THE HERBS: WHAT WE USE & WHY WE USE THEM

The bitter compounds in wormwood can help stimulate gastric juices, bile and improve blood flow in the digestive system assisting against several pathogens.*

The antioxidant and antibacterial compounds in their outer shells, or hulls, promote healthy digestion and effective gastrointestinal assimilation and elimination. Thus encouraging bowel regularity due to their gentle laxative effect and promotion of healthy bile flow.*

Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties.

Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which are substances that protect your cells from the damage of free radicals. Associated with liver, gut, oral care as well as blood sugar balance.*

Studies suggest that garlic compounds have powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory support for the body, which could aid your immune and cardiovascular systems.*

Berberine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, is found in Oregon grape root and has been used for many years in traditional Eastern medicine. Since then, other pharmacological effects have been reported such as antimicrobial, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects.*

Used to promote excretion within the kidneys and the urinary tract, which supports a healthy immune response in the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, healthy functions of the urinary system, and maintains a healthy microbial balance within the Urinary System.*

Peppermint oil can help the stomach muscles calm themselves and improve the flow of bile also providing the gastrointestinal system assistance with pain, gas and bowel movement regulation.*

Used traditionally as an herbal remedy for respiratory issues and studies suggest that lungmoss has anti-inflammatory properties.*

Burdock root has been shown to contain multiple types of powerful antioxidants including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids to aid the body with inflammation also provides fructooligosaccharides and chlorogenic acid, which have been found to encourage improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.*

Researchers believe that the chemical salicin, found in willow bark, is responsible for the pain reducing and anti-inflammatory assistance. Studies show several other components of willow bark, including plant chemicals called polyphenols and flavonoids, have antioxidant, fever-reducing, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties.*

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a herbal plant readily used in cooking and alternative medicine. Nutritionally, the herb is considered to be a good source of lipids and contains linalool, an essential oil. Furthermore, the herb has been used traditionally for its metabolic, calming and anti-inflammatory properties.*

Dandelion contains numerous bioactive components like polyphenols, which may be useful in reducing inflammation throughout the body. This herbal plant is also great source of liver-friendly compounds called saponin and are also rich in substances like nitriles, phenylacetic acid, and vomifoliol, which contain diuretic and antimicrobial qualities.*

Ceylon cinnamon is the only true cinnamon recommended to be used medicinally–not to be confused with saigon cinnamon or cassia.

Ceylon is kind of a big deal….and is like a double edged sword in its ability to FIGHT INFLAMMATION and ASSIST IN FILTRATION which makes it a superb addition in our binder. Let’s not stop there though, because cinnamon also lowers cholesterol, helps control blood pressure, is an  anticoagulant, strengthens bones and teeth, promotes collagen, fights nausea, assists glucose metabolism in the liver and reduces insulin resistance.

Cinnamon also reduces 11 strains of fungus, 4 forms of candida albicans and 3 forms of Aspergillus. There’s a literal laundry list for its benefits for the body so don’t be shy with it in your apple pies!

It’s no secret that charcoal is amazing for absorption. Many take it after a heavy night of drinking to combat potential hangovers but not all charcoal was created equal and your microbiome knows it.

Unlike Hardwood Activated Charcoal which can be harsh on the gut, we decided to go with Coconut because it’s much more gentle. The CAC acts as a sponge to absorb and has been used since the early 1800’s as emergency treatment for poisoning for its binding properties. Carbon being the main ingredient in charcoal, it combusts when heated in the presence of oxygen and expands the surface area making it more porous–which essentially activates it. This allows it to COLLECT THE TOXINS AND OTHER UNDESIRABLE SUBSTANCES RELEASED INTO THE BODY DURING DIE-OFF PHASE which lowers oxidative stress.

They are esthetically one of the most attractive mushies out there, but Oyster mushrooms pack a mean punch once they enter the body. Just to name a few, these immunomodulating fungi lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels, support the immune system, defend against neurodegenerative and heart diseases, and inhibit free radicals and cancer cells. Oyster mushrooms are known to be effective with anemia, strengthening bones and providing a bioavailable source for vitamins like B3, B5, B6, D, A, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid and phosphorus.

Studies done in China and Japan on the effects of shiitakes have shown that patients receiving chemo/radiation treatment while taking shiitake mushrooms had higher tolerance levels and better physical and mental competency. These studies suggested the mushroom’s ability to absorb radiation in the body. Shiitake are little miracles at reducing inflammation and improving circulation, improving digestion, boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Like the oyster mushrooms, shiitake is high in copper as well, which is a crucial component of collagen.

Milk thistle is one of the most common natural supplements for its healing properties. This herb helps to protect the liver and kidneys which take a direct hit from the toxins that mold secretes. It can also help reverse and correct long term symptoms from mold damage, believe it or not, it helps the body to regenerate new liver cells! It’s also great for increasing bile production, breast milk, promoting healthy digestive function, soothing mucus membranes and promoting weight loss.

Pumpkin seeds have been used to strengthen the muscle function of the urinary tract and sphincter muscles due to the high content of beta-sitosterol. Its high potassium content helps to stimulate the kidneys, which regulate the body’s potassium levels by expelling excess via the urine.

Pumpkin seed also has research supporting its effectiveness at stimulating new hair growth and reducing prostate size. Pumpkin seed is high in vitamin E, Omegas 3 & 6 , alpha hydroxy acids and zinc- which helps mitigate free radical damage, improve moisture retention, regulate oil production and mediate hormone levels.

If you think the passion flower looks complex, wait until you hear what this beauty can do medicinally! Native to the Americas, passion flower has been used for centuries as a sedative and an anxiety and sleep aid by boosting the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in your brain. It’s also used as a dietary supplement for pain and menopause, among other things. We thought it a good addition for our Immune formula- cleansing can stir up quite the collection of emotions, so including herbal support for that aspect was important. Detoxing is no joke, especially when it comes to mold.

Yucca root has over 40 varieties and is indigenous to the Caribbean and Americas. Yucca’s phenolics like resveratrol and Vitamins A, B, C, D & E are antioxidants and free radical scavengers, staunch contributors to its anti-inflammatory properties. Yucca extract has the unique ability to assist the bowels, dissolve out and eliminate intestinal mucus, encourage healthy bacterial growth and its natural cortisone helps to reduce pain and inflammation.

Mold hides in everything, especially mucus, so the more soldiers we have working to get it out, the better!

Mullein is a popular mucilage and heavy hitter in the herbal community for its emollient, astringent, antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant properties, which is why we needed it on our team. Mullein is used for aiding in fighting diseases and infections in the lungs because it reduces the formation of mucus, while also stimulating the expulsion of phlegm.

In fact, the leaves are so soft you can use them to blow your nose or even as toilet paper. Nature is so cool, she really does give us everything we need.

Eleuthero Root, also known as Siberian Ginseng, is a natural adaptogen so it can assist the immune system, eliminate free radicals, and increase blood flow to the brain. It’s been part of the Chinese medicine repertoire for thousands of years, known to reduce fatigue, boost metabolism, relieve stress and reduce neurological disorders. If you have mold, you already know how important it is to have versatile herbs while detoxing because the mold contributes greatly to systemic energy loss throughout the body.

When you learn why safflower is used for this mold kit you will then understand the genius behind why RogersHood’s kits are so effective, but first what exactly is safflower? Safflower is a domestic thistle that is predominantly grown as birdseed, meal and an oil seed crop.  Its medicinal uses aren’t really talked about, but a little known fact to anyone not in commercial farming is that this plant actually attracts the mold. Remember, we can’t kill mold straight out of the gate because the slightest disruption has it shooting millions of spores in an attempt to survive, which is why we need to lure it gently, like a moth to a blowtorch. Not that you needed yet another reason to stay away from seed oils, this natural mold magnet was ranked as one of the worst mold attractants so remember that while shopping for cooking oils: NO SAFFLOWER OIL!

Lecithin is a fatty substance that is commonly found in our bodies and other plant/animal sources. Did you know that 70 percent of the total phospholipids in the intestinal mucus layer are made up of lecithin? Sunflower lecithin, which is most commonly used as an emulsifier; we included it because it stabilizes the extraction while aiding in absorption. Sunflower lecithin has a multitude of benefits all on its own though: great source of choline, reduces viscosity of breastmilk to prevent mastitis and plugged ducts, and it also reduces cholesterol levels. So now you know it’s not just for fancy foams at restaurants!

Unmistakably part of the daisy family and one of the most ancient herbs known to mankind, chamomile is used predominantly for its sedative effects. How does this fit into a mold detox? Chamomile is going to help us reduce pain, inflammation, allergies and mucus. Our bodies produce two types of mucus: healthy mucus and pathogenic mucus. Reducing the excess mucus created by the body to protect itself by “encapsulating” pathogens that enter allows for the safflower to attract the mold, the Cinnabin can then adhere to it so the body can dispose of it. Mold is tricky and difficult to remove, but add a few key ingredients to a well thought out process and you will surely have it hoodwinked.

Flaxseed, another common name in the food industry, we usually think of crackers or adding it to smoothies. This omega rich seed also possesses antifungal qualities that inhibit mold growth.

Aside from being an awesome tincture ingredient, ground flaxseed is phenomenal for relieving constipation and is a bioavailable source for thiamine, copper, magnesium, omega3 fatty acids and many more nutrients.

Schisandra has earned a reputation for battling adrenal fatigue successfully and supporting the liver. Mold exhausts the body because of how greatly it affects the mitochondria (our energy factories). Considering our adrenal glands help to regulate the body’s metabolism, stress response and blood pressure- we wanted to give them a little love.

Schisandra is an adaptogenic that cleanses the liver, nurtures the adrenal glands, removes waste, and can be a natural antidepressant. This little berry is also great for skin, stamina, concentration & fighting fatigue. Even if not doing a detox, schisandra could be a great addition to your daily routine.

Fennel has been used for years for medicinal purposes: upset stomach, insect bites, sore throats, liver pain, kidney issues and balancing pH. We adore fennel for its digestive relieving qualities, aiding in weight management and supporting healthy skin.

Recent studies have shown this pepita to be effective in the cleansing of a variety of aspergillus, cladosporium and botrytis cinerea, neutralizing mycotoxins. Fennel, like flaxseed, also inhibits the growth of candida, bacteria and viruses.

Mother Nature is so interesting: she chose dead and decaying trees to be the perfect, furnished home for such lovely mushrooms like the Red Belted Polypore… but who can deny her perfection and irony?

This conk boasts quite the curriculum vitae in benefits. Most polypores are know for their ability to help with DIGESTIVE  and IMMUNE FUNCTION, but RBP also REDUCES SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION, is a CIRCULATORY STIMULANT, REDUCES DIGESTIVE INFLAMMATION/ULCERS and RELIEVES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS to brag a little more.

Double extraction is the recommended method for pulling its properties using water and alcohol.

A mushroom named for its white ‘drawing pad’ spore underside, Artist Conk is also known as Bear’s bread.

Another addition to the Polypore family and related to Reishi, Artist Conk has been used medicinally for centuries in Chinese medicine. Like the Red Belted Polypore, it’s properties are best received when taken in a tincture or tea. This work of art possesses a special compound called beta-glucan: a polysaccharide which is a powerful immunomodulator that improves immune function. Another win for Artist Conk is its triterpenes that AID IN THE ASSIMILATION OF NUTRIENTS and the ELIMINATION OF WASTE PRODUCTS IN THE BODY; while also  SUPPORTING DIGESTIVE AND HEPATIC FUNCTION. While some foragers like to use this mushroom for artistic purposes, drawing and painting on its tell-tale canvas underbelly, we feel it serves better as medicine.