Health

Superfood Mushroom Powder Extract: A Complete Guide

Discover the benefits of superfood mushroom powder extract. Learn about functional mushrooms like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps for immune support and energy.

What the Heck is Black Maca?

Black maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Peruvian Andes. Traditionally sun-dried and ground into a fine powder, it has been used for centuries as both food and a functional plant to support everyday resilience and vitality. Maca belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family—the same group as broccoli, kale, and cabbage—but has a mild, nutty taste instead of a pungent one. Today, it's available in powder, liquid, or capsule form and is often used as part of a balanced diet. Nutrient Profile of Black Maca Research shows that maca is naturally rich in: Plant proteins and amino acids (including arginine, lysine, and phenylalanine) Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc B vitamins, which help support normal energy metabolism Polyphenols and glucosinolates, plant compounds known to have antioxidant properties* (Gonzales et al., 2012) These nutrients make maca a valuable addition to an active lifestyle and a plant-forward diet. How Black Maca Supports the Body 1. Supports Hormonal and Endocrine Balance* Maca is sometimes described as an adaptogen—a plant that helps the body adapt to occasional physical or emotional stress. Laboratory and human studies suggest that maca may influence the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, the network that helps regulate hormone communication between the brain and the rest of the body (Gonzales et al., 2006). While maca does not contain hormones, its nutrients appear to help the body maintain equilibrium within normal ranges.* 2. Promotes Energy and Endurance* Athletes in Peru have traditionally used maca for stamina. In small clinical studies, participants who took maca reported improved subjective energy levels and exercise endurance compared to placebo (Brooks et al., 2008). These findings suggest maca may help support physical performance and reduce perceived exertion during exercise.* 3. Helps the Body Respond to Stress* Stress can influence energy, sleep, and mood through the hormone cortisol. Experimental models show that maca may help modulate stress responses by supporting adrenal and nervous system balance (Rubio et al., 2006). Many users describe a steadier sense of energy rather than a stimulant-like effect.* 4. Supports Mood and Cognitive Focus* A 2015 randomized controlled trial found that postmenopausal women taking maca extract experienced improved measures of mood and well-being compared to placebo (Stojanovska et al., 2015). Researchers suggest that its polyphenols and plant sterols may play a role in supporting healthy neurotransmitter function.* 5. Nutrient Support During Midlife* During natural hormonal transitions, maca's nutrient density may help support energy metabolism and a balanced mood. Because it does not act as an estrogenic compound, it offers a non-hormonal nutritional option for adults seeking to maintain comfort and vitality through midlife changes.* How to Use Black Maca Start low: ½–1 teaspoon powder daily or follow label directions for capsules. Timing: Many prefer maca in the morning or midday for sustained energy. Mix with: Smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for an earthy, nutty flavor. Gelatinized maca: A form that's gently heated to remove starch for improved digestibility. Safety and Considerations Maca is generally well-tolerated as a food. However: Individuals with thyroid conditions or iodine sensitivity should consult a healthcare provider before use. Those who are pregnant, nursing, or managing hormone-related conditions should seek professional guidance prior to adding maca to their routine. Always purchase from reputable suppliers offering third-party testing for purity and potency. Key Takeaways Black maca root is a nutrient-dense food from the Andes that supports balance, mood, and energy.* It contains natural amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants that help the body adapt to daily stress.* Studies show maca may promote endocrine balance, stamina, and cognitive function within normal ranges.* Best used consistently as part of a healthy lifestyle. FDA Disclaimer 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. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new dietary supplement. References Brooks, N. A., Wilcox, G., Walker, K. Z., Ashton, J. F., Cox, M. B., & Stojanovska, L. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause, 15(6), 1157–1162. Gonzales, G. F., Córdova, A., Gonzales, C., Chung, A., Vega, K., & Villena, A. (2006). Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters and serum hormone levels in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology, 3(3), 301–303. Gonzales, G. F. (2012). Ethnobiology and ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 193496. Rubio, J., Caldas, M., Dávila, C., Gasco, M., & Gonzales, G. F. (2006). Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6, 23. Stojanovska, L., Law, C., Lai, B., Chung, T., Nelson, K., & Komesaroff, P. (2015). Maca reduces depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women. Climacteric, 18(3), 290–296.

10 Tips a Better Night's Sleep

Having lack of sleep? Can't sleep or restless? Check out these 10 tips from Naturopath Jasmin Townsend. Our guest blog post.  Contributed by Naturopath Jasmin Townsend www.natwellhealth.com.au

All natural Mask for Glowing & Brighter Skin

Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) and Blood Sugar

Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa, has been studied in human and animal trials for its potential role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. With research-backed evidence on fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance, this article reviews the science, safe usage, and key takeaways.

Black Seed Oil benefits & how to choose the best type

Top 7 Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Of the 630 scientific peer-reviewed articles that have been published about black seed oil benefits, one fact is clear: there are few issues that it cannot help the body overcome. With virtually no side effects, the healing prowess of black seed is actually quite unbelievable and it boggles the mind that most Americans have never heard of it! Better health. Zero side effects. Learn how to boost your health with black seed oil. Download the free guide now. Unique Black Seed Oil Benefits The uniqueness of the seeds from southwest Asia Nigella sativa is first realized by the many names that it is referred to: (1) Black cumin Black caraway Black sesame Onion seed Roman coriander “Black seed” is actually more of a description than a proper name, yet is preferred because it helps to distinguish it from caraway and cumin. Many health experts claim that it is, indeed, a true panacea; able to help treat everything from allergies to hypertension. Quite possibly, the most promising research has been done connecting Nigella sativa to multi-drug resistant bacteria. This is a real big deal because these so-called “superbugs” are becoming a significant public health risk. According to the National Institute of Health: (2) Strains of bacteria and viruses that are antimicrobial-resistant are becoming virtually impossible to treat; including HIV, staphylococcal, tuberculosis, influenza, gonorrhea, candida and malaria. Between 5–10% of all hospital patients develop an infection from superbugs. More than 90,000 of these patients die every year, up from 13,300 patient deaths in 1992. People infected with superbugs typically have longer hospital stays, require more complicated treatment and don’t recover as well. A study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College researchers set out to determine just how potent black seed oil against some of these superbugs and pared it against several antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Gatifloxacin and Tetracycline. According to the study, “Out of 144 strains tested, most of which were resistant to a number of antibiotics, 97 were inhibited by the oil of black cumin.” Next to oregano oil, few things on the planet can boast this type of potency to microbes. The study uncovered that it was especially effective against multi-drug resistant strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The key to understanding why black seed oils benefits the body in this way is because it’s rich in three key natural chemicals: thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ) and thymol. The Power Behind Black Seed Oil Benefits: Phytochemicals In an effort to offer a solution to the growing antifungal resistant problem people have with yeasts and molds, a recent study was conducted with the purpose of determining if Nigella sativa seed oil could help. Published in the Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, scientists tested thymol, TQ and THQ against 30 human pathogens and were surprised to discover that: (3) Each compound showed 100% inhibition for the thirty pathogens evaluated. Thymoquinone was the best antifungal compound against all of the tested dermatophytes and yeasts, followed by thymohydroquinone and thymol. Thymol was the best antifungal against molds followed by TQ and THQ. What this study tells us is that Nigella sativa oil carries a very unique chemical constituency that is not only effective individually, but more importantly also collectively. Essentially proving that fungus and molds cannot exist in the presence of these phytochemicals, it is no wonder why researchers are seeking to solve the superbug problem with black seed oil. Thymoquinone – An active ingredient in black seed, researchers have been investigating TQ since the 1960s. It is well known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that have been reported to help with encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma and carcinogenesis. (4) Interestingly, thymoquinone acts as a free radical or an effective superoxide radical scavenger, in addition to preserving antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase. Both Glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase are heralded for being major detoxifiers and greatly aid in cellular antioxidant defense systems because they protect the liver from toxins. (4,5) Thymohydroquinone – Akin to thymoqinone, thymohydroquinone is one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors on the planet. (6) AChE inhibitors are chemicals that stop enzyme activity, which increases the amount of time and the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylecholine remains active in the brain. To give you an idea of their usefulness, pharmaceutical-grade acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used medicinally to treat a wide range of conditions including: (7) Apathy Alzheimer’s disease Autism Glaucoma Dementia Myasthenia gravis Neurodegenerative conditions Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Schizophrenia Parkinson’s disease Considering that the pharmaceutical approach to these diseases comes at a great cost to the patient, it offers much hope to literally millions to learn that safe, plant-based solutions are a viable alternative! Thymol – The active ingredient that gives thyme essential oil its medicinal properties, thymol is a natural monoterpene that holds a number of useful qualities. For example, (8) (9) It is commonly used as a tuberculocide and virucides to kill TB and various viruses. It is used as a medical and general-purpose disinfectant. It is a rapidly degrading, non-persisting pesticide. It is also used in food flavorings, perfumes, mouthwashes and even cosmetics. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, (9) Thymol is among those pesticides for which EPA believes a broadly reduced set of generic data requirements is appropriate for reregistration. The Agency, therefore, has waived most generic data requirements for thymol with the exception of studies that are considered essential, including additional information about chemical purity, and product chemistry studies. Top 7 Black Seed Oil Benefits Of the many ways that black seed oil benefits the body, the six that stick out in the scientific literature tout its ability to help prevent cancer, diabetes, obesity, hair loss, skin disorders and infections like MRSA. 1. Cancer Croatian scientists evaluated the antitumor activity of thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone in mice and discovered that the two phytochemicals in black seed oil can resulted in 52 percent decrease in tumor cells. (10) Being rich in both chemicals, black seed is unique in that it can help prevent and treat cancer through a variety of mechanisms: Anti-proliferation Apoptosis induction Cell cycle arrest Reactive oxygen species generation Anti-metastasis Anti-angiogenesis According to one study, The anti-tumor effects of thymoquinone have also been investigated in tumor xenograft mice models for colon, prostate, pancreatic and lung cancer. The combination of thymoquinone and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs could produce greater therapeutic effect as well as reduce the toxicity of the latter. (11) 2. Liver Health The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Nearly every toxin gets processed through the liver, and the bile from the liver is the key to digesting fats and keeping your mind and body happy and healthy. For those that have struggled with poor liver function due to medication side effects, alcohol consumption or disease, black seed oil could greatly speed the healing process. In a recent study, scientists discovered that black seed oil benefits the function of the liver and helps prevent both damage and disease. (12) 3. Diabetes Explained in a recent article published by the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research highlight that black seed oil “causes gradual partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells, increases the lowered serum insulin concentrations and decreases the elevated serum glucose.” (13) This is actually quite profound because Nigella sativa is one of the few substances on the planet that is suggested to help prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In fact, according to the study, black seed “improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin; yet it has not shown significant adverse effects and has very low toxicity.” (13) This is HUGE because metformin, one of the most commonly prescribed type 2 diabetes drugs, can cause a wide slew of side effects including: (14) Bloating Constipation/diarrhea Flushing of the skin Gas/indigestion Heartburn Headache Nail changes Metallic taste in mouth Muscle pain Stomach pain 4. Weight Loss The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders published a study systemically reviewing the literature for plants that have anti-obesity properties and discovered that black seed oil was amongst the most effective natural remedies on the planet. (15) Not traditionally believed to treat obesity, Nigella sativa is a marvelous anti-inflammatory agent that is known to help people lose weight in the same way that it helps diabetics. Specifically, by decreasing these weight gain triggers, black seed oil has helped millions shed excess weight: (16) Appetite Glucose absorption in the intestine Liver gluconeogenesis Blood glucose levels Cholesterol Triglycerides 5. Hair Probably one of the most unique black seed oil benefits is its uncanny ability to help restore hair loss. No one quite understands why it happens, but it’s not too hard to guess that it has something to do with its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. By strengthening hair follicles, there is very good reason to see how black seed oil can help promote strengthened hair roots. 6. Skin Produced in the retina, choroid and epidermis, melanin are pigments that protect the skin from damage. You probably are most family with it being the main chemical responsible for giving our eyes and skin their individual color. Known to promote and inhibit melanogenesis (melanin production), black seed oil benefits on the skin and other cells are profoundly healing. (17, 18) For example, in a study conducted by Iranian researchers, Nigella saliva was found as effective as the skin cream Betamethasone in improving quality of life and decreasing severity of hand eczema. (19) When you consider that black seed oil has virtually no side effects, the benefits of Nigella, in fact, far exceed medical intervention! 7. Infections (MRSA) Of all the superbugs that black seed oil can kill, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important. MRSA is plaguing hospitals and nursing homes across the globe because ordinary staph infections are becoming resistant to generic antibiotics. The elderly population is especially at risk because it is generally associated with invasive procedures such as surgeries, intravenous tubing and artificial joints. (20) Primarily due to weakened immunity, the growing population of senior citizens has made MRSA a global public health risk. Thankfully, one of the strongest black seed oil benefits may help. Pakistan scientists took several strains of MRSA and discovered that each one was sensitive to N. Sativa, proving that black seed oil can help slow down or stop MRSA from spreading out of control. (21)

10 Black Seed Oil Benefits

Black seed, considered to be a magical seed, is truly one of the most powerful seeds. In Islam it is believed to be a cure for all diseases except death and is called ‘the blessed seed’ in the Middle East. It has many other names viz. black cumin, roman coriander, onion seed and black caraway. It resembles the shape of a sesame seed, and is commonly used as a spice in Indian, Pakistani, Persian and Middle-eastern cuisines. The chemical composition of the black seed is proved to be very rich and very diverse. The black seed is suggested to have been used as early as the 5th century B.C. by Hippocrates and a few others. It was also claimed that a bottle filled with black seeds was found inside the tomb of the Egyptian King, Tutankhamen. The black seed oil is derived by pressing the seeds, this nutrient rich oil contains about a hundred healing components, and each component works together with the other components to aid the body in maintaining an overall aspect of well being. Research shows that this is possibly the only herb with such an extensive range of healing properties. Black seed oil comprises two major components, one is nigellone and the other is thymoquinone. The first component helps with respiratory ailments, at the same time acting as an antihistamine. The second contains anti-inflammatory substances along with being an anti-oxidant which helps in cleansing the body of toxins. Since ancient times, black seed and its oil are being used to cure a wide range of ailments. Here are ten of the many benefits of black seed oil. Boosts the Immune systemBlack seed oil has the capacity to support and improve a weak immune system, enabling it to fight infections and irritants that may cause allergies. To boost the immune system, one teaspoon of black seed oil should be taken in the morning and at night. For relieving symptoms of allergies, half a teaspoon of black seed oil can be taken when indication of an allergy occurs. Aids in DetoxificationFor overall good health, it is essential that the body is free from toxins, and black seed oil helps in achieving just that. It has the unique ability to cleanse the digestive system as it has a strong anti-oxidant power. For this purpose, one teaspoon of black seed oil can be consumed both in the morning and at night, with or without honey. Cures Cough, Asthma and FeverBlack seed oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which help in treating ailments like asthma, cough and fever. For relief from asthma, a teaspoon of oil should be added to boiled water and the resultant vapors should be inhaled, twice a day. Advertisement For cough, a teaspoon can be added to tea or coffee, or half a teaspoon can be rubbed onto the chest. At the onset of fever, take one teaspoon oil when needed; it will induce perspiration and hence, offer relief. Helps Improve VisionBlack seed oil is said to improve vision and also treat other eye infections. For this purpose, the oil needs to be rubbed onto the eyelids and on the sides of the orbit before going to bed. It is also suggested that to take a glass of carrot juice mixed with half a teaspoon of this oil. Take this remedy once a day. Provides Relief from Back Pain Due to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties black seed oil helps provide relief from back pain, when warmed up and applied to the affected area, massaging it in thoroughly so that it can penetrate the skin as far as possible. Provides Plenty of Energy Black seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids along with protein and carbohydrates, which aid in regulating the metabolism, improve circulation and balance insulin levels in the body. To feel fresh during the day, a teaspoon of black seed oil can be added to a glass of orange juice and had with breakfast; for a good night’s sleep a teaspoon of the oil can be added to a hot drink and consumed after supper. Promotes Hair GrowthBlack seed oil is said to be very useful for stimulating hair growth and preventing graying of hair. To use it for this purpose, the oil can be added to the shampoo or massaged into the scalp after washing the hair. Lowers Blood PressureAs it has been mentioned earlier, black seed oil has many powers, some of which are yet to be discovered. For example, it is believed to help lower blood pressure, by adding half a teaspoon of black seed oil to water and drinking it first thing in the morning before having anything else, it can prove to be an all natural remedy for this ailment. It is also recommended that a few cloves of garlic also be consumed daily along with getting plenty of sunshine. Cures Diarrhea, Vomiting and HeadachesAn upset stomach or diarrhea is an awful feeling making the person feeling completely drained of all energy. To treat diarrhea one teaspoon of this oil can be mixed with yogurt and had twice a day. Half a teaspoon of black seed oil when combined with half a teaspoon of fresh gingerjuice and consumed twice a day is said to provide much relief from vomiting and an upset stomach as well. To cure a headache the oil must simply be massaged into the temples, forehead and inside the nostrils. Fights CancerBlack seeds are said to be a miraculous cure for cancer in the earlier stages. Pancreatic cancer has been specifically mentioned to have been treated by the use of black seed oil. The inert property of the seeds help in killing the cancer cells and hence, preventing them from spreading. To conclude, it can be said that indeed the black seed is a vitamin of life. And finally to cure a disease also requires faith in the methodology used for the treatment.