Nana Marina's Ceremonial Grade Cacao

General Cacao Benefits:
~ Opens the heart chakra, calling forth moreloveinto our lives
~ Enhances the mood, reduces stress and anxiety
~ Increases focus & creativity
~ Contains theobromine, a compound that has been shown to improve cognitive function and focus.
~ Packed with antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium.
~ Supports heart health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
~ Contains healthy fats to nourish skin, hair, and nails

Nana Marina's Cacao Benefits:
~ For profound work with the plant, for those who want to form a deep connection with Cacao
~ Sweet and earthy, grounding you to the force of Pachamama, Mother Earth
~ Connect with the prayers of a feminine wisdom keeper and lineage holder to support and fortify your spiritual path
~ One of our strongest most potent cacaos, best for ceremonial use and ritual

This sacred native “Criollo Cacao” is originally from the forest of Guatemala by descendants of the original cacao farmers and processed by the Cruz family from the Tz’utujil Mayan tradition. Cacao is one of the most revered and honored plants for the Mayan people and now by many around the world. The spirit of this Cacao is what makes it a powerful healing medicine and heart opener when it is consumed intentionally. 

Nana Marina’s Cacao is 100% Guatemayan from start to finish. This is crucial to mention as the colonization of sacred indigenous plants continue on to this day. Often times the profit greatly benefiting foreigners while the local people work as their employees only and never as actual land owners and/or be truly fairly compensated as the original sacred keepers of this plant. For us, "ethically-sourced" is sacred reciprocity, partnership, and empowerment.

Cacao’s scientific name “Theobroma” means “the food of the Gods” and it was once worth more than gold and utilized as a currency in ancient Mayan times for its sacred medicinal and spiritual powers.

Sample Cacao Ceremony That Honors The Mayan Tradition:

Intention: Set a clear intention which honors the plant first, then your journey and experience second.

Honor: Take a moment to acknowledge the Original Keepers of tradition, their efforts and sacrifices.

Offering: Make an offering, whether to the spirit of the cacao, the earth, the waters, etc. It’s always good to give thanks by giving back in the form of an offering for all of which we receive. Your offering can be in the form of flowers, copal/herbs, songs, prayers, etc. We always like to offer the best of the best and not just what we have left.

Gratitude: Gratitude is the most important part of our rituals. We give thanks to our ancestors, to the four elements, the four directions, the spirit of the plant(s), the sacred sites, etc.

Nana Marina shares that it's not about how much we consume or how much our body physically feels the effects but rather what are we offering the plant in our prayer, in our intention. As we deepen our relationship with the spirit of the plant, we may need to consume less to connect.

The following is what we recommend in regards to dosage:

Ceremonial Serving: The recommended individual ceremonial serving is 40-45 grams (approx. 3 tablespoons) of cacao for every 3/4 cup of hot water. For larger groups, the entire block/bag mixed with 8 cups of hot water will serve approximately 12 people.

Meditation Serving: The recommended individual meditation serving is 20-25 grams (approx. 1 1/2 tablespoons) of cacao for every 1/2 cup of hot water. For larger groups, the entire block/bag mixed with 10 cups of hot water will serve approximately 20 people.

Preparing Your Cacao:
Bring the water close to a boil and then mix in the cacao (do not boil the cacao). It can be blended or whisked for a creamier texture, remember to set an intention as you prepare it as the aroma is part of your offering.

*The are no additives or emulsifiers in our cacao as it is 100% pure which means that some natural fats from the plant might separate from the solids and create a thin oily layer or white crumbles as it cools. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the taste of your drink, simply reheat for consumption.

Important Cacao and Health Information

Heart Rate: Cacao will naturally raise your heart rate slightly. Please consume accordingly and mindfully.

Blood Pressure: Epidemiological studies suggest that cacao reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavanols found in cocoa have shown to support blood pressure reduction.

Antidepressants: If you are currently taking SSRI antidepressants and/or anti-psychotics, they might not be compatible with the MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) in cacao. Depending on the dosage, consuming cacao might be ok, as always, if you're taking these types of meds please consult with your doctor.

Pregnant and nursing women: In Guatemala, mothers will drink cacao during pregnancy and certainly during lactation. It is is regularly utilized due to its numerous health benefits.

Caffeine: The caffeine content of cacao varies widely amongst cacao plants and processing, this cacao has shown a very low, to no-caffeine feel.

Children: In moderation and of course smaller doses based on their weight is recommended for children.

Pets: Cacao should NOT be consumed by your pets as it can be deadly. Please keep out of reach from your beloved animals.

100% Organic Ceremonial Grade Criollo Cacao.