Republished with permission from Nutrition Without Compromise and ORLO Nutrition

Guest: Ben Levine, Co-Founder of Rasa & Clinical Herbalist

In this enlightening episode, we meet Ben Levine, a clinical herbalist and co-founder of Rasa, a sustainable adaptogenic coffee alternative brand. Ben shares his journey from corporate herbal sourcing to founding Rasa, revealing the darker side of the herb trade, the pitfalls of commoditization, and the powerful role of regenerative and responsible sourcing practices.

You’ll learn how Rasa supports farmers and wildcrafters through boots-on-the-ground sourcing, why certifications like Fair Trade and Fair for Life aren’t always enough, and how adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help combat modern stress. We also explore the future of plant-based nutrition, climate-resilient herbs, and how reconnecting with even a single plant can shift consumer behavior.

Topics Covered:

[00:01:04] Introduction to Ben Levine and his path from Celestial Seasonings to founding Rasa

[00:02:57] Disillusionment with the commercial herb industry & the commodification of plants

[00:04:41] The impact of popularity on wildcrafted adaptogens like rhodiola and eleuthero

[00:06:21] Visiting ashwagandha farms in India and how Rasa builds sourcing relationships on the ground

[00:08:17] Certifications like Fair for Life vs. direct trade: Are labels enough?

[00:10:14] How certification programs can be co-opted by corporations

[00:13:56] The case for paying more for responsibly sourced coffee and tea alternatives

[00:14:26] How Rasa formulations address daily stress with adaptogens

[00:15:35] Why ritual matters—building healthy habits into your daily routine

[00:18:13] How adaptogens work: Partial cortisol agonists and stress modulation

[00:20:32] Adaptogens at altitude: Helping the body acclimate to high elevations

[00:23:38] The evolutionary intelligence of plants and why they thrive in extreme climates

[00:25:12] The growing disconnect in modern diets: Nature deficit and phytochemical diversity

[00:28:05] Coffee vs. herbal alternatives: Water use, land use, and regenerative potential

[00:30:03] Fermentation teas, compost brews, and the Jeewamrutha system in India

[00:31:01] Why rainwater catchment systems are essential in regions affected by climate variability

[00:32:26] How regenerative practices spread farmer-to-farmer

[00:33:33] The one action you can take today: Build a relationship with a single plant

[00:34:56] Why sourcing matters more than ever—and how you can vote with your dollars

[00:35:58] Discount code & final thoughts: Try Rasa and support responsible sourcing

🔗 Use code NUTRITION15 at WeAreRasa.com for 15% off your first order.

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