Pearl

To be honest, I don’t have an unfavorite herb this category. I love them all. The fact that we have so many of these wonderful herbs that are so supportive to our bodies in times of stress testifies of the goodness of this earth and it’s Creators

Pearl – it really is a girl’s best friend.

If you aren’t familiar with this herb/mineral outside of a beautiful piece of jewelry, I’m excited to help you understand its true value.

Pearl is powerfully anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and purifying.

For thousands of years its been treasured for its ability to purify the skin – beautifying through both internal and external use.

It’s also an amazingly absorbable source of calcium and many other minerals including magnesium, zinc, iron, strontium, copper, selenium, silicon and dozens of amino acids that calm the nervous system and provide restorative properties.

In fact, modern research has confirmed that Pearl powder contains over 30 different trace minerals and elements. The many amino acids found in Pearl powder improve cell metabolism and increase circulation.

Medicinal pearls are generally grown in fresh water then specially processed for 120 hours to increase their bioavailability.

Just in case you are wondering – they are considered “herbs”, but as you have probably guessed, they are full of minerals. You’ll see several of those types of herbal minerals in this lesson.

Pearl has been shown to help both repair cellular damage and prevent cellular damage, creating restoration at the deepest levels.

Pearl is both a restorative tonic and a Shen tonic because of its ability to uplift, soothe and “relieve uneasiness of the heart and mind”. It’s a key ingredient in many of traditional formulas that are beneficial for women.

I love using pearl powder by itself as a mix in for hot chocolate, smoothies, truffles and more.

But I love it even more in formula.

I’ve seen it’s benefits in some really intense places.

Let me give you some background:

If you’ve ever spent much time working with or serving the homeless population, you probably know that PTSD is linked to homelessness in many ways.

One of the pivotal parts of my training was with the East West Free Clinic which started as a service to the Santa Cruz Homeless Shelter. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we needed more tools to help so many with the symptoms that come with trauma.

Our director, Dr Michael Tierra, OMD, Lac, came across an ancient formula called An Shen Bu Xin Wan that was indicated for many of the symptoms we were seeing. Once we were able to begin offering that formula in our clinic, we saw benefits immediately. Many of those we served came back the next month asking for it specifically.

I now have a custom version of that formula made for my clients through KW botanicals because most modern formulas are now made with pearl shell (which is also calming) because I can’t imagine doing my work without it.

However, the most similar retail formula I’ve found is from Dragon Herbs. Their Pearl Shen formula contains many of the herbs I am highlighting in this shen tonic series.

Looking for good quality pearl powder?

You can purchase pearl powder directly from Jing Herbs. they are the brand I currently use in my home. But I’ve also used Pearl powder from Dragon Herbs . They also have a lovely tea called Pearl Shen Elixir that is a fantastic calming tea full of all the properties I’ve mentioned above.

Jing Herbs has what’s called a Goddess pack, its a combination of formulas that come in little packets to take each day.

it’s three sets of herbal formulas: The first set is a combination of herbs that promote skin health and overall nourishment.

the second set is a combination of herbs for your hair and liver

the final pack is a combination of Pearl and Maca for lustrous health, calmness, beauty and energy.

We’ll talk about Maca in another lesson, but if you are looking for a complete set, that’s a wonderful way to nourish the Heart, Body and Mind.

Moon Juice is another company that produces fresh water pearl powder.

My Reishi Hot Cacao is next level with a small scoop of pearl powder.

You can download the basic recipe here (just add a 1/2 tsp of pearl powder).