Fayston Forager, LLC

Ethically Wild-Harvested Japanese Knotweed Tincture, and more...

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Here’s to a Healthy Holiday Season!

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Fayston Forager’s Health Defense 2-Pack is a great gift for those who may benefit from immune-boosting, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory support during the holiday season. 

Fayston Forager’s Japanese Knotweed tincture has even made it on Rosemary Gladstar’s 15 Recommendations to Boost Immunity! Here’s what one customer says about Fayston Forager’s tinctures:

“I have remained healthy through 3 rounds of highly contagious respiratory illness in my family of 4 by taking a 1/2 tsp. of Japanese Knotweed tincture and 1/4 tsp. of Chaga tincture a day – along with eating clean and living well.  By taking an extra 1/4 tsp. of Chaga tincture, I feel comfortable and moving freely on those low pressure, high humidity pre-storm days when my old joint injuries tend to flare up.  These are impeccably processed powerful medicinals.  Feel the love in each drop!”


Order online, or for a list of shops that carry Fayston Forager products, scroll down this page.

Benefits of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) include:
• Provides immune support
• As an adaptogen, it helps your body manage stress
• Helps suppress tumors
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Helps lower cholesterol
• Helps lower blood sugar
• and more…

Benefits of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) include:

• Helps fight bacterial/viral/fungal/spirochetal infections
• Eases Lyme symptoms
• Reduces arthritis pain and swelling
• Promotes cardiovascular health
• Promotes cognitive health
• Increases blood flow, especially to heart, joints, eyes, skin
• and more…

Be well and thank you for supporting small, independent businesses!

Marge
Fayston Forager

“Snow”vember = 15% off 8 oz bottles!

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When you pick the last calendula flower of the season one day, then shovel six inches of snow the next day, it’s notable.  In celebration of “Snow”vember, 8 oz bottles of Fayston Forager’s Japanese Knotweed and Chaga tinctures are 15% off the already reduced Fall sale prices. As always, shipping is FREE! (Use code 8ozSALE15%) Best deal: The Health Defense 2-pack!  * The “Snow”vember 8 oz bottle online sale ends November 30th. 

Keep you, your family, and friends healthy this holiday season by integrating the immune boosting and anti-microbial benefits of these two potent tinctures into your health regime.  The 8 oz bottles can be used to refill smaller bottles with droppers, or simply pour the desired amount into a spoon, using this conversion chart as a guide (hint: scroll down page for a handy chart; an 8 oz bottle can keep you and your family healthy for a good while).

Fayston Forager’s Japanese Knotweed tincture uses only individually selected, vibrant, old-growth rhizomes, with harvest timed for maximum medicinal value.  As the rhizomes are fresh-processed and hand-shaved, utilizing only the most vital parts of the rhizome, the resulting tincture is very potent and only half your prescribed dosage may be necessary.  Always start with small doses and work up to the prescribed dosage.

Benefits of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) include:

  • Helps fight bacterial/viral/fungal/spirochetal infections
  • Eases Lyme symptoms
  • Reduces arthritis pain and swelling
  • Promotes cardiovascular health
  • Promotes cognitive health
  • Increases blood flow, especially to heart, joints, eyes, skin
  • and more…

Chaga has excellent health benefits as well and is known as “The King of Mushrooms”.  This slow growing mushroom is processed following a labor-intensive triple-extraction protocol to capture maximum medicinal properties.  The Chaga is always sustainably and carefully harvested with deep respect for their host trees.  Only small amounts are harvested each year.  

Benefits of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) include:

  • Provides immune support
  • As an adaptogen, it helps your body manage stress
  • Helps suppress tumors
  • Anti-microbial
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Helps lower cholesterol 
  • Helps lower blood sugar 
  • and more…

Stay healthy this season!

Marge,
Fayston Forager

Fayston Forager Radio Interview

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In April of this year, when the sky and earth were rather gray, I took a deep breath and agreed to be interviewed on Geri Procaccini’s “4H” (Health, Harmony, Happiness, Humor) show on WMRW. If you’re interested in hearing a bit of the backstory of Fayston Forager, and general knotweed chatter, here’s the link:

Energy Testing: A Step Beyond Intuition

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When my sister’s breast cancer returned in her bones, stage 4, she integrated holistic and allopathic treatments. She is now cancer free. Yay!!

My sister works with both traditional medical doctors and a naturopathic doctor for her treatments. Under the care of her doctors, my sister integrated Fayston Forager’s Chaga and Japanese Knotweed Tinctures into her healing protocols. Note: always consult with your health care provider when adding supplements to your healing protocols.

When implementing various remedies, it is helpful to know which interventions and dosages are most beneficial for each individual, especially when taking a variety of medicinals, as individual needs will be different. Here’s where energy testing can be a very useful tool. Fortuitously, my sister’s good friend Marci Zampi is very proficient at energy testing, and even teaches a video course on the subject. Marci assisted my sister with energy testing for optimal dosages. For example, while undergoing chemo treatment, using energy testing, my sister tested for taking 1 tsp or 4 dropperfuls of Fayston Forager’s Chaga tincture 3 times per day. Later on, after treatments ended and healing was well underway, she tested for taking 1 tsp or 4 dropperfuls of Chaga tincture once per day. (A dropperful is about 1/4 teaspoon.)

Marci points out that anyone can become proficient at energy testing. At first glance, energy testing (or “dowsing” or “muscle testing”, as it’s sometimes called) can appear “woo-woo”. Set aside your pre-judgments and consider the times you’ve paid attention to your intuition. Energy testing is simply an enhanced way to tune into your body’s inner knowing, or intuition, about what is best for you.

Marci notes that to become proficient at energy testing, first one must be “hydrated” and “grounded”. Next, learn the techniques and select the type of energy testing method that works best for you. Learn how to ask questions in a manner that makes energy testing most useful. Then practice, practice, practice.

A homemade pendulum: a rock on a string.

Marci’s course provides clear instructions on how to tune into your own inner wisdom, to help you make the best choices for your well-being, and if you mention Fayston Forager you’ll get a 20% discount off her already low-cost class ($25 USD) along with personal assistance while you learn the techniques. Email Marci at [email protected] to register and be sure to add “Energy Testing Course” in subject. Also, Fayston Forager’s spring sale is in effect through the summer solstice and no coupon is needed. But if you’ve read this far, you can receive an additional 10% off with the coupon ENERGY.

Be well!

Marge

Fayston Forager

Another Mother to Honor

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As a child, I liked to find the tallest pine tree in the woods nearby and climb as high as I could.  I loved to feel the sway of the tree and to look over the beautiful land from that great height.  This vision of the earth felt like a welcoming, embracing, feminine – even divine – entity.

Mother Earth. 

Another “Mother” I’ve come to honor and respect is the Japanese Knotweed plant. As most of the Japanese Knotweed in the US, and other parts of the world, is female (and likely a clone of a single female plant), it has been surmised that this Japanese Knotweed plant could be the largest female in the world. Considering the plant’s marvelous healing properties, I’m not surprised to learn this.

The first time I “lifted” a large “grandmother“ rhizome from the earth, experienced the plant’s strength, and saw the beautiful deep golden orange interior, I had no doubt this plant is here to heal.  

A question comes to mind when confronted with the “invasiveness”, or “prevalence”, of this plant: could the rampant expansion of this powerful female be in response to perhaps a little too much “maleness” contributing to the ails of Mother Earth? Is this Japanese Knotweed Mother here to help right the balance and contribute to holistic healing?

My vision of a Mother includes one who nurtures, and who guides in a loving manner towards the highest good. Somehow, I imagine there’s also some golden light and a benevolent smile in this vision.

Here I wish to honor all the “mothers” (regardless of gender) who in their own way are nurturers, spreading their golden light. 

Please invite the moms in your life to subscribe here to receive occasional newsletters and discounts.

Shine on, and Happy Mother’s Day!

Winter Health 2 Pack

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Japanese Knotweed and Chaga 2-pack

Your tincture is the best I’ve ever used!! Amy W., ME

Keep viruses and bacteria at bay this winter! Here’s an awesome stocking stuffer and/or gift that can help your loved ones (and you) stay healthy.

The anti-microbial properties of Japanese Knotweed and Chaga tinctures are potent virus and bacteria fighting additions to your immune boosting toolkit. Fayston Forager tinctures are made with the highest quality, ethically and sustainably Vermont wild-harvested Japanese Knotweed and Chaga. There are no fillers, and only the parts of the plant with the highest medicinal value are used.  This is achieved through meticulous hand-harvesting and hand-processing, resulting in very vibrant, effective tinctures.

Save now with this powerful immune boosting, anti-viral 2-pack!  

“The Japanese Knotweed Tincture is amazing! It absolutely killed a cold I felt coming on twice!” Lori K., VT

This NIH study says, “In summary, this study identifies P. cuspidatumas (polygonum cuspidatum or Japanese Knotweed) the potential broad-spectrum inhibitor for the treatment of coronaviruses infections.”  

Timothy Lee Scott (2010), in his book Invasive Plant Medicine, notes that Japanese Knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum) “(It) contains the compounds resveratrol, trans-resveratrol, polydatin, and emodian, which have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-infalmmatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, and is very good at ridding the body of deep infections and toxins, especially in hard-to-reach places.” (p. 228)

This NIH study analyzed the antiviral activities of resveratrol against MERS-CoV infection. The study found that resveratrol is a potent anti-MERS agent in vitro and can be a potential antiviral agent against MERS-CoV infection in the near future.

Stephen Buhner, author of Healing Lyme, and Herbal Antivirals has developed a protocol for this new coronavirus. Japanese Knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum) is an important component, along with other herbs.

I typically don’t promote Chaga much due to the simple fact that it’s not abundant, though Chaga also packs a powerful anti-viral punch, and much more.

This NIH study says, “The results showed that Chaga could be an effective natural antiviral that can supplement the current anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.”   

Another NIH study says this about Chaga (I. obliquus): “We showed that the continuous intake of the I. obliquus extract can potentially suppress cancer development through the maintenance of the body temperature. In addition, middle-aged mice drinking the I. obliquus extract exhibited body weight loss. Our findings suggest that the aqueous extract of I. obliquus could be used as a natural product for cancer suppression and general health care.“

To read how Fayston Forager products have helped others, click here.  
Click here to save on the Winter 2 Pack!.

Be well!

Marge,
Fayston Forager

Labor of Love

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Love can transform the neglected to the adored, the homely to the beautiful, the ho-hum to the spectacular, and so much more. While the power of love is not easily measured, it is significant.

It is love that drew me to both the Japanese Knotweed plant and the Chaga mushroom. 

Here’s how it began with Japanese Knotweed

About ten years ago, during a time when I spent lots of time hiking and gardening barefoot, my foot became swollen, red and very sore, though I couldn’t find any source of injury.  Two months later, both of my knees swelled up and I began to feel horrible. Numerous trips to various doctors provided no clear answers, and I continued to feel worse and worse.  Many months later, a trip to a naturopathic practitioner finally provided answers (Lyme and co-infections) and a path towards wellness. (Yay!)

Serendipitously, about ten years ago, the beautiful Mad River Valley in the heart of Vermont, began to be invaded by the Japanese Knotweed plant. Thankfully, our community planned ways to manage the invasion of this plant without toxic pesticides. Meanwhile, while learning about Lyme, I became intrigued by this plant appearing at a time when so many began to suffer from Lyme disease. The Japanese Knotweed root or rhizome is an important part of holistic healing Lyme protocols. Learning everything I could about making a potent tincture, I was graced to gain access to a pristine location with an abundance of beautiful, vibrant, huge, old-growth rhizomes.

I harvest when the rhizomes are most packed with nutrients. Each rhizome is hand dug and individually selected, then rinsed in pure spring water. The most potent parts of the rhizome are hand-shaved and fresh-processed into a tincture, carefully following Stephen Buhner and Steven Martyn protocols.  I am acutely aware of the power of the plant, and intentionally carry out each step with respect, humility, gratitude, and love.

The healing power I experience with this tincture has been profound. The pristine source of the rhizomes I have access to allows me to make a good sized batch each year.  Enough to spread the healing love via local retail outlets and FaystonForager.com.

Chaga, the “King of Mushrooms”

While walking in the woods one day (also about ten years ago), thinking of the elusive Chaga, I wondered if Chaga would help with Lyme and with my sister’s journey with breast cancer. Just as I asked myself this question, I lifted my head to see a huge Chaga right in front of me. I had no doubt the plant was telling me, “Yes, of course I can help. Here I am!”

Now, here’s the conundrum with Chaga: Chaga is a very slow growing fungus and is not easily accessed. For maximum potency, harvest must take place from a living tree, without harming the tree or taking too much of the mushroom, during an extended below freezing time period, from a place I have permission to harvest. The reality is that I only make a small quantity of this every once in a while.  Thus, I don’t “market” this product.  I simply trust that those who will most benefit from it will find their way here.

Harvesting, processing, and triple-extracting (to maximize the capture of the plant’s healing potential), is a deep and lengthy procedure performed with the utmost care and integrity.  The healing power of this plant that I’ve experienced has also been profound.

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Both of these plants that have called me to work with them are significant and powerful healing plants. I will never make enough of either tincture to bring the economies of scale to a place where prices can match that of other options available. However, I am confident that the healing and medicinal value embodied in these tinctures is well-worth the efforts that go into producing them.

It is my sincere wish that these labors of love can bring enhanced health to those who find their way here.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!

Harvesting & Processing Japanese Knotweed

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Hand shaving the deep orange flesh of the Japanese Knotweed rhizome.

Chilly April days have been spent harvesting and processing large, gorgeous,  deep orange, potent, Japanese Knotweed rhizomes, collected from a select and pristine location in the heart of Vermont.

Approaching these tasks with gratitude, awareness of, and appreciation for the wisdom of this plant, and the wisdom of nature, is important to me. I do feel called by this plant to capture and share its healing potential, and it brings me a tremendous amount of joy when I know people are benefiting from this plant and work.

Of note, most (and possibly all) of the Japanese Knotweed in the US is female, and possibly comes from one plant brought over long ago. 

My sense of this plant is one of a wise, strong, all-knowing grandmother. It’s ability, as a medicinal, to reach deep into the parts of the body in need of healing, reminds me of all the grandmothers who always know just what is needed and where the hurts are.  (On another level, the coming forward of this strong, healing, female plant medicine correlates with a sense that our entire planet is ready for nurturing female energy to take the lead during this unique time in our planet’s history/herstory.)

This brings to mind the Herbalists Rosemary Gladstar and Helen Ward who have been so generous sharing their wisdom and knowledge and support. And Herbalist, Heidi Schmidt-Laliberte, I also have the great fortune to know and learn from.  Thank you, loving, giving, healing, Wise Women Herbalists!!

My own grandmother expected authenticity from us/her grandkids at all times. I do feel that the Japanese Knotweed, like my grandmother, requires me to be completely authentic and in my highest alignment as she allows/invites me to extract her medicinal, healing properties to share. 

In this spirit, it is my deepest wish that this healing tincture finds its way to those who will benefit from it. (Click here to learn more.)

Be well, and Happy (every day is) Earth Day!

Thank you Rosemary Gladstar and Helen Ward!

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I’m very happy to share that Fayston Forager, LLC is included in Rosemary Gladstar’s latest newsletter! Click here to subscribe to Rosemary Gladstar’s newsletter, and to also check out her Herbs & Earth Awareness site and The Science and Art of Herbalism course.

Also see Helen Ward’s Three Springs Farm as another awesome resource and source for Vermont made herbal products.

Interesting fact: the springs at Helen’s farm, and the spring at my home were likely dug and constructed by the same Vermont farming family. These springs are the source of pristine Vermont spring water used in our processes.

Thank you and be well!

Adding To Your Coronavirus “Toolkit”…

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…and a HUGE shout out to all the front line workers who are keeping us supplied and providing services: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and be well!!

While the world focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, practicing kindness and gratitude for what we do have is helpful on so many fronts.

One resource that is particularly abundant in our region is Japanese Knotweed (ploygonum cuspidatum), a potent source of resveratrol and more.  It’s healing and antimicrobial (anti-viral/bacterial/fungal/spirochetal) properties have been used for thousands of years. 

Could it be that this plant has become prominent in our landscape right when it can be of help?

This NIH study analyzed the antiviral activities of resveratrol against MERS-CoV infection. The study found that resveratrol is a potent anti-MERS agent in vitro, and can be a potential antiviral agent against MERS-CoV infection in the near future. 

Timothy Lee Scott (2010), in his book Invasive Plant Medicine,  notes that Japanese Knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum) “(It) contains the compounds resveratrol, trans-resveratrol, polydatin, and emodian, which have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-infalmmatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, and is very good at ridding the body of deep infections and toxins, especially in hard-to-reach places.” (p. 228)

Recently, Stephen Buhner, author of Healing Lyme, and Herbal Antivirals has developed a protocol for this new coronavirus. Japanese Knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum) is an important component, along with other herbs. Here are two links with Buhner’s information on responding to the coronavirus:

https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus.txt.pdf
https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronaupdate.pdf

Always consult with your health care provider, and do what is best for YOUR body!  Doing all we can to keep a healthy body, mind and spirit is our best defense, and fosters our best response.

Please visit Fayston Forager’s home page to learn more and to purchase Japanese Knotweed Tincture.

Thank you, and be well!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this product. Do not take if pregnant or nursing, or if taking blood thinners.