Is a cacao ceremony safe for most people?
It is a sensible question to ask before you try something new. The honest answer sits somewhere between two extremes. A cacao ceremony is not a daring experiment with unknown substances. It is also not just a mug of hot chocolate.
Ceremonial cacao is made from the whole cacao bean, without sugar, milk or other additives. That makes it richer and stronger in taste than ordinary chocolate. What you notice comes mainly from theobromine and a small amount of caffeine. Both belong to the same family of compounds you find in coffee and tea. Research on theobromine points to a mild, stimulating effect that is gentler than caffeine.
What participants describe is often warmth, a settled body and a clear, open feeling. The setting plays a big part in that: silence, attention, music and an intention. Cacao does not change your state of mind the way a truffle ceremony does. You stay clear and you know where you are the whole time.
Safe for most people is not the same as safe for everyone, though. In some situations it is wiser to talk to your doctor first, or to sit this one out.
When should you be extra careful?
Heart conditions and blood pressure
The caffeine and theobromine in cacao can raise your heart rate a little. Most people barely notice it. If you have a heart condition, an irregular heartbeat or blood pressure that is not well controlled, check with your doctor first whether cacao is a good idea for you.
MAO inhibitors and antidepressants
If you take MAO inhibitors, ceremonial cacao is not a good idea without medical advice. Sources on cacao flag this combination because the stimulating compounds, together with these medicines, can lead to a fast heartbeat and raised blood pressure. With other antidepressants, and with any medication that affects your heart rate or blood pressure, it is wise to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Never stop taking medication on your own just to join a ceremony. That is the wrong way round. Talk to your doctor first, then decide.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has clear guidance on caffeine during pregnancy: keep your total daily caffeine limited. Ceremonial cacao counts towards that total, along with coffee, tea and chocolate. Little research has been done on larger amounts of theobromine during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your midwife or doctor first.
Restlessness and sensitivity to caffeine
If coffee quickly makes you jittery or keeps you awake, cacao may do the same. The same goes if you often struggle with tension or panic. A smaller cup, or having it earlier in the day, can feel better. If you are unsure, check first.
A ceremony is not a substitute for medical or psychological help. Read more about safety
Cacao ceremony side effects: what might you notice?
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. What people sometimes notice:
- A faster heartbeat or a warm, slightly energised feeling. This comes from the stimulating compounds and usually settles on its own.
- A mild headache, especially if you drink more than you are used to or not enough water.
- Nausea or a heavy stomach, especially on an empty stomach.
- Trouble falling asleep if you drink cacao late in the day.
A few things help: drink the cacao slowly, eat something small beforehand, have some water with it and follow the directions on the pack for the amount. On that day, it is better to skip the extra coffee.
What kind of cacao is suitable for a ceremony?
Choose pure ceremonial cacao without sugar, milk powder or other additives, from a supplier who is open about where it comes from and how it is made. A good label tells you where the beans were grown, how they were processed and how much to use for one cup.
If you would like to know more about cacao itself before you try it, read what a cacao ceremony is and how to hold a cacao ceremony at home.
When is it better not to take part?
Do not join a cacao ceremony, and do not drink a ceremonial cup at home, if any of the following applies to you and you have not yet spoken to your doctor:
- You have a serious heart condition or an irregular heartbeat.
- You take MAO inhibitors, or other medication you are not sure combines well with caffeine.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You feel physically very unwell or have just been ill.
If you are unsure, ask Rosa before you come. She will think it through with you and tell you honestly if it is better to wait.
Cacao or a truffle ceremony: how do they compare on safety?
Cacao is the gentlest form of ceremonial work. You stay clear and the effect is mild. A truffle ceremony goes much deeper, so it asks for more preparation and more guidance.
Stars Frequencies guides truffle ceremonies in Amsterdam, in a small group of up to 8 people (€295 per person) or privately (€495). Every truffle ceremony starts with a free 30-minute intro call that includes screening: questions about your health and medication. Rosa is in the room for the whole ceremony, and meditation and sound healing are a fixed part of every ceremony.
If you like to understand something before you step into it, that is not a problem. Letting go is not a condition. It is a result. Read more about the truffle ceremony in Amsterdam if you want to know how the day is structured.