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Stacking and Cycling Pine Pollen to Improve Testosterone

Stacking and Cycling Pine Pollen to Improve Testosterone

Looking Beyond a Simple Routine

Pine Pollen has gained significant attention due to its Phyto-Androgens (plant analogues of male sex hormones).

While measuring testosterone levels can provide an overview, focusing solely on the Phyto-Androgens present in pine pollen fails to acknowledge all the benefits that it has to offer. Additionally, it fails to demonstrate how a foundational approach to wellness can provide long-lasting effects and benefits—a holistic approach beyond focusing on the androgenic, male sex hormones.

With that being said, the primary goal of this cycle is focused on improving testosterone levels. However, it is important to keep in mind that we are using improved testosterone levels as a shorthand metric for the ultimate goal of improved, long-term health, wellness, and vitality. So, while this cycle aims to enhance testosterone levels, its ultimate objective is much more significant.

The following cycle or stack framework is divided into two parts, each to be followed for six to eight weeks (preferably eight). This allows sufficient time for the herbs to work—adaptogenic, tonic, and strengthening herbs require a minimum of four weeks to begin working to their full potential. And the Pro-Androgenics are no exception.

Stopping use at six weeks would only provide two weeks of noticeable benefit, and at eight weeks, they are able to produce marked change. However, if used for longer than eight weeks, the body can begin to become acclimated and accustomed to them. That is why they are cycled.

* Read this article in conjunction with Building Stacks: The Mindful Approach to Stacking and Combining Herbs.

Pine Pollen Cycling for Improved Testosterone

The following routine consists of two separate stacks that are intended to be cycled on either a six or eight (ideal) week interval. The goal of this stack is twofold:

Firstly, to support the body and signal the endocrine system to increase production of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and consequently testosterone and the other androgen hormones.

  • Supplement with the Phyto-Androgens present in Pine Pollen to immediately elevate testosterone levels;
  • Feed the endocrine system with the deep nutrition provided by Pine Pollen and Shilajit;
  • Decrease the stress response and increase the stress threshold, while fine-tuning immune function and endocrine function with the adaptogens present in Elephant Mountain Ginseng Formula (EMGF);
  • Decrease estradiol (an estrogen metabolite) while maximizing free testosterone with the addition of a broad-spectrum Stinging Nettle Root extract or an isolated ßeta-Sitosterol extract.

Secondly, this routine is to help fight stress and inflammation. Over time, it appears that stress and inflammation can drive many of the symptoms associated with low testosterone (depression, poor sexual drive, changes in body composition, and more). The objective here is to help produce long-term changes and results by taking a multifactorial approach.

  • Reset and increase luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thus testosterone and sperm production with Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) Extract;
  • Decrease inflammation, support prostate health, and provide continued nutritional support with Brassica Pollen;
  • Continue reaping benefits (adaptogenic, restorative, nutritional) with Shilajit;
  • Build foundational strength and balance excess stimulation (heat) from Shilajit, Tongkat Ali, and EMGF with TapRoot;
  • Support prostate health while maximizing free testosterone and decreasing estradiol with either Nettle Root, ßeta-Sitosterol, or Estrogen Detox.

Cycle One: Complete for 6 - 8 Weeks

Forest Manna RAW Pine Pollen

Here, RAW Pine Pollen is ideal because of the nutritional support it offers. This can be used as a powder, capsule, or tablet—but it has to be RAW (not an extract powder or a tincture). Aside from the Phyto-Androgens and adaptogenic compounds present in Pine Pollen, the nutrient profile of Pine Pollen can help support healthy endocrine function.

Mountain Manna Himalayan Shilajit Extract

Shilajit is combined in this cycle because of its deeply nutritive properties (certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies are known to result in low testosterone), and also for its adaptogenic and tonic properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is considered to be one of the most important medicines for treating a wide array of difficult conditions.

Elephant Mountain Ginseng Formula (EMGF)

Continuing the theme of adaptogens, EMGF is included here to assist and support the body in mitigating stress and healing from its deleterious effects. Additionally, adaptogens can help fight inflammation, improve mood, testosterone production, and libido.

Unlike the vast majority of adaptogens which offer initial stimulation but over time can lead to increased heat (inflammation) in the body, our Elephant Mountain Ginseng Formula has been designed to produce foundational, lasting adaptogenic benefits in a neutral, not warming formula.

Stinging Nettle Root Extracts: Ultra-Pure Broad Spectrum or Isolated ßeta-Sitosterol Extracts

As testosterone levels improve, it is important to balance that with either Nettle Root Extract or isolated Beta-Sitosterol(one of the active compounds present in Nettle Root). This is to help control sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), the enzyme aromatase, and the conversion of testosterone (and other androgenic hormones) to estradiol (a harmful estrogen metabolite).

As the actions of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are blocked, levels of free and active testosterone can increase. And as the enzyme aromatase is inhibited, less testosterone is converted into estradiol.

Bonus Addition for Cycle One

As testosterone levels improve, it is important to balance that with either Nettle Root Extract or isolated ß-Sitosterol (one of the active compounds present in Nettle Root). This is to help control sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), the enzyme aromatase, and the conversion of testosterone (and other androgenic hormones) to estradiol (a harmful estrogen metabolite).

As the actions of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are blocked, levels of free and active testosterone can increase. And as the enzyme aromatase is inhibited, less testosterone is converted into estradiol.

Cycle One Product Links

Cycle Two: Complete for 6-8 Weeks

RAW Brassica Flower Pollen

Here, RAW Pine Pollen is cycled with RAW Brassica Pollen. The purpose is to continue with the nutritive support offered by RAW Pine Pollen but to drop the added Phyto-Androgens that are present in it. Additionally, Cycle Two seeks to be more anti-inflammatory than Cycle One, and RAW Brassica Pollen is deeply anti-inflammatory.

Mountain Manna Himalayan Shilajit Extract

As in Cycle One, Shilajit is included here both as a powerful adaptogen and tonic and to support nutrition. By continuing to support deep nutrition with Shilajit and the RAW Pollens, the body is able to repair and rejuvenate from poor nutrition.

Tahna Prana Elevated Tongkat Ali Extract

In Cycle One, Pine Pollen is used in part because of its Phyto-Androgens. These Phyto-Androgens can help supplement low testosterone levels in the body; however, the ultimate goal is to increase the body's innate (endogenous) production of sex hormones.

The exact method of action (MoA) of Tongkat Ali ( Eurycoma longifolia) is still unknown, but its effects are not. Tongkat Ali has shown in numerous research papers to improve testosterone production and libido (as well as a host of other beneficial effects).

Unlike supplementing with testosterone (either through Phyto-Androgenic herbs or pharmaceuticals), Tongkat Ali works at some point on the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal/testes axis to signal the body to produce more testosterone. This has the added benefit of improving sperm count and quality.

TapRoot Deep Jing Formula

The major difference between the TapRoot Deep Jing and Elephant Mountain Ginseng Formula is that TapRoot provides more of a leveling effect and foundational support. Meaning that TapRoot is more rejuvenating. This formula is designed to clear heat (inflammation) from the body while also building reserves of energy (Yuan Qi and Jing) that are necessary for long-lasting wellness. Over time, cycling TapRoot with EMGF provides complementary actions to each other so that the benefits of each can be enjoyed to their fullest.

Stinging Nettle Root Extracts: Broad Spectrum or Isolated ßeta-Sitosterol

Just as in Cycle One, Cycle Two also focuses on maximizing levels of free testosterone and minimizing the conversion of testosterone (and other sex hormones) to estradiol. As such, this cycle also includes Stinging Nettle Root Extract or Isolated ß-Sitosterol.

However, it deviates from Cycle One in offering Peak Performance Estrogen Estrogen Detox as a possible alternative. This is because Estrogen Detox offers powerful anti-aromatase actions (to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estradiol), and because it can help offer more added anti-inflammatory effects, help to promote improved liver health, and to improve estrogen detoxification with the goal of favorably affecting the ratio of testosterone to estrogen in the body.

Bonus Addition for Cycle Two

For those looking for even greater restorative effects from this cycle, the Eternal Well Cordyceps Extract Powder can be included with Cycle Two.

Cycle Two Product Links

Jan 27, 2017 Ryan Wade

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