The Sacred Medicine of Cacao

Cacao, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, is a potent plant medicine with thousands of years of history in Mesoamerican cultures. It was revered by the Olmec, Maya and Aztec civilizations as a divine, sacred substance. It has physical, mental, and spiritual health benefits and is often called "Food of the Gods." Unlike processed cocoa powder or chocolate, ceremonial-grade cacao is typically consumed as a pure, bitter drink to cultivate a "heart-opening" effect.

There is no denying cacao is a powerful medicinal plant. The "heart-opening effect" is partly because cacao acts as a vasodilator, enhancing blood flow to the heart and brain, reducing blood pressure, and offering protective benefits. Rich in flavonoids, it is used to reduce inflammation in the body and may support gut health. This superfood is full of antioxidants, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, fiber, protein, and theobromine. Theobromine is a main component and provides a sustained energy boost while enhancing cognitive function and mental focus. It is known to be mood-boosting because it causes an increase in serotonin uptake due to compounds that promote feelings of joy and peace, including anandamide (the "bliss molecule"), dopamine, and PEA (phenylethylamine, the "love chemical"). Sensual pleasure and passion can also be ignited.

When prepared in a traditional, mindful way, cacao acts as a gentle, non-hallucinogenic entheogen. Entheogens are chemicals, typically from plant sources, which are known to alter human consciousness. Entheogen literally means becoming divine within. They are psychoactive plant medicines which have been used throughout history for religious or spiritual purposes. Psychoactive substances affect mental processes such as perception, mood, and cognition. Some well-known psychoactive substances are coffee, alcohol, and nicotine. Psychoactive is not to be confused with psychedelic. Psychedelic substances are psychoactive and hallucinogenic. Ayahuasca, peyote, LSD, and psilocybin are common psychedelic entheogens. Cacao is known as an entheogen due to its ability to interact with the mind, body, and soul, but it is not a psychedelic substance.

Although the psychoactive properties of cacao are gentle and mild, they can have a profound effect, especially in ceremonial doses. Modern cacao ceremonies are not religious but are rooted in spirituality. Consuming cacao in a sacred ceremony can foster an intense, heart-opening spiritual experience. It facilitates the release of emotional blockages, increases capacity for compassion, and encourages deep connection with oneself and others. It can also deepen meditative states, enhance creativity, and provide clarity of intention. With cacao, like anything else, intention is everything. Heart-centered healing and personal transformation can be achieved with the use of cacao as a sacred plant medicine and entheogen.

Our Soul Medicine Community meets the first Sunday of each month for a healing ceremony of self love, heart opening meditation and spiritual connection. All are welcome.