I'm excited to announce that the men's blend is here! The Warrior Elixir is crafted specifically for men's health and overall wellness. This herbal blend is truly an ally and adaptogenic powerhouse for men while encouraging balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit.
The Warrior Elixir supports:
Longevity
Immunity
Stress response
Hormonal balance
Endocrine balance
Healthy testosterone levels
Balanced energy levels
Physical stamina
Mental alertness
Healthy blood pressure
Heart health
Memory and learning
Liver function
Kidney function
Adrenal function
Brain function
Prostate health
Preventing bone loss
Preventing hair loss
I find it's so important to take herbs that support the endocrine system and adrenal glands from fatigue and stress. A lot of people take vitamins (some you need to supplement with and the best are sourced from whole-food) but vitamins aren't supporting the body to naturally function in a sustainable and restorative way. Herbs are the only thing we have that nurtures and revitalizes the systems of the body, this is the reason I like to refer to herbs as allies.
I drink the Warrior Elixir every morning and have sustained and balanced energy levels all day long. Unlike caffeine or other stimulants, you're actually supporting the glands to produce the body's optimal production of hormones when using herbs. Generally speaking, most people's adrenal glands are completely fatigued from an over consumption of stimulants like coffee, 'energy drinks', processed sugars, and the cortisol response to mental and physical stress. Being able to support the body's ability to handle stress is and function optimally is the reason why we take herbs.
Eleuthero is a unique herb that has extensive studies in Russia. Called Siberian Ginseng, it's an incredible brain and body booster and a main ingredient in this Elixir.
Below you'll find a break down of each herb in the Warrior Elixir, the intentions behind it, and the purpose of each herb included in the blend.
To start with the inspiration for the name and the blend of herbs for the elixir I have to share two things, my fascination for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chögyam Trungpa's book "Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior". Trungpa's book was a major catalyst for my spiritual awakening and even though I couldn't comprehend everything in it at the beginning, it shaped my purpose and the direction of my life.
In the book, Trungpa describes Shambhala as a legendary kingdom that represents a state of mind characterized by fearlessness, confidence, and wisdom. He argues that everyone has the potential to become a warrior of Shambhala and that the path to this state of mind involves cultivating qualities such as bravery, compassion, and basic goodness. The sacred warrior conquers the world not through violence or aggression but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The warrior discovers the basic goodness of human life and radiates that goodness out into the world for the peace and sanity of others. That’s what the Shambhala teachings are all about.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years in China and is based on the concept of balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Herbs play a significant role in TCM, and their use is an integral part of the broader practice. Many of the herbs in the Warrior Elixir have been used for thousands of years and we can draw a lot of insight and information from TCM's long history and use of these herbs. So, now that we've explored the main sources of inspiration for this herbal blend, I'll explain the few steps to get the most out of it!
Preparations
To get the most out of the Warrior Elixir, the best way to prepare the tea is in the form of a decoction. A decoction is an herbal preparation created by boiling herbs in water. Its essentially tea that you brew longer in order to extract the organic compounds out of hearty roots.
The directions are as follows:
Either is a stainless steel pot or a glass tea pot that you can use on a stove, add 4 - 8 cups of cold water.
Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of Warrior Elixir (typically its 1tsp -1tbsp per cup of water).
Bring water and herbs to a gentle boil.
Put a lid on the pot and lightly simmer for 10 - 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let your decoction cool to drinking temperature.
Finish up by straining out the herbs.
You can often use these same herbs to brew up a new batch of decoction a couple more times as long as the decoction is still strong after brewing.
Refrigerate leftovers and use within 48 hours.
This blend has a wonderful and balanced flavor thats enjoyable to drink on its own but I have a few recommendations for a bolder flavor that adds antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. I enjoy all three of these together but by no means do you have to add any at all. All of these options are fairly low on the glycemic index.
Blackstrap Molasses: I like to add a tablespoon to a masjon jar. Blackstrap molasses is commonly used as a natural sweetener and sugar alternative. It has a unique, rich flavor, contains many micronutrients and has a moderate glycemic load, making it a good, more nutritious choice compared to refined sugar. As opposed to refined sugar, molasses has the power to help naturally relieve PMS symptoms, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve bone health and symptoms of ADHD, and boost skin health.
Local Raw Honey: Some of the benefits of raw honey are that it can help with everything from low energy to sleep problems to seasonal allergies. Honey actually raises levels of health promoting antioxidants in the body. Always try to make sure you're supporting sources that use sustainable methods.
Pure Maple Syrup: Contains high levels of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes. Maple syrup contains 24 different antioxidants and has an amazing flavor!
Brewing this tea has become an important part of my daily routine, its perfect for drinking first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I like the idea of those herbs being the first thing my cells come into contact with. I have balanced energy levels throughout the day, I feel focused and ready for whatever is happening, and I find that my response to stress is effortlessly calm.
Let's get in to each of our herbal allies
in the Warrior i
Eleuthero is the base herb and main ingredient of the Warrior Elixir. Eleuthero (also known as Siberian ginseng) is a plant that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbalism. In TCM, eleuthero is considered to be a tonic that can help to strengthen the body and boost overall health.
Eleuthero is often recommended for its adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress. This can be especially beneficial for men, who often experience high levels of stress and fatigue. Additionally, eleuthero is believed to have a positive effect on the adrenal glands, which play a key role in regulating the body's response to stress.
Eleuthero is also thought to have a number of other health benefits for men, including:
Improving physical performance: Eleuthero is said to improve physical endurance and increase energy levels, making it a popular choice for athletes and active individuals.
Boosting immunity: Some studies suggest that eleuthero can help to improve the body's immune system, which can be especially important for men who are more susceptible to certain illnesses and infections.
Supporting sexual health: Some men use eleuthero as a natural remedy for sexual health issues, as it is believed to help boost libido and improve sexual function.
"Tea is the elixir of life." -Lao Tzu
Sarsaparilla has incredible flavor and it’s also supportive to every elimination pathway. This herb has been known to purify the blood, improve the quality of the skin, reduce inflammation in the body, and support the removal of excess bacteria, microorganisms, and fungus within the body. It’s not the strongest anti parasitic herb there is but it is very powerful without the terrible taste of anti parasitic herbs. Sarsaparilla also supports the function of the liver which is the main organ that toxins are cycled through so liver support is extremely important for detoxification.
Astragalus root Astragalus root, is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM, astragalus root is considered to have a warming effect on the body and is believed to help strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and support overall health.
Astragalus root is often used for its potential health benefits, including:
Supporting immune function: Astragalus is believed to help improve the function of the immune system and reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.
Improving heart health: Some studies have suggested that astragalus may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health by improving circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease. The flavonoids present in astragalus are antioxidants that help prevent plaque buildup in arteries and narrowing of vessel walls by protecting the inner wall of the vessel.
Boosting energy: Astragalus is believed to help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Reducing stress: Astragalus is considered to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
For men, the potential benefits of astragalus root include improved immune function, improved heart health, increased energy levels, and reduced stress, all of which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Dandelion root is my favorite herb and it’s in every one of my blends for a good reason. Dandelion is a super gentle herb, it’s safe for everyone including infants but it’s also a really powerful herb. It’s supportive for all the path ways of elimination. The skin, liver, kidneys, digestive system, and the lungs are all supported by dandelion. Dandelion is packed full of nutrients, both minerals and vitamins A, C and K. It’s a natural diuretic which encourages kidney elimination, prevents water retention, and also helps control blood pressure.
Burdock root is another liver supportive favorite. It detoxes blood, the lymphatic system, and skin so it’s really supportive for overall detoxification. It also contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin, which are powerful antioxidants needed to combat free radicals. Both burdock root and dandelion are excellent for any type of skin condition. They’re also natural diuretics that help the kidneys eliminate excess waste. Burdock is also helpful for strengthening bones and teeth. It also induces sweating so it’s very supportive for toxin elimination and skin health.
Licorice root is an awesome herb for the adrenal glands & urinary system. It’s one of the main herbs that regulates cortisol and aids in adrenal fatigue. It’s also supportive and strengthening to the GI which promotes a healthy gut. This is also a very beneficial herb for the entire endocrine system. It’s an anti-viral, antispasmodic, and an adaptogenic herb that can increase energy and endurance and boost the immune system. Licorice is a sweet, antioxidant rich, immune supporting ally. If you’re sensitive to the power of licorice root, this tea blend is a great option for you because teas are very gentle and help our bodies work up to being able to take full doses of these herbs.
Schisandra Berry is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbalism. In TCM, schisandra berries are considered to be a "five-flavor fruit," which means they are believed to have a unique combination of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent flavors that can help balance the body's qi (life force energy).
Schisandra berry is often used for its potential health benefits, including:
Supporting liver health: Schisandra berry is believed to have liver-protective properties and may help to improve liver function.
Boosting immunity: Some people use schisandra berry to boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Improving physical performance: Schisandra berry is said to improve physical endurance and increase energy levels, making it a popular choice for athletes and active individuals.
Reducing stress: Schisandra berry is considered to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
For men, the potential benefits of schisandra berry include improved physical performance, reduced stress, and better liver function, all of which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Epimedium also known as horny goat weed, is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbalism. In TCM, epimedium is considered to be a yang tonic, which means it is believed to help support overall health and vitality, especially in men.
Epimedium is often used for its potential health benefits for men, including:
Supporting sexual health: Epimedium is considered to be a natural aphrodisiac and is believed to help boost libido and improve sexual function in men.
Improving physical performance: Epimedium is said to improve physical endurance and increase energy levels, making it a popular choice for athletes and active individuals.
Reducing stress: Epimedium is considered to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
Improving cardiovascular health: Some studies have suggested that epimedium may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health by helping to improve blood circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Hibiscus in TCM, hibiscus is considered to have a cooling effect on the body and is believed to help clear heat and reduce inflammation. Hibiscus is often used for its potential health benefits, including:
Supporting heart health: Some studies have suggested that hibiscus may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Improving digestion: Hibiscus is believed to have a mild laxative effect and may help to improve digestion and relieve constipation.
Boosting immunity: Some people use hibiscus to boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Reducing stress: Hibiscus is considered to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
For men, the potential benefits of hibiscus include improved heart health, improved digestion, and reduced stress, all of which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Hawthorn Leaf & Flower is considered to be a heart tonic and is believed to help support overall cardiovascular health. Hawthorn leaf and flower is often used for its potential health benefits, including:
Supporting heart health: Hawthorn is believed to help improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and protect the heart from damage.
Improving digestion: Hawthorn is considered to have a mild laxative effect and may help to improve digestion and relieve constipation.
Reducing stress: Hawthorn is considered to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
Supporting liver health: Some people use hawthorn to help improve liver function and protect the liver from damage.
For men, the potential benefits of hawthorn leaf and flower include improved heart health, improved digestion, reduced stress, and better liver function, all of which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Saw Palmetto is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in the southeastern United States. In traditional herbalism, saw palmetto is often used for its potential health benefits for men, including:
Supporting prostate health: Saw palmetto is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination and difficulty starting or stopping urination.
Improving sexual function: Some people use saw palmetto to help improve sexual function and boost libido in men.
Reducing stress: Saw palmetto is considered to have adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress.
Improving urinary health: Saw palmetto is believed to have a mild diuretic effect and may help to improve urinary health and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
Saw palmetto extracts and supplements work as a hair loss remedy because they keep testosterone levels balanced. As men age, the testosterone hormone is diminished, and the hormone called 5α-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases.
Thats the Warrior Elixir in its entirety! Every herb included has its own specific purpose and they all work in harmony together to provide balanced support for men, wherever they're at on their warrior journey. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do!
Disclaimer
Check with your doctor before taking this natural remedy if you are currently taking medication or have an ongoing medical condition. Only a physician can diagnose, treat, and prescribe for illness or disease. I neither diagnoses nor treat disease. Nor do I prescribe remedies. The human body has the innate power to heal itself. Without this power to self-heal, even the most advanced medications and procedures would ultimately fail.
The role of the iridologist and herbalist in this healing process is to consider the client as a whole person and to consult with the client concerning changes in lifestyle, diet, and supplementation of herbs and/or vitamins to foster an increased state of balance and wellness. Thus maximizing the body's self-healing capabilities. Brittani Franczek (hippybritt) encourages and advises customers to seek professional medical advice regarding any illness or disease they are suffering from. Background health information can aid in the process of a holistic, herbal program and therefore can be shared at the time of the herbal consultation.
Any concerns about your health and supplementation with herbs or diet should be done in consultation with your physician and a holistic health care provider. Although speculative interactions between herbs and drugs are sometimes publicized, confirmed cases are rare. It is the responsibility of the client to discuss with their physician possible interactions of herbal supplements and medications. Brittani Franczek does not guarantee a specific outcome or result, individual results may vary. Brittani Franczek is not liable for any possible adverse reactions and side effects of the herbal supplements you decide to take. The customer must accept ownership and responsibility for their own health; including negative consequences and positive outcomes.