremonial cacao is known for it’s heart-opening qualities. It can promote a sense of emotional connection, compassion, and self-reflection, allowing you to delve deeper into their emotions and cultivate a greater sense of empathy and love.
4. Natural energy booster: Theobromine and in trace amounts caffeine present in cacao, can provide a gentle boost of energy and improve focus and mental clarity as they works as natural stimulants. This can be particularly beneficial during ceremonial practices that involve meditation, introspection, or creative endeavours.
Whilst the majority of people consuming ceremonial cacao experience the above positieve effects, others may experience other subtler changes. Additionally, the overall impact on health and feelings can depend on factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, mindset, and the ceremonial context.
The Side Effects
Ceremonial cacao can have various effects on you, and the specific symptoms or experiences can differ from person to person. While ceremonial cacao is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, excessive consumption may lead to certain discomforts or side effects.
Emotional intensity: Ceremonial cacao can evoke emotions and facilitate introspection. Consuming excessive amounts may intensify these emotional experiences, which could be overwhelming for some individuals.
Digestive issues: Cacao is known to have stimulant properties due to the presence of compounds such as theobromine. Consuming large amounts of cacao can lead to digestive discomfort, including nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: The theobromine in cacao can also have a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. Consuming excessive amounts of cacao may lead to a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, or palpitations, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to stimulants.
Caffeine Sensitivity: Cacao contains caffeine in small trace amounts), which can cause for people sesitive to this compound; insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset, increased heart rate, and muscle tremors.
Theobromine Toxicity: Theobromine is a stimulant found in cacao. It has similar effects to caffeine but is less potent. However, in large quantities, it can cause toxicity symptoms such as; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, and seizures (in severe cases)
Headache or migraines: Ceremonial Cacao works as a super detoxifier in our body. Its therefor crucially important to stay hydrated when consuming Ceremonial cacao. Also in the case of thebromine sensitivity it could result for some easier then others as a trigger for headaches or migraines .
While it’s rare for someone to overdose on cacao through normal dietary consumption, extreme scenarios like deliberately consuming extreme large amounts of pure cacao or theobromine supplements in combination could potentially lead to a overdose.
As with any food or substance, moderation is key, and it’s essential to be mindful of the quantity of cacao consumed to avoid any effects!
Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase if desired, allowing yourself to become familiar with the effects and sensitivity to the cacao.
I would recommend you to participate in a cacao ceremony that is led by an experienced facilitator or practitioner who can guide you through the process and create a safe and supportive environment for your journey with this beautiful plant medicine. Connect directly with various cacao facilitators within our FREE Online Herbal Cacao Community
Are high dosages of Ceremonial Cacao Toxic?
Toxicity from cacao is very rare in the context of normal dietary consumption, but deliberate ingestion of extreme large amounts of cacao can potentially lead to some sort of toxicity and should be avoided to not cause any of the above mentioned side effects.
As with any food or substance, moderation is key to enjoying the potential benefits of cacao without experiencing adverse effects.
There are numerous articles and studies that discuss the potential health effects of consuming cacao, including its toxicity in high amounts. Many of these articles can be found in scientific journals, health magazines, and reputable websites.
Here is example; “Effects of cacao products consumption on human health: A review” by C. Tomas-Barberan et al., published in the Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
This review article summarises the current scientific evidence regarding the health effects of cacao consumption, including its antioxidant properties, cardiovascular benefits, and potential risks.
If you have concerns about your cacao consumption or experience any symptoms of toxicity, feel free to reach out to us or in all health queries were you feel in doubt we advise you t seek a consult of a healthcare professional.
OUR Recommendation > Navigate YOUR right Ceremonial Cacao dosage
The Ceremonial Cacao from Herbal Cacao, is crafted with love and intention and invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the gentle caress of this sacred plant
Walking the path of ceremonial cacao, I understand that everyBODY is unique, each with its own rhythm of absorption and capacity. While cacao is inherently safe and nurturing, its magic lies in finding the perfect dosage for you.
A regular serving size for ceremonial cacao is around 20 grams. If your intention is to go a bit deeper on for example your meditations, 30 – 40 gram is usually used. and for ceremonies, 40 – 50 gram . However said its so very important that the individual listens to the body of what is good, what feels good, what intention you have, your experience etc.
Herbal Cacao has crafted special ceremonial cacao paste, that come in a 100-gram disc, – perfectly designed for easy division into 10 pieces of 10 grams each. This thoughtful structure ensures that you encounter the ideal dosage every time, a dosage that is both safe and nourishing for your body.
See the FAQ's on the Herbal Cacao website for more information
Who should be extra careful with their Ceremonial Cacao dosage?
For those new to the cacao journey or facing certain health considerations, we suggest starting with a modest 10-20 grams. This low dosage is perfect for those under the age of 12, pregnant in the first or third trimester, on specific medications, or prone to intense anxiety or headaches.
As you grow in familiarity and intention, consider indulging in 20-30 grams for your daily ritual or meditation.
For the seasoned cacao drinker engaged in profound ceremonies, a dosage of 30-50 grams is suggested, with a gentle reminder not to exceed 50 grams in a single serving.
Individuals taking specific medications or undergoing chemotherapy treatment should adhere to a meditation dose to avoid potential adverse effects. Pregnant women, while generally safe to consume ceremonial grade cacao, are advised not to exceed 15-20 grams to prioritize the well-being of both mother and baby.
Again I emphasise the importance of moderation, especially for expectant mothers. While most babies thrive with cacao in their system, It is recommend not to exceed 20 grams during breastfeeding until you gauge your baby’s reaction.
If you’re incorporating one of the medicinal mushroom blends from Herbal Cacao, such as “Brain Power” with Lionsmane mushroom or “Immune Support” with Chaga mushroom into your wellness routine, it’s crucial to note that these blends may interact with immune-suppressing medications. It is recommended consulting with your healthcare provider before combining these blends with immunosuppressive medication to avoid any counteractive effects.
While I discourage the consumption of a dosage above 50 grams, I also acknowledge that each person’s journey is unique. Experienced individuals may choose to explore higher dosages, understanding that it is essential to listen to your body and exercise caution.
Get your Support & Guidance on your Cacao Journey
If you are participating in a cacao ceremony or working with ceremonial cacao outside of an indigenous context, it is still recommended to seek guidance from experienced facilitators or practitioners who have a deep understanding of the cacao and its ceremonial use.
They can provide dosage recommendations and support you in having a safe and meaningful experience. The guidance and dosage instructions are often passed down through generations and may be specific to the particular indigenous group or lineage.
If you are looking for guidance on ceremonial cacao dosage within a specific indigenous tradition, it is best to consult directly with a knowledgeable practitioner or elder from that community. They can provide insights into their specific practices and dosing recommendations, taking into account the cultural and spiritual context.
It’s important to approach ceremonial cacao with respect and reverence, and to honour the traditions and protocols associated with its use.
Click here to read more about “What is a cacao ceremony”
Your body is a wise teacher, and when it comes to cacao, it communicates subtly. Excessive consumption may lead to mild discomfort such as headaches or nausea, signals that should not be ignored. Pay attention to the intelligent feedback your body provides.
Embarking on a Cacao Ceremony with our Ceremonial Cacao blends is a journey of love, self-discovery, and connection. Dosage is your compass, guiding you through the heartfelt journey. As you sip the rich drink of ceremonial cacao, let it be a dance with your spirit, a symphony of balance, and an ode to the wisdom of your unique journey.
