The Intrinsic Factor: Herbal Allies for Better Absorption
I always get asked, “What is Be Intrinsic?” it's my favorite tea we make and honestly, I think it’s the most underrated tea we offer.
This is a beautiful summertime tea, inspired by the intrinsic quality of life: our vitality, our light, our essence—all things ruled by the sun and the season of summer. We crafted this blend with herbs that thrive during this time of year, mirroring the abundant, radiant energy of the season.
But “Be Intrinsic” is also a little nod to something deeper…
The Intrinsic Factor & Why It Matters
The intrinsic factor is a protein made in the stomach that’s essential for absorbing vitamin B12. Without it, you simply can’t absorb B12—no matter how much you eat or supplement.
When this process is impaired, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms: Fatigue, Bloating, swelling and digestive issues, Liver spleen congestion/lack of qi, Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, Mood shifts and brain fog, Food sensitivities and much more.
Our inner world reflects the outer world, and just like our environment, when we tend to neglect the systems that sustain us, the whole body feels it.
The key is understanding how to get better intrinsic factor is by understanding your methylation.
Methylation
Methylation is a vital process that affects mood, detox, energy, and more. For some, slow methylation means they need a methylated form of B12 like methylcobalamin This is the case in people with the MTHFR gene mutation.
. But for those with fast methylation, taking methylated B12 can make them feel overstimulated, anxious, or even jittery. Herbs like St. John’s Wort, Schisandra, and Hawthorn can help support balance and nervous system regulation when methylation is too fast.
The 7 Nutrients That Support Methylation:
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Folate (5-MTHF)
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B12
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B6
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B2 (Riboflavin)
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Magnesium
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Phosphatidylcholine (Phosphate)
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Betaine (Trimethylglycine)
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Vitamin D (bonus but crucial)
Herbs in Be Intrinsic that support methylation
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Rosemary: Digestive herb that warms and Stimulates the MTHF enzyme which plays a key role in the conversion of folate to 5-MTHF, enhances fat digestion, reduces gut inflammation, supports liver metabolism and It strengthens our inner light
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Chamomile: A gentle digestive bitter and carminative—soothing for the gut and calming to the nervous system to help support absorption.
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Yarrow: Contains cobalt, a trace mineral essential for B12 synthesis. Also helps tone tissues and balance heat.
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Calendula: Supports lymphatic flow, and enhances gut integrity—helping your internal and external ecosystems shine.
When we support our methylation naturally with these herbs, our bodies become more receptive—so the supplements we do take are better absorbed, more effective, and often needed in smaller amounts. Be Intrinsic is more than a tea, it’s a reminder to tend to your inner light. Just like the summer sun calls the plants to bloom, this blend invites you to feel radiant, supported, and vital from the inside out. It’s about working with the body, not against it
Drink it slowly, breathe deeply you've got this.