Tonic Herb of the Month

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a shaggy mushroom that grows on deciduous hardwood trees. It can be found in the Fall, and it looks like an upside down mop head or a Muppet-version of Cousin It.

Lion’s mane is delicious when sauteed, baked or added to soups.

As a medicinal mushroom, it is best-known for its effects on cognitive function.

Actions & Benefits: antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune amphoteric, and nootropic.

Nootropic is another world for neuro-regenerative. It promotes nerve growth & repair, which supports memory and protects the brain from injury & toxins, and prevents neuro-degenerative conditions. Traditionally lion’s mane was considered a whole body tonic that nourishes the organs and promotes overall strength & vigor.

Studies have shown lion’s mane to protect against stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, dementia, nerve damage, gastritis and gastric ulcers* (Christopher Hobbs).

Its anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulating and liver protective properties make lion’s mane appropriate for a variety of ailments, including gastric ulcers, cancer, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue and neurodegenerative diseases.* Most medicinal mushrooms will prevent these same conditions, but what makes lion’s mane unique is its effect on nerve growth & repair, which is attributed to the constituents known as hericenone & erinacine.

Safety: the only contraindication is a mushroom allergy. Lion’s mane and most medicinal mushrooms are considered food-grade and safe to consume daily at moderate-large doses.

Dosage: 1 -1.5 grams per day (approx. 500 mg or 1 tsp. of powder three x a day). If you’re eating it fresh, 3-15 grams per day is enough.

Preparations: the fresh fruiting body is excellent when sliced and sauteed, baked or added to soups. The dried mushroom can be decocted, tinctured in alcohol or ground into a powder.

You can find lion’s mane powder in our Matcha Latte Blend

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 4th ~ Freshly Foraged Herbal Pestos, Dips & Vinegars

As part of Bailey’s Food as Medicine Series, this class will focus on how to enhance the flavor and vitality of your meals by adding freshly foraged herbs in a variety of delicious & nutrient dense ways.

3 pm- 5 pm

Register Here 

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Herbal Beauty Workshop Series

Hey beauties! Let’s make some herbal beauty products for your face, body and hair.

4:00 -5:15 pm on the following Saturdays:

May 3rd: beetroot eyeshadow & a matcha face mask

May 10th: rose blush & a cinnamon lip-plumping scrub

June 7th: rollerball lip oils & a turmeric face-brightening mask/spot treatment

June 14th: marshmallow root hair detangler & castor oil brow/lash serum

Register Here

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Community Medicine Making Circles

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with Jen Halima

Come create botanical medicine and explore the foundations of herbalism. Build a home apothecary from locally grown herbs. You will make herbal oils, syrups, tea blends, tonics, nourishing treats and more! And you’ll get to take something home that we make together.

6 Classes, Starting April 26th

Register Here

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SAVE THE DATE

Tonic’s 9 Year Anniversary

May 18th

We’ll be offering 20% off all retail products + our friend Cree will be offering an AstroHerbalism workshop. Come for a complimentary cup of tea and learn about the astrological influences of herbs!

Register for the AstroHerbalism Class Here

Hope to see you there!

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MOTHER’S DAY TEA CEREMONY

with Silvy Franco

Join Silvy for a meditative ceremony to commune with Camelia sinensis. Ceremony begins at 10:00 am and goes for an hour. Pre-registration is required. Suggested Donation: $20

Register Here