How much ceremonial cacao should I have?
Ceremonial cacao is a versatile and flexible medicine, allowing you to tailor your intake to suit your individual needs and intentions. Contrary to its name, it is not limited to ceremonial doses. You have the freedom to adjust your consumption based on how you wish to feel - higher doses can provide a more stimulating experience, while lower doses offer a calming and mellow effect. Here are our suggested dosage guidelines:
5g-10g: Ideal for promoting lucid dreaming and restful sleep. At this lower level, cacao invites relaxation and helps you unwind, easing tension in the body and making it easier to drift into deep, restorative slumber. This gentle support also encourages vivid dreams.
If you’re interested in exploring lucid dreaming, keep a pen and journal by your bedside. As soon as you wake up, write down your dreams, capturing as much detail as possible. With consistent practice, you will find it easier to enter the realm of lucid dreams, enriching your connection to your subconscious and opening doors to other worlds.
10g-20g: Perfect for daily love. This range enhances your mood and sense of togetherness, thanks to cacao’s ability to stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins - natural chemicals that elevate feelings of happiness and well-being. By incorporating these uplifting properties into your day, you can cultivate a warm and compassionate atmosphere that encourages love and kindness to flow freely. At this dose, you’ll begin to notice cacao’s ability to open your heart and deepen your emotional connections.
We also recommend this dosage range for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Each mother and baby is unique, so it's important to listen to your body and find a dose that feels right for you and your little one, keeping in mind that this may vary from day to day.
20g-30g: This dosage is ideal for various forms of movement and physical activities, including meditation. At this level, cacao offers a clean boost of energy and focus, enhancing blood flow and elevating your energy levels, allowing you to engage more fully in any activity.
This dose can also help you achieve a flow state, where you become fully immersed in the present moment. In this state, you experience effortless involvement and a deep connection to whatever you’re engaged in, allowing for a seamless integration of mind and body.
Cacao’s uplifting effects cultivate clarity and openness, making it easier to let go of distractions and enter a deeper meditative state. You may notice your breath flowing more naturally, your thoughts quieting, and a deeper connection with your inner self. This harmonious experience can lead to greater insights, a heightened sense of peace, and emotional release, helping to process any stored emotions in the body.
40g-50g: Best suited for ceremony. This higher dose invites profound experiences, making it ideal for spiritual work, meditation, or group rituals. Cacao is revered as an entheogen, allowing you to connect with the divine and explore mystical experiences.
It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your dosage according to its unique responses. Each person’s journey with cacao is beautifully distinct, so start with a smaller amount and gradually increase as you become more familiar with its effects.
Additionally, drink plenty of water, as cacao can act as a diuretic. This means it may increase urine production, which can lead to the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Staying hydrated helps to counterbalance this effect, ensuring you maintain your energy levels and overall well-being during your cacao experience. Proper hydration can also enhance your body’s ability to process cacao’s beneficial compounds, allowing you to fully enjoy its rich flavors and effects.
The concept of "set and setting" also plays a crucial role in your experience with ceremonial cacao. "Set" refers to your mindset -your thoughts, emotions, and intentions as you prepare for your cacao ritual. Approaching cacao with a positive and open heart can enhance its effects, making it easier to connect with its nurturing qualities. Taking a moment to set an intention for your session can guide your experience and help you focus on what you hope to cultivate.
“Setting," on the other hand, pertains to your physical environment. A space that feels warm and inviting can significantly influence your experience. Consider taking the time to create a sacred space for yourself and the medicine, thinking about elements such as lighting, music, and overall atmosphere. Soft lighting, calming music, and a clutter-free environment can create a serene space conducive to reflection and connection. Whether you choose to engage in meditation, creative work, or simply enjoy a quiet moment, being in an environment that resonates with you can deepen the effects of cacao and lead to a more meaningful experience.
Ceremonial cacao is a beautiful ally for personal exploration and connection. By tuning into your body’s signals and being mindful of your environment and mindset, you can create a heartfelt and meaningful experience tailored just for you.
If you have a health condition, are taking medication, or are unsure about your dosage, please seek guidance from an experienced healthcare provider.