Native Peruvian Sally Huapaya from Seleno Health will take you on a journey back to the origin of cacao, how it grows and how it was used as a plant medicine by the ancients of Peru. Also the journey of cacao through the Americas and the eventual Westernisation into chocolate.

Learn about the traditions surrounding cacao and how to use it in ceremonies, tools like the molinillo (cacao whisk), jicara’s (cacao vessels), creating intention with cacao and how to combine the masculine and feminine energies of cacao to bring new life and release old traumas.

Dr Corin Storkey (NZ) will then share studies undertaken at Victoria University Wellington through their cacao research program to explain the modes of action of cacao in the brain and body and the differences between different types of cacao varieties and cacao products. He will also share the health properties of cacao and the benefits for those with mental health, cardiovascular, inflammatory, metabolic or immunity issues.

Finally we will show you how to make delicious heart opening cacao elixirs so you can create your own cacao ceremonies at home.