Darcy

Darcy is an aspiring herbalist with a special interest in healing through natural & alternative means. After being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease Darcy decided to become self-educated and informed about the natural medicines the earth provides us with.

Chanca Piedra

Chanca Piedra (Stonebreaker): A Tea for Kidney Stones and Gallstones

What is Chanca Piedra? Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) or Stonebreaker is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. It is a small, rigid annual herb that grows to approximately 30-40 cm. It has long been used by naturopaths as a plant-based natural supplement for treating bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver problems. Chanca Piedra has traditionally […]

Chanca Piedra (Stonebreaker): A Tea for Kidney Stones and Gallstones Read More »

Xiao Yao Wan

Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer): A TCM for Anxiety and Fertility

What is Xiao Yao Wan? Xiao Yao Wan (逍遥丸), also known as xiāo yáo wán, Xiao Yao San, Xiao Yao Pian and “Free and Easy Wanderer,” is an Ancient Chinese herbal medicine typically used to treat stress and depression. Its recipe was first published in 992 CE in the book Tai Ping Imperial Grace Formulary. The

Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer): A TCM for Anxiety and Fertility Read More »

Brown Seaweed underwater Fucoidan

Fucoidan: Japans Best Kept Secret – A Potential Supplement for Cancer

What is Fucoidan? Fucoidan refers to a type of polysaccharide, characterized by significant amounts of l-fucose and sulfate ester groups, which is typically found within brown seaweed and some other marine invertebrates (such as sea cucumber). Brown algae variants that contain fucoidan include kombu, bladderwrack, hijiki, wakame, limmoui, and mozuku, to name a few. The

Fucoidan: Japans Best Kept Secret – A Potential Supplement for Cancer Read More »

Polyrhachis Ant

Polyrhachis Vicina Roger: 12 Benefits of Black Ant Extract

What is Polyrhachis Ant? Polyrhachis is a group of nearly seven hundred species of ants only found in the Eastern Hemisphere. These ants have been used for centuries in Ancient Chinese medicinal practices and is called the “King of Herbs.” Specifically, the species Polyrhachis vicina roger is approved by the Chinese Ministry of Public Health

Polyrhachis Vicina Roger: 12 Benefits of Black Ant Extract Read More »

mushroom coffee

Mushroom Coffee: Do the Benefits Live up to the Hype?

What is Mushroom Coffee? Mushroom coffee is coffee brewed with an extra ingredient: dried or powdered mushrooms. By boiling dried and/or powdered mushrooms in a typical brew, it is thought that the coffee absorbs the extra vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are in the mushrooms. Many mushroom coffees sold now look and taste just

Mushroom Coffee: Do the Benefits Live up to the Hype? Read More »

manjistha

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): 17 Possible Benefits of the Ayurvedic Powder

What is Manjistha? Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a perineal, climbing plant with a woody stem that goes by many names including majith, tamaralli, manditti, the common madder, the Indian madder, and many more. This evergreen plant is closely related to the plant from which coffee is harvested. Like coffee, this plant produces berries that range

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): 17 Possible Benefits of the Ayurvedic Powder Read More »

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

Prebiotics and Probiotics: Whats the difference? What are the Benefits?

What are Prebiotics? A “Prebiotic” refers to any food or supplement that supports or induces the growth of beneficial microorganisms (typically bacteria, though sometimes yeast). Marcel Roberfroid was the first to identify and name them In 1995, Prebiotic foods typically consist of non-digestible fibers that make it through to the large intestine. There they act

Prebiotics and Probiotics: Whats the difference? What are the Benefits? Read More »

Natural Herbs & Supplements for Nerve Pain, Damage, Repair, Regeneration

What is Nerve Regeneration? Nerve regeneration occurs when there is repair or regrowth to either the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) or the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Nerve regeneration can refer to the smaller components of a nerve cell, like axons and dendrites, as well as larger

Natural Herbs & Supplements for Nerve Pain, Damage, Repair, Regeneration Read More »

Vitamin K2

The Vitamin K2 Supplement Guide: The Benefits, MK4 vs MK7 and More!

What is Vitamin K2? Vitamin K was first discovered in 1929 by a Danish scientist named Henrik Dam. He initially recognized that the component was not Vitamin A, C, D, or E, but could not determine what exactly the compound was. Further experimentation revealed that Dam discovered a new vitamin with antihemorrhagic properties, and he

The Vitamin K2 Supplement Guide: The Benefits, MK4 vs MK7 and More! Read More »