Pine Pollen

Pine pollen — being exactly as it sounds, the pollen of the pine tree — does not specifically refer to any particular species of pine. While throughout the world pine pollen is derived from a number of different pine species, here we will review pollen from the Pinus massoniana tree, which has been one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for millennia (and is what’s used in Joya’s Elixirs). 

Known as the “King of Pollen” in China, this incredible nutrient-dense superfood is considered a master rejuvenating herb and nutritive adaptogenic tonic in TCM. Renowned herbalist Stephen Buhner has said that “pine pollen, given its potency, its similarity to ginseng in some of its actions, and its status as, perhaps, the premier phytoandrogen on the planet, should have been recognized long before now as the powerful medicinal that it is…[pine pollen is a] potent overall tonic to the body…”.

In TCM, pine pollen is believed to invigorate Qi (vital energy or life force) and to have an affinity for the liver and spleen meridians: the liver being in charge of regulating the movement of Qi and bodily fluids, and the spleen being the Chinese equivalent to the body’s metabolism. It is also said to have many medicinal properties and functions, including reducing fatigue, improving cognitive function, liver protection and improving sexual function.