Organic Mucuna ground
From regenerative-ecological cultivation in Costa Rica

Mucuna pruriens, sometimes also called itch bean, is a climbing climbing plant that can reach a growth height of up to 18 meters. Growing in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, the plant belongs to the pod family and forms fluffy, hairy pod-like fruits from which the valuable seeds for our Organic Mucuna Powder are taken. Not only the wondrous looking velvet pods, but also its purple flowers make the plant a sensational eye-catcher. The name 'itch bean' is due to its soft hairs, which can cause severe irritation upon contact with the skin. This mechanism serves as the plant's natural protection against predators. However, after the pods have been soaked, they can be used without hesitation and their valuable seeds can be extracted. As one of the oldest known medicinal plants, it has been administered in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4500 years as a remedy for numerous diseases.

Probably the most important active ingredient in Bio Mucuna is L-dopa, a direct precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can account for up to 25% of the seeds. A significant difference from dopamine in terms of efficacy is that L-dopa has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and can therefore act directly in brain cells. In addition, Mucuna contains other biologically active substances, including the mood-boosting hormone serotonin. Furthermore, the seeds ensure that the level of endogenous levodopa (another precursor of dopamine) and the neurotransmitter norepinephrine increases, which ensures attention, alertness and concentration.

In Europe, Mucuna Pruriens is only slowly gaining popularity, but in Ayurvedic medicine its use is already strongly established. By taking the powdered Mucuna seeds, L-dopa is added to the body, allowing the body to produce dopamine within a very short time and measurably increasing the level of this neurotransmitter in the human organism. A release of dopamine in high quantities is accompanied by pleasant feelings of happiness, as a result of which the mood is brightened and physical as well as psychological complaints lose their intensity. In everyday life, the neurotransmitter is released in response to a joyful experience, such as the achievement of a significant goal. Dopamine thus plays a central role in the perception of emotional sensations as well as in the body's own reward system and has a significant influence on our motivation. If the body lacks this substance, lethargy, apathy and concentration difficulties can occur. In addition, it controls coarser movement sequences, involuntary movements and the holding and supporting motor functions. Explained in more detail, the released dopamine moves within the brain in the synaptic clefts and connects there different brain areas with each other, which must be in close exchange for smooth movement processes.

This function makes it a particularly crucial active ingredient for Parkinson's patients. They often have a deficiency of dopamine, so that unwanted movements are triggered while wanted movements cannot be carried out. A supply of L-dopa and the associated increase in dopamine levels can alleviate symptoms of this disease and, if necessary, slow down the course of the disease. According to some sources, the natural L-dopa from the mucuna plant is even more effective than the synthetic version of this active ingredient. This is justified by the fact that mucuna contains other highly effective plant substances that can have a positive influence on the course of the disease.

Due to the direct effect on the brain, various other physical and psychological illnesses can be treated with Bio Mucuna. The mood-enhancing and motivation-enhancing effect is accompanied by euphoric feelings and an increased energy level. Anxiety is alleviated and healthy self-confidence is promoted. Another effect of dopamine is the natural regulation of the day-night rhythm, so that you can benefit from a steady, restful sleep. The reason for this effect is that dopamine stimulates the pineal gland, which in turn controls the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Other benefits of taking it can be increased concentration and a reduction in blood sugar levels.

Through increased energy production in the mitochondria in the brain and the production of the growth hormone HGH by the pituitary gland, one can also benefit from more activity, endurance and an increase in muscle mass, while the storage of fat in tissue cells is reduced. These effects plus the positive influence on psychological well-being also make Mucuna an attractive dietary supplement during menopause. The usually decreasing dopamine production in the brain during this phase, the sluggishness of the hormone metabolism and the resulting loss of muscle and tissue mass can thus be regulated in a natural and supportive way. Furthermore, the mental well-being is supported and the vitality and drive are increased.

Furthermore, Bio Mucuna contributes to healthy cognitive function and supports the metabolism of steroid hormones (e.g. sex hormones) and vitamin D. It can also help regulate general hormonal activity, strengthen the immune system and protect cells through its antioxidant properties.

Due to the numerous different areas of application, Mucuna is used in India for depressive moods, to increase muscle strength as well as for improved stress tolerance. Furthermore, Ayurvedic medicine makes use of the aphrodisiac effect of the seeds of the mucuna fruit. The testosterone level can be increased by the power of the plant and the libido consequently increased. In addition, it is said to make it possible to improve the sperm quality of (infertile) men.

So, in summary, Bio Mucuna is mainly used to improve mood, build muscle mass, maintain healthy movement patterns and provide restful sleep. Another property that is particularly important in Ayurveda is its dosha-balancing effect. Holistic balance represents a central goal of this teaching, which strives for a long, healthy life.

We source our mucuna from Ric's Farm in Costa Rica, near the Pacific coastal town of Uvita. The country is characterized by an incredible fertility and richness, which is reflected in almost endless shades of green and countless species of animals and plants - a Garden of Eden for all botanists and nature lovers.

Driven to create a global movement of positive change and establish new standards of quality in the industry, he and his team are dedicated to the organic regenerative cultivation of diverse precious medicinal plants on approximately 43 hectares of land here. The richness of the soil, the high rainfall rate, and the opportunity to work and learn in an intact and exceedingly vital ecosystem were key drivers for the conscious decision to settle here and establish a farm.

The avoidance of any chemical additives, the conscious selection of natural cultivation aids and the constant thought of reducing waste materials characterize the daily thoughts and actions of the team. Ric has long been particularly interested in the dynamic relationship between humans and the environment and the potential that nature offers us for both our physical and mental health and our spiritual (consciousness) development (be it through the observation of natural principles of nature or through the inner experience of psychoactive substances). A subject that he wants to understand more and more through direct experience and pass on through his active initiative in educational projects. You can find more information about Ric and his farm here.

After the medicinal and spice plants are harvested, Ric and his team carefully process them. First, the plant components used (here the seeds) go to a processing plant, where they are washed and inspected. They are then processed into fine powder. After sterilization, the powder is collected in containers and dried before finally undergoing a final quality test and then being released for consumption. The fact that the seeds are not heated during the entire production process, and that a cold water cooler is used even for the grinding process, means that all of the mucuna's nutrients can be preserved.

The indigenous population of Central America makes holistic use of the mucuna plant. While the leaves and stems of the plant, which also contain active ingredients, are processed into concentrated feed for animals, the plant hairs are processed into itching powder for medicinal use. The seeds of the fruits are consumed by the local people in the sense of the health effects described above, and they are also used in roasted form as an alternative to conventional coffee.

Our Mucuna Pruriens powder can be added to any beverages and smoothies and should be taken on an empty stomach if possible. It can give your cacao a pleasant nutty and slightly bitter note. If desired, you can of course balance this with a natural sweeteners of your choice.

For the intake of our mucuna powder it is recommended to take an initial dose of a good pinch. Subsequently, special attention should be paid to the effect; if there are noticeable fluctuations in mood, the dose should be reduced. After about a week, the dosage can be slowly and gradually increased up to half a teaspoon, if desired.

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