Findings

Plants and Mushrooms for Vibrant Health: (Prepare for a shit storm of information)

• Ocimum tenuiflorum – Holy Basil (shrub) Uses: Respiratory support, detoxification, calming/relaxing, improves blood oxygenation, adaptogen. Regarded as one of the most sacred plants; references found in Hindu, Islam, and Christian texts.
• Nymphaea caerulea, nucifera, ampla – Sacred Water Lotus (water-growing herb) Uses: Rhizomes may be eaten as a starchy food source, flowers and leaves can be used topically for perfumery and skin conditions. Used traditionally as a shamanic trance plant made from three to six flowers steeped in hot water. Effects normally seen within twenty minutes from ingestion. May cause euphoria, relaxation, and possible aphrodisiac-like properties. More research needed.
• Passiflora edulis – Passion fruit (fast growing vine) Uses: treatment of nervous disorders, mental and physical exhaustion, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and excessive anger. Raises GABA levels which exerts relaxing and vasodilatory effects. One of the more gentle sleep promoting herbs as it calms the nervous system without exerting a narcotic-like effect that would leave the user groggy in the morning. The juice/pulp is eaten or taken as tea. The thick skinned (purple) passionfruit may be chopped up and dried to be used as a medicinal.
• Theobroma cacao – Chocolate (tree) Uses: Potent source of antioxidants, reduces cardiovascular issues, reduces blood pressue, may also be useful in the prevention of dementia or other age-related cognitive impairment disorders, contains theobromine which counteracts the jittery effects of caffeine, rich in polyphenols and flavanols (the health molecules in tea), and triglyceride fatty acids. One theory as to why chocolate is “addictive” could be attributed to N-acylethanolamines which exert similar properties to anandamine; an endogenously produced cannabinoid.
• Coffea arabica – Coffee (tree) Uses: most common source of caffeine (in the US), contains chlorogenic acids, caffeine, and polyphenols (among other phytochemicals) which have been found to exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, gallstones, type 2 diabetes, lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers, low blood pressure, and ADHD.
• Camellia sinensis – Tea (chemical composition varies due to fermentation and different parts of the plant being used) Uses: Potent source of anitoxidants, polyphenols, catechins, theanins, and tannins which reduce and prevent cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and lower cholesterol. The most widely consumed caffeinated beverage in the world, source of L-theanine a calming and alpha wave promoting compound. Alpha waves are a mental state characterized by alert relaxation. Green and white teas were typically drank in preparation for meditation due to the focus enhancing properties of caffeine and l-theanine.
• -Green tea the freshly steamed and dried leaves
• -Black tea and Oolong has been fermented and then dried
• -White tea the small new growth tips from the plant (typically the most expensive and highest in antioxidant and L-theanine concentration).
• Coleus forskohlii – Indian Coleus (shrub) Use: increases metabolism, mild fat burner/muscle builder, increases bone mineral density, treatment for asthma, and possibly glaucoma.
• Brassicaceae – cruciferous vegetables including mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, collard greens, bok choy, radishes, kale, cabbage. Paramount to human health. (massive quantities not recommended for hypothyroidism) Active compounds include sulforafane and glucosinolates. Recommended 3-5 servings per week. Reduces cancer risk by 30-40%, enhances phase 2 detoxification increasing benzene excretion, stimulates neurogenesis, useful in cases of neuro-degeneration and traumatic brain injury Alzheimer’s, car accident, etc.. Best source of sulforaphane comes from broccoli sprouts.
• Gymnostemma pentaphyllum – Jiaogulan (spreading vine) Use: Liver support, stress reducer, vasodilator, adaptogen, stimulator of endogenous anti-oxidants, considered the Chinese immortality herb – used for longevity. Chemically similar to ginseng. (see main page)
• Azadirachta indica – Neem (tree) Use: Everything. Externally it supports healthy skin, hair, teeth, gums. Internally its anti-helminthic, extremely bitter, used to support healthy digestion, can heal stomach ulcers, maintain healthy blood sugar balance, treat fungal infections, and psoriasis.
• Moringa oleifera – Moringa (shrub-tree) Use: the leaves contain massive quantities of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and phytocompounds (Recommended raw, cooked leaves have reduced nutrient content). Can be used as a multivitamin replacement in a pinch, supports healthy eyesight. The seeds are a natural water purifier (flocculant) and the oil extracted from the seeds is commonly used in beauty products.
• Aloe barbadensis – Aloe Vera (succulent) P.S. don’t call it a cactus or you’re stupid Use: Panacea, supports gastrointestinal health, healthy skin, and provides relief from burns or abrasions – emollient properties.
• Rosmarinus officinalis – Rosemary (ground-cover-shrub) Use: alleviates muscle pain, increases blood flow, boosts memory, immune function, and hair growth. Reduces carcinogenic compounds created in charred or barbecued meats. Antioxidant.
• Mentha x piperita – Peppermint (low growing herb) Use: treats digestive complaints, spasms, and skin issues/ pain including, itchiness, rashes, and pain. Mild stimulant, can be used to treat the common cold, asthma, and other upper respiratory aliments. Studies have been shown that peppermint essential oil increases time to exhaustion and can relax bronchial airways. Very vigorous grower with sufficient moisture.
• Melissa officinalis – Lemon Balm (low growing herb) Use: treats digestive issues namely bloating, cramping, and vomiting. Found to strengthen thyroid function making it useful in treating mild hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, and may be administered as a tonic for those with graves disease. Also found to be effective in treating mild mental disorders, including hysteria, anxiety, and depression. Actions likely occur through the gut-brain axis and reduce autoimmunity towards the thyroid.
• Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo (tree) Use: Increases memory, cognition, eyesight, and mental stability through improved circulation, and antioxidant content. Useful in treating Alzheimer’s, dementia, anxiety, and depression. Note – may not help in already healthy individuals.
• Crocus sativus – Saffron (low growing herb) Use: Primarily used for asthma, persistent cough, and loosening phlegm. May also be useful in treating insomnia, depression, cancer, and infertility, reduces age-related macular degeneration, anti-inflammatory, selectively cytotoxic making it useful in cancer treatment (mechanism unknown)
• Origanum vulgare – Oregano (ground-cover) Use: Treating respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary infection. Anti-microbial, anti-helminthic. May also be used topically to treat skin conditions like acne and dandruff. Anti-inflammatory.
• Zingiber officinale – Ginger (low growing herb) Use: Promotes healthy digestion, relieves pain and inflammation, promotes healthy circulation and may provide relief from mild cold and flu symptoms. Anti-oxidant, useful in modulating various molecular and cellular pathways.
• Curcuma longa – Turmeric (low growing herb) Use: Potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant when combined with black pepper, similar properties to ginger (same family), may provide relief from depression and arthritis.
• Porophyllum ruderale – Papalo (large herb) Use: Treatment of high blood pressure, stomach disorders, and externally to reduce inflammation in infected wounds. (more research needed). A slightly obscure herb to most, taste is similar to cilantro and parsley with a distinct pungent aroma. Recommended as an addition to Mexican, Bolivian, and Peruvian dishes. I like it on tacos and chile relleno…tasty!!
• Thymus vulgaris – Thyme (low growing herb) Use: anti-inflammatory, treats digestive complaints, acne, arthritis, and ore throat. May also improve cardiovascular health, control blood pressure, and assist with respiratory aliments.
• Origanum majorana – Marjoram (low growing herb) Use: Known for reducing pain and muscular spasms, can also be used to treat colds, sore throat, respiratory aliments, and various stomach complaints (notice a trend?). Many of the commonly used Roman, Greek, Italian, and french herbs (Mediterranean) when used in small amounts regularly stave off common human aliments.
• Foeniculum vulgare – Fennel (low-medium growing herb) Use: supports bone, health, treats many digestive complaints, anti-inflammatory, supports healthy detoxification processes, cardiovascular health, and immune response.
• Symphytum officinale – Comfrey (low growing herb) Use: Emollient properties, allantoin promotes healing from injury and increases cell proliferation, and reduces inflammation, recommended for external use. Possibly safe when taken internally in small amounts *Not recommended*. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may cause liver and lung damage.
• Salvia officinalis – Garden Sage (low-medium growing herb) Use: typically used for digestive complaints gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and heartburn. Reduces overproduction of perspiration and saliva and has shown therapeutic use in the treatment of depression, insomnia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Can be burned in a similar manner to white sage for cleansing practices.
• Salvia apiana – White Sage (low growing herb) Use: Treats sinus and respiratory aliments, indigestion, and excessive sweating/saliva production, may also modulate the stress response. Regarded as sacred and energetically cleansing, changes the ionic composition of the surrounding air with reverences dating back 2000 years. *Note: white sage is being over harvested in its natural habitat, please buy from reputable sources that harvest sustainably or grow your own 🙂
• Petroselinum crispum – Parsley (low growing biennial herb) Use: Reduces risk of cancer and diabetes, great source of vitamin k which assists with blood clotting. Contains apigenin which is a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid.  *Consuming large amounts is not recommended
• Coriandrum sativum – Cilantro (low growing annual herb) Use: TACOOOOOOOOS. Uness you don’t like tacos. In which case…wtf
• Boswellia sacra – Frankincense (tree) Use: Traditionally used in spiritual rituals. Strong anti-inflammatory and modulator of the immune system. Useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Commiphora myrrha – Myrrh (low growing shrub) Use: Anti-cancer, antioxidant, treatment of ulcers, inflammatory disorders, pain, skin conditions. Traditonally used in perfumery, embalming. May cause contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.
• Hibiscus sabdariffa – Roselle hibiscus (medium herbaceous perennial) Use: Treatment of cardiac diseases, lowers blood pressure, good for colds and coughs, and a great source of vitamin C. Highly recommended as a chilled summertime beverage with cinnamon. Traditionally given to people in Egypt to prevent sunstroke.
• Allium sativum – Garlic (Low growing herb) Use: Potent antioxidant, anticancer, improves blood circulation, stimulating herb, treats stomach ulcers, anti-helminthic, and improves cholesterol levels. Goes great on bread.
• Corchorus olitorius – Molokhia/Egyptian spinach/Jute (Medium-large herbaceous annual) Use: Considered the kind of vegetables, contains large amounts of carotene, calcium, B1, B2, vitamin E, vitamin C, iron etc.. may stave off premature aging, be nourishing to the skin and digestive system due to it mucilaginous properties, and boost the immune system. Grow and eat this.
• Chichorium endiva – Endive (low growing herb) Use: Good source of vitamin K, beta-carotene, potassium, folate, and B-vitamins. Easy to grow, cut and come again green.
• Landscaping: My endless list of quality/my favorite fruit trees for landscaping. Pix-zee Nectaplum, Pakistan mulberry, Guava (tropical pink, malaysian red, pineapple), Figs, Pomegranate, Meyer lemon (note: citrus needs extra care to combat common diseases), Bananas & Papaya (technically grasses – monocots), Passionfruit, Avocado, Jujube, Goji berry, Quince, Key-lime, Surinam cherry, Barbados cherry, Tangerine, Persimmon, Cherimoya, Kumquat (citrus), Loquat, Dragon fruit. Many of these trees are considered Mediterranean, subtropical, or tropical and require additional irrigation during establishment. Consult USDA zones when considering certain varieties. Speaking from personal experience in Coastal Southern California.
• Mushrooms for Superpowers (If you’ve scrolled this far then you deserve to know about these hidden gems) Beta-Glucans are the magic molecule in most mushrooms.
  • Lions mane: Known to increase NGF to regenerate neurons. Posses immunomodulatory properties and can reduce the risk of developing dementia, diabetes, anxiety, depression, heart disease and cancer. For the layman it makes you a bit sharper and more cognizant if supplemented regularly, may also reduce neuropathy when taken w/ niacin.
  • Turkey Tail: Can be used to help those w/ AIDS and HIV, strengthens the immune system without making it overactive, contains potent anti-oxidant properties and detoxifying agents, may also protect against cancer in addition to being a prebiotic and reducing intestinal inflammation and other gut issues.
  • Maitake: Effective in reducing the chance of developing cancer, reduces cholesterol and increases fatty acid utilization for energy, may also modulate blood sugar levels making it an effective tool for treating diabetes.
  • Cordyceps: Traditionally used to enhance male fertility, treat kidney and liver diease, increase athletic performance, and may assist cellular mitochondria in energy production. Likely useful as a general tonic to the human body.
  • Reishi: Increases cognitive function, immune boosting, potent antioxidant, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy aging. Being one of the slower growing mushroom species it naturally contains compounds that stave off rotting and deterioration in its environment.
  • Chaga: Potent anti-oxidant, promotes natural aging, may be stimulating in high doses, lowers blood pressure, anti-cancer – it naturally grows as a parasitic fungi on birch trees obtaining betulin compounds. Betulin is a compound found in cancer medications currently on the market; it induces apoptosis.
• Why the heck does all this matter???
  • We live in a modern industrial society in the United States and although its a fantastic country, we also are known to have some of the most lax chemical laws in the world. Ours bodies are constantly bombarded by chemicals, toxins and stressors that we’ve never encountered before in our genetic history. Resulting in rates of chronic disease which are skyrocketing – especially cancer, diabetes, in addition to issues with cardiac, liver, and kidney function. Our detoxifying modalities are overloaded and eating organic produce, and slow cooked meals with lots of herbs and spices are one of the best ways to aid our body. Mineral deficiencies and metabolic dysfunction are slowly becoming the norm. So while our ancestors may have been able to get along just fine on a regular staple diet of game meat, foraged vegetables, fruits, tubers, and seeds/nuts. In this day and age it’s becoming increasingly crucial to imbibe a greater quantity of nutrient dense foods, detoxifying herbs, and mushrooms that will provide our bodies with the necessary building blocks to recover after exposure to environmental stressors. No, we’re not all gonna die immediately (unless we set off a nuclear bomb) but these toxins and stressors do accumulate over time affecting cognition acuity, energy, and mood levels. Be conscious of how you feel and take measures to protect health and longevity accordingly. Thanks for reading!