Do you want to join a cacao ceremony, but are you not sure if this is something you can do given your health? In this blog, I’ll explain when it is best to not join a cacao ceremony or at least first consult your doctor before you do.
Contraindication for drinking ceremonial cacao
Cacao is a plant medicine. Next to that, cacao is a superfood. It contains healthy fats and antioxidants, it energizes and creates a feeling of bliss and happiness. Because cacao opens the heart and increases the blood flow, you might experience that your heart will beat a bit faster.
There are a couple of contradictions for the use of cacao:
- If you are pregnant, don’t take too much or start with a low dose, because the theobromine in cacao will activate and stimulate your baby. This is similar to the effect of caffeine. It is however safe to drink cacao while pregnant.
- If you are on a high doses of anti depressives, or using MAOI based and SSRI type anti-depressants, be cautious. The tyramine and tryptophan that is in cacao, can counteract the medicine, especially in a larger dose. Consult your doctor if you want to drink higher doses of cacao. If you have heart problems, also be careful. Just a couple of tiny sips at most. Because cacao will stimulate the blood flow and increase your heart rate.
- Cacao can be fatal to dogs, horses and parrots, so be sure to keep it away from pets.
Please note that I am not a doctor, and that I can therefore not give any medical advice. When in doubt, always consult your doctor and/or pharmacist with regard to drinking ceremonial cacao.
