Growing multiple networks: the mind, mycelium, and microgreens.
There are a lot of reasons why I started Skye Mountain. The straw that broke the camel’s back for me was I began experiencing memory problems. I was finding it difficult to recall words during conversations and decided to look into practical methods to maintain memory, cognitive levels, and skills.
Mnemonics
I had read Tony Buzan’s work on learning and memory, and before that had studied and applied memory techniques used by memory champions, such as (wouldn’t you know it, I’ve forgotten the word; however, this form of forgetting a word is much more subtle and complicated than a memory retrieval system that needs an overhaul) – mnemonics – I remembered as I was typing.
Supplements and medication
I also looked into supplements or medication and found a solution that worked remarkably well, in the form of Coenzyme Q10. It not only improved my memory and brought it back to what it was like before, but I also found I improved other cognitive functions, such as my ability to think ahead during negotiations or debates – a cognitive ability that I hadn’t even realised I had lost until I was able to do it again.
Co-enzyme Q10
However, Co-enzyme Q10 is a laboratory, or factory produced drug or supplement, and isn’t something I am keen to take indefinitely. This quest led me to research Lion’s Mane mushroom, supported by solid evidence and excellent research practices, which shows it has significant benefits for the brain and memory. It has a range of other health benefits too, but I can’t detail them here due to regulatory restrictions. Please look them up yourself.
Lion’s Mane mushroom
So, I first started to take organic Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements to help with my memory and cognitive ability – my brain health – so to speak. And they worked too, and I felt great.
But, then I started to look into Lion’s Mane mushrooms and how they are cultivated and soon realised that not all Lion’s Mane mushrooms are equal.
In the UK, Lion’s Mane mushroom is special and protected. It is illegal to pick and consume wild Lion’s Mane mushrooms. And, according to news reports, many Lion’s Mane products on Amazon originate from China, raising concerns about their authenticity and organic status.
And so I started to grow Lion’s Mane mushroom so that I could be sure, 100% sure, where that Lion’s Mane was grown, on what soil, with what nutrients, the quality of the water it was nourished with, and how it was packaged and stored.
Of course the same is true with the microgreens, yet, there is one reason I grow this food more than any other, and that is for safety.
Self sufficient
Yes, our food sources are delicately balanced and highly interdependent. With current world events, it’s clear that resources are becoming scarcer, cities are overcrowded, and food is increasingly contaminated and expensive. Food shortages, as seen in many parts of the world, could happen here too.
Growing my own food has been a long-term plan, and it’s now coming to fruition. I aim to grow food for my family, friends, and community. My plan includes generating revenue by selling equipment to help people across the UK and beyond grow microgreens at home.
Community sharing
By providing free information and courses, I hope to inspire hundreds, if not thousands, of people to grow food for their families, friends, and communities, all at a reasonable cost and with a low carbon footprint.
Environmentally excellent
Compare locally grown microgreens to avocados that are grown and flown in from the other side of the world. Almonds require 4 litres of water per almond and the deaths of millions of bees. Quinoa farming leads to soil degradation. Soybean and coffee cause devastating deforestation in the Amazon. And rice paddies produce 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
It seems to me at least, that we need to learn how to grow our own food, locally, sustainably, and carefully.
Pesticides and preservatives
Preservatives on Fruits and Vegetables: Potential Health Risks
Pesticide Levels in UK and US Foods: What You Need to Know
We use purified water for our/your plants, organic and sterile grow medium, organic seeds, and a lot of love and care.
Medicinal mushrooms and tinctures and more
I have another business called Telos Health. There you will find out about medicinal mushrooms and herbal tinctures, how to grow fresh oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms, and how to make your own medicinal tinctures.
You will also find a course that I offer for free (part of a book I wrote and available on Amazon) which helps people stop bad habits and start and maintain good, healthy habits. All it involves is answering a few questions on a daily basis. It takes a couple of minutes to do and will gently nudge your mind into wanting to stop a bad habit or start a good habit, depending on what it is that you need and want to do.
There is a bit about the carnivore and keto diet/lifestyle on that site too and how it can help people regain a balance of health and useful as a form of metabolic medicine intervention.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
James