Unless you’ve been there, chances are when you imagine the Amazon you might picture some horrible things. Swarms of mosquitoes sucking your blood dry…giving you malaria and Zika. Stay clear of the river as piranhas will eat you alive! Don’t got into the forest alone or you’ll be mauled … [Read more...] about The Dangerous! Amazon
Herbs
Yummm…Spit Beer
Chicha. The word is used to describe a number of different drinks all across Central and South America. It is a sacred and very important daily drink of the Achuar people in the Amazon jungle. There it is made with the manioc, also known as yuca or cassava, roots. After harvesting they are … [Read more...] about Yummm…Spit Beer
Finding My First Reishi Mushroom
After several days of traveling by plane, bus, truck and boat we arrived deep in the Achuar territory in the Amazon jungle in the southern part of Ecuador. In Kapawi lodge where we were staying there was a number of flora and fauna guidebooks showing all the amazing biodiversity of the area (the … [Read more...] about Finding My First Reishi Mushroom
The Difference Between Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps Militaris
With the launch of our higher quality mushroom line comes some questions. One such question is what is the difference between Cordyceps militaris and the traditional Cordyceps sinensis, which we used to sell and is commonly sold in stores and marketed online? These are two distinct species, with … [Read more...] about The Difference Between Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps Militaris
How to Take Pine Pollen
These instructions are to guide you through the steps and different methods of consuming pine pollen. This video also gives a good overview of how to take pine pollen, but there's even more in the steps below, including the best dosage. There are six “steps” covered here. Go ahead and open … [Read more...] about How to Take Pine Pollen
All Components that Make up Schisandra and Way Cofactors are Important
We received a report on schisandra that describes most if not all of the components in this plant. This is an excellent opportunity then to discuss the importance of cofactors in our food. The huge list of components (found at the end of this article cause it is so long!) just goes to show how … [Read more...] about All Components that Make up Schisandra and Way Cofactors are Important
Ep54: Benefits of Schisandra with Brandon Amalani
Brandon Amalani is partnered with Pioneer Valley Naturals as the exclusive distributor of the only American-Grown Organic Schizandra currently available. This is where our Schisandra comes from and in this podcast we dive into many of the benefits and uses of schisandra. The Energetic … [Read more...] about Ep54: Benefits of Schisandra with Brandon Amalani
Cordycepin
Cordyceps sinensis has quickly become one of the most popular adaptogens available. Its benefits range far and wide. Although this mushroom has been around for quite some time, it is now in high demand for its exceptional immune boosting qualities, lung support, and ability to support both yin and … [Read more...] about Cordycepin
The One Ingredient PR Buster
Before NO2 explode and creatine supplements filled the shelves of supplement stores and online BodyBuilding Forums, great athletes throughout time relied on regular ole foods that grew straight out of the ground. Much of the market boasts about mega nutrients and superfoods backed by mountains of … [Read more...] about The One Ingredient PR Buster
Ep52: Herbs for the Zombie Apocalypse with Dani Brooks
Danielle Brooks is a Nutritional Therapist, Clinical Herbalist, Professional Speaker, and founder of Redmond Nutritional Therapy, Lake Washington Massage Therapy, and Good Decisions Inc. She is also the author of bestseller Good Decisions…Most of the Time, Danielle’s approach to diet combines … [Read more...] about Ep52: Herbs for the Zombie Apocalypse with Dani Brooks
Cordyceps Militaris Spores
Thought I'd share this video I came across just for fun. It shows the cordyceps militaris mushroom or fruiting body releasing its spores (the tiny thread-like things you see coming off the head). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2Kzx7UfGHo These spores are then able to go out and "populate" … [Read more...] about Cordyceps Militaris Spores
Goji Berry Slurpee
It’s been a while since I made my way into a 7-11. But I certainly use to go there as a kid. And yes was a fan of Slurpees! Just imagining main lining that much corn syrup now gives me shivers. And who knows what food colorings, artificial flavors and other chemicals are inside of … [Read more...] about Goji Berry Slurpee
The Problems of Food Science
I saw this interesting segment the other day and felt it was worth sharing to you. It’s from John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight on HBO. (Warning: some people will likely find this offensive.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rnq1NpHdmw As you can imagine, writing various books and articles, … [Read more...] about The Problems of Food Science
Inotodiol
Chaga is big in the health community right now. So many claims have been made at the feet of this “King of the Mushrooms” that it seems to those believers to be a panacea. While research into chaga is at an all time high, it is still an insignificant amount to prove beyond a doubt that this … [Read more...] about Inotodiol
Polysaccharides and Beta-Glucans in Mushrooms
Before I got into medicinal mushrooms I had never heard of polysaccharides or beta-glucans, but these compounds are not unique to fungi, and instead are widely pervasive. There are very different functions among polysaccharides and even beta-glucans. The aim of this article is to clear up the … [Read more...] about Polysaccharides and Beta-Glucans in Mushrooms
Harvesting Tongkat Ali
Find out about harvesting tongkat ali. This amazing root has certainly piqued the interest in the holistic body, strength and mind community over the past few decades. Of course, to many, this root is not anything new and has been used for ages and even been deemed as a cure-all. In the video … [Read more...] about Harvesting Tongkat Ali
What Stops Herbs from Working?
It’s funny. People generally think in all or nothing categories. Either the herbs work or they don’t work, and if that is the case for them, it must be true for ALL people. But that’s not how the world works. Although herbs are considered a form of alternative medicine, this is true even in the … [Read more...] about What Stops Herbs from Working?
Tongkat Ali Coffee
While searching around on the internet I stumbled across Tongkat Ali Coffee. At first, it seemed like a bad idea to me. If you've ever tried Tongkat Ali you know that it is extremely bitter. I initially thought it would ruin the flavor of a good cup of coffee. But then I thought perhaps the … [Read more...] about Tongkat Ali Coffee
Ep6: Why Pine Pollen Part 2
Pervasive Xeno-Estrogens and the Vicious Cycle they Create The Difference between Pine Pollen Powders and Tinctures Who should take Tinctures and who should NOT The Benefits of Pine Pollen for Women (plus when they might want to use the tincture and how!) Tips on Cycling Hormonal Herbs … [Read more...] about Ep6: Why Pine Pollen Part 2
Pine Pollen Tincture vs. Powder
Which one is right for you, pine pollen tincture vs powder? Pine pollen is best known for its hormone supporting effects. For this reason, men especially love it, although its great for women too. And there are some pretty big differences between the pine pollen powder and the pine pollen … [Read more...] about Pine Pollen Tincture vs. Powder