Diamond mind is the perfect adaptogenic blend to uplift your morning routine. This mixture of tonic nootropic herbs was formulated to help you feel your absolute best, mind, body and spirit. It contains herbs for endurance, cognitive function and longevity, no coffee or caffeine needed here! It also supports finding balance by offering a calm mind and spirit and by supporting adrenal rejuvenation to ease a stressed system. Adding Diamond Mind into your daily routine brings glowing beautiful skin, a clear mind and a shining spirit.
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Ingredients:
Rhodiola, Mucuna Puriens, Ashitaba, Eluethero, Pearl and Licorice Root
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PEARL... my personal favourite herb.
I've been using pearl for years now and I have a pretty special connection to it. It's in both Diamond Mind and Original Moon Magic Latte not just because I've seen its benefit in my own life but also because I have seen its effects in everyone who takes it.
Let's start Pearl's amazing qualities:
It's rich in:
- Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Selenium and Silicon (nature's collagen)
- It's a complete protein supplying all eight essential amino acids as well as lysine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, and taurine (which is known to be calming). If you picked up a high-quality jar of collagen these are the amino acids they would list as the best parts of taking collagen.
Now here is a little history on Pearl:
It has recorded use since 320AD and has been used widely throughout the world as a Shen tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine and as a mood tonic in Ayurveda.
In Chinese medicine a Shen tonic is believed to harmonize and strengthen with the higher aspects of ourselves, also known as Spirit. Herbs that have this "treasure" lift the mood and enhance meditation and improve sleep. Here's the science: Pearl can release stress because it elevates GABA levels. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that is often deficient in people with anxiety and chronic stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is said that you can see the Shen in someone's eyes, which is interesting because Pearl also turns the whites of your eyes a richer & brighter white. In Ayurveda it is also used to calm and stabilize the mood.
Here is science behind why it is such a revered beauty and longevity tonic.
Let's start with longevity:
Pearl boosts SOD (super oxide dismutase) and glutathione, these are 2 of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Ashitaba also an ingredient in Diamond Mind, is one of the only other plants that has SOD boosting properties. Both of these antioxidants have strong connections to longevity, especially SOD, which has been shown to protect and repair DNA. SOD also inhibits MAO B enzyme which also correlates to extended lifespan.
Okay let's talk BEAUTY...
True beauty is shown on the outside by things working right on the inside. Pearl contains a substance called Nacre. Nacre stimulates fibroblasts; this can help collagen regenerate itself helping wrinkles if you're less prominent assisting new skin growth, wound healing, releasing toxins, removing sun damage and age spots. Fibroblasts are "builder stem cells" that are bound in connective tissue by enhancing fibroblast regeneration. Pearl Nacre helps keep your muscles and organs strong causing skin tightening and suppleness.
Its important to note the quality of pearl that you get, and the high quality powder is not cheap. I use an organic sustainably grown and harvested Freshwater Pearl. It is stone-ground at low temperatures for maximum bioavailability and absorption.
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Spotlight on ELEUTHERO aka Siberian ginseng (although it is not a true ginseng)
Like many of the other ingredients in my blend Diamond Mind, Eleuthero is an adaptogen: a generally well-tolerated herb that mediates the stress response. Adaptogens support adrenal gland function, the gland that is responsible for cortisol and other stress hormones when you experience stress.
Eleuthero is most known for boosting endurance, reducing fatigue, boosting fitness cardio-respiratory function and fat metabolism. Hence it is a favored herb among athletes.
It contains high amounts of polysaccharides and hence is known for its ability to boost the immune system. It has been shown to help fight viruses, cold and flu. Research has also shown its ability to inhibit virus replication in cell cultures. One study showed Eleuthero's potential to maintain healthy T4 Lymphocytes, the specific immune cells that drop as a result of HIV and AIDS. There has also been research done that has shown its ability to help fight genital Simplex herpes type 2. A double-blind study showed that it reduced outbreaks and the severity of outbreaks for genital Simplex herpes type 2, especially in women.
Siberian ginseng has been shown to boost testosterone while positively affecting hormone levels and in both women and men. It has also been shown to aid in toning the uterine muscle lining.
Eleuthero has anti-cancer properties, one of which is by stimulating the immune response. It is anti-tumor and inhibits the proliferation of cancer strains.
Because of its effect on the adrenals, it helps with chronic stress, whether it's emotional biological or chemical. It also has been shown to help with depression, possibly because of its anti-inflammatory properties (and as we know depression is inflammation of the brain). Here is one of many articles speaking to the depression / inflammation connection.
Remember the power of plants. And remember the power you have to positively affect your own immune system. Sending love, hope, sovereignty and empowerment your way.
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LICORICE ROOT...
Licorice root we often forgot that the simple and common root is an adaptogen. (Reminder: adaptogens support the body's ability to accommodate varying a physical and emotional stresses . They are considered "Regulators" and support the stress response system without interrupting normal biological function. They also help regulate hormone function by Revitalizing the adrenals) Chinese medicine and is considered harmonizer and a "servant" herb (although i might instead use the word amplifier) to other herbs in a blend, but truly this root is a powerful herb unto itself.
This herb adds a new simulation of nutrients which helps in building blood and building strong muscle tissue. It acts as an antispasmodic/anti-inflammatory and has been shown to relieve gastric ulcers. It assists in detoxifying the blood and liver. It aids in supporting the endocrine function (because it contains glyscosides) and supports adrenal gland function and revitalization.
Another personal reason I enjoy adding licorice root to my tea is that it helps with low blood pressure. We hear about high blood pressure a lot but it's fairly common for women to actually have low blood pressure. I used to pass out pretty easily when I would get up too quickly because of low blood pressure. I have noticed a marketable difference and this rarely happens anymore since consistently adding this root to my life. By adding licorice root to my tea I am instantly uplifted. I am a strong believer in the energetics of herbs and I've always found this to be a "happy" herbal ally. And maybe my most simple and favorite thing about licorice root is that its sweet. I don't consume sugar and having powdered licorice root makes a wonderful addition to sweeten any tea.
Licorice root makes its appearance in every one of my herbal blends.
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ASHITABA...
Ashitaba in Japanese means "tomorrow's leaf" and it is famous for its use on Okinawa Island where there is the world's highest concentration of centenarians who not only live to a Great age but also stay in good health.
Traditionally, this leaf has been used for treating the flu, acting as a liver protectant, reducing arthritis and inflammation, blood building and healing from infections.
It is a good source of:
B vitamins
Iron
Chlorophyll
Vitamin C
Glutathione
Magnesium
Beta carotene
Ashitaba contains a rare phytochemical called "Chalcone". Research shows that calcitonin purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system and promotes metabolism and weight loss. New Studies have shown that calcitonin is able to induce a process known as Autophagy- which works to promote cleansing, recycling and removing cellular debris; hence it has anti-aging and detoxifying skin benefits.
Ashitaba is also a powerful antioxidant that helps generate SOD, superoxide dismutase; the human body's own natural antioxidant. It's one of the few plants in the world that contains the phytochemicals that's stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) which is a substance that stimulates the regrowth of nerve tissue including brain tissue.
NGF is a biological substance produced in the human body that is essential in the development and survival of certain neurons in the nervous system. NGF is the most important regulator of proliferation and survival of neuronal cells.
*Signals emanating from The NGF receptors help control almost all aspects of immune defense and NGF has been connected with the ability to feel love.
In addition it also helps block the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) an enzyme that breaks down dopamine and serotonin (see my last post for the importance of dopamine). It is also been found to help lower blood sugar and slow down cell aging. Ashitaba is a key ingredient in Diamond Mind, my adaptogenic, nootropic, longevity blend.
Leanin' on the plants these days, they are here to heal us.
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Spotlight on RHODIOLA ROSEA...
This herb has been calling me everyday. I have felt a bit cloudy and low energy in mornings for the past week and a half and instead of reaching for coffee, I've been putting Rhodiola in my tea. Other than knowing Rhodiola is an adaptogen and helps with stamina, especially in athletes, but I felt so called to it, and I know to listen to that intuitive call.
This morning I noticed that I was finally feeling clear and not groggy. While drinking my tea I was listening to an alternative/independent Health podcast @highwiretalk and Rhodiola came up because of its possible ability to treat the hypoxia (an absence of enough oxygen in the tissues to sustain bodily functions) associated with covid-19. I immediately started studying up.
Here's what I found and feel called to share with you:
First off, it's an adaptogen (we hear this about mushrooms a lot but they are certainly not the only adaptogens), it is an herb that helps the body adapt to mental, physical and environmental stresses.
Rhodiola grows in high altitudes, so it is helpful for modulating adaptations to hypoxia (or treating it) and also a resistance to altitude sickness hence it has been common for athletes and even astronauts (especially in Russia where it grows). Rhodiola contains salidroside which has vascular protective properties, an ability to increase mitochondrial mass and upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis factors, which helps with DNA repair and fighting cancer. It's a powerful antioxidant that contains anti aging properties as well as immune stimulting properties. Rhodiola can be used to treat mild depression because of the way it interacts with dopamine and serotonin receptors; its properties help the body to cope with anxiety and stress. It also helps with headaches.
Wow!
In the spirit of fact checking:
Arctic Rose, Golden Root (Rhodiola Rosea)
Love to you.
Stay informed
Trust your intuitive body wisdom
~Justine
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