Turmeric and Lions Mane by Ancient Nutrition

What is TCM?

The Traditional Chinese Method (TCM) is a system of wellness that dates back more than 2,000 years and is still practiced today. It works on the belief that Qi (which loosely translates to vital energy and is pronounced chee) is essential for overall health. TCM principles adhere to the idea that proper Qi is needed to keep all systems in balance.

This ties into the concept of yin and yang, defined as opposing but complementary energies. According to TCM, like Qi, yin and yang negatively affect your health when they're out of balance. That being said, a primary goal of TCM involves balancing their equalizing relationship.

One of the ways to do that involves using specific superfoods and herbs. TCM superfoods and superherbs aim to support the overall health of the systems of the body. TCM aims to create balance in the body as a whole to promote wellness and Qi. When the yin and yang aspects of Qi are harmonized and balanced out, a person typically experiences wellbeing.

How is TCM different than Ayurveda?

Both TCM and Ayurveda approach the body in a balancing way. They both address energy flow, circulation and balance in the body. For instance, that energy is referred to as Qi in TCM and prana in Ayurveda.

While there is overlap in some of the botanicals used in both TCM and Ayurveda, each tradition also utilizes specific plants and foods. Ayurveda was born out of India, so often recommends traditional herbs and foods widely available in that region. TCM often focuses on botanicals and fungi more readily available in China. While TCM may utilize more animal products, Ayurveda does tend to recommend more dairy, like ghee, compared to TCM.

In essence, TCM and Ayurveda are different ways to approach wellness and balance from different regions of the world.

Why aren’t your products labeled as being “dairy-free” or “nut free"?

Our products do not contain dairy, grains, nuts or soy; however, they are manufactured in facilities that may carry these allergens. This being said, all of our manufacturing partners are required to have and follow a thorough Allergen Program. The Allergen Program is to prevent the cross contamination of raw materials and processing of finished goods, where allergens may be present. Simply put, when it comes to our products and our suppliers, we follow industry best practices for full transparency and accuracy concerning our products. Therefore, where applicable for our products, we use the wording “made without dairy" and "made without nuts"

What is lion’s mane mushroom?

Known in Latin as Hericium erinaceus, lion’s mane is native to North America, Europe and Asia, although it’s not cultivated widely in areas outside of Asia. It’s sometimes referred to as Hedgehog Mushroom, Yamabushitake or Houtou, and it belongs to the tooth fungus, or hydnoid fungi group.

Lion’s mane mushrooms have long, dangling spines that are usually greater than a centimeter in length. Unlike most mushroom species, whose spines project from a branch, the spines of Hericium erinaceus project outward, giving it that unique look of a lion’s mane. These mushrooms grow on both living and dead broadleaf trees and are common in the late summer and fall months.