The Magic Bean, Full of Neurotransmitters that Support Hormones and More
Mucuna is a bean that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine.
It’s a rich source of L-DOPA, the precursor to the famous neurotransmitter dopamine. (Mucuna also includes trace amounts of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and 5-HTP too.)
Dopamine plays a large role in our drive and rewarding mechanisms of the brain. It helps us feel good, strive and focus.
In addition, dopamine was shown to play a powerful role in hormone levels. One study in infertile men saw increases in androgens levels, luteinizing hormone, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline while decreasing levels of prolactin and follicle stimulation hormone.
More Benefits of Mucuna
- Powerful Antioxidant*
- Neuro-Protective*
- Aphrodisiac*
- Anti-Snake Venom properties*
- Increases Testosterone and Spermiogenesis*
- Reduces Stress*
- Anti-Bacterial*
- Blood Sugar Regulating*
- Helpful for the Skin*
- May help Darken Hair*
- And much more
It’s even considered by some as an anti-stimulant.
To read more about Mucuna, including scientific references, please see our main Mucuna page here.
Why Spagyrics?
As I dove deeper into herbalism, I learned about the REAL art of alchemy (not turning lead to gold, what most people think it’s about) specifically the spagyric arts with herbal plant material.
The idea behind a spagyric tincture is that the “salt” is added back in, which normal tinctures completely lack, just having the “mercury” and “sulfur” compounds. (Please note these are the philosophical elements, not to be confused with the chemicals by the same name. I’m trying to explain this in a way that doesn’t take an hour or more of training!)
“Salt,” as the most earthy part, in reality, the mineral matrix of the plant, makes the tincture more embodied…which in turn helps it to better work within your body. This is why you can often get better results with a lower dosage on a spagyric tincture vs. a regular tincture.
Quality and Processing
The Mucuna seeds or beans used for this tincture come from India and are USDA-certified organic.
The Mucuna was then tinctured for over six weeks in a menstruum made with:
- Organic Cane Alcohol 40% ABV
- Filtered Fresh Spring Water
After pressing the beans, they’re calcined and ground down into a fine, then further extracted with distilled water and a gentle evaporation process until crystals are formed. These purified “salts” are added back into the tincture to finish the process.
The taste is primarily SALTY, though not overly strong. This is associated with the Water element, the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine and Jing.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage is one dropper daily. This comes in a one-fluid-ounce bottle, so there are about 40 droppers per bottle. At the recommended dose a bottle will last about 40 days.
This dose is just a starting point. You can modify the dose up or down as you best see fit.
Since it affects neurotransmitters it is probably best to cycle mucuna. This will prevent your body from adapting to it, and then slowing its own production. It’s also likely this will keep the mucuna being physiologically effective.
One option is to take it for five days, then not take it for two days, and repeat.
Another option is to take it for 3-4 weeks and then take a week off.
Not everyone does this though. In most of the studies done, mucuna was taken daily even for three or for months. We like to err on the side of caution and thus recommend some form of cycling.
Contraindications
As a rich source of neurotransmitters mucuna is not generally recommended for children. It’s also best to avoid when pregnant or lactating as it has been not studied in those populations.
As it may have a blood pressure-lowering effect, it’s not recommended to take it in combination with blood pressure medication.
The L-dopa in Mucuna alters brain chemistry. Thus, it is best not to take in combination with anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or other mind-altering substances. At higher doses, more than 1 gram, some people experience headaches and sleeplessness.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.