Ceremonial Cacao Precautions


  1. Eat lightly before consuming your ceremonial cacao drink. This will allow the cacao to absorb more fully and not dampen the effects. No need to fast and I actually do not advise you to drink a ceremonial dose during fasting; just don't drink it on a full stomach.  
  2. Hydrate! Drink plenty of water before and after consuming cacao
  3. It is recommended to avoid consuming caffeine on the day you drink ceremonial cacao, especially if your cacao dose exceeds 20 grams.
  4. If you are taking SSRI's or MAOI's medication or have severe heart disease, consult your doctor to determine if it is safe to consume cacao.
  5. Pregnant women should exercise caution when consuming cacao. In the first two trimesters, they should consume only a small amount, while in the third trimester, it is advisable to avoid it altogether.
  6. Daily portions of up to 22 grams of cacao are considered safe for daily consumption. Ceremonial portions, ranging from 40 to 44 grams, should not be taken more than three times a week.
  7. Avoid mixing your cacao with cow's milk or soy, as these interfere with the absorption of cacao and can diminish its effects. If desired, consider using coconut milk as an alternative.
  8. While some purists prefer drinking cacao without sweeteners, use unprocessed organic sweeteners such as honey, coconut sugar, or raw sugar if you find the bitter taste challenging. Gradually reduce the amount of sweetener used to develop an appreciation for the natural bitterness of cacao.
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Please remember to honor these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable ceremonial cacao experience and pay attention to what your body is telling you. If it is your first time drinking ceremonial cacao, start with 10 or 20 grams of ceremonial cacao, and eventually try a higher dose up to 40 grams.