Welcome to our heart opening cacao. Cacao is a complex medicine that has been used for 5,000 years, first harvested in the Amazon Basin. Cultural uses of the plant varied dramatically over the millennia but from the Olmecs, to the Mayans, to the Aztecs it was always treated as a sacred plant. It was considered a gift from the Gods, to be consumed in ceremonial settings.
On a physical level, it’s one of the richest sources of magnesium and allows the nervous system, muscles, and joints to relax. It also opens the blood vessels and gets the blood pumping. It contains Anandamide, known as the bliss molecule, (and serotonin), preparing the body for relaxation and sensitising us to our inner and outer world. This makes for a delicious companion to open the heart for deep inner work.
Here at Garden of Alchemy we are deeply conscious of cacao’s magic and use only the best personal source:
“At the Garden of Alchemy, we aim to work with the highest vibrational medicines which means that from seed to finished product, we give attention to the environment that surrounds crop or animal, the people who produce these medicines and the companies who represent and sell them. The whole chain needs integrity, love, respect and health so we can deliver an experience that has the highest vibrational energy.”- Annabelle
Working with Cacao
a gift from the Gods,
to be consumed in
ceremonial settings.
Learn about our Cacao
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• High levels of anti-oxidants, such as flavanols & polyphenols.
• Theobromine, a bitter alkaloid that is a gentle & grounded stimulant, especially compared to caffeine, which is actually very low in cacao.
• Mood enhancers (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin, PEA & anandamide.
• High levels of magnesium, a muscle relaxant and important mineral in our diet.
• About 50% cacao butter, a source of healthy fats.
• Safe levels of heavy metals. We test our cacao to ensure this.
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• Use a heavy knife to shave your cacao block into small slivers
• Measure 1.5 heaping tablespoons of well ground cacao per person (40-50grams)
• Try to keep the water just warm enough to barely keep a finger in it. Do not boil the cacao this will destroy any nutrients and gives the cacao a bitter taste.
• To mix the cacao, place the cacao in a saucepan or bowl and add a small bit of the boiled water/tea and mix till all melted and the add some more water, do this slowly to prevent it separating. You can use a whisk or a blender for a smoother concoction.
• Adding a sweetener of your choice will not affect the energies of the cacao. Many experienced cacao drinkers use no sweetener at all. Both choices are completely fine!
• Add a drop or two of our Fire Essential Oil Blend (other oils are not suitable for internal use).
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Eco harvested, Fair Trade Ecuadorian cacao that supports local farmers and community. Melt into this 100 % pure health-enhancing cacao paste with its beautifully smooth, warm floral notes.
In an attempt to help the preservation of cacao, and considering our small batch import, our suppliers are now focusing their efforts in areas where we can make a meaningful difference. As such they are narrowing down from working with 200 farms to just 3. These 3 remote farms grow cacao trees in their natural habitat, surrounded by many other trees and plants and under the protection of the jungle’s canopy. These farms have been hit hard by a range of environmental factors. They used to have at least four good harvests a year, now they have one or two at most. Our goal is to support these farms to develop in harmony with nature and in turn import larger quantities of cacao at a time, to make the most of their good harvest.
Further Products.
The Garden of Alchemy Apothecary creates products using the finest ingredients, always organic, ethically and sustainably sourced where possible. We not only source the finest ingredients, everything about their production is steeped in creative juices, from the design to the heart-led business that called them into being and brought them into service.
Click on the images below to learn more about our other products
