THE AZTEC COMBO: CACAO AND MUSHROOMS
THE AZTEC COMBO
The Aztec Combo is an ancient method of consuming psilocybin mushrooms with a cacao drink traditionally called xocoatl. Xocoatl originates from Nahuatl, meaning “bitter water” although, it seems that this may be up for discussion. Some sources state that the root of xocoatl (xoco) translates to “sour” whereas the word “chichik” means “bitter” so perhaps the word chocolatl is more fitting (Hansen, 2015). The Mayans and Aztecs did not eat cacao but instead drank it, hence the “bitter drink”. It was not actually eaten until the Spaniards introduced it into Europe sometime in the 1500’s. This was when chocolate turned from a bitter drink to a sweet treat.
THE HISTORY OF CACAO
Ancient history says the Theobroma cacao tree was given to the Aztecs and Mayans from the god Quetzalcóatl. “Quetzalcóatl was one of the most important gods in ancient Mesoamerica. The god known as the Plumed Serpent is a mix of bird and rattle snake and his name is a combination of the Nahuatl words for the quetzal – the emerald plumed bird – and coatl or serpent” (Cartwright, 2013). He was known as the god of wisdom.
The traditional name of cacao is derived from the scientific name Theobroma Cacao; meaning “food or nourishment of the gods” (Vargas, 2020). The Cacao tree is native to central and south America although, the word Theobroma is derived from the Greek words, (Theos) meaning “god” and (Broma) meaning “food”.
The Mesoamerican civilization used Theobroma Cacao for many different occasions. The cacao seeds once held so much value that they were used as currency in ancient Mesoamerica. The cacao drink was once a beverage for the elites of Mesoamerica. Overtime the cacao drink was used for different occasions and shaped by different cultures throughout history. Cacao was used for many different rituals such as birth, marriage, religious ceremonies and death. Cacao was also used as medicine. According to the occasion, cacao would be prepared with different ingredients depending on the celebration and whom was drinking it.
THE MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF CACAO
Cacao holds many properties that are beneficial to our health. Many “ancient Aztec sources can trace the use of the chocolate as a medical tool. Sources include the Badianus Manuscript, the Princeton Codex and the Florentine Codex” (Jean, 2020). Some of the benefits in the Florentine Codex (1590 AD) prepared by Priest Bernardino de Sahagun from Spain include, reducing fever, asthma, agitation, cancer and improves energy alongside an immense list of other benefits (Jean, 2020).
Perhaps the Aztec Combo was created because cacao is known to have psychoactive effects that blend perfectly with psilocybin mushrooms. One known chemical found in cacao is anandamide. Anandamide is also a naturally occurring chemical found in the brain that gives a general sense of relaxation, happiness and bliss.
The word anandamide stem2s from the Sanskrit word Ananda meaning “bliss”. This is the body’s natural form of cannabinoids; similar to THC or CBD. Anandamide works on two different cannabinoid receptors; the brain and the periphery. This might explain those relaxing, feel good vibes when we eat cacao (Crio Bru, 2021).
Another chemical found in cacao and our brains is Phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA stimulates and releases norepinephrine and dopamine. These enhance feelings of love, empathy and compassion. PEA can help improve mood and attention as well as aid in treating depression. Cacao holds many healing properties which in combination with Psilocybin mushrooms (The Aztec Combo) can be very powerful and beneficial to one’s wellbeing (Crio Bru, 2021).
WHAT ARE PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
Psilocybin mushrooms are also known as magic mushrooms. Psilocybin is a naturally growing compound found in certain species of mushrooms that cause psychoactive and psychedelic effects when ingested. There are over 180 different fungi species that contain psychoactive compounds.
THE HISTORY OF PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
The fungi kingdom has a long history dating back billions of years although it is hard to say when the use of Psilocybin mushrooms started to integrate into human civilization. The Terrance McKenna’s “Stoned Ape” theory suggest that it is because of Psilocybin mushrooms that the human species evolved.
There is evidence worldwide of the use of psilocybin mushrooms in different cultures throughout time. In North Africa there are stone paintings that date back as far as 9000 BC. In Spain there are stone paintings that suggest Psilocybin mushrooms were used in spiritual rituals and ceremonies that date back about 6000 years ago. Similar evidence is found in Mesoamerica where symbols, statues and paintings were found indicating use of psilocybin mushrooms in spiritual rituals and ceremonies (Brusco, 2017).
The Aztecs referred to the psilocybin mushroom as Teonanácat translating to “flesh of the gods”. It is believed that the Mesoamericans would consume the psilocybin mushroom to communicate with the spirits. The Psilocybin Mushroom alongside other psychedelic plants was very sacred and important to the Mesoamericans. The god Xochipilli was known as the Aztec god of flowers. But not just any flowers, psychedelic flowers. He symbolized summer, flowers, pleasure, love, dancing, painting, feasting, creativity and souls. His statue is covered in various entheogenic plants and mushrooms interpreting a state of spiritual ecstasy (Cartwright, Xochipilli, 2013).
Psilocybin mushrooms were introduced to the western world in the late 1950’s by R. Gordon Wasson. He was recognized as the first American to witness and participate in a ritual ceremony guided by a Mazatec shaman in the Oaxaca region of southern Mexico. When Wasson brought his research and findings back to America, scientists began their exploration on this powerful species.
THE MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in many spiritual rituals for thousands of years. Today, it is recognized that psilocybin therapy may aid with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and overall wellbeing. There is still lots to be unraveled with little research available on the usage of psilocybin therapy. Psilocybin Therapy is a new alternative that aids in assisting individuals in transforming their mental health.
When an individual consumes psilocybin, the digestive system2 transforms it into psilocin which binds with serotonin receptors. This activates the 5-HT receptor which stimulates neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is the process of new neurons forming in the brain. This increases connectivity and activity between different parts of the brain. New studies show that psilocybin may have the ability to reconstruct the functional connectivity of brain pathways.
Psilocybin therapy has benefited many individuals by enhancing mood, providing higher energy, improved focus and cognitive function as well as reducing stress, anxiety and depression. When one is curious about microdosing psilocybin it is always recommended to speak with a professional health care practitioner.
WHAT IS THE AZTEC COMBO?
The Aztec Combo is the wonderful combination of Psilocybin mushrooms and Theobroma Cacao together. Both these sacred species contain powerful healing benefits and complement each other when consumed together.
Traditionally, a typical ceremony involved roasting and fermenting the cacao beans. The cacao beans would be ground and mixed into a paste with water, chilli peppers and corn. Once everything was mixed together it would be poured back and forth between two pots at high heights to form a frothy drink.
When psilocybin mushroom ceremonies would take place, the Aztecs would pair the Teonanacatl (psilocybin mushrooms) with the cacao drink (xocoatl) to enhance the spiritual journey as the cacao would act as a potentiator. The Mesoamerican cultures admired and respected cacao as a sacred, mood altering plant with psychoactive effects (Rainbo Mushrooms, 2020).
For thousands of years cacao and psilocybin mushrooms have been used together in ancient traditions and medicines. Their strong synergy has been known to enhance the effects of psilocybin and guide the spirit through the journey. Ancient translation of cacao literally means “food of the gods” while ancient translation of mushroom means “flesh of the gods”. Perhaps cacao feeds the spirits which guide one through their journey (Rainbo Mushrooms, 2020).
Together psilocybin mushrooms and cacao give more depth to a psychedelic experience. Traditionally, it is said that psilocybin mushrooms open the mind while cacao opens the heart. Cacao is not a psychedelic but it is a stimulant and works as a mood enhancer. Cacao contains MAO-inhibitors that modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin. This increases the effect of psilocybin (Pure Kakaw, 2021).
Cacao also works as a carrier for psilocybin. All the natural fats present in cacao (cocoa butter) aid the body in absorbing and utilizing the active components. This helps the body process and receive the full effects of the psilocybin mushrooms. Cacao can act similar to a liposomal because all the fat particles make it easier for the body to absorb while allowing the psilocybin to transfer to the blood and brain.
The Aztec combo is truly a sacred combination of Teonanacatl (psilocybin mushrooms) and Theobroma Cacao. Psilocybin and chocolate combined create an elevated experience for individuals. Food of the gods and flesh of the gods is the perfect balance and a match made in heaven.
THE AZTEC COMBO AND STEM CHOCOLATE
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