The Grandmother
We tend to refer to cacao in her true form as ceremonial cacao. Ceremonial cacao is much different from the commercial chocolate bars we find today, starting with the tree itself. Ceremonial cacao is minimally processed and crafted by hand to preserve her frequency and the medicine she holds. This begins with the way the cacao gardens are tended to - the farmers must form a deep relationship with each of the cacao trees, thinking about the energy they want in the cacao, whilst keeping to traditional methods of tending to them and acknowledging ancient indigenous practices. As she is cultivated, she becomes more connected with humans and we become more connected with the forest.
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​Theobroma cacao is a species over 10 million years old. She is a small tree, living within the shaded canopy of the rain forest and can live for over 500 years. She is the dark feminine, the shadow; representing life and death as she continually renews herself, growing a younger version of herself and evolving by producing a sapling that emerges from her main trunk every 100 years.
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Cacao is a community species. She is a host for other plants and mosses to grow on her, welcoming animals to feed on her pods, insects to pollinate her flowers and she nourishes the surrounding soils. She creates an entire community within the forest around her - and as we bring cacao into ourselves, we also connect with and take on that aspect of togetherness.
Sitting With Cacao
When we drink cacao, there are many properties within the cacao that aid the body. Theobromine and Histamine Arginine help the heart and circulation - stimulating heart rate, dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
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Endocannaboid, Dopamine, Anandamide and Phenylethylamine invoke 'bliss' and 'feel good' states and can help to relieve depression, premenstrual symptoms and stress as it contains iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and magnesium.
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Cacao can also aid the immune system and open the lungs, increasing oxygen within the blood - it has been discovered that after drinking cacao your blood can be up to 30 times richer in oxygen.
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Cacao can be neuro-protective by protecting and repairing the cells against damage and can support neurons in the brain, aiding in memory and reducing inflammation.​
A powerful digestive aid as it stimulates bile production (the breakdown of fats), it is the perfect substitute for coffee, with less caffeine than half a cup of coffee.