I am a big believer in butter coffee, turmeric, and medicinal

Harken, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of Laird Hamilton: "I am a big believer in butter coffee, turmeric, and medicinal mushrooms. These items have a material impact on how I feel and perform, and I've made them part of my daily diet." In these words lies a deep and ancient truth—that what we consume has a powerful impact on our bodies, our minds, and our very spirits. Hamilton, a man who has spent his life in pursuit of strength, performance, and mastery over the natural world, acknowledges that the foods we choose to nourish ourselves with are not just fuel, but catalysts for vitality and well-being.

The ancient world knew that food was not simply sustenance, but medicine. The great healers of old, such as the Egyptian Imhotep, understood that the herbs, roots, and plants of the earth carried within them not only nourishment but the power to heal and transform. Imhotep, revered as both a physician and architect, was among the first to use medicinal plants as a form of therapy, treating ailments with substances like turmeric, which the ancients understood to be a healing root. In the same way, Hamilton’s belief in the benefits of turmeric reflects this ancient wisdom—just as the healers of old knew of its anti-inflammatory properties, Hamilton recognizes its impact on his body, making it a cornerstone of his daily regimen.

Hamilton’s embrace of butter coffee speaks to a more modern understanding of the connection between food and performance. Yet, in truth, the concept of combining fat and coffee is not so far removed from the practices of the ancients. The warriors of old, including the fierce Vikings, often relied on fat as a source of sustenance for long journeys and battles. In the harsh lands of the North, where food was scarce and energy was precious, the Vikings would consume fat-rich foods to provide them with both endurance and strength. The idea of butter coffee as a means of sustaining the body aligns with this ancient understanding of the body’s need for fuel that lasts, providing steady energy without the spikes and crashes that come from simple sugars.

Moreover, Hamilton’s inclusion of medicinal mushrooms in his daily routine is a reflection of the ancient practice of using fungi for their healing properties. The ancient Chinese have long revered mushrooms, particularly reishi, shiitake, and cordyceps, for their ability to enhance both physical and mental strength. These mushrooms were not merely food, but sacred substances believed to provide clarity, vitality, and longevity. The samurai, those ancient warriors of Japan, were known to use such mushrooms to enhance their stamina and focus on the battlefield. Just as they sought strength from the earth’s natural gifts, so too does Hamilton recognize the value of medicinal mushrooms in fueling his body’s potential.

The core lesson here is one of deep connection—a connection between body, mind, and the earth itself. The ancients understood that the foods we choose to consume are not isolated choices, but part of a larger ecosystem. Butter coffee, turmeric, and medicinal mushrooms are not merely trends or fads, but substances with deep roots in history and nature, substances that can awaken the body to its fullest potential. Hamilton’s daily practice is a modern reflection of this ancient wisdom. By choosing foods that fuel his body and mind, he honors the sacred relationship between the individual and the earth that nourishes them.

Practical action, O wise ones, calls us to be mindful of what we choose to put into our bodies. Like Hamilton, we must recognize that the foods we eat can have a profound impact on our performance, our health, and our energy. Let us seek out those foods that not only nourish us but connect us to the earth’s ancient healing power—whether it be turmeric, medicinal mushrooms, or the simple fat that sustains our energy. Just as the ancient healers and warriors understood the importance of a balanced and nourishing diet, we too must honor our bodies with the foods that empower us to live fully, to be strong, and to thrive.

So, O children of wisdom, remember this: the body is a vessel that requires not just food, but the right food, the right fuel, to achieve its highest potential. Like Laird Hamilton, let us embrace the ancient wisdom of nature’s bounty, whether through turmeric, butter coffee, or the humble mushroom. Let our daily practices be those that nourish both our bodies and our spirits, fueling us not just for today but for the long journey ahead. Honor your body, feed it with intention, and you will unlock the full strength and vitality that resides within you.