CACAO BENEFITS FOR WOMEN'S HORMONES, PMS & THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Can ceremonial cacao support you through PMS, period cramps, and the changing phases of your cycle? Let's explore what's inside cacao, what the science says, and how to create a nourishing ritual around your body's natural rhythms.

If you've ever found yourself craving chocolate right before your period, you know the feeling. Even better? A cup of warm, nourishing ceremonial cacao.

Cacao has been part of my daily life for years, and the more I work with this plant, the more fascinated I become by everything it has to offer.

In fact, WANA HEY was born out of one of those chocolate cravings! I was having one of my first periods after I stopped breastfeeding my son, and all I wanted was dark chocolate. Except I didn't have any at home.

What I did have was a block of ceremonial cacao. So I decided to make my own chocolate.

Little did I know that this simple experiment in my kitchen would become the beginning of WANA HEY Ceremonial Cacao!

Beyond its rich flavor and the way it makes you feel, cacao contains naturally occurring magnesium, iron, flavanols, and theobromine. These compounds have been studied for their roles in everything from muscle function to circulation and mood.

But what does that actually mean for your hormones? Can cacao help with PMS, period cramps, or the emotional roller coaster that sometimes comes with the menstrual cycle?

There's a lot of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. Some articles make cacao sound like a miracle cure for hormonal imbalances, while others barely scratch the surface of its nutritional benefits.

I want to explore what we actually know about cacao and the menstrual cycle, along with some of the traditional botanical wisdom that inspired the creation of WANA HEY WOMB Ceremonial Cacao.

Because there's something really beautiful about learning to work with your body's rhythms rather than trying to override them.

What Makes Ceremonial Cacao Different From Regular Chocolate?

Not all chocolate is created equal.

Ceremonial cacao is made from whole cacao beans that have been fermented, dried, and processed into a paste while retaining their natural cacao butter.

You'll often hear ceremonial cacao referred to as cacao paste or cacao liquor. These terms describe the same basic form of cacao: ground cacao beans, with their naturally occurring fats still intact. Despite the name, cacao liquor contains no alcohol!

What makes cacao ceremonial isn't a different type of ingredient, but the intention and practices behind its sourcing, production, and use.

Unlike conventional cocoa powder, which has much of its cacao butter pressed out, whole cacao paste contains both the cacao solids and their natural fats.

That means you're experiencing cacao in a more complete form.

At WANA HEY, we work with wild strain, single-origin Peruvian cacao sourced from Piura and the Amazon Rainforest.

Our Amazon Rainforest cacao is grown by Indigenous Awajún families in a remote, biodiverse forest in northern Peru. It's incredibly rich, smooth, and velvety — the origin we chose for WOMB.

One important distinction: ceremonial grade isn't a regulated nutritional standard. The actual quality of cacao depends on factors like sourcing, processing, ingredients, and testing.

Cacao Benefits for Women's Hormones: What Does the Science Say?

Cacao contains several naturally occurring nutrients and plant compounds that contribute to its nutritional profile and may play a role in overall well-being.

Let's look at the ones most relevant to conversations about PMS and the menstrual cycle.

1. Magnesium — Muscles, Mood, and Relaxation

Magnesium is one of the minerals cacao is known for, and it plays an important role in normal muscle and nerve function, energy production, and hundreds of processes throughout the body.

It's also one of the nutrients researchers have investigated in relation to PMS symptoms.

Some small studies of magnesium supplementation have reported improvements in certain premenstrual symptoms, including mood changes and headaches. However, research results have been mixed, and there's not enough evidence to conclude that drinking cacao produces the same effects.

Whole cacao naturally contains magnesium, although the amount varies by origin, processing, formulation, and serving size.

This is one reason cacao can be a meaningful addition to a nourishing diet, even if we can't claim that a cup of cacao will make period cramps disappear.

2. Iron — Especially Relevant During Menstruation

Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, supporting energy production, and maintaining healthy red blood cells.

Because menstruation involves blood loss, people who menstruate have particular reasons to pay attention to their iron intake, especially if they experience heavy periods.

Cacao naturally contains some iron, although it shouldn't be relied upon as a primary source or a treatment for iron deficiency.

There's also an interesting nuance here: cacao contains polyphenols that can interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron consumed alongside it.

If you're working on improving your iron levels, it can be helpful to enjoy cacao separately from iron supplements and iron-rich meals.

3. Flavanols — Circulation and Cardiovascular Health

Cacao contains naturally occurring polyphenols, including flavanols, which have been studied for their antioxidant properties and effects on blood vessel function.

Certain cocoa flavanols have been associated with improvements in vascular function and circulation.

This is fascinating in the context of overall health, although we don't yet have good evidence that drinking ceremonial cacao improves menstrual circulation or directly relieves period cramps.

Flavanol content also varies significantly between cacao products depending on how they're grown and processed.

4. Theobromine — Cacao's Distinctive Energy

If you've ever noticed that cacao feels different from coffee, theobromine may be part of the reason.

Theobromine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in cacao, alongside smaller amounts of caffeine.

Many people describe cacao's energy as smoother and more gradual than coffee, although everyone responds to these compounds differently.

Personally, I love the combination of feeling energized while still being connected to my body.

If you find yourself more sensitive to stimulants during certain parts of your cycle, pay attention to your serving size and how your body responds.

Cacao is wonderful, but it's not stimulant-free.

5. Cacao, Mood, and Chocolate Cravings Before Your Period

Why do so many of us crave chocolate before our periods?

There isn't one universally accepted explanation.

Hormonal fluctuations, changes in appetite, sensory pleasure, and the emotional associations we have with chocolate may all contribute.

Cacao contains compounds that researchers have explored in relation to mood and cognitive function, although that doesn't mean cacao has been proven to treat premenstrual mood symptoms.

And I think it's worth remembering that not every benefit of a food needs to be reduced to a biochemical reaction.

Sometimes you want something warm, rich, comforting, and delicious.

There is value in allowing yourself to enjoy that.

Can Ceremonial Cacao Help With PMS and Period Cramps?

Premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, can involve a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

Bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, headaches, irritability, mood changes, and food cravings are all common experiences.

Period cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are typically associated with prostaglandins — compounds that contribute to contractions of the uterus.

Although cacao contains magnesium and other interesting plant compounds, there isn't strong clinical evidence that ceremonial cacao itself treats PMS or menstrual cramps.

That doesn't mean cacao has no place in your menstrual wellness rituals.

Nourishment, warmth, and creating time to relax can all be meaningful parts of caring for yourself during your period.

Some of cacao's nutrients have been studied individually for their potential relevance to menstrual well-being, but research on supplements doesn't automatically establish the same benefits from drinking cacao.

I love exploring where modern nutritional science meets traditional plant wisdom, as long as we're clear about what each can actually tell us.

And this is where the conversation gets especially interesting.

Ceremonial Cacao Throughout the Four Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle

One of the things I love about working with cacao is that the ritual doesn't have to look the same every day.

Your appetite, mood, energy, and desire for stimulation may shift throughout the month.

Instead of following a rigid cacao routine, you can adapt your ritual to whatever phase you're in and how you're actually feeling.

Menstrual Phase — Rest and Replenishment

The menstrual phase begins on the first day of your period.

For some, this is a time of lower energy, cramping, or an increased desire for rest.

A warm cup of ceremonial cacao can be a comforting addition to a slower morning. I especially love WOMB here, with its rich Amazon Rainforest cacao and botanicals traditionally associated with menstrual well-being.

If your body is asking you to stay in bed a little longer or simplify your schedule, perhaps that's worth listening to.

Follicular Phase — Curiosity and Renewal

As your period ends and estrogen levels begin to rise, you may notice changes in your energy or motivation.

This can be a fun time to experiment with your cacao recipes.

Try adding different spices, blending cacao into a morning smoothie, or creating a new ritual that feels exciting.

There's no need to force a particular experience just because you're in a certain phase. Your body gets the final say.

Ovulatory Phase — Expression and Connection

Some people notice feeling more social or energetic around ovulation.

This can be a beautiful time to share cacao with friends, bring it into a gathering, or turn your usual solo ritual into something communal.

One of my favorite things about cacao is that it can be both deeply personal and something we share with others.

Luteal Phase — Slowing Down and Listening In

The luteal phase is the period between ovulation and menstruation.

This is when many people experience PMS symptoms, including shifts in appetite, sleep, energy, and mood.

You might find yourself drawn toward more comforting foods and familiar routines.

A warm cacao ritual can become an opportunity to check in with yourself instead of pushing through everything on autopilot.

If you're especially sensitive to caffeine or theobromine during this phase, consider a smaller serving or enjoying your cacao earlier in the day.

And remember — your cycle isn't a productivity schedule.

You don't need to optimize every phase. Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is listen.

Why We Created WOMB Ceremonial Cacao

When I first started dreaming up WANA HEY, I knew I wanted to eventually create a cacao formula inspired by the changing rhythms of the body.

And when the opportunity came to collaborate with Dr. Jill Blakeway, renowned acupuncturist, herbalist, and founder of Yinova Center in New York, I knew she was the perfect person to help bring WOMB to life.

Jill has spent decades working with traditional Chinese medicine, fertility, and reproductive health, so I was especially curious about how she would approach creating a cacao formula inspired by cyclical living.

She came back with a combination of four botanicals: goji berries, orange peel, rose petals, and Ashoka powder.

We even explored adding ashwagandha, but ultimately left it out because of its bitterness. Getting the flavor right would have been quite a mission, and cacao should taste incredible, too!

What I love about Jill's approach is that each ingredient has a specific purpose within traditional botanical practices.

Goji berries were chosen for their traditional association with blood nourishment. Orange peel has a history of use for concerns such as breast tenderness, rose for hormonal harmony, and Ashoka for menstrual cramps and bloating.

These are traditional applications rather than proven treatment effects, but I find the knowledge and intention behind the formulation fascinating.

The result is WOMB Ceremonial Cacao — a rich, grounding, deeply nourishing blend of wild strain Amazon Rainforest cacao and botanicals rooted in traditional wellness practices.

WOMB was created in reverence for the changing rhythms of creation, release, rest, and renewal.

And while the menstrual cycle was an important part of its inspiration, you don't need to menstruate or have a biological womb to enjoy WOMB.

It's an offering for anyone drawn to a deeper relationship with their body and the rhythms of life.

Meet the Ingredients in WOMB Ceremonial Cacao

When it came to creating WOMB, I was just as particular about sourcing the botanicals as I was about finding the right cacao.

I wanted ingredients that honored the traditional practices behind Jill's formula, sourced from suppliers who take quality, purity, and traceability seriously.

That meant going beyond simply finding organic ingredients. We looked for specialized suppliers, practitioner-grade quality where available, and rigorous standards for sourcing and testing.

I wanted every ingredient to be worthy of the formula Jill had created.

Here's what went into WOMB and why each ingredient earned its place in the formula:

Wild Strain Amazon Rainforest Cacao

The foundation of WOMB is our wild strain ceremonial cacao from the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, grown by Indigenous Awajún families in a remote, biodiverse forest.

I traveled deep into the Peruvian jungle to meet the people who steward this cacao and experience the land where it grows. Getting there involved three flights, ten hours on the road, and an eight-hour hike into the rainforest.

This cacao is extraordinary. Deep, velvety, full-bodied, and naturally rich in flavor, it provides the perfect foundation for WOMB.

Whole cacao also contains naturally occurring magnesium, iron, flavanols, and theobromine.

Read the story of our Amazon Rainforest cacao origin.

Goji Berries — Traditionally Used to Nourish Blood

Goji berries have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, where they're associated with nourishing blood and supporting vitality.

Jill specifically chose goji for its traditional role in blood nourishment.

In Chinese medicine, the concept of nourishing blood extends beyond the modern medical understanding of iron levels or red blood cell production.

For WOMB, we source organic, practitioner-grade goji berries in small batches from a specialized Chinese herbal supplier with rigorous standards for herb identity, purity, pesticide testing, and quality.

I love knowing that the ingredients going into WOMB come from suppliers who understand the importance of botanical integrity.

Orange Peel — Traditionally Used for Breast Tenderness

Orange peel has a long history in traditional Chinese herbal formulations.

Jill included it because of its traditional application for breast tenderness, a common PMS symptom.

In Chinese medicine, certain preparations of citrus peel are used to support the movement of qi, often translated as vital energy.

We use certified organic orange peel, selected for its quality and purity.

It also brings a delicate citrus note to the formula, balancing the richness of our Amazon Rainforest cacao.

Rose Petals — Traditionally Associated With Hormonal Harmony

Rose has always held a special place in WANA HEY. Our original ceremonial cacao formula was created with rose, and I love how beautifully it pairs with the natural depth of cacao.

Jill selected rose petals for their traditional association with hormonal balance.

While there's insufficient clinical evidence that rose regulates estrogen or progesterone, it has a long history in botanical traditions associated with emotional and reproductive well-being.

For WOMB, we use organic Rosa damascena petal powder grown in Morocco.

Rose brings a delicate floral character to the formula and connects WOMB to the original WANA HEY recipe.

Ashoka — Traditionally Used for Cramps and Bloating

Ashoka is a remarkable plant with a long history in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly in traditions associated with menstrual and reproductive well-being.

Jill chose Ashoka because of its traditional use for cramps and bloating.

Its name is often translated as without sorrow or remover of sorrow, which feels especially meaningful in a formula created around the rhythms of creation, release, rest, and renewal.

For WOMB, we source 100% organic Ashoka bark powder, certified under both USDA Organic and India Organic NPOP standards.

Ashoka has been studied for some of its biological properties, but high-quality human research on its effectiveness for menstrual symptoms remains limited.

I find the combination of its traditional uses, symbolism, and history particularly beautiful.

Together, these ingredients create a formula rooted in traditional botanical wisdom, thoughtfully sourced, and crafted to be something you'll genuinely look forward to drinking.

Because the quality of what goes into our cacao matters just as much as how it tastes.

How to Prepare WOMB Ceremonial Cacao

One of my favorite things about WOMB is how easy it is to prepare.

You don't need to source and measure five different ingredients to create your cacao ritual. The formula is already blended, lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, and ready to enjoy.

WOMB comes in two forms, both containing the same recipe.

WOMB Ceremonial Cacao Roses — 1 lb

Our signature rose-shaped cacao pieces make it easy to prepare a nourishing cup whenever you feel called. WOMB is already beautifully balanced, so all you need is hot water. Adjust the amount to create your perfect consistency.

To prepare:

1. Add 4–6 WOMB cacao roses to your blender or cup.
2. Pour in ¾–1 cup of hot (not boiling) water.
3. Blend or froth until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.

WOMB Spiral Ceremonial Cacao Bar — 50 g

The same WOMB recipe is also available as a 50 g Spiral Bar.

It's beautiful for traveling, gifting, eating as ceremonial chocolate, or preparing a cup without bringing along a full bag of cacao roses.

Simply melt approximately half the bar into hot water and blend or froth to create a rich ceremonial cacao drink.

You can also enjoy it directly as chocolate.

However you prepare it, WOMB was created to fit into your life rather than become another thing on your to-do list.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cacao, PMS, and Hormones

Is cacao good for women's hormones?

Cacao contains magnesium, iron, flavanols, and other naturally occurring compounds that contribute to its nutritional profile.

However, there isn't sufficient clinical evidence that drinking cacao directly balances estrogen, progesterone, or other reproductive hormones.

Cacao can be part of a nourishing diet and a supportive daily ritual, but it shouldn't be considered a treatment for hormonal imbalances.

Can cacao help with period cramps?

Magnesium, a mineral naturally found in cacao, has been studied in relation to menstrual symptoms.

However, results from magnesium supplementation studies have been mixed, and there isn't strong evidence that drinking ceremonial cacao itself relieves period cramps.

Some people find a warm cacao ritual comforting during menstruation, but persistent or severe menstrual pain deserves proper evaluation.

Is cacao good for PMS?

Cacao can be a satisfying part of your routine during PMS, especially if you're craving chocolate or something warm and comforting.

Its naturally occurring nutrients may contribute to overall nutrition, although there isn't strong clinical evidence that cacao itself reliably reduces PMS symptoms.

If you're sensitive to stimulants, consider how cacao's caffeine and theobromine affect you during different parts of your cycle.

Can I drink ceremonial cacao during my period?

For most healthy adults, enjoying moderate amounts of cacao during menstruation is generally fine.

Pay attention to your individual response, particularly if you experience increased sensitivity to stimulants, changes in sleep, or digestive discomfort.

If you're managing iron deficiency, remember that cacao's polyphenols can interfere with non-heme iron absorption when consumed alongside iron-rich meals or supplements.

Does cacao increase estrogen?

There's no convincing clinical evidence that ordinary consumption of ceremonial cacao increases estrogen levels.

You may encounter claims that cacao naturally regulates reproductive hormones, but these go beyond what current human research has established.

Is ceremonial cacao safe during pregnancy?

Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, and their amounts vary depending on the product and serving size.

Blended cacao products may also contain botanicals that haven't been adequately studied during pregnancy.

If you're pregnant, check the ingredients and discuss concentrated cacao servings or botanical formulations with your prenatal healthcare professional.

What's the difference between WOMB and regular ceremonial cacao?

WOMB is a formulated ceremonial cacao created in collaboration with Jill Blakeway.

It combines wild strain Amazon Rainforest cacao with goji berry, orange peel, rose, and Ashoka, along with cacao butter and a touch of unrefined coconut sugar.

These botanicals were chosen for their traditional associations with menstrual well-being, nourishment, and cyclical living.

Our 100% Pure Amazon Rainforest Ceremonial Cacao, on the other hand, contains only cacao, leaving you free to create your own blend.

Both are wonderful ways to experience cacao. It simply depends on what you're drawn to.

A Ritual of Remembering

Our bodies aren't meant to feel exactly the same every day.

There are times when we feel energized, creative, and ready to take on the world. And there are times when everything in us is asking to slow down, turn inward, and tend to ourselves a little more gently.

The menstrual cycle is one of the ways we experience these changing rhythms, but it's certainly not the only one.

I've found that building a relationship with cacao has helped me become more aware of what my body is asking for, even when my mind has other plans.

And that's really what inspired WOMB.

Not the idea that there's something wrong with our hormones that needs to be fixed, but the possibility of approaching our bodies with more curiosity, nourishment, and respect.

WOMB brings together extraordinary wild strain cacao from the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and botanicals chosen by Jill Blakeway for their long history in women's herbal traditions.

It's a beautiful formula, and one I'm so excited to share with you.

Explore WANA HEY WOMB Ceremonial Cacao

Everything blossoms around a woman who follows her instincts.

References & Further Reading

For readers interested in exploring the nutritional science and traditional botanical research discussed in this article:

• Office on Women's Health — Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Painful Periods
• NIH — Magnesium Fact Sheet
• PubMed — Polyphenol-Containing Beverages and Iron Absorption
• PubMed — Review of Ashoka's Traditional Uses and Biological Activities

Disclaimer

The information shared in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We are not medical professionals and cannot provide personal health advice. The traditional uses of botanicals discussed here are not evidence that WOMB or its ingredients treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.

Please consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or another trusted healthcare provider before using ceremonial cacao, supplements, or botanical formulations to address hormonal concerns, PMS, or menstrual symptoms, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a medical condition.

Every body is different — your healthcare provider can help you make informed choices that are right for you.