What is Ceremonial Cacao? Discover the Ancient Heart Medicine from Colombia

If you've been to a yoga class or wellness circle lately, you might have been offered a warm cup of something rich, earthy, and absolutely different from your morning hot chocolate. That's ceremonial cacao - and trust us, once you understand what it is, you'll never look at hot chocolate the same way again.

The Ancient Origins of Ceremonial Cacao: More Than Just Chocolate

Ceremonial cacao has a rich history rooted in indigenous traditions. Cacao has been cultivated for thousands of years in South and Mesoamerica and in more recent centuries in Africa, Indonesia, and the Caribbean. The Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, and Inca into other ancient civilizations in South and Central America, revered Cacao as a sacred plant with spiritual and ceremonial significance.

The strongest paleobotanical and phytogenetic research indicates that the Cacao originated in the Amazon basin, somewhere around Peru/Ecuador/Colombia. It has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years by local indigenous communities of the Amazon Rainforest and the tradition continues today. This is a sacred plant medicine that indigenous communities have been using during ceremonies and healing rituals for millennia.

The medicinal use of Cacao was not limited to South American civilisations. European explorers and colonists who encountered this amazing plant recognised its potential as a medicine. Spanish Physician Francisco Hernandez traveled to Mexico in the 16th century and observed the Aztecs’ use of Cacao and documented its medicinal properties. 

Our Cacao comes from la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia - a sacred mountain range rising from the Caribbean coast to snow-capped peaks. This is "the Heart of the World" according to the Arhuaco indigenous people, who have been cultivating and honoring cacao here for over 1,000 years.

Unlike the hot chocolate you find at the store, ceremonial cacao is pure, unprocessed cacao paste made from 100% whole cacao beans. Nothing added, nothing removed, preserving the whole bean's nutrients and fats. This makes ceremonial cacao a nutritious and whole food drink and gives it a rich flavor. 

A mamo from the Arhuaco tribe of Colombia with the views of the sacred mountain of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where we source our cacao from.

 

Cacao plant in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

What Makes Ceremonial Cacao So Special?

1. **It's Completely Pure**

When we say 100% pure, we mean it. Our ceremonial cacao contains:

• ✅ Whole cacao beans (including the precious cacao butter)

• ✅ Traditional fermentation (sun-dried)

• ✅ Minimal processing to preserve all the medicine

• ❌ No sugar

• ❌ No milk

• ❌ No additives whatsoever

2. **The Processing is Traditional and Sacred**

The Arhuaco people don't just grow cacao - they honor it. Before planting or harvesting, their spiritual leaders (called Mamos) perform ceremonies and offer gratitude to the land. The beans are:

• Hand-harvested when perfectly ripe

• Fermented for 5-7 days using methods passed down through generations

• Sun-dried on the mountain slopes

• Stone-ground into a smooth paste

Every step is done with intention. You can actually taste the difference! 🤎

3. **It's Organically Grown in Harmony with Nature**

The Arhuaco cultivate cacao in the same way their ancestors did, in agroforestry systems where cacao trees grow beneath larger trees, much like in a natural forest.

No pesticides. No chemicals. Just cacao, earth, and tradition.

Arhuaco cacao producers use traditional techniques to grow, harvest and prepare the ceremonial cacao with the greatest reverence and respect to nature and this sacred plant.

Why Does Ceremonial Cacao Feel So Different?

If you've tried ceremonial cacao, you know - there's something about it that just opens you up. Here's the science behind the magic:

The Heart-Opening Effect

Cacao contains theobromine, a gentle compound that increases blood flow to your heart. Unlike caffeine's jittery rush, theobromine creates a warm, expansive feeling that practitioners describe as "heart-opening." 

You literally feel more open to emotions, to connection, to whatever you're experiencing in that moment.

Natural Mood Boosters

Cacao is packed with compounds that support your well-being:

- Anandamide - nicknamed the "bliss molecule" (fun fact: it's named after the Sanskrit word for "bliss!")

- Phenylethylamine (PEA) - the same chemical your brain releases when you fall in love

- Magnesium - one of the richest natural minerals, supporting relaxation and nervous system health

- Antioxidants - it has more than blueberries or green tea!

Gentle, Focused Energy

While cacao does contain a small amount of caffeine, the main source of energy comes from theobromine. This creates alert, focused awareness without the crash or jitters. Perfect for meditation, yoga, creative work, introspection, or deep conversations.

How the Wellness Communities Are Using Ceremonial Cacao

Yoga studios and wellness centers around the world are utilizing ceremonial cacao as a beloved tool for connection and inner work, thanks to its natural properties and its rich history as a plant medicine. This sacred and special drink is changing lives and helping people feel more grounded, present, and gain a better understanding of themselves.

For Yoga Instructors

Many yoga teachers serve cacao before class to help students drop into their bodies and hearts more easily. The gentle opening supports deeper breathwork and more intentional practice.

For Meditation Circles

The focused energy of cacao supports meditation beautifully. Instead of fighting drowsiness, practitioners find themselves alert yet deeply at ease.

For Wellness Retreats

Cacao ceremonies have become a cornerstone of retreat experiences. There's something about sharing this sacred drink that creates instant community and vulnerability.

For Personal Morning Rituals

Many people have replaced their morning coffee with a cup of intentional cacao. It's become a way to start the day with grounding, connection, and heart-centered energy, plus taking advantage of the natural energizing effect of the theobromine in the cacao.

How to Prepare Your First Cup

Ready to try it? Here's our simple recipe:

You'll Need:

• 20-35g ceremonial cacao paste (start with less if you're sensitive)

• 250ml hot water or mylk of your choice

• Optional: Make a tea infusion with ginger and chaga mushroom and use this to dilute the cacao paste. Add a pinch of cayenne and/or cinnamon. Add a touch of maple syrup or honey to sweeten it.

Instructions:

1. Gently heat your liquid (tea, water or mylk of your choice) to 70-80°C (don't boil - this preserves the medicine!)

2. Chop or grate your cacao into small pieces- with ours, you don’t need to do this; we have shaved it for your convenience. ;)

3. Stear mindfully until smooth 

4. Add any spices you like

5. Pour into your favorite mug

6. Take a moment to set an intention before drinking

7. Sip slowly and mindfully

The preparation itself is a ritual. Give yourself this time.

What to Look for in Quality Ceremonial Cacao

Not all cacao is created equal. When choosing ceremonial cacao, look for:

✅ 100% pure - no additives  

✅ Organic - no pesticides or chemicals  

✅ Indigenous partnerships - supporting the communities who've been stewards of this medicine  

✅ Fair trade practices - ensuring artisans are paid fairly  

✅ Transparent sourcing - you should know exactly where your cacao comes from  

✅ Traditional processing - minimal processing that preserves the whole bean

Our Commitment: Direct Partnership with the Arhuaco Tribe of Colombia

At IndiArts Collective, we don't just source cacao - we build relationships.

Our cacao comes directly from Arhuaco families in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. By working directly with this indigenous community, we ensure:

• Fair prices that support families and preserve culture

• Traditional growing methods that protect the land

• Quality that honors the plant medicine

• Stories that connect you to the people, ancestral energy, and the sacred place and people behind your cup

When you choose our ceremonial cacao, you're not just getting an exceptional product. You're supporting indigenous self-determination, environmental protection, and the preservation of sacred traditions.

Honoring the Medicine

As ceremonial cacao becomes more popular, we have a responsibility to honor its origins.

This means:

• Acknowledging and giving tribute to the indigenous communities who've been stewards of this plant

• Approaching cacao with intention and respect

• Supporting ethical sourcing 

• Learning about the cultural context

• Using it mindfully, not just as a trendy beverage

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Your ceremonial cacao journey starts here. ❤️

We would love you to try our very special ceremonial cacao from Colombia. Every cup tells a story. A story of sacred mountains, indigenous wisdom, fair partnership, and the simple power of opening your heart.

Try our organic ceremonial Cacao!

Click on the picture below to buy yours today.

About IndiArts Collective

We're a Colombian-Canadian mission-driven business empowering South American artisans and preserving indigenous traditions. Founded by Valentina in 2016, we work directly with indigenous communities to bring authentic, quality products to Canada - all while ensuring fair trade, cultural respect, and environmental sustainability.

Learn more about our story and our commitment to the artisans we partner with at https://www.indiartscollective.com/pages/social-responsability

Resources:

1) How Ceremonial Grade CACAO changed my life! | What is ceremonial cacao?

2) https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)14379-8/pdf

3) Cacao Powder: Health Benefits, Nutrients, Risks, and Usage

4) Ywawika | Tours ecológicos arhuaco