Cacao
I used to LOVE coffee. So like many people, I would drink a few cups a day. But when I realized that caffeine was not good for my sensitive nervous system, I found an alternative. I was first introduced to Cacao at a yoga retreat in 2021, and it has been a part of my daily routine ever since. I have a hot, rich, delicious cup of Cacao (hot chocolate) every morning. I make my hot chocolate with coconut milk, organic fair-trade Cacao from South America, a little sweetener, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt. Cacao, the plant from which those yummy chocolate treats are made, has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Central and South America as a plant medicine. Its effects on the body and mind are powerful and wide-ranging, from boosting mood and energy levels to promoting heart health and relaxation.
One of the most notable effects of Cacao is its ability to open the heart chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, and connection. This is because Cacao contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which the body uses to produce serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
Cacao has a rich history that dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where it was consumed as a beverage in spiritual ceremonies and as a medicinal treatment. Today, Cacao is still used in many countries around the world as a plant medicine, and cacao ceremonies have become increasingly popular in the West as a way to connect with the spirit of the cacao plant and promote healing.
In a cacao ceremony, participants drink a special brew made from cacao beans that have been ground and mixed with water or other ingredients. The ceremony may include chanting, meditation, and other spiritual practices. The Cacao is used as a tool to help participants connect more fully with themselves and the world around them.
But you don't have to participate in a formal ceremony to benefit from the healing power of Cacao. Simply incorporating Cacao into your daily life can have profound effects on your physical and emotional well-being. Some ideas for using Cacao in your yoga practice include:
Drinking a cup of hot Cacao before your practice to help you relax and connect with your breath
Adding cacao powder to your smoothies or other recipes to boost mood and energy levels
Using Cacao in your meditation practice to help you focus and connect more deeply with your inner self
As with any plant medicine, using Cacao mindfully and in moderation is important. Be sure to choose high-quality, organic Cacao free from additives or other ingredients, and listen to your body to determine what dosage is right for you.
Incorporating Cacao into your yoga practice can be a powerful way to promote relaxation, healing, and connection. Whether you participate in a formal cacao ceremony or simply enjoy a cup of hot Cacao as a morning beverage or before your practice, the heart-opening effects of this plant medicine can help you deepen your connection with yourself and the world around you.
Another fun, delicious way to enjoy the benefits of Cacao is by eating high-quality chocolate treats. I recently had the pleasure of meeting raw food chef Melody Germain, who makes organic luxury chocolate truffles with the planet's most fragrant Ecuadorian heirloom cacao. Not only are her truffles Hand-Crafted, Natural, Raw, Organic, Gluten-free, Soy-free, and Dairy-free, they are DELICIOUS. You can check them out here https://www.lalalandorganics.com/about.html
