Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Native to: Naturally produced in the body; also sourced from fermented plants or yeast
Ritual Role: The Restorer — protects, energizes, and slows the visible signs of time
Skin Benefits
Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that supports collagen production, reduces oxidative stress, and helps maintain skin elasticity. It works by neutralizing free radicals and energizing skin cells, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and support long-term skin vitality. Ideal for tired, aging, or sun-exposed skin.
Nervous System Support
Restorative and cellular — works beneath the surface to replenish what’s been depleted. Symbolic of inner repair and energy renewal.
Ancestral Use & Cultural Roots
While CoQ10 is a modern compound discovered in the 20th century, its role mirrors the energy-preserving practices found in traditional medicine systems. In Afro-Indigenous traditions, fermented foods — a natural source of CoQ10 — were used to restore vitality, especially in postpartum and elder care. It’s a scientific echo of ancient wisdom: nourish from within, protect from without.
Sources & Receipts
- Academic: The role of coenzyme Q10 in skin aging – NCBI
- Herbalist Text: Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford — notes the benefits of fermented foods and their energizing, restorative impact
- Oral Tradition: Fermented cassava and grains used in Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous postpartum recovery to restore life-force energy
- Ethnobotanical Record: Traditional fermentation techniques used in Andean and African herbalism for building strength and immunity (Source: FAO Indigenous Food Knowledge Studies)