Cacao - Theobroma Cacao means “Food of the Gods”

Cacao has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. All cacao comes from Theobroma Cacao, a native tree to South America. The Cacao bean was first discovered by Mayans' and used in many cultures ever since. It is believed by the Mayans to be a way to ignite Divine wisdom and love within.

Cacao fruit and seeds (beans) grow in pods on the trees of Theobroma Cacao species in tropical environments (parts of Africa and India, Pacific, Indonesia, South America..). During harvest, pods are opened and seeds are removed, fermented – Cacao beans loose their fruit hue, become dry and develop a brown colour. The Cacao bean itself contains Cacao powder and butter.

Ceremonial grade cacao is made from one ingredient – whole cacao bean. Cacao beans are fermented, lightly roasted or sundried, the husk is then peeled and the beans are ground down into a paste which will become solid at cooler temperatures. Cacao paste and ceremonial Cacao are the same, so why do we call it ceremonial Cacao? Because of the intentions. We chose to make our Cacao from the paste, drink it for its healing benefits, make ceremonies and include Cacao drinking in our self care rituals.

Cacao is a plant spirit. Cacao is a heart opener, guides us on spiritual journeys and helps calm our nervous system. It’s a gentle medicine, supports healing process and helps clear the emotional blockages as well as stimulate the joy within. It will improve your concentration, congition, clarity and creativity. Cacao can help control blood sugar and supports heart health.

Cacao is a superfood!

✻ It is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A & C, plant based Iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, lutein, selenium, lycopene, manganese, zeaxanthin, flavanols, calcium, fiber, protein, natural carbohydrates, cholesterol-free saturated fat

✻ Lowers inflammation and improves gut health

✻ Increases “bliss chemicals”, helps alleviate depression - PEA (phenylethylamine), serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine

✻ Caffeine – theobromine is a chemical that has a similar structure to caffeine, but the difference is that instead of being a nervous system stimulant like coffee, theobromine dilates the cardiovascular system that results in opening up the blood vessels and a sense of alertness and relaxation at the same time. It helps the soft muscle tissue relax and has mild diuretic function. Theobromine is exclusively found in Cacao. It is a gentle and long lasting stimulant, unlike caffeine.

How to prepare Cacao

Traditionally, ceremonial Cacao is made by hand with a wooden device called molinillo and it’s a beautiful & meditative process.

Here are 2 ways to prepare your cup of Cacao

✻ With blender – simply put all ingredients together – 20-40g finely chopped Cacao, 150-200ml warm (not boiled!) water or plant based milk (Don’t use milk as dairy is known to neutralise the active antioxidants in Cacao!) and if you would like add sweetener and spices of your choice and blend it all together

✻ More meditative method in a pot – in to 150-200ml water or plant based milk add 20-40g finely chopped Cacao and if you would like add sweetener and spices of your choice and blend it all together – whisk on low heat, make sure that it never boils (Boiled water will make your Cacao more creamy as it melts butter in the Cacao but changes its molecular structure and the way our bodies are able to absorb its nutrients and consciousness effects tend to be milder!), make sure you will whisk it a lot as the Cacao tends to settle on the bottom of the pot. By whisking you will achieve melted Cacao and creamy consistency.

Spices you can use (don’t be scared to experiment) : Himalayan salt, cayenne pepper or chilli pepper (they are traditional synergist and provides a good tickle. Add more if you like, less if you don't. Finely powdered cayenne does not need to be strained. Chili stimulates circulation and helps get the Cacao into your bloodstream, but it isn't mandatory. On a vibrational level, according to the plant spirit medicine literature, the red warming stimulation that the chili provides acts as a spiritual accelerator), cinnamon, cardamom, ginger...

An optional sweetener: maple syrup, date paste, raw sugar or honey

Cacao & me

𖤓 Journey with the heart medicine 𖤓

A couple of years ago, my dear friend Julie introduced me to Cacao, and I quickly found myself immersed in its magical world. I attended countless Cacao ceremonies and circles, and with each experience, I fell deeper in love with this incredible medicine. Drinking Cacao has become my daily self-care ritual, something I cherish with my partner, during my travels, when I’m alone, with colleagues at team-building events, and with friends. Cacao woven itself into the fabric of my healing journey and my life. 𖣂

Cacao has been there for me, supporting my healing, nurturing my creativity, and keeping me positive through tough times. Even now, Cacao is still there, offering comfort when I need it most. My curiosity grew as I sought out more knowledge, diving deep into the world of Cacao through online research, courses, and completing my Cacao training in Christchurch. Planning more intense courses and hopefully some visits of Cacao farms in 2025 & 2026

Now, I’m overflowing with excitement and ready to share this beauty, love, and healing with others. In from of Cacao sales, social media connection and Cacao circles 𖦹𓇢𓆸

I’m excited to share that my cacao is now available on my eShop! It’s a joy to offer this beautiful product to you, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic and benefits of cacao in your own life. Check it out and enjoy! ♡

To order Cacao please email me on : tereza.templeofsunrise@gmail.com with subject “CACAO” or simple order online here in the “SHOP” section or feel free to pop in at my studio, there is Cacao in stock :)