Benifits &
Contraindications
There are so many incredible health benefits to this powerful plant medicine. She is packed full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are essential for our bodies, as well as providing immense support on an emotional and spiritual level too!
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It is also important to be aware that some people may be particularly sensitive to her effects - please see the contraindications below.
Cacao's Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Benefits
☉ Soothing To The Nervous System
Cacao stimulates the release of endorphins, bringing sensations of pleasure, relaxation and decreased pain. Cacao also contains magnesium and potassium which are essential for psychological health, helping to regulate the nervous system.
☉ Feel Good Mood Booster
Cacao contains phenyethylamine, the chemical produced when falling in love, helping to enhance the mood and create feelings of euphoria and joy!
☉ Helps to Improve Sleep, Mood & Apatite
The tryptophan in Cacao increases the production of serotonin, which boosts the mood, regulates sleep, eases pain and balances the apatite.
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☉ Packed Full of Vitamins & Minerals
Cacao is packed full of anti-oxidants, helping to balance blood sugar levels and boost the circulatory system. Cacao contains: magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorous and chromium.
☉ Energy Boosting & Heart Health
Containing high levels of theobromine, flavonoids and potassium, helping to boost the heart rate and circulation, balance blood pressure, reduce inflammation and strengthen the respiratory health. Unlike coffee, cacao doesn’t have a ‘crash,’ her energy keeps you going all day.
☉ Focus, Motivation and Clarity
Cacao stimulates the release of Dopamine which increases the function of neurotransmitters in the brain. This brings clarity, increased focus, motivation and positivity.
☉ Aphrodisiac
Cacao is a stimulant due to the theobromine, so increases blood flow, promotes heart-felt feeling of connection and love and fills our systems with the bliss molecule. Cacao also contains arginine which acts as a natural form of viagra within the body.
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☉ Love Chemicals
Cacao contains anandamide which is known as the 'pleasure molecule.' This is released when we have really deep, heart-felt experiences.
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☉ Support During Pregnancy, Labour, Postpartum &
Breastfeeding
Offers benefits such as muscle relaxation, easing cramps & contraction pain, supporting healthy blood levels, and promoting restful sleep, promoting milk production.
☉ Gut Health
Rich in polyphenols that act as antioxidants, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving microbiomehealth.
☉ Natural Consciousness Shifting Properties
The combination of tryptophan and theobromine in Cacao creates a natural high, whilst also relaxing the whole nervous system and opening the heart. This can create mild psychoactive effects, opening the third eye chakra and helping you to open to Love.
☉ Emotional Healing & Heart-Opening
Cacao activates and opens the emotional heart, healing to bring old wounds to the surface to be healed. A very powerful and supportive medicine for any healing journey you may be embarking upon.
Contraindications/Sensitivities
Cacao is generally considered to be safe and beneficial for most people
to consume. There are however some specific contraindications to be aware of when sharing cacao with others.
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☉ Allergies to Chocolate
Individuals with a known chocolate allergy should avoid consuming
cacao, as its bioactive compounds are more potent than highly
processed, store bought chocolate.
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☉ Cardiovascular Issues
People with serious heart conditions should be cautious with dosage.
Cacao is beneficial for the heart: gently raising low blood pressure and
lowering high blood pressure, but larger dosages should be avoided by
those with existing conditions.
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☉ Sensitivity to Stimulants
For those sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants, some side effects
like jitteriness, headaches, and insomnia can be experienced with large
doses. We typically share a serving of up to 15g to people who are
sensitive.
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☉ Chronic Kidney Disease
Cacao may affect mineral balance in the body, and so those living with
chronic kidney disease should consult their doctor before consuming
large doses of cacao
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☉ Anti-Depressants (MAOI and SSRI medications)
Although it is generally recommended to avoid consuming cacao whilst
taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as interactions can cause high blood
pressure and severe headaches & nausea, we have served very low doses of 5g -10g without any problems.
☉ St. John's Wort
This common herbal supplement can also increase serotonin levels.
Combining it with cacao also elevates the risk of serotonin syndrome (headaches, nausea, insomnia)
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For those who might be contraindicated from taking larger doses, even very small doses offered within the nurturing embrace of a ceremony are enough for its spirit to support participants to experience profound transformation and insight.
