Probably the most influential love compound in chocolate is PEA, phenethylamine. This chemical, which occurs in chocolate in small quantities, stimulates the nervous system and triggers the release of pleasurable opium-like compounds known as endorphins. PEA also potentiates the activity of dopamine, a neurochemical directly associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. While there are a great many agents in nature which boost libido and enhance sexual function, chocolate alone actually promotes the brain chemistry of being in love.
- Chris Kilham, The Medicine Hunter
Cacao Ceremony For Two
Cacao teaches me to bring love into every single day. Since working with cacao, I've discovered that creating space for a ritual with my loved ones, and sharing a cup of cacao together, creates closeness, depth of relationship, and true intimacy. Drinking cacao together, there is spaciousness … to share, listen and witness each other. To reflect on what you enjoy about each other. To simply be, together.
What We're Drinking
Tantric Rose For Two
- 18 discs Tantric Rose Blossom
- Damiana tea used as the base liquid
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Damiana Tea recipe:
- Boil one cup of water
- Measure 1 heaping teaspoon of dried damiana leaves, and place them into the water
- Allow the damiana tea to steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the leaves out, and use for your cacao drink.
Damiana is best known for its aphrodisiac qualities, and also supports hormone balancing.
Cinnamon is warming and supports digestion. This recipe creates a warming, connective and heart opening experience.
Ceremony Tips
A Love Ceremony
- Create a space with comfy pillows, candles, and some ambient music you enjoy. Turn your phone on airplane mode.
- Sit across from each other, hold the cacao to your heart space and feel the cacao warming your heart & hands.
- As you sip your cacao, take turns sharing what you love about each other, and acknowledge the specialness of the space you have created together.
- When you have finished your cacao, you may want to hug, dance, run outside under the stars, or something totally different!