Theobroma Cacao: Food of the Gods
Common name: Cacao
Latin name: Theobroma cacao
Parts used: seeds
Actions: bitter, nervine, stimulant, diuretic,
Active Constituents: phenethylamine, antioxidants, anandamide, theobromine
Energetics: Warming, bitter
Fresh cacao breakfast in Honduras
According to Mayan legend, cacao comes from the rainforest to open people’s hearts and unite humans and nature once again in harmony. It represents a shift towards openness and love—a little surprise that it is still a symbol of decadence and heart warmth. The Mayans considered it a symbol of wealth, fertility, and divine power. It was a gift from the gods that created a connection between divine and earthly realms.
Have you ever eaten or drank high quality, minimally processed cacao, and felt a sweet rush of euphoria? Cacao contains theobromine and caffeine, which create a feeling of heart opening, peace, and stimulation. It also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that stimulates the release of endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine, enhancing feelings of pleasure, desire, love, and intimacy. Tryptophan, also present, is a precursor to serotonin–the neurotransmitter that affects feelings of contentment, happiness, bliss, well-being–and works with melatonin to give us deep and restful sleep. In addition to stimulating the release of all of these “feel good” properties, cacao acts as an antagonist to adenosine, slowing the breakdown of these natural highs. The end result is: increase of happiness hormones in the body for a prolonged period of time.
Cacao is rich in magnesium, calcium, and iron. Magnesium is the most important mineral for heart function and a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme reactions necessary in maintaining muscle and nerve function. It contains more calcium than cow’s milk and is the highest plant-based source of iron. It can improve circulation through vasodilation, possibly improving blood pressure.
Cacao is a powerful spirit medicine. Cacao is a Mother, and, like a mother, wraps us in a warmth that softens and opens us. It is a catalyst for transformation ad spiritual clarity, ignited through restoring harmony with oneself. It has a long history of facilitating shamanic journeying and healing the heart space.
Personally, I find cacao to be similar to the ocean in its ability to embrace our grief, hold us as we break open, and carry us in and through and onward. Cacao is generous with her medicine, and delightful. If we ask, and trust, Cacao guides us with joy and warmth.
