Self-love is truly a holistic practice. To honour oneself is about caring for all parts of you; the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This is how we find balance in our being; and how we can manifest a more comfortable, balanced, and abundant Life.
I love nourishing myself with healthy, organic foods, infusions, and elixirs. I find that the simple act of preparing something wholesome for myself fills me up. One of my favourite self-love practices is to brew up a cacao elixir, sit with my crystals, and mindfully enjoy it.
What is cacao?
Cacao is the raw form of chocolate. It is the natural, unprocessed seed of the cacao tree.
Cacao beans can be pressed to create both cacao butter and cacao powder. You can de-husk cacao beans and end up with beautiful cacao nibs. Cacao beans can also be made into cacao paste by grinding them whole.
What are the benefits of cacao?
Cacao has so many wonderful healing benefits. Some cultures believe that cacao is a sacred plant with many restorative qualities. Cacao is known as the 'food of the Gods', and can help your mind and body return to a state of optimum wellness.
Cacao has numerous antioxidants, and is a wonderful source of iron, magnesium, B-vitamins, and calcium. It's energizing, improves focus and memory, helps your skin and hair look and feel their best, and balances hormones. Cacao butter also provides nourishing healthy fats for your body.
Cacao naturally elevates your emotional state, calms your mind, and opens your heart. Many healers use it in ceremonies to help induce feelings of ease, comfort and bliss, and allow one to more fully open up to the realm of Spirit.
How often should I have cacao?
Always listen to your body. Cacao is a very nutritive, restorative plant, and many people enjoy having it daily in some form.
I love having a small piece of 65-70% raw cacao chocolate each day, and I keep my elixirs to about 3 times a week.
Can you have cacao while pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding?
Yes! Cacao is very nourishing for both mama and baby during pregnancy and postpartum, and during the breastfeeding years.
Of course, always check with your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns.
Below you’ll find the recipe for my Heart Opening Cacao Elixir. It’s pretty simple, and you can include some optional add-ins. Maca will provide additional energy and hormone balance, hemp seeds offer a boost of protein, and coconut oil provides even more healthy fats.
♥ Heart Opening Cacao Elixir ♥
Makes 1 cup.
Ingredients:
1-2 inch piece of cacao butter
1 cup hot milk of choice (cow, almond, oat, soy, etc.)
1 heaping tbsp of cacao powder
1/2-1 tsp of raw honey or maple syrup (to taste)
1 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)
1/2 tsp maca (optional)
1/2 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Instructions:
Place the cacao butter in a high-speed blender (a Vitamix works great).
In a small saucepan, heat up the milk until just beginning to simmer; do not bring to a boil. Pour into blender.
Let the milk sit in the blender for a few minutes until the cacao butter softens and begins to melt.
Add the cacao powder and honey (or maple syrup), and hemp seeds, maca, or coconut oil (if using).
Blend until smooth (about 1 minute).
Serve in your favourite mug, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if you like.
Sit in your favourite place, with your favourite crystals.
If you feel guided, you may like to recite a mantra before you sip, such as: I take this time to lovingly care for my mind, body, and heart.
Breathe deeply, relax, and enjoy. ♥