Superfoods & Herbs
Superfoods & Herbs
White mulberries – the food behind Chinese silk
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Mulberries have been cultivated for over 4000 years, originally in China, where the leaves from the mulberry tree are food for silkworms – the foundation of all Chinese silk production.From China to the MediterraneanThe berries spread along the Silk Road to the Mediterranean region, and were used in folk medicine in China, Greece, and Turkey far back in history.White mulberry vs. black mulberryThe white mulberry has a milder, sweeter taste than its darker relative, the black mulberry, which is more acidic.What mulberries containMulberries contain iron, calcium, protein, and antioxidants.UsageThe dried berries are eaten as a snack or mixed into muesli, yogurt, and baked goods. Our organic white mulberries are an example of how they are typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Tribulus terrestris – the plant that became a weapon
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Tribulus terrestris, also known as bindii, is a flowering plant that grows in Africa, Australia, Southern Europe, and Asia, often in dry, sandy environments.Origin of the nameThe name "tribulus" comes from the Greek word for "four-pronged thorn". The plant's seed pods have sharp, horn-like thorns that were historically used as military obstacles (known as caltrops) against cavalry and barefoot enemies – a use completely different from today's.Traditional useThe plant has a long history of use in both Indian and Chinese herbal traditions.Good to knowIsolated cases of stomach upset and acne have been reported with use.Usage1 teaspoon per day mixed in warm water. Our organic tribulus terrestris powder is an example of how it is commonly sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Blackcurrants from Swedish gardens
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Blackcurrants grow both wild and cultivated throughout Sweden and have a long tradition in Nordic horticulture, often as one of the first berry bushes in a Swedish allotment garden.In the kitchenThe berries are too tart for most people to eat fresh, and are therefore most often used in juice, jam, and baked goods where their intense, dark flavor comes into its own.What blackcurrants containBlackcurrants contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), vitamin C, and anthocyanins.Good to knowBefore surgery, it is often recommended to stop consuming large quantities of blackcurrants a few weeks prior, as some substances in the berry can affect bleeding tendencies.CultivationCurrant bushes are hardy and well-adapted to the Nordic climate, making them a classic in Swedish gardens. Our blackcurrant powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Black Sesame Seeds – naturally dark seeds
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an annual steppe grass and one of the world's oldest cultivated oilseed plants. The black sesame seed is a naturally occurring variety, not a colored version of the more common white seed.Common in Japanese cuisineThe black seed is particularly common in Japanese cooking, including in the spice blend gomashio (sesame and salt) which is traditionally sprinkled over rice.What black sesame seeds containBlack sesame seeds contain calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, and healthy fatty acids.Uses in the kitchenSuitable for Asian dishes, salads, or sprinkled as a garnish on bread and sushi – its dark color also provides a visual contrast to lighter dishes. Our organic black sesame seeds are an example of how they are typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Black seed oil – from Tutankhamun's tomb to today's kitchen
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a plant whose seeds have been pressed into oil and used as a spice in the Middle East and South Asia for millennia. Seeds have been found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun from the 13th century BC, suggesting that the plant already held significance then.A Seed of Many NamesBlack cumin goes by several names depending on the region – nigella seeds, kalonji seeds, or simply "black seeds." In English, the oil is most often called black seed oil or black cumin seed oil, which is sometimes confused with ordinary cumin despite the plants being completely different.Traditional UseThe seeds and oil have been used in both cooking and traditional skincare in many cultures, including classical Arabic and Persian medicine.What the Oil ContainsBlack cumin oil contains vitamins A, B, and C, minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, as well as the compound thymoquinone.Good to KnowUndiluted oil can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin – always dilute with a carrier oil and test on a small skin area first.UsageIn the kitchen, the seeds are used as seasoning on bread and in stews. For skincare, the oil is traditionally used diluted for scalp massage – boil 2 dl of seeds in 7 dl of water for 10 minutes, strain, mix the cooled water with one tablespoon of oil, and massage into the scalp.
Superfoods & Herbs
Shiitake – a thousand-year-old mushroom cultivation from Japan
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Shiitake, or oak mushroom, is the second most cultivated mushroom in the world and a central ingredient in Japanese and East Asian cuisine.Historical cultivationShiitake has been cultivated on logs in China and Japan for over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest forms of mushroom cultivation in the world. The name "shiitake" comes from the Japanese word for the tree species (shii) on which the mushroom was traditionally grown.What shiitake containsShiitake contains iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and manganese, as well as B vitamins.Good to knowAvoid shiitake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In rare cases, the mushroom can cause a skin reaction called "shiitake dermatitis."In the kitchenThe mushroom has a spicy, smoky aroma and is often used in broths, woks, and soups. Our organic shiitake powder is an example of how it is commonly sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Shatavari – the asparagus plant with a hundred roots
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an asparagus plant that grows in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, easily recognizable by its many thorny, climbing branches with small white flowers.Meaning of the nameThe name "shatavari" is sometimes translated to "she who has a hundred roots" in Sanskrit, referring to the plant's extensive root system, where the root is used.Historical useThe plant has a long tradition in Ayurvedic medicine in India, where the root is one of the more well-known ingredients in classic herbal formulas.Usage1/2 to 2 teaspoons of powder daily, mixed with water, fruit juice, or milk. Our shatavari powder is an example of how it is typically sold.Good to knowIf you have a known allergy to asparagus, shatavari should be avoided, as the plants are closely related.
Superfoods & Herbs
Sesame oil – an oil plant with 5,000 years of history
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Sesame is one of the world's oldest cultivated oilseed crops, with evidence of cultivation in India and the Middle East dating back over 5000 years. From the small seed capsule, an oil is pressed that has been used in both cooking and skin care in several ancient cultures.Open Sesame!The famous phrase from One Thousand and One Nights likely refers to how the sesame seed capsule crackles open when it ripens and dries – an association that has entered the fairy tale world of the West.Traditional useIn Ayurvedic tradition in India, sesame oil has long been used for body massage, often warmed before application.What the oil containsSesame oil contains vitamin E, calcium, zinc, iron, selenium, and unsaturated fatty acids.In the kitchenSesame oil is central to Middle Eastern, Indian, and East Asian cuisine, often used as a flavoring in smaller quantities rather than as the primary oil for frying.Use as skincareWhen using on the skin, it is recommended to perform a patch test first, especially for sensitive skin or nut allergies.
Superfoods & Herbs
Rose hips – the fruit of the wild rose and Swedish home cooking
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Rosehip is the fruit of the wild rose (Rosa canina), a thorny bush that grows wild throughout Sweden and large parts of Europe. The berries ripen in autumn and often remain on the branches well into winter, when they are an important food source for pheasants and other birds.Historical use in SwedenRosehips have been picked and used in Swedish households for centuries, partly for marmalade and juice, and partly for the classic rosehip soup. During World War II, when imported citrus fruits were scarce, rosehip soup became a significant source for many Swedish households, and authorities actively encouraged the picking and preservation of rosehips during that period.How rosehip powder is madeTo make powder, the ripe rosehips are carefully dried and then ground, usually with the seeds remaining ("whole rosehip powder") because the skin itself contains most of the nutrients while the seeds contribute fiber.What rosehip containsRosehip contains vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium. Rosehip also contains the galactolipid GOPO, a substance that has been the subject of scientific studies regarding joint comfort.Good to knowRosehip powder in larger quantities can have a mild diuretic and slightly laxative effect. People using blood-thinning medications should consult a doctor before regular use, as high doses of vitamin C can affect the efficacy of certain medicines.Use in the kitchenRosehip powder can be mixed into porridge, yogurt, smoothies or baked goods, and is a classic ingredient in rosehip soup even in modern times. Our organic rosehip powder is an example of how the powder is usually sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Nutritional yeast – vegan cheese flavor from the yeast cell
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Nutritional yeast is an inactivated yeast, often grown on molasses, that has become popular in vegan cooking thanks to its cheesy, umami-rich flavor.Differs from baker's yeastUnlike baker's yeast, nutritional yeast is inactivated by heat treatment, which means it cannot ferment bread but instead works excellently as a seasoning.What nutritional yeast containsNutritional yeast contains B vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12.UsageSprinkle over pasta, popcorn, or salads, or mix into sauces for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Our nutritional yeast flakes are an example of how they are typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
MSM – where does the sulfur compound come from?
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
MSM, methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic sulfur compound that occurs naturally in many plants, in some vegetables, and in small amounts in milk.From the sea to dietary supplementsMSM was first identified in seawater and is linked to the sulfur cycle in nature – certain marine algae release sulfur compounds that are returned to land via the atmosphere, which partly explains why the substance is found naturally in so many plants.About sulfurSulfur is one of the body's most common elements and is found in many of the body's building blocks, including certain amino acids. MSM is heat-sensitive, meaning that a large part of the substance is broken down when cooking food – one reason why MSM is usually sold as a separate dietary supplement instead of relying on diet alone.UsesOutside of dietary supplements, MSM is also used industrially as a solvent in certain contexts, which is a different use than what you get from food-grade dietary supplements.Good to knowMSM is generally considered well-tolerated, but always start with a lower dosage and increase gradually.UsageMSM powder can be mixed with water or juice.
Superfoods & Herbs
Moringa – the tree that is used in its entirety
by pH-balans
on Jul 01 2022
Moringa oleifera, sometimes called the "horseradish tree" due to the pungent smell of its root, is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can grow several meters in its first year. The tree is native to the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, but is now also cultivated in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and large parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.A tree used in its entiretyWhat makes moringa unusual is that practically the entire tree can be used – leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, root, and even bark.Traditional useThe leaves, bark, and root have long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in South Asia, a tradition that stretches back several thousand years. The seeds have also been used to clarify cloudy water – a practice still observed in parts of Africa and Asia, where crushed moringa seeds are placed in water containers to make particles sediment.As foodThe young, unripe pods – sometimes called "drumsticks" in English due to their drumstick-like shape – are used as a vegetable in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, prepared much like green beans. The leaves can be eaten cooked, like spinach, or dried and ground into a fine green powder.What the leaves containThe leaves contain chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin C, polyphenols, and isothiocyanates – groups of substances also found in cruciferous plants like broccoli and kale.Good to knowMoringa should not be used by women who are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as certain parts of the plant have traditionally been avoided during pregnancy.UsageDried leaf powder can be mixed with water, juice, tea, or smoothies. Start with a lower dose, such as half a teaspoon, and gradually increase to taste. Store the powder in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain color and aroma. Our organic moringa powder is an example of how the powder is typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Maca – the root from the extreme altitudes of the Andes
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Maca is a root vegetable from the Andes in Peru, growing at altitudes between 4,000 and 4,500 meters. It has been cultivated as a vegetable for over 2,000 years, making it one of the world's highest-altitude cultivated crops.The Legend of the Inca WarriorsAccording to a frequently retold (and unverified) legend, Inca warriors are said to have eaten maca before battle, a story that has been passed down through centuries and is still recounted in connection with the root.Cultivation at Extreme AltitudeMaca grows under some of the toughest cultivation conditions imaginable – cold wind, thin air, and strong UV radiation – which makes it one of very few crops that can thrive at such altitudes.What Maca ContainsThe root contains vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, and B6, as well as calcium, iron, and phosphorus.UsageTake up to 1 teaspoon of gelatinized maca powder in milk, juice, or a smoothie. Gelatinization is a traditional preparation method that makes the root easier to digest. Our organic maca powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Cocoa butter – the fat behind chocolate's melt
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Cocoa butter is the fat from the cocoa bean – a naturally yellowish-white vegetable fat extracted when cocoa liquor is pressed, and is the reason why chocolate melts so characteristically at body temperature.From cocoa bean to chocolateWhen chocolate is made, cocoa butter is separated from the solid cocoa mass, and the two components are then mixed back in different proportions depending on the type of chocolate desired.PropertiesCocoa butter has a long shelf life compared to many other vegetable fats, and a moisturizing consistency that makes it popular in skin products such as soaps, creams and lip balms.UsageCan be applied directly to the skin or used melted in the kitchen as a base for homemade pralines and truffles. Our organic cocoa butter buttons are an example of how it is usually sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
The Story of Schindele's Minerals
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Schindele's Minerals is a mineral supplement originating in Austria in the 1980s, named after its founder. The product is an example of the many mineral-based dietary supplements that became popular in Central Europe during that period.CompositionLike many mineral supplements from that era, the product consists of a mixture of selected minerals in powder form, manufactured according to Austrian tradition.
Superfoods & Herbs
The story of Essiac original elixir
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Essiac is the name of an herbal blend with a colorful history in North American folk medicine. The name "Essiac" is the surname Caisse spelled backward – named after Canadian nurse René Caisse, who began distributing the blend in the 1920s after receiving the recipe from a patient.IngredientsThe classic blend consists of four herbs: burdock root (Arctium Lappa), sheep sorrel (Rumex Acetosella), rhubarb root (Rheum Palmatum), and slippery elm bark (Ulmus Fulva). All are plants with a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine in North America and Europe.A part of alternative medicine historyDuring the 20th century, Essiac became one of the most talked-about examples of alternative herbal blends in North America, and the name lives on today as a historical curiosity in the history of herbal medicine. Modern health authorities have not found scientific support for any medicinal effects of the blend.
Superfoods & Herbs
Sea buckthorn – the berry that ripens with frost
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub that grows wild along coasts in large parts of Europe and Asia, well-adapted to windy, salty coastal environments.Berries that ripen with frostSea buckthorn berries have a long tradition in Nordic cuisine and are so sour that they are traditionally harvested only after frost, as the cold makes them somewhat milder in taste.What sea buckthorn containsSea buckthorn berries contain vitamins C, A, E, and K, as well as omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids.Good to knowSea buckthorn can affect bleeding tendency – discontinue use two weeks before planned surgery.In the kitchenSea buckthorn is traditionally used to make juice, jelly, and marmalade, often mixed with apple to balance the acidity. Our organic sea buckthorn powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Triphala – "the three fruits" in Ayurveda
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Triphala is one of the most well-known herbal blends in Ayurveda and consists of three fruits: amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki. The name simply means "three fruits" in Sanskrit.The three fruitsAmalaki is sour and is the same fruit known as amla in English. Haritaki has an astringent taste and is considered one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Indian medicine, sometimes called "the king of medicinal plants" in ancient texts. Bibhitaki is a legume from a tree that grows in South Asia.HistoryThe blend is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts and is one of the most well-known herbal formulas in that tradition, used for centuries.Usage1 teaspoon daily with warm or lukewarm water, often at bedtime according to tradition. Our organic triphala powder is an example of how it is typically sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Hemp seeds – one of our oldest cultivated plants
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants, with a history of use spanning over 10,000 years in both Asia and Europe.A plant for fiber, not intoxicationThe hemp varieties cultivated for seeds and fiber are specifically bred to contain negligible amounts of THC, unlike varieties grown for other purposes. Industrial hemp has historically been used for ropes, sails, and fabrics – both Christopher Columbus's ships and the early American flag are said to have been made from hemp fabric.From fiber plant to foodUsing the seeds themselves as food is an older practice that has become significantly more common in the Western world in recent years, where hemp seeds are now sold both whole and hulled.What hemp seeds containHemp seeds contain protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.Good to knowPeople with sensitive stomachs may experience loose stools when consuming larger quantities of hemp seeds.In the kitchenHemp seeds have a mild, nutty flavor and are suitable for salads, porridge, and baking, or sprinkled over yogurt. Our hulled hemp seeds are an example of how they are commonly sold.
Superfoods & Herbs
Graviola – the spiky tropical fruit
by pH-balans
on Jun 30 2022
Graviola (Annona muricata), also known as soursop, is a tree that grows naturally in Central America, the West Indies, and tropical parts of Africa.A spiky, exotic fruitThe fruit is large, green, and spiky on the outside, with a white, creamy pulp often described as tasting like a mix of pineapple and strawberry with a slightly sour note.Historical useThe fruit, leaves, and bark have long been used in local traditional medicine in the areas where the tree grows, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean.What graviola containsGraviola contains calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10.Good to knowPregnant and breastfeeding women should not use graviola, as certain substances in the fruit have traditionally been avoided during pregnancy.UseDried and ground into powder, graviola is often mixed into smoothies or other beverages.