Nurture, Flow and Rise with Diane

What is Cacao?  

Cacao refers to the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, native to the tropical regions of Central  and South America. These seeds are the primary ingredient in chocolate and cocoa products. Cacao has been cultivated for centuries and holds cultural and economic significance in many  societies.  

What are the different forms of Cacao?

Cacao powder looks just like drinking chocolate but it packs a more  powerful punch.

Cacao nibs are small pieces of roasted cacao beans. They have a crunchy texture and intense chocolate flavour.  

Solid Cacao is packed in airtight packaging  and comes as a large block, often cut into rough pieces, which is then shaved with the edge of a knife or can be grated.  

Why use Cacao?

Health Benefits: 

Cacao is packed with antioxidants, minerals such as magnesium and iron, and other beneficial compounds. Drinking or eating cacao in moderation has been associated with improved heart health, improved blood flow, cognitive function, improved mood, helps to lower blood pressure
and is high in antioxidants that help balance blood sugar levels.

Versatility: 

Cacao can be used in a variety recipes, from sweet to savoury dishes. It adds depth of flavour and richness to desserts, beverages, and even savoury sauces.

Flavour: 

Cacao has a distinct rich and chocolatey flavour that is enjoyed by many people all over the world. Whether used in baking, cooking, or enjoyed as a snack, cacao enriches the taste of a variety of foods and beverages.

Cultural Significance: 

Cacao has a long history of cultural significance, particularly among indigenous peoples of Central and South. It has been used in ceremonies, celebrations and rituals for centuries, and continues to hold cultural importance in many communities around the world.

Cacao Ceremonies and Healing: 

In recent years, cacao ceremonies have gained popularity as a form of spiritual

practice and healing. These ceremonies typically involve drinking ceremonial cacao made from pure cacao mixed with water or plant-based milk. Cacao is believed to open the heart chakra, facilitate self-reflection, and promote emotional healing. It is often used in conjunction with meditation, breathwork, and other mindfulness practices to deepen the connection with oneself and others.

Cacao – Contraindication Notice:

For most people, cacao is very safe! However, there are some specific contraindications so please check below.  

Please note these ceremonies are for over-18s only and by booking onto a ceremony you have accepted the disclaimer and read the contraindications below: 

• If you are taking anti-depressants:

- If you are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are a widely used type of antidepressant or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)  then ceremonial cacao is unsuitable for you.  Cacao contains an amino acid called tryptophan, and if mixed with SSRIs or MAOIs, it can increase your serotonin levels, creating unpleasant side effects. 

- This ceremony is ideally not for anyone on anti-depressants but a half-dose may be okay for you depending on the medication and dose you are on, please contact me if you are on antidepressants but would like to participate. 

- If you take antipsychotic medication, consuming ceremonial cacao in this way is also contraindicated so you will not  be able to partake, regardless of whether this is recreational or prescribed. 

- If you are taking 5-htp (5-Hydroxytryptophan) it's advisable to have a smaller dose of cacao, due to serotonin levels. 

• If you are taking St John's Wort, please refrain from taking it for a few days before and after the cacao ceremony. Some people experience reactions with St. John’s Wort when combined with ceremonial cacao.
• If you have a heart condition please be aware that the theobromine in cacao is a vasodilator so it increases the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, therefore is not suitable for you.
• If you have low blood pressure, be aware that although cacao is a stimulant, it lowers blood pressure. Depending on your condition, a smaller dose might be okay – but it may be contraindicated if you have had epileptic fits triggered  by low blood pressure (bear in mind that the very relaxing nature of the ceremony and laying down is also likely to lower your blood pressure even without the cacao).  
• If you are allergic or sensitive to theobromine, drinking ceremonial cacao can trigger headaches or migraines in some people. In some cases, a smaller dose will be fine depending on how sensitive you are. 
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding the ceremonial cacao is not suitable for you at this time.
• Epilepsy - a high consumption of cacao stimulates the brain and there is also scientific research to suggest a possible connection between caffeine & cacao consumption and increased seizures. This is contraindicated and if you have epilepsy unfortunately you would be unable to have the ceremonial cacao. 
• Caffeine sensitivity - cacao may affect your sleep (rare but can happen); cacao contains Theobromine which has a positive effect on both our mood and state of alertness with fewer side effects than caffeine. Cacao contains about a tenth of the amount of caffeine vs coffee, so this is small but still there. Usually dreams are vivid and a sound night’s sleep is had after consuming ceremonial cacao. 

The cacao that I serve during these ceremonies is 25g per serving (based on one cup per person).  The recommended daily dosage should not exceed 50g.  If you have any contraindications to cacao, this session is not suitable for you at this time, but you are welcome to join any of the sessions where you can enjoy a herbal tea instead.  

Please avoid drinking coffee 6 hours before the ceremony – when we have a clean vessel, our bodies are able to digest and absorb the vast benefits that cacao offers us. Please drink plenty of water too. 

Allergies: Cacao is made with 100% pure cacao, water and oat milk.  If you have any allergies, please inform me in advance so I can provide a herbal tea alternative.