SPOTLIGHT ON...Willow & Sage Apothecary

We first fell in love with medicinal mushrooms when we were in the beginning stages of opening Wildfire - we were super tired and searching for something to help us function after work when we needed to be working on our new business. We both started adding Lion's Mane into our morning bulletproof coffee (hot choc for Riss!) and started noticing results really quickly. We felt sharper and remembered things more easily, and we just felt like we were better able to handle stressful situations and our demanding schedule.

After feeling such amazing results using Lions Mane, I now supplement with the medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs that I feel my body needs. When feeling a little run down I often reach for reishi for immune support, and when life is feeling a little overwhelming I turn to cordyceps (recommended by my TCM practitioner) to strengthen my mind and body, and support Qi. I also supplement with chaga, whenever I feel called to it, for general wellness support - because when something is nicknamed 'king of the medicinal mushrooms' you make sure you have it on hand!

Mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. Used to both prevent and treat disease, they were thought to protect and heal the body and to promote longevity. There are over 2000 species of mushrooms, and many are currently being studied for their healing properties.

Although these medicinal mushrooms are fairly easy to obtain, not all are created equally, which is why we choose to stock wildcrafted mushrooms by Willow & Sage Apothecary in store at Wildfire.

Willow & Sage was created as a result of it's founders battle with autoimmune disease, and the subsequent unsuccessful search for high quality, wildcrafted medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs.

Chaga

Chaga is known as 'King of the Medicinal Mushrooms', and has been used by humans to support health for thousands of years. Chaga contains wild-source minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron and is a very dense source of pantothenic acid, a vitamin needed by the adrenal glands as well as digestive organs.

Chaga also contains a special substance known as superoxide dismutase (SOD). This is an antioxidant produced by the human body that absorbs free radicals and neutralises them before they can damage tissue cells.

Cordyceps

Traditionally, cordyceps has been used to improve weakness, impotence and fatigue associated with ageing, because of the mushrooms wide-ranging ability to adjust the flow and levels of Qi.

Cordyceps has been seen as a guardian of respiratory health for more than a thousand years. Much of its reputation for protecting the lungs is believed to come from its ability to promote enhanced oxygen utilisation efficacy.

Benefits may include increased stamina and athletic performance, strengthening of the kidneys and adrenals, increased cellular oxygen absorption, enhanced immune-system and increased sexual function and libido.

Reishi

Reishi has long been praised for its effects on longevity. It contains beta-glucans, one of the most powerful and effective immune boosters known to man.

Benefits may include strengthening of the heart, liver detoxification, fortified immunity, increased energy, longevity, reduced stress, anti ageing and enhanced cognitive ability.

Lions Mane

Lion's Mane has been used in the orient for thousands of years and is said to give one “nerves of steel and the memory of a lion.” It is used by monks to improve meditation and concentration, and its ability to produce nerve growth factors in the brain ensures that the entire nervous system is strong and healthy.

Benefits may include improved mood, improved memory, brain tissue regeneration and nerve growth factor stimulation.

MSM

MSM (methy-sulfonyl-methane) is an organic sulfur, also known as ‘The Beauty Mineral’. It helps your body to produce collagen and keratin which are critical components of healthy hair, skin and nails. One of the most important features of MSM, is that it makes your cells more permeable. This means that it allows toxins and metabolic waste products to easily be moved out of the cells, while essential nutrients and hydration can move in.

Pine Pollen

Pine Pollen is an adaptogenic tonic that may support immune health, focus and energy, as well as providing antioxidants and boost endocrine and immune functions. Pine pollen also contains testosterone and may help balance the ratio of sex hormones, it is also reputed to be a potent aphrodisiac making it an incredible hormone support tonic. It has shown to help hormonal fluctuations that happen with age, since as we get older we produce significantly less testosterone.

Benefits of pine pollen may include hormonal balance in men and women, enhance metabolism, increased libido, liver support and detoxification and improved endurance.

Eucommia Bark

Eucommia Bark is an adaptogenic tonic herb known for its kidney tonifying effects. It is an important herb used to improve the fertility of both men and women - it can be used by almost anybody to promote the functions of the endocrine system. It is also the primary herb for building a strong, sturdy, robust skeletal structure.

Eucommia bark may assist with lowering blood pressure, restoring adrenal health, strengthening bones, ligaments and tendons, and restoring libido and sexual function.