Nootropics are rising in popularity, as pop-culture latches on to the notion that through proper supplementation a person may be able to “hack” their own cognitive abilities. Shown on film, movies like “Limitless” with Bradley Cooper portraying an average Joe who is offered a wonder drug that gives him genius level abilities. If only this were a reality, folks would line the streets to purchase this wonder drug at any cost. The reality is that as of now, no such short cut to higher brain function exists.
Now, Nootropics themselves have existed for 1000’s of years before they were given such a label. Only a cursory google search reveals the lineage behind many of the natural nootropic herbs, their effects, and how you can make your own at home. Mycelium specifically has a myriad number of uses with bodies of research to support their affects, which is where MycoTea has created a product that harnesses’ these effects. What is Mycelium you ask? Dictionary.com defines mycelium as “the mass of hyphae that form the vegetative part of a fungus.” In other words, it is the threadlike part of a fungus that lives in the soil or in places that it can thrive in. Mycelium is the main part of a fungus and mushroom. It behaves similar to the neurons of the human brain, allowing it to grow into a living web-like network that adapts to its environment. Metaphorically speaking, mycelium is like the root of a plant and the mushroom and fungus are like the buds, leaves or fruits of a plant.
MycoTea collects multiple strains of Mycelium and concentrates them into a drink, offering a one of a kind live culture beverage. I was lucky enough to get to try this beverage a month ago and meet the MycoTea crew and Jaclyn, owner of Red’s Pantry and the main distributor of MycoTea. For those like myself who often struggle with post military life, have trouble focusing, or finding energy throughout the day MycoTea provides a robust alternative to anything you may find over the counter or at your local supplement store. Drinking about 3 pints throughout the day increased focus and improved mood, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. As more and more people, especially veterans reach out looking for alternatives sources of health and mental wellness products like MycoTea will provide the answer. In fact, a former Army Ranger is one of the founders of MycoTea.
I got to interview Jaclyn and the MycoTea crew, and ask why they believe in the benefits of this product:
Jaclyn, Owner of Red’s Pantry
When MycoTea was first brought into Red’s Pantry by a friend in the health & fitness industry, I will admit, I was a bit of a skeptic. I am a lover of a good routine, and if it’s not coffee or water, I couldn’t be less interested.
After finishing off my first growler, it was instant clarity. The new level of immediate awareness was all I needed to convince myself that this was something special.
I have never been one for following trendy diets, overnight detoxes, juice cleanses, or putting something in my body I cannot pronounce, and the simplicity of it intrigued me the most. Finding balance by using small substitutions that create a better quality of life is easiest in the chaos of everyday living.
When I met the “mad scientists” behind MycoTea I knew it was something I could get on board with. Homeopathic remedies are making our generation more aware and the possibilities are endless-but the proven education behind mushrooms is what triggered my need to offer this within my business. Mushroom derivatives are now proven to offer an all in one anti-inflammatory, mood stabilizer, nerve-regenerator, increase libido, immune stimulant, and also increase in ATP.
As I got to know the crew behind MycoTea, it all fell into place. They work night and day trying to perfect their work to make each batch better than the last. The love of it and loyalty with each of my customers at Reds Pantry is pure and increasing each day with the bond of this new addition to the shop. Earlier today, Red’s had multiple bottles to a devoted customer, who is too sick on Chemo to be leaving her house…but we make it happen and get it to where it needs to be.
Why mushrooms? Why tea?
For thousands of years people have utilized the healing power of mushrooms. Now modern science is validating what our ancestors knew, mushrooms are packed full of phytochemicals that the human body can utilize.
But science took it one step further, and now we know that the mycelium of medicinal mushrooms is the true work horse producing these phytochemicals. That is why we created MycoTea, the first source of organic living mycelium. By creating a light, refreshing beverage we offer the benefits of the 13 most researched medicinal mushroom mycelium on the planet.
How did you get started? How did you all meet?
MycoTea is the love child of Alfred Munoz and Giuliano Melluso. As we developed MycoTea as college students we were able to get hands on experience working as lab technicians for Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture. This gave us the background needed to create and perfect MycoTea. We launched our business out of Indian River State College’s Incubator program and received the NACCE student entrepreneurs of the year award before moving to our own facility.
What’s your mission with MycoTea?
Americans are affected by disease more than ever, whether it is mental or physical. We at MycoTea use only the most researched species of mycelium in order to provide the benefits that science has discovered. The true mission of MycoTea is to create wellness and balance to the American people. One of our partners is a combat veteran, and seeing how it affected him inspired us to give back to the people who protect our country. Currently we provide discounts to veterans, police, and firefighters. As our company grows we want to provide MycoTea to anyone who is going through stage IV cancer treatments.
How has it personally affected your lives?
Both of our families suffered from cancer, diabetes, and other health problems. Now that we provide MycoTea, we get to hear the absolutely amazing way its touching people’s lives. This inspires us to bring MycoTea to the next level. For the last 4 years we worked multiple jobs, payed our way through school and developed MycoTea. We vow to make MycoTea available to everyone in America to provide an affordable preventive beverage.
How do you support your research and the claims of MycoTea?
Major research institutes documented the healing properties of mycelium. All our species of mycelium have documented publication in scientific literature. We are just organic farmers who provide the only source of living mycelium.
A quick search of any of our species on Google Scholar will yield papers showing anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, neurogenesis, immune-regulatory, sugar regulation, sexual health stimulant, vitamin D, oxygenation, and sports performance properties. We do not promote MycoTea as a solution for any health issues, but science does.
I believe that as people look at the failures of the pharmaceutical industry to provide actual healing to those in need that products like MycoTea will fill that gap. For veterans it provides a non-narcotic, healthy supplement that can improve quality of life enhancement in post military life.
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Red’s Pantry Market & Provisions believes that being healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. We are dedicated to helping you create a lifestyle that is convenient by offering items proudly made in the USA no matter where you live.
Red would like to offer a 10% discount to all Havok Journal readers by offering the promo code “Havok10” at checkout. Click here!
To find out more information about joining the MycoTea Veterans Program, and to donate to one of the many other causes she champions, including Camp Valhalla Veterans Retreat, please email Jaclyn at redspantry@gmail.com.
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