The world is full of amazing plants, fungi and life and as I grow older and wiser with experience, I am drawn to what is more natural. And that goes beyond food. For the past few years, I’ve studied greatly the art of herbal medicine, and in my studies, nothing stands above the natural plant or fungi that a medicine or remedy is derived from, which is why when it comes to modern medicines, I will always opt for the natural remedy over the artificial pharmaceutical. Because not only are they gentler, they have less side effects, and to be real, medicine began with plants and fungi. Modern medicine has been around for 200 some years, while herbal medicine has been around since the dawn of time. And through my studies and herbalist experience, nothing is truer.
So these days, I focus on working with natural and whole ingredients in just about everything I possibly can, like making my own natural body care products, or my own teas as medicine, or creating herbal-infused topical salves for a range of ailments. There’s a self-sustaining aspect that I appreciate, but mainly, it’s the ability to control the quality of my medicine that I have the greatest passion for. I hate the idea that many of the foods on the grocer’s shelves and in the pharmacy are loaded full of additives, chemicals, and other unnatural ingredients that tend to have adverse effects, especially when it comes to medicinals, as they have a tendency to have worse side effects than the originally intended treatment.
I recently reached out to Nootropics Depot in Arizona, because I wanted to feature some of my favorite herbal recipes for medicinals and for general wellbeing, and they’re simply one of the best for the quality of their ingredients, and their prices (especially in bulk) are hard to beat. They were thrilled to team up and were very kind in sending their Whole Fruiting Body Mushroom Extract Sample Packs of both Common (Common Sample Pack (Lion's Mane, Red Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake) and Uncommon (Uncommon Sample Pack (Black Hoof, Chaga, Poria, Turkey Tail, White Jelly) fungi.
Mushrooms have been used as a natural remedy and for spiritual practice by humans for thousands of years. The fruiting bodies (the mushroom) and the mycelium (the underground neural network of fungi) has been used as food for a long time, but more recently, certain strains have shown to be effective for a myriad of applications, like that of Lion’s Mane for inspiring memory support, mental clarity and focus. Or like the Chaga mushroom, for it’s hydrating, and anti-aging properties when applied topically to the skin. Or for a more well-known and impactful medicinal use, the anti-biotic penicillin came from a breed of mushroom.
I recently reached out to Nootropics Depot in Arizona, because I wanted to feature some of my favorite herbal recipes for medicinals and for general wellbeing, and they’re simply one of the best for the quality of their ingredients, and their prices (especially in bulk) are hard to beat. They were thrilled to team up and were very kind in sending their Whole Fruiting Body Mushroom Extract Sample Packs of both Common (Common Sample Pack (Lion's Mane, Red Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake) and Uncommon (Uncommon Sample Pack (Black Hoof, Chaga, Poria, Turkey Tail, White Jelly) fungi.
Mushrooms have been used as a natural remedy and for spiritual practice by humans for thousands of years. The fruiting bodies (the mushroom) and the mycelium (the underground neural network of fungi) has been used as food for a long time, but more recently, certain strains have shown to be effective for a myriad of applications, like that of Lion’s Mane for inspiring memory support, mental clarity and focus. Or like the Chaga mushroom, for it’s hydrating, and anti-aging properties when applied topically to the skin. Or for a more well-known and impactful medicinal use, the anti-biotic penicillin came from a breed of mushroom.
| So once I received Nootropics Depot’s amazing package of mushroom extract powders, I got to playing around. First, I made a supplement that can assist me in my book writing. I’ve taken an over-the-counter blend prior, but I found it to be a lot of fun researching and making my own. I blended Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps with Gotu Kola and Ginkgo leaf powders and made my own mental dietary supplement. I find that I feel more balanced, clearer of mind, and can flow freely with my writing when I take two capsules of that mixture. Mushrooms also have a powerful effect in boosting the immune system, which is what Turkey Tail, Maitake, Black Hoof, and White Jelly are perhaps best known for. A few of the other mushrooms included in these packs are great for protecting certain organs, easing tension and sleeplessness, and digestion issues, while helping to promote healthy cholesterol metabolism, and can aid the nervous system. The effects are wide ranging and the research is promising, which means the future is exciting. After much testing and trialing, I’ve come up with a recipe for a moisturizing beauty balm that can be applied to the face and body for its anti-aging effects, toning, deep moisturizing, and overall promotion of skin health, scaring and lines, and can bring a glow to the face. If you decide to make this recipe, do remember to always perform a spot test prior to covering yourself in it. On the inner arm, near the bend in your elbow, rub a small amount of this topical salve into the skin and wait several hours to ensure there’s no allergic reaction. If no reaction, you can proceed, but try to start small and work your way up as each person reacts differently to natural remedies made of plants and fungi. | Mushroom Beauty Balm Recipe: In a double boiler, infuse Calendula flowers in organic Avocado oil and organic Olive oil, with a little Argan and/or Jojoba oil, too. Extract the medicinal properties on medium heat for 1.5-2 hours. Let cool, then strain with cheesecloth. In a clean pan, combine infused oil, wax and butter and heat in double boiler until melted. Remove from heat, let cool one minute then stir in mushroom powders and essential oils. Pour into glass jar or metal tin with tight fitting lid. Leave untouched and without the lid to cool and set, then once cool, rub on face or other skin. Do a spot test first! This recipe should yield about 4-5oz.
*Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for entertainment use, and should not replace the diagnoses of any disease or the subscribing of any medication. Always consult with your doctor or a medical professional for any and all health-related advice. |
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