Alternity Updates & Pine Pollen

Ah, the feeling of summer. Solstice is around the corner, a time for celebration as the sun reaches the highest point in the sky, shining its life-giving rays during the longest days of the year. In this time of light and abundance, we make manifest the ideas and inspirations we planted in the springtime. However you celebrate, whether it's in the city or a romp in the forest, we wish you the most magical time! And we invite you to join in the events we have on offer this week at Alternity. 

Note that A Midsummer Feast, the Celtic concert that was scheduled for this Thursday 29th has been cancelled. The organizers are looking to reschedule it in the fall, so worry not! Please contact them if you have already purchased your ticket or have any questions.

 

In the case of a private event, Alternity will close to the public--see the events listed below. And because things change sometimes, always check out our website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule. :)

 

The Medicine of Pine Tree Pollen

Human beings have been on the earth for a million or so years and from the beginning have been using the pine trees and their pollen as medicine.

Pine pollen is an incredible hormone balancer and the only plant-based source of vitamin D3. The pine cone very closely resembles the pineal gland, and is believed to help us connect with nature, our spirit, and our essence.

Pine pollen is a tonic medicine, meaning it can be used over a course of time without it having toxic effects on your body. It is also adaptogenic, so it will cater to exactly what your body needs and treat any areas of distress. Pine pollen can be consumed in large amounts and also contains vitamins A, B-carotene, B1, B2, B3, B6, D, E, and folic acid. Its host of minerals include calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, and zinc.

As well, pine pollen contains over twenty amino acids and all eight essential amino acids, making it a complete protein!

When taken consistently, pine pollen enhances an array of bodily functions while assisting in preventing degenerative conditions as well. It has the potential to increase immune and endocrine function, reduce sensitivity to pain, lower cholesterol, and stimulate liver regeneration. Pine pollen is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and anti-tumor, and is a natural source of testosterone.

Here's just one of many ways to use this medicine.

Until the next newsletter (June 26), you can purchase pine pollen for 10% off at the shop.

The Ubiquitous "Nooch" aka Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast, often a strain of saccharomyces cerevisiae. With a strong flavour often described as nutty or cheesy, it makes a great alternative for non-cheese eaters to add to food. Historically, nutritional yeast was used by prisoners-of-war to prevent vitamin deficiencies.

How it's Made
It's grown on mixtures of cane and blackstrap molasses. Once fermented, nutritional yeast is harvested, washed, pasteurized, and dried, making it a tasty, high source of B12. The yeast is completely pasteurized and deactivated and won’t cause yeast overgrowth to someone who consumes it. Thanks to the deactivation process, it does not contain candida albicons and may be consumed by those who have a sensitivity to active yeast.

Health Benefits
Nutritional yeast contains vital food factors such as glutathione, trace minerals, beta-glucans, GABA, amino acids, lipoid acid, polysaccharides, B-complex vitamins, minerals, and over 40 proteolytic enzymes! Yeast has the ability to bio-transform nutrients at an accelerated rate into nutrients that the human body can easily use, which is proving to be integral in providing much needed nutrition to an increasing population (especially considering most other protein sources, such as animal protein, requires far more resources and has a much heavier footprint).

Nutritional yeast is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids as well as being rich in B vitamins and minerals. In 1/4 cup serving, you get: 

• 9 grams of protein
• only 5 calories from fat
• 5 grams of carbohydrates
• 4 grams of fibre

Please enjoy the recipe below containing this amazing ingredient.

Walnut Hemp “Parmesan” Recipe 

1/2 cup of raw walnuts
1/2 cup of hemp hearts 
1/3 cup of nutritional yeast 
1 tsp of himalayan salt 

Blitz all ingredients in a blender or food processor until parmesan-like consistency is achieved (about 7-10 seconds).

Enjoy on top of salads, pastas, or whatever else your hearts desires! 
 

And until the next newsletter, you can purchase nutritional yeast from the shop for 10% off!!
 

This spring we are truly embodying the adage “out with the old, in with the new.” Our Spring Clearance Sale is still going strong (have you checked out the $17 items shelves in the back of the store???) and new clothing and brands are making their way in.

We’re shifting the energy of the clothing section from purely festival-wear to a more alternative city vibe. We’ll be carrying new exclusive brands not found in anywhere else in Toronto—and some not found in North America!

Already in the store we’ve got pieces from two new and exciting designers: ZhenNymph and Chintamani Alchemistry. 

You’ll find the flow and style of these pieces to be super soft and comfy, with natural colours and fabrics, and detailing that makes each piece wearable art. All of these designs are made in small batches and thus limited editions—you won’t find these again after they’re gone!

Henn aka “Zhenn,” the creator of ZhenNymph, lived a nomadic lifestyle in her 20s with her “truth-seeking gypsy heart,” studying meditation and attending silent retreats across the world. She grew up with a love for choosing beautiful fabrics based on smell and feel, and started designing clothing as a way to support her travelling lifestyle. The first ZhenNymph collection was born in 2007 and has grown into the blooming business it is today. 

Zhenn’s designs are simple and fun and made from materials such as soft jersey lycra, very soft light cotton, raw cotton, and lace, with antique-inspired brass details.
 

The clothing is produced in very(!) small batches, which is more economical for both the environment and for us. The result of which is a more personal, ethical, and even intimate experience. Each piece is a gem!

For more info, visit https://www.zhennymph.com.

Also in the shop are the creations of Polina Chintamani. In 2008 Polina founded Chintamani Alchemistry, a “travelling creative artisan project” with shops in Bali, Goa, and Barcelona. 

All of her clothing is purely vegetarian, made mostly from natural fabrics, and hand decorated in a mix of Boho, Goa, and tribal styles. And the batches are so small that you’ll never see more than 50 of each piece in the world!

Each piece carries with it the energy of “chintamani,” which is a wish-fulfilling jewel in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and alchemical stone that makes the most incredible spiritual dreams come true.

For more info, visit http://chintamanialchemistry.ru.

No doubt you’ll notice that both of these lines of clothing are geared towards women (though anyone is welcome to try them on!).

But we've only just begun restocking the shelves!