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More .......FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL INFO - EFFECTS
Ceremonial Cacao is 100% pure organic cacao from the highest quality. Its origin is from the ancient Maya lands that we know today as Central America (Mexico, Belize and Guatemala) from indigenous Maya communities where the roots of cacao ceremonies are from. They cultivate cacao with deep respect for La Madre Tierra and believe in the plant spirit "Espiritu Cacao". Honouring and respecting this sacred plant as a medicine for the heart.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Ceremonial Cacao is 100% pure organic cacao and distinguishes itself from regular cacao through its premium quality and carefully selected sourcing from specific regions with high energies, prioritizing fine flavour varieties. like the ancient Criollo variety.
Ceremonial Cacao is processed minimally and stone-ground at low temperatures, retaining its natural properties, fostering a rich flavour profile and therapeutic benefits. Free from additives.
It is traditionally used in spiritual and ceremonial contexts, emphasizing mindfulness and intentionality.
In contrast, regular cacao, more commonly found in everyday culinary applications, undergoes varied processing with potential additives, catering to broader culinary uses but lacking the specific energetic and spiritual considerations associated with ceremonial cacao
Honouring and respecting this sacred plant as a medicine for the heart.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
The ceremonial Cacao from Herbal Cacao is 100% pure organic cacao from a very rare type of cacao bean only found in the southern region of Belize and around Laguna Lachua Guatemala.
To protect the rare high-quality cacao bean from Belize it has been "Heirloom" certified. her flavor profile is pineapple, raisin and tobacco making this an extremely high quality and fine flavoured, organic, Heirloom and ceremonial grade cacao bean.
Our cacao bean from Guatemala is for centuries looked after as it was already Empire Montezuma who sent his men all this way to get him the most premium cacao he could find on his lands
Click here to read more about our cacao
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
If you're thinking about the psychedelic-type of consciousness-altering “high”, then the answer is no. Ceremonial cacao in no way makes you feel “high” in the way a consciousness-altering ingestible like psilocybin or cannabis does.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in different traditional medicine systems. Some mushrooms have medicinal benefits and are therefore classified as “medicinal” or “functional” mushrooms. Not to be mistaken by magic mushrooms. "Medicinal" mushrooms are NOT psychedelics.
For more information: read my blog post
"The difference between medicinal mushrooms and psychedelic mushrooms"
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Absolutely YES.
The cacao from Herbal Cacao is 100% vegan and only uses 100% botanically derived ingredients. NO DAIRY
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
In the RAW food movement, a food source is considered RAW if it's not been heated above 48 degrees. To make cacao beans available for human consumption, the beans go through an ancient old process called fermentation. This process is crucial to not only killing pathogens but also making nutrients available for the human body to absorb better.
However, in the fermentation process, temperate rises often above 48 degrees. Therefore cacao is not considered RAW, but rather UNROASTED.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Most if not all cacao/chocolate that is stated RAW is technically not RAW really RAW, as all cacao is gone through this fermentation process.
Finding the right dosage is highly personal. Everyone's body responds differently to ceremonial cacao, so it's crucial to discover what works best for you.
Listen to the signals of your body!
If you're new to ceremonial cacao or unsure of its potency, start with a lower dosage, for example, 10 grams. You can gradually increase the amount as you become more familiar with its effects on your body and mind.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
- Use of blood pressure medication
- Sensitivity to theobromine or caffeine
- Use of antidepressants
- Heart conditions
- Blood disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- GERD (throat and esophagus irritation)
If any of the following conditions apply to you, we advise consulting a doctor or medical specialist. You can also email us with your questions. Although we are not medically trained, we can share our experience with you.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
We highly recommend joining a Cacao Ceremony if you can, Especially if it's your first time using the medicine. Intention and setting are crucially important and we fully understand that you would like to experience a Cacao Ceremony guided by a certified cacao facilitator who has knowledge of cacao, her workings, benefits, and effects.
You can find an overview of certified cacao facilitators throughout the Netherlands within our FREE online community space
You are also welcome to join our monthly online sacred space, where we delve into the subjects of self-love providing support and empowerment on our journey whist deepening our connection to the medicine of cacao.
Sacred Cacao Circle -
Join us for a heart-centered ritual, where we delve into the depths of self-love, connection, and community. Guided by the Herbal Cacao Family – Sharon Fernie.
Each month, we explore a special theme and open a sacred space for heartfelt conversations. We come together to drink the sacred medicina “cacao” and weave the threads of love and connection into the essence of our lives. Join us in this sacred circle of self-exploration and community, where every voice is heard, and every heart is honored.
11.11 - Full profits from your purchase will be donated back to the source – Indigenous Maya Communities.
BE THE LOVE | SHARE THE LOVE | SPREAD THE LOVE
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
PREPERATION - STORAGE - EFFECTS
It all comes down to a personal preference.
However, we do want to emphasize that Ceremonial Cacao is a stimulant and therefore we do not recommend drinking just before sleeping.
You can use Ceremonial Cacao as a morning beverage to support a healthy morning routine. As an afternoon or pre-workout drink to boost energy levels. In the early evening for ceremony, or intense studying or alternatively before a meal to help / assist in not overeating.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
How much cacao you should take really comes down to a personal preference.
Herbal Cacao sells ceremonial cacao in blocks of 100 grams. This is good for 10 regular drinking servings or 2 potent ceremonial doses of 50 gram each, or 3 mild ceremonial doses of 33 grams each.
For your daily cup of cacao we recommned between 10-30 gram
Anything above 50g in a serving can be too much, especially for those who are just beginning their journey with Cacao. Therefor the following people should be cautious when consuming cacao in high doses and if unsure should ALWAYS check first with their doctor:
- Are pregnant/breastfeeding
- Are taking any type of anti-depressants
- Have server heart problems
- When you take the CHAGA blend, be careful if you are on immune-suppressing medications, as chaga is a strong immune-regulating herb.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Cacao is always best when consumed straight after opening and when shared with loved ones.
Otherwise, you best off storing them in a cool and dry place far far away from any other cacao lover 😉
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Absolutely!
While the melted appearance of the cacao is not ideal, we want to emphasize that despite the appearance, the properties and quality of the cacao itself have not been compromised.
Our cacao still maintains its excellent taste and nutritional value
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Ceremonial cacao that is stored in a cool, dark place and kept away from moisture can have a shelf life of one to two years or even longer!
By the dutch law where Herbal cacao is finalising our products we give a official expiry date of 1 year after production.
Additionally, ceremonial cacao, being a natural product without the preservatives often found in commercial chocolate, may be more susceptible to changes in texture over time as its a very sensitive for moist and temperture change. However idf your cacao is melted its still oke to use and still contains all its propperiets
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
NO, Ceremonial Cacao is not a drug. It is non-psycho-active. However, cacao is considered a sacred plant and used in ceremonies to open the heart's energy. You might experience feelings of joy, happiness and elevated emotions when consumed in high dosages.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
We do not add emulsifiers to our Cacao. This may lead to the naturally occurring fats in the Cacao to separate from the solids and create white spots or a thin white layer on your Cacao. This is called blooming and is normal. The properties of the Cacao remain intact and its quality flavor and spiritual propperties does not change
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
If you do not exceed the regular drinking serving of 10 grams per day, there shouldn't be any problem.
However, if you feel unsure please check with your health practitioner.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
You get the most health benefits from cacao when drinking it regularly.
Some notice the subtle effect immediately, some recognize it after drinking cacao several times, but usually, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes for the effects to be felt, and can last anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on the dosage you take
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
More people are switching from coffee to cacao because of the amazing health benefits cacao offers compared to coffee.
Cacao contains very very small traces of caffeine, but nothing compared to coffee. the energy-boosting effects are mainly due to the active compound 'Theobromine'. This is an alkaloid family from caffeine that gives softer energy than, which longer-lasting effects. it’s much more gentle on the adrenal glands and nervous system, is also more alkalizing and thus doesn't provide the coffee-dip.
Are you also going to make the switch from coffee to cacao?
This blog post in the "Herbal Cacao Journal" might be of interest to read for you. (Ceremonial Cacao VS Coffee: 5 reasons why you should consider making the switch)
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
Everything with "TOO much" is too much and so for Ceremonial Cacao as well. We can't emphasize enough the important of listening to your body.
When you do drink too much Ceremonial Cacao, you may experience some mild discomfort. Too much Cacao can cause headaches, nausea, and stomach disruptions due to its detoxifying effects.
[If you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected],- or connect with us inside our online community space]
SHIPPING - RETURNS
Shipping for all orders with a delivery address in the Netherlands is FREE above 50,- euro.
When we hand over your cacao package to our carrier it usually takes around 1-2 working days for delivery. You will receive your track & trace notification to the e-mail address providing upon checkout.
[If you have any further questions relating to your latest order, or you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected] [Monday - Friday 10:00 - 14:00]
Costing:
- Shipping for all orders with a delivery address in Belgium & GERMANY is FREE above 75,- euro
- Shipping for all orders with a delivery address in Europa is FREE above 150,- euro
- All orders below 150,- euro will depends on your shipping address (country). The amount will be calculated after you fill out your shipping address on checkout.
If your country cannot be selected..... CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY by sending an e-mail with your shipping adres to [email protected]
We will custom make your shipment and calculate the shipping cost for you.
Delivery time:
For Belgium & Germany delivery time is usually around 1-3 business days. For another country it depends on your location and in general is between 2 and 7 business days.
[If you have any further questions relating to your latest order, or you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected] [Monday - Friday 10:00 - 14:00]
The cacao is "ceremonial grade", meaning that it doesn't undergo any further processing, unlike chocolate where the consistency is hard and shiny.
Because of this reason the cacao can get very fragile and can get white spots on them, what is called "blooming". This is the constitution of the cacao fat affected by temperature, as cacao is an extremely sensitive product. I can guarantee you this is 100% ok and normal to happen with ceremonial cacao
It can happen that your 100-gram packaged cacao doesn't arrive completely solid, because it is much smaller than a large block of 500 grams of 2 kg, there is a chance that it will crumble much faster.
I will always do my very best to not let this happen and only send packaging intact. However, It may happen that you will receive your 100 gram cacao slightly crumbly, broken or and with white spots, due to the nature of the fragile "ceremonial cacao".
However, this does NOT affect the quality of the cacao whatsoever and it is still totally ok to use it.
[If you have any further questions relating to your latest order, or you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected] [Monday - Friday 10:00 - 14:00]
I do my best to make sure that all your products are packaged suitably so that they reach you in perfect condition. Please contact me straight away if for any reason this is not the case. If the products are damaged please take a photo of it as I may need it for evidence when liaising with my courier company.
Due to the nature of the natural product, I cannot guarantee it will arrive in it's original shape. In the case the cacao has melted due to high temperature during postage, you are still able to use it. (See: Is your cacao RAW?)
In case it arrived crumbly and with white spots: Blooming" this is 100% ok and you are still able to use it (See: My cacao arrived broken and contains white spots)
Unsure? please send an email including a picture of the damage: [email protected]
I stand behind the products that are being sold and I hope that you are more than satisfied with your products.
Please inspect the products and notify me immediately of any problem with your order.
I will promptly and fully refund the cost of any products if one of the criteria set out below applies to the product/s delivered to you:
- The products are not what you ordered;
- The delivery is of an incorrect quantity; or
- If you do not receive the products ordered (other than as a result of you providing incorrect delivery address details as above).
On warm summer days, due to the nature of cacao, I cannot guarantee that your order will be in perfect condition. I do my very best to protect the products, though often it is out of control if the postage is delayed. Herbal Cacao cannot exchange or refund any products due to the perishable nature of cacao, so please order carefully
The Herbal Cacao family will arrange with you for the products to be returned and reserve the right to make any refund due to you in whatever way we choose.
[If you have any further questions relating to your latest order, or you require further guidance or support on your journey, feel free to reach out to us by either emailing the Herbal Cacao family at [email protected] [Monday - Friday 10:00 - 14:00]
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