The Cacao Lab Journal

In part I of this “Lab Report” series, we focused on the stimulative compounds of cacao: theobromine and caffeine. We learned that the primary stimulant, theobromine, works to prime the cardiovascular system through its smooth-muscle relaxant action. But does it do this on its own? No, not entirely. When it comes to vascular stimulation and protection, theobromine forms just half of cacao’s dynamic duo. The other half? Polyphenols. Whole cacao is packed with a class of polyphenols known as flavanols. Simply, these are plant-derived antioxidants of a particular chemical structure. While there is a complex web of sub-classification of antioxidant...

“Plant medicine” is a term that has risen in popularity for Western cultures in the past decade. The term is often misused as a general description for non-pharmacological based therapies–meaning it lumps together plants, fungi, chemical and even animal-based therapies (think kambo). It is also colloquially related to psychedelics. This correlation is so prevalent, that many people think Cacao is a type of psychedelic plant medicine. To clarify, it is not. Cacao is a non-psychedelic plant that can support integration after psychedelic experiences. Meet Lana Pribic, the founder of Modern Psychedelics, a podcast and community aimed to bridge the spirituality...

A deep breath. A satisfying sip. A rush of centered energy. Most people who’ve sipped ceremonial cacao report a substantial lift in both energy and mood. Ceremonial cacao enthusiasts also speak almost unanimously of a profound “heart-opening” sensation upon ingestion. Of course, there are intangibles to this phenomenon, but the physical sensation of “opening up” can be quite potent, so what’s happening here? Is it all in our head (or chest, or arms)? Turns out, it’s in all of the above!     Theobromine and caffeine in ceremonial Cacao   Ceremonial cacao contains a primary stimulant, theobromine, and a secondary...

Cacao ceremonies are everywhere. In nearly every major city there is an offering (or several) to experience “The Food of The Gods”, Theobroma Cacao. Despite modern society’s interest in these traditional rites, not all Cacao ceremonies are curated equally. Many Cacao “ceremonies” that we see today lack integrity and pay very little respect to the original people who have been protecting sacred plants like ceremonial Cacao for centuries. So how do we know when a ceremony is guided with honor, respect, and authenticity? What must one do to create a safe and earnest environment for ceremonial Cacao? In this modern...