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Cacao Uses: a Dosage Guide

This blog post is an extract from the original writings of Keith Wilson, the Chocolate Shaman. For more recent info on all things Ceremonial Cacao, visit our main library.

Until you know Cacao on a personal level, I emphatically recommend drinking no more than a 1.5oz/42.5g dose — otherwise known as a ceremonial dose — at any one time.

Some people with low body weight may want to take less. First-time users who are on a raw diet and those who need to undergo a dietetic detox should drink less.

Over time, the level of acceptable stimulation will guide your own personal needs.

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WHEN TO TAKE CACAO

A ceremonial dose of 42g taken after about 6 pm may keep some people awake until late; unless they are already tired enough from emotional release to rest. Funnily enough, the occasional person can actually nap after this amount of cacao. However, we call sleeping after a ceremonial dose resistance to the process! Over the years, I have participated in many evening ceremonies beginning at 6 pm or later, with no sleep issues for anyone, especially when they drink sufficient water afterward.


Regarding timing, cacao's strongest effects typically last between 4 and 5 hours. Many can feel the impact of Keith's Cacao begin immediately, which we understand as an energetic blending with the Cacao Spirit. Within 20-30 minutes, some kind of buzz is generally felt, while 45 minutes after ingestion is when the full effects occur; if the stomach isn't full, that is. Those with a completely empty stomach will notice more rapid assimilation.


Some people prefer taking a typical day's cacao dose as two separate portions, perhaps an ounce each, taken several hours apart. Or they take the second dose just as they begin to taper from the first ounce, which can be highly beneficial for an entire day-long of focus holding for activities such as hiking, creativity, or workplace productivity. If cacao is taken with a meal, it has a slower assimilation speed, which means that the effects are felt a little slower but can be spread further over time. Taking cacao in this way is perfect for an entire day of soulful work!


Cacao is a diuretic, causing slight dehydration. Therefore, I recommend that people begin drinking water halfway through a cacao ceremony to avoid an unpleasant headache the next day. In addition, some people find that larger amounts of Cacao tend to have mild laxative effects 4-7 hours later. This is normal but, if unpleasant, can be a gentle message to use less cacao the next time.

DOSAGE FOR INNER JOURNEYING

Generally speaking, 1oz (28g) of cacao per person is enough for many inner activities and can efficiently catalyze deep emotional release. This amount is more than sufficient for a feeling of open-heartedness, though everyone reacts to and is sensitive to cacao differently. I know several experienced cacao users who are quite sensitive to both energies and psychoactive substances, thus only use about ½oz (14g) per serving. Many people have experienced emotional release or immediate energetic union with the Cacao Spirit from munching one single bean or from their very first sip. You can trust that you are in authentic partnership with the Spirit of Cacao when you feel her instantly, and she smiles with you in this way.


About 20g of cacao, or more, is enough to assist any group in traveling deeply inward with more ease. Concepts become more easily understood, and, at the same time, the rational mind tends to move out of the way. When 20g of cacao is used among a tribe of like-minded people, a beautiful energy emerges between the group. Over the years, I have had so many glowing reports from facilitators of many different modalities, which indicates to me that cacao is growing as a group connector and catalyst for soulful activities. When reading spiritual books, they are more deeply understood with a certain level of our cacao already in the system. We also hear that highly technical subjects are more easily grasped, and that one recalls what one has learned more readily thereafter.

DOSAGE FOR DREAMING & SLEEPING

Cacao has become a superb facilitator for lucid dreamers, and I receive many thanks for this one! I have learned that cacao works better than alcohol or caffeine, which are sometimes recommended for this purpose. Taking a small amount of Keith's Cacao just before sleeping (0.3oz or 8.5 g- 10 g) will help you remember your dreams. I suggest drinking enough water to awaken to pee in the middle of the night and then taking the previously prepared cacao as you return to bed for the later stages of sleep. This is when you are more likely to remember your dreams the following morning!


Several people have told me that they take a small amount (10g) of cacao on sleepless nights, which allows them to quieten their 'monkey mind' that keeps them awake. After ingesting cacao, the energy tends to move, and they finally fall asleep. One could also take cacao with Maya Nut, which has a significant tryptophan content, to help them fall asleep. This experience is similar for many meditative or contemplative-focused people, who say that cacao calms and deepens their experience.


Drinking a lot of cacao in the evening will leave some people feeling sleeplessly awake late, so I recommend a maximum of 1 ounce (28g) to avoid this. Taking cacao with food will slow assimilation and prolong the active period, which works well for early afternoon drinking but perhaps not at night.


Very few people experience very deep sleep following a ceremonial dose of cacao; up to a day and a half of continuous sleeping, sometimes including non-stop vivid or lucid dreaming. A friend nicknamed this phenomenon 'The Sleeping Beauty Syndrome.' This is similar to how some indigenous people have used cacao for conscious journeying through other dimensions of reality. Our advice: just have fun!

DOSAGE FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Before pairing cacao with your favorite activity, we recommend trying it first to ensure the brand has the proper energy and qualities you are looking for. If using 'raw' cacao powder, make sure to take about half of our traditional dosage recommendations because cacao, in its raw form, has had the butter removed.


Cacao paired with any intense aerobic activity, such as volleyball, would be best timed to an active period of 5 hours. Simple activities such as driving are no problem.


For something like Kundalini Yoga, try 1.2oz (34g). I have served cacao to several yoga teachers over the years, and the feedback from the growing trend of 'chocolate yoga' has been wonderful!


While cacao is excellent nourishment for trekking and often appears in trail mix, please don't take cacao before or during activity where you'll be exposed to serious cold — its vasodilating effect works against your body's natural defenses against heat loss, and in a hypothermia-risk situation that combination can be dangerous. Save your trail mix cacao for temperate-weather adventures.


Cacao is a beautiful facilitator with today's tantric/goddess temple pathways. The increased blood flow and nearly doubled tissue oxygenation from cacao enhance sensitivity and sensation. The focus/connecting qualities help you feel and stay with the movement of the energies and with your partner, and the heart centering pulls those energies upwards. With 'bottom up' tantric practices where sexual energies are to be elevated through all your issues into other realms, consider using cacao to partner with your own higher-dimensional existence and invite that presence to transform and open the energetic pathways. In a 'top down' tantra, you may find easy harmony with both ancient and contemporary magic. The root will party right along. Then invite your 'terrestrial mother' up to unite with the 'celestial father' you've brought down into your heart. Overflow with the progeny of their divine mating. Know self as a luminous lantern in a pillar of divine light. Engage your partner from this elevated resonance, knowing that your energies can be guided to similarly entwine. I usually find some people wanting to be 'instant cacao shamans' when guiding this at a tantric temple.


Cacao is often a complete replacement for alcohol, which works as a social lubricant by reducing inhibitions and suppressing fear. Given cacao's significant heart-opening qualities, I receive regular inquiries about using it at dinner parties or other special gatherings, such as weddings or gallery openings. I have had delightful feedback and feel it can be a real blessing in weddings! I recommend 1oz-1.3oz (28-37g) for those who want to foster a heart-centered connection in this way. For an older crowd, I'd stick to a lower dosage!

Cacao During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

My sources of information about cacao in combination with pregnancy and breastfeeding come from the local 'gringo' midwives, who work with the indigenous midwives who have traditionally used cacao. Over the years, many women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply are moms have asked me about using cacao, and each time, I have asked the Cacao Spirit for guidance and information. Along the way, several MDs, a Metabolic Researcher, and a Biochemist have added to my understanding. In addition, several 'Cacao Moms' and their children have also contributed.


Most babies, whether in or out of the womb, develop really well with Mom taking cacao, and we know of several awesome 'Cacao Children.' A few fetuses and breastfed babies don't particularly like cacao, which isn't a problem — as a Mom, you will know from their reaction sooner or later, so our advice is to start gradually and see how it goes.


Because caffeine and active compound content varies so much between cacao sources — and because every pregnancy, birth, and baby is different — this isn't something we'll put a number on here. Please speak with your midwife or doctor about what amount, if any, is appropriate for you.


For a comprehensive guide on Cacao and Pregnancy, please read our blog: Cacao and Motherhood — it goes into far more depth than we can here.

A Note on Nausea

Experiencing nausea hours after drinking cacao is usually a sign of an overdose. So, please don't disregard this feeling. Understand this nausea as intelligent feedback from your body, otherwise known as your teacher.


Nausea that arrives early on while drinking cacao is usually a message specific to you and your personal journey. As a general rule, ingesting more than 2oz (57g) of our cacao is unnecessary and undesirable for almost everyone. 


In my experience, 5-7% of people who drink 2oz (57g) of our cacao in one go, and up to 5% of people drinking this much cacao within an hour, will become nauseous enough to vomit. Conversely, I know a few folks who can tolerate over 200g of cacao in one day and be perfectly fine afterwards. However, most people have a limit of about 60g. Cacao is naturally self-limiting, as higher doses soon produce nausea. Any bitter in sufficient quantity is emetic.


Why We Don't Recommend Cacao as a "Cleanse"


A few years ago, some folks asked me to supply free cacao for an experiment — testing whether high doses could induce a purging effect the way it's sometimes sought with certain psychedelics, as part of a cleansing ritual. The conclusion was simple: the only thing you get is sick. It's one of the least effective ways to try to cleanse the liver, and it's very hard to do any meaningful inner work while nauseous. If you're looking for release, use cacao at a dose that supports the process — not one that overwhelms your body instead.


Recommended Dosages at a Glance

If you just want the numbers, here they are — though I'd still encourage you to read the "why" above, since Cacao responds to more than just weight and quantity.

  • 0.3-0.4 oz (8.5-11g) for dreaming or lucid dreaming, taken mid-sleep cycle.

  • 0.4-0.75 oz (11-21g) for very sensitive or long-term cacao drinkers.

  • 3/4 oz (21g) twice a day for cardiovascular long-term health uses, such as high blood pressure or clearing arterial deposits. Switch to just 15g twice a day after 6 months.

  • 1 oz (28g) for meditation or to assist creativity.

  • 1.2 oz (34g) for mild aerobic activities like yoga, dancing, cardio, or general gym workouts. Many use this daily dose to serve workshop participants.

  • 1.5 oz (42.5g) for my standard ceremonial dose.

  • Up to 2 oz (57g) for an upper-limit ceremonial dose, especially if you are large-bodied. Note that about 5% of average drinkers will get nauseous (sick) if they consume this much at one time. Therefore, it's not recommended for your first cacao experience.

Having said that, we do know of some massive bodybuilders who take 4oz (113g) before an intense workout. That's a lot of cacao and not a dose we'd suggest chasing; find your own edge gradually rather than starting anywhere near there.

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