THE STORY BEHIND THE SHELF - MEET ZUMA NUTRITION

When we curate our collection at Patina Home & Garden, and especially when we are choosing what to carry in our Farm Shop, one of our top considerations is the health of you and your family. We are here to help you build a beautiful life, and wellness is an essential element in its construction.

This is a realization I came to for myself over fifteen years ago. At the time, my life looked quite different than it does today. I was raising three young children in a suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles, working full-time as a designer, and sharing glimpses of our life in the early posts on my blog, Velvet and Linen.

Although I found great joy in that busy season, eventually my body began to speak to me through aches and pains. It was asking me to shift some of my energy away from the constant striving for success and toward a slower life, one where the health and wellness of myself and my family came first. I needed healing—mind, body, and spirit—but I wasn't sure where to turn.

Over the years, as I have connected with so many of you, whether in the shop or online, I have come to realize that I am not alone in that experience.

Many of you have also reached a similar turning point, whether recently or long ago, and are seeking ways to support the well-being of your families and yourselves.

Today, I am excited to introduce you to Zuma Nutrition, a holistic wellness brand dedicated to developing the highest-quality herbal therapeutics to support our shared journey toward better health. I take their supplements daily, and I am thrilled to now carry them at Patina Home & Garden.

I hope you enjoy getting to know them through this thoughtful conversation with their co-founder, Jordan Dorn. If you would like to try some of their products and live near our shop in Leiper's Fork, mention this blog post and we will give you 15% off the items in our selection!

CAN YOU TEL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND ZUMA NUTRITION AND HOW THE BRAND GOT STARTED?

Zuma Nutrition was born from a passion to create a therapeutic product line where quality and efficacy are paramount. The vision began with Richard Helfrich, who developed the initial formulations for his health concierge business. He collaborated with leading physicians, herbalists, biochemists, and natural product experts worldwide to create a truly exceptional range. In 2019, Richard and I co-founded Zuma Nutrition, expanding the line to include non-toxic products for the home, hair, children, and pets, all grounded in our commitment to holistic wellness and uncompromising standards.

WHAT CORE VALUES GUIDE YOUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

At Zuma Nutrition, our core values are quality, efficacy, transparency, and sustainability. We craft our products using the highest-grade, ethically sourced ingredients, blending the best of science and nature. Our essential oils and hydrosols are sourced through regenerative agriculture in partnership with a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm in Northern California. We also make extensive use of ethically wild-harvested ingredients across our product line. Our dedication to non-toxic, therapeutic solutions drives us to develop products that truly support wellness while building trust through open communication about our ingredients and processes.

WHAT MAKES YOUR HERBAL FORMULAS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SUPPLEMENTS ON THE MARKET?

Our formulas stand apart due to the exceptional quality of our raw ingredients, their therapeutic potency, and our commitment to purity. Our team is led by a gifted second-generation herbalist who has worked with Richard for over a decade. Many of our herbs are ethically wild-harvested and extracted at peak potency. Unlike many supplements that rely on dried herbs or generic bulk extracts, we use a proprietary extraction process that concentrates these compounds into highly effective therapeutic liquids. Some of our products also feature liposomal delivery systems to bypass digestion and improve absorption. Every formula is developed with input from physicians, herbalists, and biochemists, using high-quality, bioavailable ingredients without fillers or harmful additives. This sets us apart from mass-market supplements that often prioritize cost over quality.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT AND WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT?

Our best-selling product is Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals, a formula designed to support detoxification, hydration, and overall vitality. It combines fulvic acid, a naturally occurring compound from humic ore, with more than seventy trace minerals and electrolytes sourced from deep ocean soil and pure spring water. Just a few drops in your water transform it into a mineral-rich elixir that enhances cellular hydration, supports nutrient absorption, and promotes toxin elimination.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS, AND HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THEM?

A common misconception is that herbal supplements are less effective or unregulated. We address this by ensuring that our products are rigorously tested, transparently labeled, and formulated with clinically supported ingredients. Education is central to our approach. We share in-depth information on our website and social media to empower our customers to make informed choices.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS, AND HOW IS ZUMA NUTRITION PREPARING FOR IT?

In a world increasingly shaped by AI and emerging technologies, and flooded with new supplements, we believe the future of wellness lies in returning to our roots. Whole foods, time-honored superfoods, and the wisdom of nature offer the body nutrients it can recognize and use efficiently. This is why we focus on whole-food-derived, bioavailable ingredients. Our products are grounded in traditional herbalism and holistic principles. We are also exploring superfoods from around the world, such as Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha from Japan, High-Himalayan Shilajit from India, and Organic Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Tonic from Japan. Looking ahead, we are expanding our line of non-toxic, targeted formulas, investing in sustainable sourcing, and growing our educational offerings through webinars and blog content. By blending tradition with innovation, we aim to help lead the way in the evolving world of holistic wellness.

WHAT ARE SOME LESSER-KNOWN BUT POWERFUL HERBS OR INGREDIENTS THAT MORE PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Here are a few of our favorite underappreciated ingredients featured in our formulas and highlighted on our blog and Instagram (@zuma.nutrition)

OSHA ROOT

A traditional herb prized for its immune-boosting, antiviral, and respiratory support properties. It’s a key ingredient in our Lung Clear & Support Tonic, promoting clear breathing and vitality.

ASTRAGALUS

This adaptogenic herb enhances energy, stress resilience, and white blood cell production. It’s featured in our Astragalus Tonic and Daily Immunity Support Tincture, fostering robust immunity.

GUAVA LEAF DERIVED ZINC

A bioavailable zinc source that strengthens immunity. Our water extraction process makes this a full-spectrum extract that contains other minerals with zinc, including copper, magnesium, and calcium. Easier on the stomach than Zinc isolate and easier for the body to recognize and absorb.

MILK THISTLE SEED

Packed with antioxidants and silymarin, this herb supports liver health and detoxification. It’s a vital component of our Liver Clear & Support Tonic, promoting overall wellness.

FULVIC ACID

This nutrient-rich organic compound enhances mineral absorption and aids detoxification. It stars in our Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals Tonic and naturally occurs in our High-Himalayan Shilajit.

IF SOMEONE IS CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO WELLNESS, WHERE SHOULD THEY START?

We recommend starting at zumanutrition.com, where you can explore our full product line and read insightful blog posts on health and nutrition. Join our email list to receive exclusive updates, helpful tips, and inspiration. You can also follow us on Instagram (@zuma.nutrition) and TikTok (@zumanutrition) for daily insights, educational videos, and community connection. These are all great entry points to experience Zuma Nutrition’s commitment to quality and holistic health.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about our friends at Zuma Nutrition! If you feel inspired to try out a product or two from their collection, stop into Patina Home & Garden and mention this blog post to receive 15% off their selection in store!

xx,

Brooke