This supplement was created to soothe + recuperate your overworked nervous system, elevating you above the anxiety, melancholy, + daily stresses of life.
UPLIFT supports the regulation of cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to feelings of burnout and chronic anguish. Formulated with five adaptogenic herbs + two types of sea moss, its potency increases through consistent dosage.
Made using vegan capsules.
Recommended Usage: 3 capsules, every morning.
Out of stock
Ingredients
Organic From India
ASHWAGANDHA
Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Withania somnifera
Main Actions
- Acts as an adaptogen to support a healthy response to stress
- Improved memory
- Mild sedation
Other Actions
- Antioxidant
- Anticonvulsant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Fever reduction
- Pain reduction
Description
Ashwagandha, otherwise known as Withania somnifera, has a very long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient system of botanical medicine from India. The word Ashwagandha means smell of the horse, as it was said to gift humans with the strength, vigor, and vitality of a strong and powerful horse. A member of the nightshade family, related to potatoes, tomatoes and peppers, it thrives in dryer areas, and is native to India and the Middle East.
In modern botanical medicine, it is known as an adaptogen, an herb that allows you to respond well to any form of stress, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. A recent randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study suggested that Ashwagandha’s stress-relieving effects are mediated through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), a vital system implicated in stress and the human “fight or flight” response.
Ashwagandha has also been shown to normalize cortisol levels, as well as inhibiting a recently identified stress-activated enzyme (c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase-1). There is increasing interest in Ashwagandha for other effects as well, particularly for stress-related disorders like sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety.
Additionally, Ashwagandha has shown promise in reducing the signs and consequences of aging, as well as having neuroprotective effects that could be effective in preventing and treating various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A group of substances known as withanolides are a major constituent of Ashwagandha and have been shown to act as cholinesterase inhibitors— potentially increasing neurotransmitter levels. This is beneficial because decreased levels of neurotransmitters have been linked to memory loss and cognitive deterioration in dementia patients.
In one study, Ashwagandha improved attention, executive functions such as decision-making and critical thinking skills, and information processing speeds in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Ashwagandha possesses immunomodulatory properties, and may have antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities, among other benefits.
Ashwagandha is generally used in the form of capsules or powder.
Wildcrafted From Croatia
Blue Vervain
American blue verbena, Holy herb, Mosquito plant
Main Actions
- Acts to calm depression, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed
- Nervine: Soothes and supports the central nervous system
- Promotes healing (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal)
- Reduces swelling and inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
Other Actions
- Aids with sleeplessness
- Assists with pain management (analgesic)
- Promotes healthy digestion and calms diarrhea
- Provides menstruation support by reducing bloating and pain
Description
Blue Vervain, scientifically known as Verbena hastata, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Verbena family. The plant has either a green or red hairy stalk, with blue-purple petals that develop in clusters on the stalk. Found naturally in worldwide wetlands, or in areas close to water, Egyptian mythology explained that whenever the goddess Isis (goddess of healing and magic) cried, Vervain would grow in the place where her tears fell to earth. Blue vervain is native to the northern United States and Canada, while other members of the Verbena family grow worldwide.
Blue Vervain is a nervine, which is defined as an herbal medicine that is used to nourish and strengthen the central nervous system. One of the many benefits of nervines is that the more you use them, the more effective they become in helping to restore and energize a stressed or anxious nervous system. Blue vervain is also classified as an adaptogen, specifically targeting anxiety. This means Blue Vervain can be used to calm anxiety, relieve depression, and counter a sense of feeling overwhelmed.
Traditionally used as an antibiotic and anti-tuberculosis remedy, Blue Vervain has also been used to treat fevers, as a general tonic, as a diuretic (water pill) to reduce swelling, and when combined with chamomile and other herbs, to treat diarrhea in children. The leaves and flowers contain verbascoside, verbenalin, beta-sitosterol, ursolic and oleanolic acids.
In a recent review, Blue Vervain was listed as having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, analgesic, antioxidant and antifungal properties, as well as showing efficacy in the treatment of GI disorders linked with diarrhea and irregular periods in women. Some traditional herbalists employ Blue Vervain for upper respiratory infections and as an expectorant.
Healing properties can be found in nearly every part of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and roots.
In the United States, Verbena has been given GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation.
Wildcrafted From Mexico
Damiana
Hierba de la Pastora, Old Woman's Broom, Turnera diffusa
Main Actions
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased sexual function and interest
Other Actions
- Antibacterial
- Assists in the reduction of blood sugar levels
- Soothing to Digestive system
Description
Damiana, also known as Turnera diffusa or Turnera aphrodisiaca, is a small shrub with bright yellow flowers, native to southern parts of the United States, Central America, and South America. The Guaycura people of Mexico used Damiana for centuries as an aphrodisiac, a calming agent, a mood enhancer, and as a urinary tract tonic, among other uses. Historical evidence suggests that ancient Mayan priests used Damiana in their rituals to improve meditation and divination skills.
Damiana leaves contain a variety of plant substances include flavonoids, terpenes, beta-sitosterol’s and compounds including apigenin, limonene, alpha- and beta-pinenes, and luteolin. This combination of substances has been demonstrated to help with blood sugar control and ulcer healing. Also credited with increasing blood flow, which could potentially explain the aphrodisiac effects, it appears to relieve stress, improve mood, and encourage relaxation.
Apigenin is believed to be the “active” component in anxiety reduction. Apigenin is a flavone found in many plants in the aster and mint families, and has many benefits that contribute to an overall sense of well-being. It is anti-inflammatory, induces cell death in some cancer cell lines, and acts as an antioxidant. Most significantly, it also acts to inhibit GABA-receptors in the central nervous system to mediate its anti-anxiety effects.6,8 Because GABA receptors tend to “down-regulate” nerve signals, apigenin-induced inhibition and perhaps elimination of this “down-regulation” could help explain Damiana’s anti-anxiety effects.
Damiana can be made into a tea, tincture, or infused into a sweet Mexican liqueur.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Some studies suggest that Damiana extract, and its anti-aromatase activity, help the body stop the conversion of some testosterone to estrogen, thereby increasing testosterone levels in those designated male at birth
- In trials using a combination of Arginine and Damiana, pre- and post-menopausal women, “experience significant improvement in desire and sexual responsiveness after 4 to 6 weeks of daily use”
- In another trial, a combination of Korean ginseng, damiana, arginine, and ginkgo biloba was shown to improve the sexual function in those designated women at birth, possibly by increasing nitric oxide levels leading to increased blood flow
With this knowledge in mind, anyone considering, or currently undergoing hormone treatment, should speak to their medical practitioner before beginning any herbal supplement that contains Damiana.
In the United States, Damiana has been given GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation.
Organic From China
Reishi Mushroom
Ganoderma lingzhi, Mushroom of Immortality
Main Actions
- Antidepressant
- Immune system modulator
Other Actions
- Antioxidant
- Assists in the reduction of blood pressure levels
- Potential anti-cancer agent
- Supports overall metabolism
Description
For more than 2,000 years, the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Lingzhi. The earliest written record of the use of Reishi as a medicine comes from the Han dynasty, dating back to the 3rd century, CE. Also known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” and the “elixir of life,” it grows on downed hardwoods like Oak, Elm or Maple in warmer regions. A large mushroom with a shiny, swirled red-orange surface, it can be found growing in China, Southern Pacific regions, and in the southern parts of Europe and the United States.
Recent studies indicate that the primary active components of Reishi appear to be alpha- and beta-glucans and triterpenes, which provide immunological stimulation that can have antioxidant, antiviral, blood sugar and blood pressure lowering, and potentially, anti-cancer qualities.
In TCM, immune modulation is thought to improve the body’s resistance to disease. This immunomodulation appears to be dependent on the alpha- and beta-glucans that stimulate the production of cellular messengers (cytokines) from immune cells—these cytokines in turn enhance the production of various other modulatory cellular messengers. ,
More recently, in preliminary clinical (human) studies, Reishi has shown promise in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. In one study, where depression was not an area of intended focus, it found that in breast cancer patients, there were significant improvements in both anxiety and depression after using Reishi for 4 weeks.
According to a recent review of the medicinal potential for Reishi, “the pharmacological potential was observed in diabetes, inflammation, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, cancer, anxiety, sedation, cardiac diseases, depression, hepatic diseases, and immune disorders; however, most of the studies are preclinical with a number of drawbacks.” In other words, despite the fact that Reishi mushroom offers a wide range of benefits that have been documented for over 2,000 years, the scientific community has yet to commit the resources necessary to support what cultural, historical, and ancestral knowledge confirms.
The Reishi mushroom’s body and mycelium (network of threads) are utilized whole, or dried and used as powders and extracts.
Wildcrafted From St. Lucia
SEA MOSS
Carrageen moss, Chondrus crispus, Irish Moss
Main Actions
- Combats fatigue and boosts energy levels
- Improves mood
- Promotes the development of a healthy gut microbiome by acting as a prebiotic
- Supports a healthy immune system
Other Actions
- Enhances joint function
- Improves libido
- Improves appearance and health of skin
- Provides nutritional support for overall health
Description
Chondrus crispus, commonly known as Irish Moss and Carrageenan, is a seaweed with flat leaves and a reddish-purple tint. It usually grows only in the colder waters found in North Atlantic coastlines. Chondrus crispus, the rarest variety of Sea Moss, has the shortest growing season of all strains, with extremely specialized growing conditions – it only grows along rocky and cold coastlines.
Ireland is home to an extensive coastline that boasts these exact conditions, and during times of extreme famine, the Irish would turn to Irish Moss as a much-needed nutritional food source. Beginning in the 1600’s, and extending into the late 1800’s, an influx of Irish nationals began arriving in the Caribbean. It was through this migration that Caribbean Sea Moss, Gracilaria, came to be mistakenly called “Irish Sea Moss,” as Irish immigrants substituted this strain for the Sea Moss grown in their native waters.
Gracilaria is a tropical strain that differs from Chondrus crispus in numerous ways. It is characterized by thinner leaves, a sunny golden yellow color, and is native to the Caribbean’s warmer seas. With a much longer growing season, as well as the ability to grow on many surfaces, Gracilaria lends itself to sustainable farming in tropical environments worldwide.
Taken together, Chondrus crispus and Gracilaria provide several essential elements that sustain and nourish the human body. These seaweeds are a “rich source of bioactive molecules with potential as nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, fine chemicals and enzymes.” Both Chondrus crispus and Gracilaria provide numerous minerals needed by our bodies for optimal function, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, iodine, and zinc, among others. Both strains also contain Vitamins A, thiamin, riboflavin, B12, C, D, E and K. , As with any natural product, the exact level of nutrients, vitamins and minerals varies based on environmental conditions at the time of its growth.,
Due to the high mineral and vitamin content found in these types of Sea Mosses, they have been used to support a healthy immune system, provide the prebiotics and fiber needed to create and maintain a healthy gut microbiome, raise energy levels, improve mood, enhance joint function, increase libido levels, and improve the appearance of skin, among other benefits.
Furthermore, Carrageenan, a dietary extract found in Chondrus and Gracilaria, has been shown to have antimicrobial, blood-sugar reducing, and blood lipid (fat) decreasing properties in addition to supporting the immune system., There is also some evidence that it inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Organic From Bulgaria
Lemon Balm
Bee balm, Cure-all, Dropsy plant, Honey plant, Melissa officinalis, Sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
Main Actions
- Aids in calming, improving mood, and reducing anxiety
- Aids in increasing alertness and memory
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
Other Actions
- Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral
- Lipid-lowering
- Lowers TSH and thyroid hormone levels
Description
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the same family of plants (Lamiaceae) that includes mint, basil, sage, oregano, and thyme. The plant has a light lemony scent and while native to southern Europe, it is now found throughout the world. Melissa comes from the Greek word meli, meaning “bee,” as the nectar of this prolific summer flower attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Used for centuries in many traditional medicines, with records dating at least to 300 BCE, Lemon Balm’s uses vary widely. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend lemon balm for skin conditions, and to delay signs of aging. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is called Xiang Feng Cao, and used to calm, soothe, and reduce stress. Today, several clinical studies echo the historical knowledge of this medicinal herb and have indicated that Lemon Balm increases a sense of calm, improves memory and alertness, and reduces anxiety.,
The therapeutic qualities of Lemon Balm are primarily derived from the plant’s leaf. Extracts of the leaf contain flavonoids, monoterpenoids, polyphenols, and triterpenoids. Research has indicated that these substances have several different actions including:
- Neurologic effects including calming, memory enhancement, and anti-anxiety properties – In one study, it was found that Lemon Balm reduced anxiety in 95% of patients, and helped with sleeplessness.
- Antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal effects – Lemon Balm can inhibit the growth and replication of various bacteria, fungi (eg. Candida species), and viruses.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Rosemarinic acid, a component of Lemon Balm, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects in arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma and atopic dermatitis.
- Lipid- lowering effects – Geraniol, found in Lemon Balm, decreases total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Antioxidant actions – Oxidative stress can damage cells, tissues, and organs – thus the need for antioxidants. In lab tests, Lemon Balm has been shown to minimize oxidative damage.
CONSIDERATIONS
Lemon Balm can decrease thyroid hormones by decreasing the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and should be used cautiously in those with a history of hypothyroid disease.
Our Process
MPI is committed to purchasing whole herbs from either certified organic or wildcrafted suppliers. This also entails working to ensure that we are sourcing from suppliers that sustainably farm and/or wildcraft with renewable practices, seeking to replenish and protect their natural environments.