About Us

Rooted in Tradition, Committed to Innovation

At RAW Forest Foods, we craft premium adaptogenic and tonic products with a singular purpose: to honor the deep traditions of herbalism while embracing contemporary innovation.

Guided by Classical Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism, we bring together time-honored wisdom and modern scientific knowledge to create products that support resilience, vitality, and long-term well-being.

As foragers, herbalists, and explorers, we are driven by a deep respect for the wild—for the ecosystems that sustain us and for the plants that have been used in traditional healing systems for millennia. Our goal is not just to produce a product but to craft products that serve as a bridge—connecting people to the traditions of plants and the vast intelligence of nature.

Since 2010, RAW Forest Foods has led the industry, becoming the first to introduce RAW Pine Pollen™ and Pine Pollen Tinctures to market. Our Mountain Harvest Pine Pollen™ is wild-harvested at peak potency, ensuring the fullest expression of its inherent benefits. Through Dàodì ingredient sourcing and Jūn-Chén-Zuǒ-Shǐ formulation, we continue to set the standard for quality, integrity, and efficacy.

Our approach is simple: source exceptional ingredients, uphold uncompromising quality standards, and create masterful formulas that nourish and strengthen the body. Every product we offer is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, purity, and the transformative power of plants.

The RAW Forest Foods Story – A Legacy of Discovery and Excellence

RAW Forest Foods was founded on a deep respect for nature’s wisdom and a commitment to providing the highest-quality botanical formulations. In 2010, we became the first company to introduce RAW Pine Pollen™ and Pine Pollen Tinctures to the market—setting the industry standard for potency, purity, and integrity.

Our story began with a search for authentic healing. Recognizing the immense potential of Pine Pollen, we sought to bridge the gap between traditional herbalism and modern wellness, making these essential plants accessible to those seeking natural pathways that foster resilience and restore vitality.

From our earliest forays in wild-crafting Pine Pollen in the Pacific Northwest to our comprehensive collection of adaptogenic, phytoandrogenic, and tonic herbs, our mission remains unwavering:

• To honor the ethnobotanical traditions – including Classical Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.
• To honor our customers – by ensuring highest quality products through ethical sourcing, lab testing, and exemplary formulation and production.
• To be stewards of education – by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for applying herbalism.

For well over a decade, RAW Forest Foods has been the trusted leader in Pine Pollen, with research-backed solutions that embrace both traditional wisdom and contemporary science. We continue to innovate, educate, and provide products that reflect our reverence for the plants, their origins, and the people who rely on them.

Meet Our Founder – The Expertise Behind RAW Forest Foods

RAW Forest Foods was born out of a deeply personal journey—a search for authentic and restorative healing from Lyme Disease. This led to the discovery of Pine Pollen’s immense potential. Under the guidance of Stephen Harrod Buhner, Ryan was the first to bring the combination of RAW Pine Pollen™ and Pine Pollen Tinctures to market, setting a new standard for a time-honored—though at the time largely forgotten—herb.

Ryan has extensive training in Classical Chinese Medicine under the teaching of Jeffrey C. Yuen, an 88th-generation Daoist priest from the Jade Purity School. He holds a certificate in Chinese Dietary Therapy from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medicinal Arts, alongside formal post-baccalaureate education in Western science, and he holds a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. Ryan is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Having traveled to China to meet with producers, wild-harvesters, and growers, his unique educational and professional background provides a rare synthesis of traditional wisdom and scientific research. Combined with over a decade of study in Qi Gong—including training in Yi Jin Jing with Robert Peng—and deep practical experience in herbalism, his expertise shapes every formulation at RAW Forest Foods, ensuring they are rooted in tradition, backed by science, and designed for real-world efficacy.

Meet the Founder

 

Practicing Herbalism – Honoring the Past, Innovating for the Future

Practicing herbalism is both an art and a science—a tradition rooted in ethnobotanical knowledge, alignment with the self and others, and a deep reverence for nature’s wisdom—for forest wisdom.

Our product development is grounded in Classical Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism, integrating the principles of Dàodì ingredient sourcing and Jūn-Chén-Zuǒ-Shǐ formulation to ensure every product delivers the highest therapeutic value. This means:

1. Sourcing ingredients from their authentic ecological regions – for peak potency and effectiveness (Dàodì sourcing).
2. Applying theJūn-Chén-Zuǒ-Shǐ framework, a highly advanced formulation system from Classical Chinese Medicine – ensuring each ingredient serves a defined role—chief, deputy, assistant, or envoy—to create synergistic and highly effective formulas.
3. Enhancing bioavailability – delivering full-spectrum, highly absorbable extracts and RAW Pine Pollen Powders for deeper therapeutic engagement.

True wellness comes from working with the body—not through attempts to override it. That is why we specialize in:

1. Adaptogenic Herbs – Supporting the body’s natural ability to adapt, recover, and build resilience in response to stress.
2. Phytoandrogenic Herbs – Honoring the traditional use of herbs to support vitality and endocrine system function.
3. Tonic Formulations – Strengthening foundational health for long-term well-being and longevity.

Our commitment to integrity extends beyond product development. We see ourselves as custodians of tradition and knowledge, ensuring that every product reflects both its historical use and modern research—bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary science. 

Our Commitment to Excellence – Authenticity, Integrity, and Purpose

At RAW Forest Foods, excellence is a non-negotiable.

Every product we craft reflects our unwavering dedication to quality, sustainability, and integrity. We believe that true wellness begins with transparency, trust, and a steadfast commitment to the highest industry standards.

• First to Introduce RAW Pine Pollen™ and Pine Pollen Tinctures – Since 2010, we’ve been the original—and only—source of authentic Mountain Harvest Pine Pollen™.
• Masterful Formulations – Products developed by clinical herbalists using the Jūn-Chén-Zuǒ-Shǐ system of formulation.
• Dàodì and Sustainable Sourcing – Selecting ethically cultivated and wildcrafted ingredients for authenticity and peak potency.
• Manufactured in the USA – Produced in FDA cGMP and NSF-certified facilities, meeting ISO 9001:2008 and USDA Organic standards.
• Rigorous Lab Testing – Our products undergoes comprehensive testing for purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants.
• Sustainability and Ethical Stewardship – Dedicated to responsible harvesting, regenerative agriculture, and environmentally sound practices.
• Focused on You—Our Customers – Our products are backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you can trust the products you invest in. But don’t just take our word for it— see what our customers are saying.

Education and Empowerment – Knowledge Tree and Pine Pollen Academy

The study and practice of herbalism is not a singular tree with many roots and branches—it is a forest. A forest of many trees, each with its own roots and branches.

At RAW Forest Foods, we see education as a fundamental pillar—not only of empowerment but of engaging in the tradition of herbalism.

We aim to honor the many traditions of knowledge we draw from at RAW Forest Foods—including contemporary research—through education. With the Knowledge Tree and the Pine Pollen Academy, our goal is to contribute to the evolving body of herbal knowledge. These resources are designed to deepen your understanding of herbalism, the science of plants, and the underlying theories that support it.

• Knowledge Tree – Our main—and expansive—educational platform, providing in-depth articles, guides, and research on adaptogenic, phytoandrogenic, and tonic herbs.
• Pine Pollen Academy – The most comprehensive resource for understanding Pine Pollen—its history, traditional applications, and scientific research.

By fostering a deeper connection to plants, their origins, and the science that supports them, we aim to help individuals reclaim agency over their health and well-being. Whether through self-guided learning or expert-driven research, we are committed to making trusted, high-quality information accessible to all.

An Ethos of Regenerative Wellness and Forest Wisdom

At RAW Forest Foods, we believe true wellness extends beyond the individual—it is deeply interconnected with nature, tradition, and community. Our approach nurtures body, mind, and spirit, honoring the wisdom of herbalism while embracing sustainable practices that preserve its integrity for future generations.

Our mission is to empower individuals on their path to regenerative wellness—not just through the products we create, but through the knowledge we share and the principles we uphold.

We are more than just a company; we are stewards of knowledge and tradition, committed to sustainability, education, and authenticity. Our ethos is built on:

Through our work, we strive to deepen the connection between tradition, people, and nature, guiding individuals toward a healthier, more balanced life through the intelligence of plants.

Meet the Team – The People Behind RAW Forest Foods

Behind every RAW Forest Foods product is a dedicated team—a collective of herbalists, formulators, sustainability advocates, and support specialists—all working toward a shared vision of health, education, and community.

We take pride in being a small company—one with an expansive commitment. Every aspect of what we do—from research and formulation to sourcing and education—is driven by purpose, integrity, and a deep passion for herbalism and a dedication to our customers. By staying small, we stay true to our ethos.

• Master Herbalists – Experts in Classical Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism, integrating time-honored knowledge into modern wellness.
• On-the-Ground Sourcing – Verifying ethical wildcrafting, regenerative sourcing, and direct site verification to uphold the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and environmental responsibility.
• Customer Care and Education – Providing expert guidance and trusted resources, empowering customers to make informed wellness choices.
• Dedicated Production Partners – Ensuring that every batch meets rigorous standards for purity, safety, and efficacy.

Join the Trail Family – Stay Connected, Stay Inspired

• Exclusive product updates.
• Educational insights from the Knowledge Tree and the Pine Pollen Academy.
• Special promotions and community events. 

Supporting Excellence in Herbalism

We are proud to be supporting members of the American Botanical Council. Since 1988, the American Botanical Council has been a leader in promoting the responsible use of herbs and clinical herbalism through research, education, and advocacy.