Meet Allie.

Allie Mason Hoffberg is the founder of The Health Mason, LLC., an Instagram and blog aimed at empowering women to live healthier, more nutritious, and well-balanced lives. On her blog & Instagram, Allie shares snippets of her everyday life, highlighting her love of cleaner beauty, less-toxic living, wellness, style, home, eats and more.

Allie’s passion for health and wellness fuels her drive to find simple solutions to eating well, and to live a life based on holistic foundations. Allie lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband Yale, son Miles and their rescue pup, Buzz.

The Power of Potions: My Favorite Sun Potion Products

The Power of Potions: My Favorite Sun Potion Products

I have been using Sun Potion products for QUITE some time now, and I can say they have changed my wellness routine, and can bravely say they’ve changed my life.  Here’s a little background story for you:

Towards the end of my time in high school, I developed an eating disorder (more into that later), which I believe can be credited towards weakening my immune system.  In college, I was CONSTANTLY battling a cold, bronchitis, laryngitis, Mono (twice), and constant fatigue. While I should mention that my lifestyle definitely was a bit less wellness-focused than it is now, I certainly ate as healthy as I could. People would even say to me, “But you eat SO healthy, how are you always sick?!”… like I had a reasonable answer for them.

I’m not entirely sure how I stumbled upon Sun Potion to be honest.  Perhaps I discovered them while reading a post on Free + Native or through this YouTube video from Shiva Rose. Additionally, my friend Rixey helped me pick specific potions at first, through her time working at CAP Beauty. Of course now Sun Potion products are all over our Instagram feeds, and they have certainly become trendy in the social media realm. But for good reason. These products WORK. Long before we turned to antibiotics and drugs for “healing”, our ancestors turned to many of the products now found beautifully produced by Sun Potion.  I think Scott and Nitsa (the founder and creative director of the brand) encapsulate modern wellness and alternative healing. It was their deep understanding of the products that really drew me towards them, their brand and the brand’s message.

You may be wondering, what are these “adaptogens” or strange herbs? Scott defines them (as mentioned in the video above) as “herbs that should be taken in small servings, over a long period of time, to enhance our adaptability and response to stressors.” Additionally, he mentions that the products help balance your system if taken regularly.

If you aren’t sold yet, here is my list of my favorite Sun Potion products.  I am so dedicated to SP due to the quality of their products, and the care in which they take to acquire the goods.  How should you consume these herbs? Good question! I get them into my system a number of ways, and it really is all about what works for you. Personally, I try to consume my adaptogens on a daily basis. Be it in a smoothie (great for those sensitive to the earthy taste of the potions) or in a tea (simply hot water, and ¼ teaspoon of each potion). Here is a list of the Sun Potion products I currently use.  Please feel free to shoot me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions you have!

He Shou Wu

He Shou Wu was one of the first products I purchased from Sun Potion, and it has been a staple in my smoothies/teas ever since.  He Shou Wu, like the other herbs listed, has a number of health benefits. He Shou Wu is a blood-building and anti-aging herb, which can help replenish and promote red blood cells. Additionally, it increases both antioxidant activity and can boost your immune system. I like to mix He Shou Wu, Ashwagandha and Chaga when I feel a cold coming on. This concoction really seems to help kick it! He Shou Wu is also known for its nourishing properties and is great for those suffering from hair loss.  For a great article on the benefits of He Shou Wu, check out Free + Native’s post here.

Ashwagandha

I think Ashwagandha is one of the best adaptogens any woman can start with, especially if you are new to the world of ayurvedic herbs. I must warn you, on its own, Ashwagandha does NOT taste great. It has a very bitter and pretty earthy taste. If you are going to purchase this product, I recommend mixing it with others or adding it to a smoothie.

Ashwagandha in Sanskrit translates to “the odor of the horse”, which implies a horses stamina and vigor. This is a great potion to take for an energy boost, yet also helps keep your body at ease with it’s abilities to connect the mind-body-spirit relationship. This herb is a great stress reducer, and can be a great natural anti-depressant. Ashwagandha is great for boosting the immune system through its antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Chaga

I turn to the Chaga mushroom when I am feeling off, or like I have a cold or something coming on. This thing must have magical powers. It is a GREAT addition to bone broth, mixed with ginger, garlic, avocado and ghee. Highly recommend. It is, after all, known as the “King of Plants” or the “King Healer Mushroom”.

As I mentioned above, Chaga is known for its immune-boosting properties. Chaga is full of Beta-D-Glucans, which help balance the immune system (i.e. if you’re getting sick, it’ll help fight the cold faster).  Similarly, the mushroom is full of B-vitamins, which can be a great source of energy…especially if you’re someone like me who struggles to wake up in the morning. This potion is best consumed in warm drinks to get it’s full healing benefits.

Reishi

Reishi mushroom, like Chaga, is a great option for immunity defense. Since it has a slightly stronger taste, I find myself adding it to my smoothies, rather than in my herbal teas. It is also a great option to help manage stress. A great detoxifier, this mushroom could be a good option for you if you find yourself feeling gross after a weekend of a few less than perfect health decisions. You’ll be impressed by it’s incredible healing powers.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is one of my faves and makes its way into each of my smoothies because of all the amazing benefits. Prior to taking cordyceps (and SP products in general), I would get bronchitis every few months. For some reason, my body was so susceptible to it! But, I knew cordyceps would be PERFECT for me because gives relief to and prevents bronchitis.

Cordyceps is also a great adaptogen to use if you need an energy boost. It can help with athletic endurance and can contribute to muscle definition. Helloooooo post-workout smoothie!! If you are starting with adaptogens, I would start with ashwagandha as well as cordyceps. 

Moringa

Moringa was one of the first SP products I bought. Given the name of the “miracle tree”, moringa has a wide range of vitamins and nutrients that are so great for you. Moringa is rich in vitamins B, C, D and E. It also contains Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Selenium and Magnesium. I find that it gives my digestion a nice boost, especially when added to my morning smoothie. Sun Potion’s website recommends adding it to tea, but I just find it’s easiest to toss ¼ tsp in my morning smoothie.  It is also a great addition to a green smoothie because it can help relieve anxiety, which is SO important to me. I try to get as many greens in my body throughout the day as possible, so moringa is perfect for that!

Pine Pollen

Pine Pollen is noted for its libido-boosting powers (sorry Mom). A potent aphrodisiac, pine pollen is also known for being a great hormone balancer for both men and women.  Not only is it a known aphrodisiac, it is FULL of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B-Carotene, B1, B2, B3, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, E, and minerals calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and more. Basically, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be taking pine pollen.

Mucuna Pruriens

Here’s the deal: Mucuna is known as the “Dopamine bean” meaning this powder extract contains 15% of L-DOPA, the precursor to Dopamine. If you’re like me, and occasionally find yourself having sad or down days, Mucuna is the right adaptogen for you. Mucuna is known to enhance brain function, as well as soothe the Nervous System. And since it contains 15% L-DOPA, this adaptogen can help boost your well-being as well as elevate your mood. Consider it your all natural anti-depressant, and who doesn’t want to be happier?

Yin Power

Yin Power was my latest SP purchase, and it is certainly my favorite. It is a great place to start if you are new to Sun Potion, or if you want to try a variety of products. This has a beautiful blend of adaptogens, and is specifically designed for women. I’d highly recommend this blend if you are unsure as to where to start with Sun Potion. Absolutely worth the price, and it comes in a HUGE jar.

 Tocos

Tocos is listed on Sun Potion’s website as the “Ultimate Skin Food” because of its abilities to help promote healthy skin and connective tissues. Made from the bran of organic brown rice, it is the perfect creamy, vanilla (ish) addition to any coffee or tea. I like to add 1 heaping tablespoon to any of my potion teas, and made even creamier with a scoop of coconut butter in there as well. Yum. Tocos are rich in vitamins E, A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, Folic acid, biotin, as well as minerals calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper and more. It, like most of the Sun Potion products, is great for the immune system, and would be the perfect addition to anyone’s tea collection.

For more information on tocos (tocotrienols), check out THIS article. 

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

Turmeric-Ginger Iced Elixir

Turmeric-Ginger Iced Elixir