Ceremonial Cacao A Heart-Opening Superfood Rooted in Ancient Tradition

Written By Saoirse Doyle

Ceremonial cacao is more than just a beverage; it is a sacred plant medicine revered for thousands of years by Indigenous cultures across Central and South America.

Derived from the Theobroma cacao tree - meaning “food of the gods” - cacao was first cultivated over 5,000 years ago by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador. It spread throughout Mesoamerica, where the Maya, Olmec, and Aztec peoples used it in ceremonial rituals, offerings, and healing practices.


🍃 Why Is Cacao a Sacred Plant Medicine?

Cacao has long been seen as a spiritual ally - a plant that facilitates emotional healing, heart-opening, and connection to the divine. In many Indigenous traditions, plant medicines are not simply ingested for their physical benefits; they are honored as sentient beings with wisdom and spirit.

Cacao was used in sacred rites to:

  • Open the heart chakra and foster emotional release

  • Enhance prayer and meditation by quieting the mind

  • Connect to ancestors and spirit through guided inner journeys

  • Celebrate transitions and rites of passage such as birth, union, or death

Even today, when used with intention, cacao supports deep inner work - helping us feel more connected to our bodies, intuition, creativity, and each other. It's often referred to as "gentle medicine" because it invites rather than forces transformation.


Ceremonial cacao is more than just a beverage; it's a sacred plant medicine with deep roots in Mesoamerican cultures. Derived from the Theobroma cacao tree, native to the Amazon rainforest, cacao was first domesticated over 5,000 years ago by the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in present-day Ecuador. It was later introduced to Mesoamerica, where it held significant spiritual and cultural importance among civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. These cultures revered cacao as a divine gift, using it in rituals, as currency, and for its medicinal properties.


How Ceremonial Cacao Makes You Feel

Consuming ceremonial cacao can lead to feelings of euphoria, enhanced focus, and emotional clarity. Many describe it as “heart-opening.” This is due to compounds like theobromine, which gently stimulates the cardiovascular system, and anandamide, known as the "bliss molecule," which promotes a sense of calm and well-being.

🌿 10 Health Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao

  1. Mood Enhancement – Boosts serotonin and endorphin levels

  2. Heart Health – Rich in flavonoids that support circulation

  3. Cognitive Function – Enhances mental clarity and focus

  4. Antioxidant Properties – Fights oxidative stress

  5. Mineral-Rich – High in magnesium, iron, and potassium

  6. Blood Pressure Regulation – Helps stabilize blood pressure

  7. Cholesterol Management – May reduce LDL cholesterol

  8. Skin Health – Supports elasticity and hydration

  9. Digestive Aid – Encourages enzyme production

  10. Immune Support – Boosts immune response naturally

How I Prepare My Cacao

I chop my block of cacao at the beginning of the week and keep it in a sealed container for easy daily use.
Each day:

  • I boil a mixture (measuring 1 cup) of half organic almond milk and half filtered water

  • Once it’s just about to boil, I pour it into a blender with:

    • 24g of ceremonial cacao

    • A spoonful of local raw honey

Blend until smooth and frothy — it's nourishing, grounding, and delicious.

You can see a quick video here on my Instagram - HOW TO MAKE YOUR CUP OF CACAO ✨



Best Times of Day to Have Cacao + Recommended Dosages

☀️ Morning:

Perfect for setting intentions and gaining clarity.

🌤️ Afternoon:

A gentle energy lift without the crash of coffee.

🌙 Evening:

Use with care – cacao is energizing and may impact sleep.

Dosages Based on Intention:

  • Ceremonial Use: 42g–55g
    For meditation, journaling, or deep emotional work.

  • Daily Wellness: 15g–25g
    A nourishing, heart-opening addition to your morning routine.

  • Active/Sports Use: 20g–30g
    For performance, endurance, and post-workout recovery.

  • Evening / Nighttime use: 11g

    A gentle window to ease into a night of wonderful dreams.

⚠️ Who Should Avoid Ceremonial Cacao?

People with heart conditions, those on MAOIs or certain antidepressants, and pregnant individuals should consult a doctor before consuming ceremonial cacao. The theobromine in cacao can interact with medications or stimulate the nervous system in sensitive individuals.

Where to Buy Ceremonial Cacao in Dublin, Wicklow & Kildare

DUBLIN

  • The Hopsack (Rathmines)
    Stocks Magic Earth ceremonial cacao from a Guatemalan women’s collective.
    thehopsack.ie

  • Mariposa Holistic Wellness (Dublin 22)
    Offers Peruvian ceremonial cacao — potent and antioxidant-rich.
    mariposaholisticwellness.ie

WICKLOW

KILDARE

🇮🇪 Nibbed Cacao – Daily Goodness

For daily, non-ceremonial cacao, I love Nibbed Cacao, a gorgeous Irish brand. They source single-origin, organic cacao from the Dominican Republic and lightly roast it for maximum flavor and nutrition. Available in blocks and grated form - ideal for smoothies, drinks, or even baking.

→ nibbedcacao.com

Final Thoughts

Ceremonial cacao is more than a trend - it’s a sacred, heart-led way to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're deepening your inner practice or simply upgrading your morning brew, cacao offers a delicious path to presence and vitality. If you’re curious to experience the heart-opening magic of ceremonial cacao in a safe, supportive space, I invite you to join one of my cacao ceremonies. Each gathering is held with deep intention, and no two are the same. Cacao has a beautiful way of meeting us where we are - whether it’s bringing release through tears, peace through calm presence, or joy through connection.

My ceremonies are always centered around the energies of gratitude, love, and happiness. We come together in community to share, to be still, to open our hearts, and to reconnect - with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

Whether you’re completely new to cacao or have been working with it for a while, there’s always something special that unfolds when we sit in ceremony together. You’re so welcome to come and experience it for yourself.

Saoirse Doyle
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