Therapeutic benefits of cacao for women's hormonal balance, digestive health, and emotional wellbeing.

10 Oct

Ceremonial grade cacao has become a rising star in wellness circles, not just for its rich flavour and connection to ancient traditions, but for its surprising benefits on women’s hormonal health and digestive system. This sacred plant medicine, rooted in Mayan and Aztec rituals, offers more than just a delicious drink; it’s a natural elixir that supports hormonal balance, digestive wellness, emotional wellbeing, and overall vitality for women.

My personal experience with cacao started at a retreat in May 2023, I have since been drinking it regularly and have noticed so many improvements to my mental and physical health. I wanted to journal this as a way of recognising the improvements and being able to share them with others. I was diagnosed with IBS as a teen and have also suffered with digestive issues. There is a link between digestion and neurodiversity as well as nervous system dysregulation and trauma. I have lived and was living in an ADHD fog, a stress state for a long time and as a result my digestive system was not able to ‘rest and digest’ in an effective way. I was prescribed medication to support this but since drinking cacao regularly I have been able to stop all the meds and have noticed a big improvement to my IBS and ADHD symptoms.

There are numerous therapeutic benefits of ceremonial grade cacao for women's hormonal balance, digestive health, and emotional wellbeing. This sacred plant medicine supports PMS relief, gut healing, and stress reduction while offering unique benefits for neurodivergent women. Ideal for incorporating into your wellness and therapy rituals.

What is Ceremonial Grade Cacao?

Ceremonial grade cacao is the purest form of cacao, made from the raw seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. It differs from processed cacao powder in several key ways. Ceremonial cacao is minimally processed and retains its natural fats and nutrients. Harvested with great care and respect, it’s often used in sacred ceremonies to foster connection, mindfulness, and healing. But it’s also a potent natural remedy for hormonal and digestive health, making it more than just a spiritual experience. I have tried a number of different manufactures but my personal favourite is Keith’s Cacao, it is grown in Guatemala, on the Pacific coast. The cacao is prepared by Kaqchikel Mayan women from over 20 local families and they prepare the beans in a traditional way.

The Hormonal and Digestive Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao

Hormonal balance and digestive health are closely linked, especially for women. The gut plays a significant role in producing and metabolising hormones like oestrogen, and an imbalance in either system can affect the other.

Ceremonial cacao, with its unique nutritional profile, can support both digestive and hormonal well-being.

Magnesium-Rich for Hormonal Balance and Digestive Health

Magnesium is one of the key nutrients in ceremonial grade cacao, and it’s vital for both hormone regulation and digestive function. For women, magnesium helps balance hormones, particularly during the menstrual cycle, by reducing stress and supporting the production of progesterone. This can ease common issues like PMS, mood swings, and bloating.

Magnesium also plays an essential role in digestive health by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. This can help alleviate constipation, one of the common symptoms of hormonal fluctuations, particularly in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and during menopause. By relaxing the gut muscles and encouraging regular bowel movements, ceremonial cacao can help women maintain a healthier digestive rhythm.

Supports Stress Reduction and Gut Health

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on both the endocrine and digestive systems. When cortisol levels are elevated, the body's “fight or flight” response can slow digestion, causing discomfort, bloating, or constipation. Stress also contributes to inflammation in the gut, leading to conditions like leaky gut, IBS, or hormonal imbalances that further disrupt digestive function.

Ceremonial cacao contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that supports a gentle, calming energy without the jittery side effects of caffeine. This helps reduce stress and balance cortisol levels, which in turn supports healthier digestion. Additionally, cacao contains natural compounds like tryptophan, which boosts serotonin production—a neurotransmitter that not only enhances mood but also regulates gut motility. Serotonin plays a dual role in mental well-being and digestive function, making cacao’s stress-relieving properties beneficial for both areas.

Rich in Fibre for Gut Health

Another unique benefit of ceremonial cacao is its ability to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes are crucial for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients effectively. Many women experience sluggish digestion due to hormonal changes, stress, or poor gut health, leading to symptoms like indigestion, gas, or nutrient deficiencies.

Cacao contains compounds that promote the secretion of digestive enzymes, helping the body metabolise fats, proteins, and carbohydrates more efficiently. By supporting the digestive process, cacao can enhance nutrient absorption, which is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, especially when it comes to fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, A, and E—critical nutrients for hormonal health.

Anti-Inflammatory and Gut-Healing Properties

Inflammation is a key driver of both digestive and hormonal imbalances, and many women suffer from gut-related inflammation due to stress, poor diet, or conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Chronic inflammation in the gut can disrupt the absorption of vital nutrients and contribute to hormone dysregulation.

Ceremonial cacao is packed with flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the gut. These anti-inflammatory properties can aid in healing the gut lining, reducing symptoms of leaky gut, and improving overall digestive health. With a healthier gut comes better hormonal regulation, as the body can more efficiently break down and eliminate excess hormones.

The Unique Benefits of Cacao for Neurodivergent Women

Neurodivergent individuals, such as myself, often experience heightened sensitivities to their environment, including sensory processing differences, emotional regulation challenges, and overstimulation. Cacao, with its combination of mood-enhancing compounds and gentle stimulants, can help provide support in these areas too.

Emotional Regulation

Consuming cacao can create a sense of emotional grounding, helping to ease anxiety and improve overall emotional resilience. This is because of the compounds like anandamide (known as the “bliss molecule”) and phenylethylamine (PEA), which promote feelings of happiness and well-being. They help balance mood by increasing serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional stability and regulation. This is especially beneficial for neurodivergent women who may be more prone to emotional highs and lows.

Executive Function

Cacao is great, particularly for those with ADHD, or executive function challenges, if you struggle with focus and mental clarity the theobromine not only boosts energy but it also enhances cognitive function, improving attention span and mental focus without the anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine.

Mind Body Sensory Connection

For neurodivergent women, connecting with the body and emotions in a grounded way can sometimes be a challenge due to sensory processing differences or a heightened sense of disconnect. Ceremonial cacao can be used in therapeutic settings to facilitate mindfulness, meditation, and emotional introspection. It’s ability to foster a deep connection between the mind and body makes it an excellent tool for neurodivergent women who may benefit from grounding practices.

By creating a calming yet alert state, cacao can enhance therapeutic practices such as somatic therapy, meditation, or mindful movement, making it easier for neurodivergent individuals to engage in healing activities that promote self-awareness and emotional healing.

How to Incorporate Cacao into a Neurodivergent-Friendly Routine for Hormonal and Digestive Support

To experience the full benefits of ceremonial grade cacao, it’s important to use it with intention. Cacao is a heart opening plant and the self care and self love that treating yourself to a cup of cacao brings to the body can be beneficial in so many ways.

Here are some quick ways to incorporate this sacred drink into your routine for digestive and hormonal wellness:

Morning Digestive Ritual: Start your day with a warm cup of ceremonial cacao on an empty stomach to stimulate digestive enzymes and boost metabolism. Sipping cacao in the morning also provides a gentle energy boost, without the digestive upset that coffee can sometimes cause. As well as digestive support this will gently boost energy and improve focus without overstimulation. This can be especially helpful for women with ADHD or those who struggle with morning brain fog - this is my favourite way to drink cacao.

Pre-Menstrual Digestive Support: During the days leading up to your period, when digestive issues like bloating and constipation can arise, use cacao to help relax your gut and ease discomfort. Its magnesium content can also alleviate PMS symptoms.

Gut-Healing Ceremonies: Incorporate cacao into a mindfulness practice that supports gut health, focusing on reducing stress and inflammation. Whether you’re meditating or journaling, the relaxing properties of ceremonial cacao can help you tune into your body’s needs.

Therapeutic Support: Drink cacao before engaging in therapy, meditation, or other grounding practices. It’s ability to enhance emotional introspection and body awareness can support neurodivergent women in processing emotions and sensory experiences more effectively.

Ceremonial grade cacao offers more than just physical nourishment—it brings an emotional and spiritual dimension to self-care, making it a powerful way for women seeking hormonal balance and digestive healing. By incorporating this ancient plant medicine into your wellness routine, you can tap into its nourishing properties to support your mind, body, and soul.

Whether you're facing neurodivergent and/or digestive challenges, PMS, or the daily stresses of modern life, ceremonial cacao may just be the soothing, healthy, healing remedy you’ve been looking for.