With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A's Latest Bizarre Health Drink Tastes A Lot Like Bong Water
Photo of the Pure Black resin drink by Krista Simmons/LAist
()
Last week I ventured down to The Springs, that adorable new vegan restaurant/juice bar/yoga studio/co-working space in the Arts District everyone's raving about. The space is basically a 3D Pinterest board; if you're into the Ace Hotel properties, design, or clean eating in general, this is the perfect spot to perch for the afternoon to work. They've got some killer plant-based eats like the collard green-wrapped bahn mi, kombucha on tap, fantastic desserts, and apparently some really wacky elixir called PurBlack.
()
The light, bright, and airy space at The Springs (Photo via The Springs on Facebook)
While sipping on my 'booch, I overheard the bartender talking up the drink to one of her customers, mentioning something about magma and minerals and ancient resin. It sounded totally ridiculous but also intriguing, so I flagged down the bartender for a full tutorial.
She went on to give me the 411 on a black resin called shilajit — which translates to "rock-invincible" — that is regarded by Ayurvedic healers in India for its restorative properties. It's also used in Greek culture, where it's known as mumijo or mumie. This resin pitch is made of humic substance, and it's very rich in fulvic acid, which is created by the decomposition of plant material. Translation: you're drinking really old, hardened compost. When the weather warms, the stuff oozes out of the ground — mainly in Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal — to be collected by its believers. At The Springs, they dilute PurBlack with water and sell it in a 1 oz shot form with a lemon wedge chaser for $4.
Support for LAist comes from
()
The PurBlack flyer boasts some of the drinks potential benefits (Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist)
PurBlack says that its high-grade resin combines the benefits of shilajit and mumie, and provides mental and physical benefits, including "improving brain function, cognition, emotional stability, and response to mental stressors," as well as serving as a "powerful, natural and safe adaptogen. Our Live Resin continuously repairs, builds, strengthens and protects a body at peak health."Apparently there are lots of imposters out there, and I assume resin scraped out of an old hash pipe could be one of them based on the taste. It used to be a practical joke to make people guzzle bong water, and now we're paying a premium for it in the name of health?
I'm not saying it's total hocus pocus; this stuff has been used for centuries and there are even medical journals citing its efficacy. (Here's one from the International Journal of Alzhiemerstalking about shilajit, and there are plenty of scientific journals cited on the PurBlack page.)
But it's admittedly a really bizarre-tasting drink, even when it's diluted and chased with citrus. What's more is that you're supposed to swirl the stuff in your mouth for as long as you can handle it because your gums are porous and are supposed to help you absorb the healing properties more effectively. And in order to really see the benefits, you're supposed to consume it multiple times daily.
Much as I love The Springs, I don't think my budget or palate could handle that. For now, I'll stick to the kombucha and cold brew.
The Springs is located at 608 Mateo St, Los Angeles, (213) 223-6226
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist