This fresh harvest of ripe Theobroma Cacao pods are sliced open exposing the fruity beans (seeds) within. This sweet and tangy white pulp shrouds the Cacoa bean. Dried and fermented, this bean can be processed into Cacao nibs and later churned into a Cacao paste, Cacao butter, and later crafted into a bitter chocolate. Like all things in life, not all chocolate is created equal. Additives such as sugars and milk product, as well as soil deficiencies from pesticides and mono-cropping have diluted the theobromine and antioxidant benefits that Cacao is most known for. In many instances, these factors create a product detrimental to ones health in medium to large doses. Based on sustainable and organic farming methods and careful artisannal-crafting, here at Kauai Farmacy, we offer a whole and intact Cacao powder as part of an enzyme and mineral rich herbal powder rightfully named "Green Energy." Green Energy powder can be added to smoothies, juice drinks, culinary dishes or can be eaten directly in its original powder form. To reap the full health benefits of this extraordinary plant, we place the beans in our solar dehydrators using little heat (and no electricity) to cure the beans raw. Our herbal artisans prepare the Cacao into a fine powder that is then combined with:

• Moringa - a high iron, high protein, calcium-rich, balanced herb
• Green Coffee - both the skins and unroasted super-antioxidant beans
• Gotu Kola - a cellular regenerating herb that calms the nervous system & aids in brain function
• Bele Spinach - an edible Hibiscus packed with iron
• Ashwagandha - an endurance herb known to boost libido and increase stamina
• Stevia - an herb esteemed for balancing blood sugar and serving as a sweet alternative for Diabetics and health-conscious individuals

Mahalo for your attention. We are dedicated to bringing you plant knowledge. Please subscribe to our newsletter and our youtube channel for more herbal and wellness information.

When it comes to brewing loose tea there are many options including; tea bags, ball infusers, tea pots or just infusing in one container and straining into another. We've used them all and found that the best method for brewing loos tea is in a french press; and here's why:

Reasons to brew tea in a french press

1. They come in sizes from single serving up to eight servings so you can brew for one or for many.
2. Most models have a clear carafe so you can watch the tea as it brews.
3. It keeps the leaves out of your cup. French presses have a fine mesh filter that keeps all of the tea in the bottom of the carafe. Many tea pots have infusers built into the pot but often the holes are large enough to let the smaller pieces be poured out. With a tea pot you still have to strain the tea as you pour.
4. Second steeping is easy. The leaves stay at the bottom of the carafe for an easy second brewing after you pour your tea. Don't miss the opportunity for a second steep! There's still goodness in your tea as long as steeping produces color in the water.
5. When finished brewing french presses provide the easiest clean up and without waste. The used leaves can be washed away, added to compost, or swish with a little water and pour into your house plants or garden.

Don't be afraid to over brew your tea! Kauai Farmacy teas are all herbal and unlike green, oolong or other teas make from Camellia sinensis herbal teas do not become bitter if brewed too long. Our herbal teas only develop a deeper color and more flavor the longer they are steeped.

How to brew loose tea in a french press

1. Make sure the press is clean of any coffee.
2. Add the loose tea to the empty press. Use only as many teaspoons necessary for the amount of tea you are brewing.
3. Pour freshly boiled water into the carafe; using only as much as needed.
4. Stir, cover, and let brew for the desired amount of time.
5. Press, and pour tea into cups or a tea pot to keep warm.
6. Re-steep the remaining leaves. If you're not going to drink the next batch right away you can store it in the refrigerator to have it chilled later.

Which French Press to choose?

• 12 oz press makes a cup and a half. Perfect for one.
• 17 oz press makes two cups. Great for two.
• 34 oz press makes four cups.
• 51 oz press makes just over six cups.

About two years ago, while climbing our mango tree, my son fell twenty feet & broke his wrist. Actually, his hand was hanging off his wrist ; (Within moments, we covered his arm with Comfrey Root (aka the Knit-Bone plant). He went from agony to calm in moments. We witnessed in real-time the improved circulation, as his hand and fingers gained movement. He kept the comfrey cast on overnight. He was back to climbing trees within the week. Pretty remarkable. This experience, as well as healing Doug's broken nose, my youngest daughter's hematoma, a client's broken toe (see the testimonial BROKEN TOE HEALED!), and countless other healing miracles, has reinforced our belief in the power of this potent Comfrey root powder.

In this video, Doug, owner of Kauai Farmacy introduces the Comfrey plant from leaf to root to medicinal herbal powder in this highly informative 3-part video. Part I teaches how this magical herb works. Don't miss out on part II of the video, which demonstrates step-by-step, how to properly apply Kauai Farmacy's potent and versatile herbal Comfrey Root Cast,; and part III on one woman's experience and her results from using the Comfrey Cast, which is now commercially available to the public here at Kauai Farmacy.

Scientific studies on the effectiveness of Comfrey

Comfrey: A Clinical Overview a recent study on the use of Comfrey shows topical application of Comfrey Root to be safe and effective. Below is an exert from the published paper.

Comfrey has a centuries-old tradition as a medicinal plant. Today, multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Comfrey preparations for the topical treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in degenerative arthritis, acute myalgia in the back, sprains, contusions and strains after sports injuries and accidents, also in children aged 3 or 4 and over.

Heal Broken Bones with Comfrey Root - Part 1

Comfrey, otherwise known as Knit-Bone, is a miracle plant; and as its nickname suggests, is an herb esteemed for its ability to repair tissues & mend broken bones faster than any other plant. Doug, owner of Kauai Farmacy introduces the Comfrey plant from leaf to root to medicinal herbal powder in this highly informative 2-part video. Part I teaches how this magical herb works. 

 

 

Heal broken bones with comfrey root - Part 2

Learn how to apply Kauai Farmacy's potent bone-mending Comfrey Cast powder; to cast those chronic, acute and even nagging old injuries. Genna, owner of Kauai Farmacy walks us through a step by step process that is easy to apply. Note, this video is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any diseases. It IS intended to inform how to self-heal with a balanced lifestyle of hydration, healthy diet and adequate rest. This raw plant medicine is one-of-a-kind and morganically-grown by loving farmers on the Garden island of Kauai in Hawai'i.

 

Applying Comfrey Root powder to an injury

To use: Take enough for the desired application-type and to cover the affected area; Reconstitute with water (the amount of water you use will depend on the injury type and size); Apply the Comfrey paste immediately after adding water (this is a must for it to adhere properly); Let the cast air dry to cure; Cast will range from a thin fruit-leather consistency to a harder coating depending on thickness; Leave on for as long as possible. To remove: some will crackle dry off; for remainder use luke warm water and rub to loosen.

 

Turmeric is a super herb that stands out among the rest when it comes to it's anti-inflammatory, circulation, weight-loss, and immunity boosting characteristics. Curcumin, what gives turmeric its golden color, could inhibit the growth of fat tissue and help to detoxify the liver. In this way it helps to both prevent new fat from being made and clean the liver so it can better clear existing fat from the body. We know of no other producers who grow their herbs like we do, or that's so willing to openly share this information to the public. Our turmeric is organically grown in rich volcanic soil on the North Shore of the Garden Island of Kauai in Hawai'i. Turmeric is a healthy addition to many of our delicious selections of herbal teas and powders. If you're lucky enough to live on Kauai you can buy our fresh, cold-press turmeric juice at the Kilauea Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Scientific studies show turmeric applied topically to be effective for a number of issues including: chronic pain, inflammatory dermatoses, skin wounds and skin infections. We believe our herbs to have unmatched potency in the marketplace. If you are trying to lose weight, increase your circulation, stay healthy, and reduce excess body inflammation, increase your intake of turmeric. We use our turmeric in these products: Curry Blend, Endurance Powder, Energy, Love Potion, Puritea Cleanse, Wellness, Women's Wellness Read more about Turmeric here. For more information on our gardens, teas and herbs check out our youtube channel.

In Hinduism and Ayurvedic Medicine, Tulsi or Holy Basil is revered for its spiritual healing, mental awakening, and physical calming powers. More specifically, Tulsi Basil is known for its calming of the respiratory and digestive systems. Referred to as the Elixir of Life, it is a tonic herb that can be consumed morning, day and night for daily health and wellness; in order to increase circulation and provide calming energy. As a slightly warming herb, Tulsi Basil is anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-bacterial; used daily as an immune booster as well as for acute issues to dissolve skin, bronchial and digestive blockages and infections that typically arise from the consumption of acidic foods. For example, Tulsi systematically cleanses the body of built-up mucous from dairy, lard from meat, and yeast from gluten, as well as toxic chemicals and synthetic sugars. The overall importance of this plant is unsurpassed in Hinduism and Ayurvedic medicine. A billion people in the world or approximately 20% of the world’s population have been praying to this plant for thousands of years as a result of its proven healing capabilities. And the fact that it is just getting on the radar in the Western World makes me both optimistic of our culture’s potential to heal ourselves; as well as realistic of our historical ignorance to the true power of such potent, whole plant medicine, grown with care and love.

Tulsi growing in the Kauai Farmacy Gardens

I understand that Tulsi Basil is so revered in the Hinduism culture and within Ayurvedic medicine that it is commonly found in planters just outside the front entrances of people’s homes. Also known as Holy Basil, it is known spiritually to clear the air of negative energy and danger, and attract positive vibrations in the environment. The leaves of the plant are consumed fresh as well as in tea by young children and infants alike as a safe medicinal tonic to address stomach aches and coughs. As a result, the Tulsi Basil is widely known as THE children’s medicinal herbal remedy. I have once been told of the relationship between Tulsi and the Cobra snake in India. The Tulsi Basil’s strategic presence outside the homes in India is uniquely effective in keeping the dangerous Cobra Snake away from the home. Yes, that’s right. Maybe the most feared snake in the world is scared off by this most sacred of all plants. But, the story of the Cobra snake and the Tulsi plant goes much deeper. It continues on to tell of the dangers of consuming and/or surrounding yourself with too much Tulsi; as the cobra is regarded to possess and symbolize a profound knowledge; so in this light, the tale also reminds us that too much of anything can potentially be harmful in the pursuit of balance and longevity. A commune for the bees in the garden, the Tulsi Basil is consistently flowering, thus generating nectar for the bees, as well as produce for our medicine. The Tulsi plant seems to stand out as the Mother plant of the garden. In Hawaii, it is a pleasure to seed, grow and nurture; and has become the most prolific plant in our gardens due to the fact that it grows so well, produces so abundantly, is so delicious, and is so medicinally balanced. There is nothing like the awareness and increase in consciousness from Tulsi Basil. Plant Consciousness is ultimately the idea of being more plant-like. Feeling, sensing and symbolizing the plants themselves, as a result of consuming the whole plants energy through smell and taste; as well as digesting the plant in its most fresh, raw and potent form possible. In becoming more plant like, we adopt the simplicity, immunity, suppleness, peacefulness, fertility, hydration, minerals, vitamins, consciousness, alkalinity, and vibrations of the plants themselves. This being said, the Tulsi Basil plant is one to certainly emulate. The increased self-awareness in relationship to the environment that you are in is an uncanny health benefit of regularly consuming Tulsi Basil. For example, imagine tuning into the present environment so alertly as to always protect your immune system in real time through calm and clear thinking and acting. It’s the simple things that are within our control that the Tulsi Basil makes us aware of and most important to act on, like: maintaining a healthy body temperature by putting on a sweater, or acknowledging and leaving “polluted” areas, going to bed when you are tired, and not being confused by the illness we receive from acidic food, but rather consciously attract and eat alkaline foods for optimal energy and balance. The Tulsi plant raises our awareness to all of this and so much more. One can only understand and appreciate this life changing self-awareness that the Tulsi Basil offers by consuming it for an extended period of time. An adaptogenic herb that is able to address and heal your body wherever it needs the love; as well as raise the frequency of the other herbs that it is blended with; Tulsi Basil is not only found abundantly throughout our gardens, but also in so many of our tea blends. We are so grateful to be able to grow and produce Tulsi Basil in its most potent and raw form grown in Kauai’s rich volcanic soil. To understand our love for this plant, consider this: for if we were only able to grow and produce one single plant to help heal ourselves and the world, Tulsi Basil would be the one.

 

If we could only grow one plant in our gardens, it would be tulsi.

 

Papaya Leaf, the most potent detoxing and cleansing herb in the world. This antioxidant-rich leaf cures Dengue Fever, has a reputation as an effective cancer-fighting herb, & rids the body of the acidic toxic buildup from meat, dairy and gluten. Kauai Farmacy’s Puritea Cleansing Powder pairs the enzyme-rich Papaya leaf with ten additional cleansing, yet nourishing super herbs; soursop, turmeric, Puerto Rican culantro, bele spinach, tulsi basil, mulberry leaf, lemongrass, lemon peel and orange peel—harvested fresh from our diversified gardens and cured raw—Puritea: designed to gently cleanse and lubricate the Gastro-intestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gall bladder & colon—packed with vitamin A, B, C & D, protein, iron, calcium, and potassium for an everyday lifestyle cleanse. You will feel the anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits upon your first sip!

Generally, all the teas and powders will improve circulation by breaking up toxins in the body (with the help of water to flush the toxins), and disposing of excess weight that is not positively serving the body. But specifically the Wellness Tea and the Puritea Cleanse will be great for losing weight. If you drink our teas regularly, your weight will fall off over time. However, in order to drink our teas regularly, you need big water intake and sufficient rest and great nutrition. They basically keep those big three in balance – hydration, nutrition and rest. The herbs also significantly help with satisfying and bringing awareness to food cravings, sleep deprivation, and sugar levels, as well as activating will power; which are all critical aspects of finding and sustaining the most productive weight for you. As you drink the tea, you are introducing your body to new plants and new vibrations. In many cases, otherwise would be dormant tools that are in your body are being activated or stimulated, raising awareness in yourself and your environment that surrounds you like never before. Across our teas there are 40 plus medicinal plants, all producing a different vibration in your body. As your body adapts to each vibration, your awarenesss of yourself increases dramatically, including things like food cravings, sleep deprivation, sugar levels, etc. In many cases, making you aware how related these negative influences truly are to your system and providing you with the awareness and abilitiy to achieve optimal health in your life. There are also specific herbs in each tea that will help with things like will power and emotional immunity. For example, turmeric and ginger, which are in several of our teas are both root herbs, which are known to stimulate the root chakra. The root chakra located in our sacral area is known to have a strong influence on the systems will power. Therefore, as you drink turmeric in your tea, your will power in your system is activated and strengthened in the process.Turmeric is also known to be an immune booster, including physical, mental and emotional. In fact, in India, they wear the turmeric as makeup all over their bodies to provide such immunity from things like mosquito bites (malaria is a big issue in that part of the world) as well as another person's energy that might negatively effect one's emotional psyche. They literally paint their bodies orange to provide an extra layer of protection and immunity.

My wife and I began working with the Noni Leaf after moving to Kauai in 2007. We are both resourceful and entrepreneurial and could not understand why no one was using the leaf for medicinal purposes as the Hawaiians did for centuries. As we initially steamed and baked the leaves in our kitchen, we immediately experienced the potent and incredible healing properties of the Noni Leaf. It was amazing to us that so many leaves grew here in the jungle and that no one was utilizing the leaf, which we believed were more balanced medicine than the fruit. The fruit had become extremely popular around the world in recent years. The Noni Leaf gave us energy, helped circulation, digestion and also seemed to create clarity and truth in our lives. We referred to the Noni leaf tea as the “truth serum”, because suddenly we were addressing ourselves and the people surrounding us in truth. While experimenting, I also remember drinking the tea one night and staying up till the wee hours of the morning. No caffeine, just a clean, natural stimulant. So we began making tea and selling our dried tea and brew at the farmers market and in a few of the health food stores. The venture was promising but we realized that without a farm and operating space the business potential was challenging. A few years later we rented a house in Kilauea with a beautiful herb garden that my landlord at the time had planted. There were approximately 12 or so herbs in the garden. After my landlord gave me a garden tour, I began doing some extensive research on the herbs, and immediately began making tea with the raw herbs. I remember the blend – Tulsi (Holy Basil), lemon balm, mint and sage. After my research, as well as from the physical characteristics of the plant, I was particularly excited to use the Tulsi (Holy Basil). I would infuse the herbs in hot water to make a tea concentrate and then dilute the tea with water to make sure I was hydrating as I drank the herbal tea. I was drinking about a gallon of tea per day from the beginning and loving the taste, experience and feeling. Within weeks I remember my energy picking up dramatically. I began losing weight around my waste, chest and neck as my appetite picked up. It was amazing. My metabolism was reignited in real time from drinking this very simple herbal concoction. My appetite reminded me of when I was a teenager, eating several plates of healthy food. And my awareness towards the types of foods I was attracted to also changed, and I began eating more local vegetables than ever before. I could not help but think that the world had to learn what I was experiencing.