“Synergy” is a word that shows up frequently in the wellness world, but what does it actually mean for supplements? At its core, synergy describes what happens when two or more ingredients work together to produce a greater effect than they could individually.

With synergy, one plus one doesn’t just equal two—it becomes something more. That’s the foundation of many wellness formulas made from whole, natural ingredients.

A related concept in herbalism and mycology is the “entourage effect,” the idea that compounds within a whole plant or mushroom interact with the body in ways isolated extracts can’t. In nature, ingredients don’t work solo. They function as part of a team, each contributing to a broader outcome.[fda:note]

Modern research is exploring how compounds from plants, mushrooms, and herbs may work better together than alone. Traditional systems have embraced this idea for centuries. Herbal formulas from around the world are based on the belief that combining ingredients leads to more effective support, whether for rest, digestion, energy, or immune balance.[fda:note]

An effective formula starts with a specific wellness goal. For example, rather than simply supporting “lung health,” a targeted formula might aim to promote easy breathing throughout the day or enhance oxygen uptake.[fda:note]

That level of specificity helps guide ingredient selection with precision. From there, ingredients are chosen for their role:

• Drivers are the primary ingredients doing the heavy lifting.[fda:note]
• Supporters help reinforce and expand the formula’s function.[fda:note]
• Harmonizers help tie it all together, supporting balance, absorption, or overall energy.[fda:note]

It’s like planning a road trip: drivers get you there, supporters help with directions and rerouting, and the harmonizers keep the journey smooth with snacks and music.

Take the Host Defense® MycoBenefits™ Sleep[fda:note] formula, for example. It begins with calming driver ingredients:

• Passionflower: supports sleep quality.[fda:note]
• L-theanine: promotes fast-acting calm.[fda:note]
• GABA: helps with sustained mental relaxation.[fda:note]

Supporters like lion’s mane and reishi promote a balanced mood and sleep cycle, while magnesium bisglycinate helps the body relax. Vitamin B6, the harmonizer, supports sleep rhythm and formula balance.[fda:note]

Why combine L-theanine and GABA? Because one works quickly, while the other delivers prolonged effects to offer more layered support. In fact, studies show these ingredients work better together than alone, and adding magnesium only amplifies that benefit. That’s synergy.[fda:note]

Beauty, another formula from the Host Defense® MycoBenefits™ line, is designed to support skin, hair, and nails by applying the same synergistic principles. Its drivers target hydration and connective tissue:[fda:note]

• Enokitake mushroom: supports skin hydration.[fda:note]
• Hyaluronic acid: aids hydration and connective tissue function.[fda:note]
• Bamboo shoot: promotes hair strength and bone integrity.[fda:note]

Supporters like reishi, chaga, and antioxidant-rich fruits help protect against oxidative stress and support the body’s natural defenses. The formula is harmonized with biotin, which supports energy metabolism and hair and nail health.[fda:note]

The potential for synergy is especially strong with mushrooms, which contain hundreds of active compounds. When combined with herbs and nutraceuticals, they unlock a broader spectrum of targeted wellness potential.[fda:note]

Formulation is also about adding with intention. Knowing what not to combine is just as important as knowing what to include. For example, pairing a calming herb with one that promotes energy may reduce the impact of both.[fda:note]

At the same time, nuance matters. Someone who’s overtired might actually benefit from a gently energizing ingredient to help the body reset and ease into rest. This is where expertise comes in, not just in understanding ingredients individually but in knowing how they behave together.[fda:note]

It’s also why we avoid the “kitchen sink” approach, throwing in every trending ingredient without a clear role. Supplements come with space constraints, and overstuffed formulas can lead to underdosing or conflicting effects. Whether it's a capsule, powder, syrup, or today’s fan favorite gummy, there’s only so much you can fit into one serving.

This is where harmonizers can come into play. They don’t require a large serving size but can still influence how a formula functions. For example, in the MycoBenefits™ Focus[fda:note] formula, choline works in the background to support neurotransmitter activity and tie together the effects of more direct ingredients like lion’s mane and reishi for better cognitive support.[fda:note]

Formulas are inherently more complex than single-ingredient supplements. But that’s exactly what gives them their potential. While a single compound may serve a purpose, it’s often one-dimensional. Formulas, by design, invite synergy, and when done right, they create a more harmonized, effective path toward health and vitality.[fda:note]

We recently sat down with Dr. Rev. W Collins, DD, to discuss how her personal healing journey led her to the fields of herbalism and Reiki—for both animals and humans.

Reiki Services

Q: What first drew you to Reiki?

A: I was living in Hawaii in 2002 and had just given birth to my daughter when I heard about Reiki from a healer on the island of Kauai. Reiki was not popular back then.

My pregnancy with my daughter was rough and I needed to heal emotionally, physically, and even financially. After I was attuned to Reiki in Hawaii, I worked on myself. I moved back to the mainland and continued my healing and spiritual growth.

Healing the self is the first step for anyone seeking to help others. We must show up for the inner child within before we can help others show up for their inner child.

Q: Who are your typical customers? Who might benefit from distance Reiki?

A: The one string that ties all of my clients together is stress and tension.

Stress and tension tend to be the root cause of many different issues, even diseases. When stress and tension are removed from the energetic body, the body can work its magic and heal itself.

Anyone who experiences stress and tension can benefit from Reiki.

Distance Reiki has an advantage over in-office sessions because my client can be comfortable at home and not have to drive after being completely relaxed and grounded.

Most of my clients receive Reiki right before drifting off to sleep, which helps my clients hit their restore and repair while resting soundly. This allows them to wake up refreshed and ready.

Q: What is your most popular service?

A: The 60-minute Distance Reiki Session. It all comes back to releasing stress and tension.

When a person cannot rest well, everything suffers, including relationships, career, and home life. When a client comes to me frazzled from work or a pending divorce, I let them tell me what they need to heal and feel.

I think the reason why my services are seeing a surge is because people are allowing themselves self-care. Reiki is the ultimate self-care.

Treating Animals

Q: Please explain how you got into equine herbs.

A: I have been riding horses longer than I have been walking.

Horses are extremely responsive to herbs because their diet and bodily systems are pure. It has been a lifelong journey developing my knowledge of herbs and horses.

Herbs have factual medicinal qualities that are inter-species. However, not every herb that is for people should be used with pets or animals.

Many common herbs for humans are toxic to horses. It is important to speak to an herbalist who specializes in horses or a holistic veterinarian before administering herbs.

I have given consultations to veterinarians worldwide on special cases for which medicines do not exist. Several holistic veterinarians purchase their one-of-a-kind herbal blends from me.

Q: Do you offer any other services for animals?

A: Distance Reiki and herbal consults for all pets are both available. I create specialized herbal blends based on bloodwork and a diagnosis from a veterinarian for many clients. Giving my clients a specialized and bespoke approach to healing is my main goal.

Herbalism and Women's Health

Q: When did you start learning about plants and herbs?

A: Growing up on a farm and ranch in a very rural part of the Midwest, we were independent.

My grandmother treated us and our neighbors for miles around with herbal remedies and nutrition. The herbal knowledge of our prior generations were passed on to me through my grandmother.

Did you know that you can tell a plant’s medicinal value by taste? You can. I teach my students this hack and many more in my Sacred Herbal Certification Course.

Right now I am most grateful for the Organic Wild Yam Cream I make.

No one warns us as young women about middle age and what the years leading up to menopause will be like. Wild Yam Cream has been my key to aging gracefully with my sanity intact. I make it for both women and men alike. Hormone decline is inevitable for everyone, it is just a matter of time.

My formula is a bestseller on Etsy and has hundreds of 5-star reviews. It has been an honor to help other people with hot flashes, hormone-related anxiety, and preventing osteoporosis.

Experience

Q: What is most rewarding to you about the work you do?

A: Waking up to an email from a grateful customer or client because something I did or made is helping them live better.

It is a very humbling experience to connect with others in a weak moment and help them heal themselves and feel better.

There is nothing in this world I would rather do. It is truly an honor.

Edible gardens grace us with their bounties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. But there are other colorful contenders vying for attention on your plate: edible flowers.

These beauties add flavor, texture, and color to a dish, helping to brighten one’s mood and bringing a welcome change to mostly green salads.

Edible flowers can be good for you too, as they offer antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory compounds. Stems, leaves, and petals may all contain nutritional benefits. 

In ancient times, flowers were grown more for their fragrances and flavors than appearances. These days, what’s old is new, as adventurous chefs and home cooks look to dress their dishes with flavorful and edible blooms.

Common Questions

• Are Edible Flowers Safe to Eat?

  • Identification

    Identifying which flower varieties are edible is a crucial skill. Never consume a flower until you are entirely sure what it is.

  • Food Safety

    Never eat flowers treated with pesticides or fungicides, or those that have been mass cultivated.

• Where Do I Find Edible Flowers?

  • Grow Your Own

    If you have your own garden, it may be best to source edible flowers there. They can also be grown in flowerbeds, window boxes, or pots.

    • Pick them first thing in the morning when they look and taste their freshest.
    • Carefully rinse and let dry on a clean towel.

  • Find a Specialist

    You can also buy them locally or online from a source that specializes in edible versions.

• How Do You Use Edible Flowers?

  Garnish a plate with edible flowers right before serving. If you use these blooms to top cakes and other baked goods, they’ll look presentable for about two days.

  • Edible flowers are best used as garnishes for lighter dishes.
  • Recipes that are saucy, juicy, or warm tend not to pair well with delicate blooms.
  • Petals generally offer better flavors than other parts of the plants.

Our Favorite Edible Flowers

Now on to the stars of the show!

Here’s how to make your plates sing with the following edible blooms.

• Bachelor’s Buttons

  In pink, purple, and blue hues, these flowers are also known as cornflowers. They have a slightly sweet taste.

  • Add to salads, smoothies, and herbal tea blends.

• Borage

  These flowers have a taste similar to that of cucumber, and a delightful blue color.

  • They make beautiful garnishes for summer drinks, or on top of salads and soups.
  • Consider freezing into ice cubes, and then add to beverages for delightful summer sippers.

• Calendula

  Calendula is zesty, with a piquant flavor.

  • Add to rice dishes, stir fries, pastas, and salads.
  • This flower can be used in place of saffron.

• Chrysanthemum

  Some are mild, some are sweet, and some are hot and peppery. Take a taste of your variety to see where it can best make an appearance.

• Daisies

  • Add the miniature variety to salads or sandwiches.

• Dandelions

  Categorized by many to be a weed, this common plant is actually very healthy and useful to humans.

  Dandelion leaves and the green ends of the flowers are bitter. The petals and stamen are mildly sweet.

  • Fry the flowers or flower buds as fritters.
  • The flowers can also be transformed into wines and jellies.
  • Steam the leaves for a few minutes and serve as a side dish.

• Daylilies

  Popular in Asian culture, daylilies are completely edible.

  • Boil the tubers as you would potatoes.
  • Sprinkle the bright petals into salads.

• Lavender

  With an intense fragrance and flavor, this purple bloom is best used in moderation.

  • Add to scones, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and lemonade.

• Marigolds

  With zing and a citrus-like flavor, the French variety is edible (the African version is not).

  Marigolds’ feathery leaves often taste of tarragon.

  • Add to salads.

• Nasturtiums

  With a peppery taste similar to that of arugula, these blooms add a burst of color to a plate.

  • Garnish a salad with them.
  • Pickle the seeds for a caper substitute.

• Pansies

  Tasting much like mild lettuce, this flower most often finds its way onto salads. Coming in many colors, pansies add complementary shades to a multitude of foods.

  • Use them to top cupcakes.
  • Freeze them into ice cubes to elevate beverages.

• Roses

  The more fragrant the rose, the more flavor it has.

  • Often used in Middle Eastern cuisine in the delight known as rose water.
  • Rose petals can also be used to garnish puddings, sweet treats, teas, and rice pilafs.
  • Rose hips can be made into syrups.

• Sunflowers

  Their seeds are a popular salad and trail mix addition, but the petals can be eaten too.

  • Harvest the unopened buds, remove the sepals, and steam as you would artichokes.

• Tulips

  • Their smooth, large petals can be used as scoops for desserts and ice cream.
  • Or use them as a colorful platter for sweet canapés.

• Violets

  With an almost sweet flavor, this mild bloom is perfect tucked inside sandwiches.

  • This flower also looks beautiful on top a salad.
  • For an elegant garnish, sugared violets can be sprinkled over cakes.

Known as a rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit has been popular for thousands of years in India. Today it’s gaining attention for its many health benefits.

What Is Shilajit?

Shilajit is fossilized plant remains found mostly in rock cracks. Sourced from the Himalayas but also from Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and Chile, shilajit forms from microbial matter and the gradual decomposition of plants over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years.

What's in Shilajit?

Brownish-black in color and hard and rock-like or sticky and tar-like, depending on its surrounding temperature and environment, shilajit is comprised mostly of humic substances (compounds formed during long-term decomposition).

• Fulvic Acid

  One of these substances is fulvic acid—a nutraceutical acting as an anti-inflammatory compound and antioxidant along with the humic acids.

• Nitric Oxide

  Shilajit’s thought to work by increasing the body’s levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that regulates inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

• Trace Minerals

  • calcium
  • potassium
  • magnesium

• Other Nutrients

  • sterols
  • terpenoids
  • flavonoids

What is Shilajit Used For?

Traditionally it was used by people in northern India and Nepal.

Sherpas, long known to have impressive longevity and strength, claimed to consume it as part of their diets.

For centuries, shilajit’s been used for:

• digestive disorders
• nervous issues
• anemia
• chronic bronchitis
• jaundice
• male infertility
• overall wellness

Shilajit’s Potential Benefits

• Body

  • Increased energy levels and physical stamina by supporting mitochondria—the cells’ energy powerhouses.
  • Bone health: Shilajit is a source of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium and may also support collagen production.

• Mind

  • Improved cognitive functioning and reduced inflammation in the brain.
  • Lessened irritability, a calmer mind, and a reduction of anxiety due to shilajit’s anti-depressant properties.

• Aging

  • Slowing of the aging process.
  • Help with cognitive issues, libido, and testosterone levels.

• Heart / Blood

  • Reduced heart disease risk due to shilajit’s antioxidant properties that slow aging, reduce cholesterol, and improve cell health.
  • increased hemoglobin production to help with iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Increased levels of glutathione—an antioxidant beneficial to the heart.

• Gut

  • Reduced growth of the harmful bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the gut.
  • relief from stomach pain, flatulence, and constipation while supporting the health of the colon.

Clinical Studies

While there has not been a lot of research on shilajit to date:

• One study found that those who took it had a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those who took a placebo.
• Another study reported that shilajit lessened chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, since it reduced mental and physical stress.

Tips for Buying Shilajit

• What to Look For

  Some believe the benefits of shilajit vary depending on where it’s extracted. The Himalayan variety is considered to be the most authentic and “real” version, but purity is the most important consideration.

  Purified, ready-to-consume products are essential when purchasing shilajit, as some items can be contaminated with heavy metals. Ensure the shilajit is tested for contaminants by an independent lab and is certified safe.

  Shilajit should not be consumed in its unpurified and unprocessed form, as it can be toxic with possible chemical and physical impurities.

• Choosing a Form

  Available in tablets, capsules, powders, or resin, many prefer the powdered version as it can be easily added to smoothies, purified (not tap) water, or other beverages.

  Powdered varieties allow for dosage customization. However, they may have a slightly lower amount of active compounds due to processing.

• Storage

  Shilajit can be stored at room temperature. On hot days, it may melt. Shilajit can also be refrigerated and will soften when returned to room temp.

How to Take Shilajit

• Start Slowly

  When taking shilajit, start slowly with a lower dose. Increase gradually, as needed, to help the body adjust and to reduce possible side effects.

• Eat Before Taking

  Take shilajit with food to prevent an upset stomach.

• Keep Taking It

  To experience its full benefits, take for at least three to six months.

Precautions

Experts believe it’s fine to consume shilajit on a regular basis, but it’s recommended to speak with a medical professional before routine intake to ensure it’s appropriate for your health needs.

Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid shilajit due to a lack of safety information on it for these individuals.

• Possible Side Effects of Shilajit

  • Side effects of shilajit can include diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, and upset stomach, particularly when taken in large doses.

  • As shilajit can cause energy bursts, it’s best to take it in the morning or earlier in the day.

• Medical Interactions

  • Shilajit can be taken with vitamins and other herbal supplements, but avoid supplementation within 2 hours of prescription medications as it may enhance their effects.
  • Note that shilajit can interact with certain medicines such as blood thinners and diabetes medications.

Caroline MacDougall had been working in the herbal industry for almost 20 years, developing tea blends for companies like The Republic of Tea, when she had a dream in 1993 that changed her life.

In the middle of the dream, she heard herself say, “The next product I’m going to create is a caffeine free cappuccino. And the name of the product is Teeccino.” It startled her awake.

“Literally after I woke up, I started thinking about what herbs I should roast and grind,” MacDougall recalled. She knew she had a good idea, one she didn’t want to hand to another company. After all, the world had plenty of herbal tea blends, but what it didn’t have yet was a beverage that would brew and taste like coffee but without its acidity and caffeine.

By 1995, Teeccino caffeine-free herbal coffee was being carried in natural and specialty food stores across the country. Within a decade, it became the number one coffee alternative in the country.

Ahead of Her Time

Committed to rainforest preservation since her work with tea companies in the early 1990s, MacDougall came full circle when she launched Teeccino Organic Maya Blends in 2005. The drinks use wild-harvested ramón seeds, which come from upper canopy trees in Guatamala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Gathered from the forest floor, the ramón seeds—originally drunk as a roasted beverage by the Maya—give indigenous rainforest communities a market that provides economic value to standing trees.

Because the ramón tree is wind pollinated, its seeds spread naturally. Additionally, Teeccino is funding the planting and care of seedlings in the degraded buffer areas around the reserve that have been illegally logged, burned, or used as pasture land. The hope is that the trees repopulate the area and species that live beneath the canopy will return.

Rewilding The Maya Biosphere Reserve

“We didn’t call it rewilding back then,” MacDougall said, referring to conservation efforts focused on restoring sustainable biodiversity and ecosystem health through the protection of wilderness areas.

The term “rewilding” didn’t appear in dictionaries until 2011. “The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest intact forest in all of Central America. But otherwise, you find remnant forest patches. My initial idea, which is now called rewilding, is to have corridors that would connect these remnant forest patches so that animals and other species could migrate from one to the other.”

Teeccino now works with Wild.org, an international organization responsible for starting Global Rewilding Day, held on March 20. Learn more about Teeccino's impact.