About the Cacao Tree

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 throughout Central America. Today it is found growing at elevations of around 650 to 1300 feet in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, and in the low foothills of the Andes.

About Cacao Absolute

This chocolate essential oil is extracted from the seed pods of wild, sustainably harvested trees. The complexity of the cacao seed serves as a reminder of the great potential of the rainforest botanicals for enhancing our well-being. The plant can be used in honor of the vast diversity of the virgin rainforest.

Cacao is not to be confused with “cocoa,” which is made from the dried, powdered cacao beans, roasted and processed with alkali, to make it more soluble in water.

Cacao has long been thought of as a natural medicine. Cacao is known to open the heart chakra, bringing healing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Research shows that smelling cacao reduces levels of stress and anxiety. Cacao may also help to reduce cravings and addictive patterns. The scent of this exquisite essential oil is at once mystical and magical. We recommend cacao essential oil for increasing creativity and connection to your heart chakra. It also enhances pleasure, including sex.

Cacao is a “potentiator,” enhancing the yumminess of the other essential oils with which it is blended. Cacao essential oil is loved by children as well as elders and makes a nice addition to one’s collection. Cacao Absolute is a must for chocolate lovers, as the aroma is that of the finest dark chocolate!

Of Interest

The beans from which this oil is extracted have one of the richest histories in the plant world: The word “cacao” is ancient and likely originated with the pre-Mayan Olmec people. All chocolate is made from cacao, the seed of the fruit of the jungle tree Theobroma cacao, which translates as “food of the Gods.” Native to Central American rainforests, the cacao tree was originally cultivated by these ancient Olmec people. Later harvested by the Mayans, Toltecs, and Aztecs, the seeds (also known as beans) were also used as a form of currency in Aztec society.

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 even times when no one in the whole kingdom except the King and his court was allowed to use the seeds.

Recently, scholars deciphered the word ka-ka-wa on a Mayan chocolate drinking vessel that dates back thousands of years. Cacao is so popular, rumor has it that Casanova himself abandoned champagne in favor of chocolate. Even the animals love cacao as the trees attract over 80 different species of birds in the areas where they are planted.

A beautiful Mayan legend about Cacao: After creating the world, the oceans, plants, and animals, the Mayan deity, Heart of Sky, had one remaining task: to create humanity. First, Heart of Sky worked with mud, then wood, and even stone without success. Using creativity and insight, Heart of Sky fashioned a human being out of natural materials including water, Earth, corn, and various beautiful fruits, including Cacao. And so it is told, humans came into being with Cacao as an essential ingredient.

Therapeutic Properties / Therapeutics Described by Aromatherapy Specialists

From Jennifer Peace Rhind’s Fragrance and Wellbeing: Plant aromatics and their influence on the psyche:

• Appetite restorative
• Nervous system stimulant
• Psychoactive properties
• Aphrodisiac
• Improves mood
• Boosts endorphin level
• Adds “intrigue and depth” to fragrances

Properties of Cacao Reported in Peer-Reviewed Research

• Lowers blood pressure
• Anti-clotting agent
• Cardiovascular benefits
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anti-cancer

Summary of Research Studies

A meta-analysis of past dietary studies reported that regular consumption of cacao-rich foods can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

A double-blind study showed that subjects who took cacao tablets showed significantly increased concentrations of antioxidants in their plasma. They also displayed a decrease in platelet function, which could inhibit blood clotting.

A review of epidemiological studies suggests that flavonoid-rich chocolate has antioxidant effects that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

An in vitro study found that cacao extract significantly reduced the secretion and expression of cell-signaling proteins that cause inflammation.

Cacao extract inhibited the immune response of human lymphocytes in vitro. The researchers propose that cacao “could be important in some states of immune system hyperactivity such as autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases.”

The vanillin compound, which makes up the majority of cacao essential oil, has strong antioxidant activity.

Vanillin applied to human colorectal cancer cells caused a cessation of the cell cycle and ultimately cancer cell death.

Mice given oral administration of vanillin had a significant reduction in breast cancer cell metastasis, suggesting that vanillin “may be of value in the development of anti-metastatic drugs for cancer treatment.”

Application

TOPICAL

Cacao Absolute can be added to formulas in small amounts, bringing in the sensuous aroma of dark chocolate. It makes a great natural perfume and is wonderful in body lotions.

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 organic Coconut oil, Coconut Jojoba lotion, Hemp oil, or Jojoba oil.

Aromatherapy Details

This has a deep, royal, and earthy aroma enveloped in rich hazelnut liqueur and fine smoky notes of the finest dark chocolate. Use this chocolate essential oil 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.

Cacao Absolute blends fabulously with essential oils of Vanilla, Peppermint, Rose, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Tuberose, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and Dark Patchouli, Bergamot.

Note that while Cacao Absolute is perfect in creams and with other essential oils, it will sometimes separate from fixed oils.

Safety

This chocolate essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritating.