Alyssa

🌿 Root+Bones: Potent herbal extracts inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Mushrooms, adaptogens, and wellness remedies

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

Tremella Polysaccharides (TP) & Obesity Prevention
Supports Metabolic Health – TP lowers blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol, helping prevent obesity and diabetes.
Prevents Weight Gain – Reduces fat accumulation and liver weight by balancing gut bacteria and increasing SCFAs.
Modulates Gut Microbiota – Decreases the obesity-linked Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and promotes beneficial bacteria.
Reduces Inflammation – Lowers LPS, TNF-α, and pro-inflammatory genes, combating obesity-related inflammation.
Regulates Appetite & Satiety – Boosts GLP-1 and PYY hormones, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing food intake.
Proven via FMT – TP’s anti-obesity effects were transferable through gut microbiota transplantation.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

Tremella is well known for its skin-hydrating and anti-aging properties, but research shows it also benefits metabolic health and weight management.

Supports Blood Sugar Control – A 12-week human study found that a Tremella beverage lowered HbA1c, helping with long-term blood sugar regulation in prediabetic individuals.

Aids in Weight Management – The same study showed a reduction in waist circumference, indicating potential benefits for metabolism.

Prevents Obesity & Fat Accumulation – A mouse study found that Tremella polysaccharides (TP) reduced weight gain and fat storage in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Balances the Gut Microbiome – TP modulated gut bacteria, lowered the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and increased short-chain fatty acids, which play a role in digestion and metabolism.

Reduces Inflammation & Supports the Gut-Brain Axis – Tremella’s effects on the gut help regulate inflammation and metabolic function, contributing to overall health.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

💛 Saffron Extract (2% Safranal UV)
Saffron isn’t just a culinary spice—it’s a clinically researched nootropic and mood stabilizer that enhances sleep and emotional balance. We use a standardized saffron extract (2% Safranal UV) for maximum potency.

✔️ Clinically proven to enhance mood – Studies show 30 mg of saffron is as effective as Fluoxetine, Imipramine, and Citalopram in reducing depressive symptoms.
✔️ Supports deep sleep – Saffron increases melatonin production naturally, helping regulate sleep cycles without synthetic melatonin.
✔️ Reduces stress & anxiety – Safranal, the bioactive compound in saffron, lowers cortisol and balances serotonin, making it highly effective for stress-related sleep issues.
✔️ Neuroprotective & anti-inflammatory – Saffron supports brain health, cognition, and emotional resilience, making it a powerful addition to a sleep formula.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

I just launched one of the most potent sleep blends out there. If you struggle with restless nights, trouble falling or staying asleep, you need this.

💤 Glycine – Calms the nervous system, enhances deep sleep.
🌿 L-Theanine, Chamomile, Pearl, & Saffron – A formula designed to work.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

✨ Pearl Powder
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pearl powder has been used for centuries as a Shen tonic—calming the mind, and supporting deep sleep.

✔️ Calms the spirit (Shen) – Rich in magnesium and calcium, pearl supports neurotransmitter function and nervous system balance.
✔️ Supports beauty sleep – Enhances collagen synthesis, skin hydration, and cellular repair during deep sleep cycles.
✔️ Regulates emotions & stress response – Used in TCM to ease emotional imbalances, promoting a peaceful, grounded state before bed.
✔️ Helps with sleep disturbances – Emerging studies suggest pearl may improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime stress responses.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

Important Note:
Aged peels (Chen Pi) are considered more potent, as they become less harsh on digestion over time. Traditionally, the older the peel, the stronger its Qi-regulating and damp-transforming effects.

Precautions:
Use with caution in cases of dry cough or Yin deficiency, as it has a drying effect.
Avoid excessive consumption if there is heat in the body, as its warming properties may aggravate heat-related conditions.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

🍊 TCM Nutrition: Aged Peel (Chen Pi 陳皮) 🍊
Temperature: Warm
Taste: Pungent, Bitter, Aromatic
Channels: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

Applications in TCM:
Digestive Issues & Bloating – Chen Pi is commonly used for abdominal distension, nausea, or sluggish digestion due to Qi stagnation or dampness.

Cough with Phlegm – Helps clear damp-phlegm from the Lungs, making it useful for productive coughs and excess mucus.

Dampness & Spleen Weakness – Its warm, aromatic nature helps transform dampness, which can contribute to fatigue, bloating, and sluggish digestion.

Postpartum & Weak Digestion – Often included in herbal soups to help restore digestion and prevent damp accumulation after childbirth.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

Inferior Herbs (下品, Xiàpǐn) are the most potent class, used to treat acute or serious illnesses. They often have strong medicinal effects and may carry toxicity or harsh side effects if misused. These herbs are not intended for daily use and require careful guidance from a practitioner.

Key Traits of Inferior Herbs:
Therapeutic and Aggressive: Directly treat diseases and clear pathogens.
Potential Toxicity: Can have side effects or toxicity if misused.
Short-Term Use: Used for specific conditions, not for long-term consumption.

Examples of Inferior Herbs:
Ephedra (Ma Huang): Strongly disperses cold and opens the lungs but can raise blood pressure.
Aconite (Fu Zi): Warms the interior but is highly toxic if not prepared correctly.
Rhubarb Root (Da Huang): Strong purgative for constipation and heat toxins.
Pinellia (Ban Xia): Transforms phlegm but must be processed to reduce toxicity.
Inferior herbs are powerful tools for treating disease but must be used carefully due to their strength and potential toxicity.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

In the ancient Chinese medical text, the Shennong Bencaojing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), herbs were divided into three categories: Superior, Middle, and Inferior based on their effects and safety:

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

Middle Herbs (中品, Zhōngpǐn) serve as a bridge between daily nourishment and targeted healing. They are used to correct imbalances and support recovery, offering both nourishing and medicinal effects.

Key Traits of Middle Herbs:
Dual Purpose: Nourish and correct mild imbalances.
Targeted Action: Address specific issues like blood deficiency, digestive weakness, or Qi stagnation.
Moderate Potency: Effective but not as gentle as superior herbs or as aggressive as lower herbs.
Short-Term Use: Used during healing phases, not for continuous daily consumption.
Classic Middle Herbs:
Bai Zhu (Atractylodes): Strengthens digestion, dries dampness.
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum): Moves Qi and blood, relieves pain.
Fu Ling (Poria): Supports digestion, calms the mind.
Middle Herbs are essential for gently restoring balance when the body starts to show signs of disharmony, making them a vital part of long-term health care.

[Alyssa @rootandbones]

This resonates! Chinese medicine has such a deep understanding of how internal energy and our environment are connected. Focusing on Qi flow, breathwork, and gentle movement makes so much sense, especially when dealing with chronic stress. It’s amazing how small shifts in our daily rhythms can completely change how we feel. Its ALL about nourishing and longevity (acupuncturist here 👋 )