What dosage do you recommend?

If you are conducting a ceremony, you can aim for 30-50g of cacao. If you are having it as part of a regular cup, aim for 10-20g. If you are having it before bed, reduce this to 5-10g.

With each increase you are increasing the effect of the cacao.

Are there any medical contraindications I should be aware of?

Yes. Things to be aware of are:

• Antidepressants - most SSRI antidepressants and antipsychotics are NOT compatible with MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) in cacao. Low doses should be ok, but please check with your doctor first.

• Heart Rate - Cacao can raise your heart rate. If an increased heart rate could cause a medical problem, please check with your doctor first.

• Blood Pressure - Those who suffer with low blood pressure have found cacao can help stabilise their blood pressure. However, please check with your doctor first.

• Other Medications - Please be mindful that cacao increases blood flow to the brain (up to 30-40%) and so it can amplify other substances in your blood.

• Pregnant and Breastfeeding - Many continue to consume smaller doses of cacao during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Try a smaller dose of 5-10g and see how you are. If in doubt, consult your midwife or doctor.

Does cacao have caffeine in it?

Yes there is. It is much less than a coffee, but there is still caffeine in it. You are probably looking at a quarter to half the amount of caffeine as a cup on average. There is also the stimulate theobromine which is a stimulant related to caffeine but is much milder.

If you are concerned but still want to try, we recommend having a 5g dose to begin with and listening to the body. Then work your way up until you learn your connection. It is always best to listen to your own body when finding balance.

What type of cacao is this?

All the types we source are Criollo bean. We believe this to be the highest quality and the most sacred and ceremonial. Cacao genetics are always a blend because its genetics are extremely diverse and in a forest, each individual tree can reproduce themselves with every other tree creating a constant hybridisation.

The reference term in Guatemala is “acriolllado” which means it belongs to the category of criollos.

Can the cacao come pre-chopped?

Not from us. We specifically chose to source cacao that comes in block form. This is to preserve the touch between the people of the sacred lands and you. But also, the more machinery you introduce to the process, the more energy you introduce. The purer the better.

How should I prepare the cacao?

There are two methods we recommend. One is to make a paste first and then add the ingredients. The second method is to heat the liquid and then add the ingredients. You can learn more here.

Can I eat it raw?

Yes of course! Cacao doesn’t just have to be made into a drink. You can grate it or chop it and put it in any meal or just eat it as it is.