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Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
A relatively small tropical tree in the Sterculiaceae family, Theobroma Cacao is native to the dense tropical forests of the Amazon and was later distributed by humans throughout Central America. Today it is found growing at elevations of around 650 to 1300 ft in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, and in the low foothills of the Andes.
The word 'cacao' is ancient and likely originated with the pre-Mayan people. It is translated as 'the food of the gods'. Native to Central American rainforests, the Cacao tree was cultivated by the original tribal peoples of small regions. Later, the seeds (also called beans) were used as currency between peoples and spread traded to the Mayans, Toltecs, and Aztecs who also began cultivation.
Cacao is not to be confused with 'cocoa', which is the dried, powdered Cacao beans, roasted and processed with alkali, to make it more soluble in water. This absolute was extracted in France from the raw, dried cacao beans-- and truly, this has quite a wonderful chocolate aroma!
About the Oil
This essential oil is extracted from the seeds (pods) of wild, sustainably harvested trees in West Africa. The complexity of the Cacao seed serves as a reminder of the great potential of the rainforest botanicals for enhancing our well-being.Aromatherapy Notes
Deep, royal and earthy aroma enveloped in rich hazelnut liquor and fine smoky notes of the finest dark chocolate. Use Cacao absolute with confidence as a rich middle note in all 'love' blends. Sensual, heady, delicious and intriguing, Cacao is an excellent choice of ingredient for erotic formulations. Cacao is a 'potentiator', enhancing the character of the other essential oils with which it is blended.
Traditional Use
Thorough in their quest to understand the properties of all plants in their realm, the Aztecs trained a class of medicinal botanists to explore far and wide bringing back living Cacao specimens to the royal botanical gardens for research. With such expertise and so many fabulous and intriguing botanicals available, it is fitting that they determined the seeds of the Cacao tree to be of such superior value. There were times when no person in except the King and his court were allowed to ingest the seeds.
Cacao has long been thought of as a natural medicine; its diverse therapeutic qualities of the plant include a decrease in depression; an increase in general health; a lessening of stress and enhancements in sensual pleasures, including sex.
Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature
Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Aphrodisiac, Immune booster, Nutrient.Psychological:
- Reduces anxiety
- Helps break addictive patterns
Digestive System:
- Quells indigestion\
Dermatological:
- Nourishes and moisturizes cells
- Promotes collagen and elastin production
- Protects epidermal cells from free radicals
Raw Cacao (in powder form) contains high levels of antioxidant polyphenols, oligomeric procynanidins and other flavonoids that help boost the immune system and protect against LDL cholesterol and even heart disease.
It is also extremely nutritious due to its high protein, vitamin and mineral content.
Application and Use
Cacao absolute is recommended for increasing creativity and connection to the heart chakra.Most popular massage blends that use Cacao absolute intertwine Cacao with essential oils of Vanilla, Peppermint, Rose, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Tuberose, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and Dark Patchouli. Cacao body oil can be concocted by adding fractionated Coconut oil, Coconut Jojoba lotion, Hemp oil, or Jojoba oil.
Safety
Cacao absolute is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.Note that while Cacao absolute is perfect in creams and with other essential oils, it will sometimes separate from fixed oils.
Synergy Essentials Recipes:
Cacao vanilla blissCacao essential oil 40 dropsVanilla essential oil 10 dropsBlend in 4 ounces of Fractionated Coconut oil or Coconut jojoba body cream.
Vanilla dream (a children's blessing)4 drops vanilla1 drop cacao essential oil1 ounce of carrier of choice
Chocolate and roses1 drop rose absolute1 drop cacao essential oilwear as a natural perfume
Ahem prema (divine love)13 drops of cacao essential oil3 drops of rose absolute3 drops of vanilla essential oil4 ounces of fractionated coconut oil
Love is all there is!20 drops of sandalwood4 drops of cacao essential oil1 drop rose absolute