Nurturing our bodies, part of nature, with the power of nature

"Plantology" is based on Kampo, which has been researched for thousands of years. In the US, it has been studied for over 60 years to align with modern lifestyles. It is formulated with an optimal balance of plant-based powers that gently act on both the delicate body and mind of women, who are particularly susceptible to the influence of female hormones and the autonomic nervous system.

Unlike conventional laxatives and supplements that merely stimulate the intestines to induce bowel movements, "INNER CLEANSE" gently acts on the stomach and intestines, as well as the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas, to properly expel toxins from the body, thereby refining the body from within.

"INNER PEACE" gently supports the balance of a woman's body and mind, which are strongly influenced by hormones and the autonomic nervous system. It addresses premenstrual irritability, feelings of sadness, increased appetite, heightened nerves due to work stress leading to sleeplessness, and irregular periods due to a busy lifestyle, using a carefully selected blend of Kampo herbs and medicinal plants.

A dream once completely given up on, revived...

—What prompted you to start "Plantology"?

Masako IshikawaTo start with my personal story, the catalyst was leaving my previous work in cosmetics and moving to America. When I considered what I truly wanted to do, something that fit my capabilities, launching Plantology came to mind first. I had worked in cosmetics in Japan for a long time, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that for women to be beautiful, inner health and well-being are paramount.

I first encountered the precursor to this product 12 years ago, and since then, commercializing this formula has been a long-held dream. However, due to challenges with sourcing ingredients, my corporate job, and the sheer impossibility of replicating such a delicately balanced formula, I had almost given up. But after moving to the US two years ago, I found the daughter of the original developer, a herbalist, and negotiated for her to join the launch of Plantology. I feel I was fortunate to have such wonderful encounters.

—Your passion must have drawn your daughter to you.

IshikawaThe herbalist is a woman in her early forties, but she has been seeing local patients daily with her father, who is also a herbalist, since childhood. There's an anecdote that she first prescribed Kampo and herbs to a patient at the age of 12. When she talks about Kampo, she's unstoppable. She's an intelligent woman overflowing with knowledge and passion for herbs.
A series of coincidental encounters led me to a reliable herbalist who deeply understands this time-honored formula. Then there was the manufacturing site that produces in small batches, just as she would for her own patients, our commitment to all-natural ingredients, and meeting people with grounded values who aren't aiming for massive growth, but rather a family business.──Although my husband's support was crucial, I naturally felt anxious about starting a business in America where I knew so little, but I decided this was something I had to do.

The philosophy of humans as part of nature

—Why the commitment to all-natural and organic ingredients?

IshikawaFrom a product perspective, I've always believed that personal care should involve natural elements as much as possible. That's the primary reason. Organic and natural are currently gaining attention as a "growing industry" and a "trend," but it's quite natural to think of humans as part of nature and to embrace organic things.

Just as animals in the forest instinctively know which leaves to eat when they have an upset stomach, I believe that the human body and mind can also be healed by the power of plants. This is perhaps how things should be. In line with this thinking, I strongly resonate with the Okinawan concept of "nuuchigusui," meaning "life's medicine" for food, and it's something I consciously incorporate into my daily diet.

I currently live in a lush area on the East Coast of the United States. Being surrounded by nature, I feel I've come to understand, not just intellectually but physically, the importance of eating seasonal, locally grown vegetables and fruits, soaking up the sun, and nurturing myself with natural elements.

Kampo herbs that suit the Japanese constitution

—Why are Kampo herbs the focus of Plantology's first product line?

IshikawaBecause there is sufficient evidence to support my belief. Nowadays, there are various health foods, wellness practices, and supplements, some of which are consumed as mere trends. However, Kampo, which has been researched for thousands of years in its relationship with humans and plants, is now being re-evaluated for its effectiveness. I chose Kampo herbs for our products because they are suitable for the Japanese constitution and can be formulated with 100% natural ingredients. For the time being, I want to focus on solidifying our foundation with these products. However, I aspire to eventually create excellent products, one by one, in the field of cosmetics, where I have long been involved, by making the power of these plants more accessible and effective.

Keeping the inside of your body clean is extremely important

—Could you explain "INNER CLEANSE"?

Masako Ishikawa"INNER CLEANSE" is effective for detoxification and constipation. I myself have been interested in detoxification for many years. For the past year, I've been drinking only cold-pressed juice every morning and focusing my body's energy on elimination during the morning hours. In the world of Kampo, in particular, there's the belief that "all illnesses originate from impurities in the gut," and keeping the inside of the body clean is considered extremely important.

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on gut health, leading to the recognition of the gut as the "second brain" and a renewed appreciation for its importance. Traditionally, Japanese people have consumed miso, pickles, and a variety of vegetables, leading to an ideal diet for gut health. However, with the increase in processed foods and Westernized diets, maintaining an ideal gut environment has become challenging.

Furthermore, despite Japan's rich natural environment and food culture, the number of approved food additives is surprisingly high. Compared to the US, the options for choosing additive-free foods are limited. While greasy fast food is often seen as synonymous with American food culture, perhaps as a reaction, the US offers numerous choices for all-natural, organic, and MSG-free (chemical seasoning-free) products. "Whole Foods," a well-known American organic supermarket, has around 380 stores nationwide and plans to triple its store count within a few years, indicating that the preference for natural and organic products is spreading to a wider audience.

—This is a unique perspective, given your experience in both Japan and the US.

Compared to the US, Japan has such a rich food culture and a mature market, yet I feel that convenience, taste, and appearance are still overly emphasized in the market. Therefore, I developed "INNER CLEANSE" to detoxify and cleanse the gut using the power of nature.

Many products marketed for detoxification or constipation often contain only strong ingredients that stimulate the intestines and cause loose stools. However, "INNER CLEANSE" features a delicate blend of 10 ingredients that activate the entire digestive system, allowing for effective detoxification without burdening the intestines. This is a unique "Plantology" recipe, developed through over 60 years of research and refinement across two generations. It is recommended not only for women but also for men.

Resolving all women's concerns

—Could you tell us about the inspiration and effects of "INNER PEACE"?

Ishikawa"INNER PEACE" supports various symptoms such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and menopausal symptoms. PMS symptoms can include irritability, decreased concentration, headaches, bloating, overeating, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, skin problems, and allergic reactions. These symptoms vary from person to person and affect not only the body but also the mind, making them difficult for others, especially men, to understand. However, they are profoundly distressing for women.

Especially in today's world, where women work as hard as or harder than men and are expected to deliver results, facing PMS and menstrual pain for a quarter of the month is truly arduous. Furthermore, due to factors like irregular lifestyles, overly demanding jobs, and stressful work environments, many women still experience irregular periods even at ages when their hormonal balance should be stable. Therefore, I created "INNER PEACE" with the desire to help resolve these issues in an easily accessible way.

Lost 6kg with "INNER CLEANSE"!

—You launched in July; how has the response been?

IshikawaFortunately, we've had far more customers than anticipated. I was concerned that the delivery time from America might be long, that customers couldn't physically try the products, and that it might be difficult for people to accept a product type that hasn't been on the market before. However, I'm delighted to see how many people are genuinely seeking to care for their bodies with natural products.

—Are there any particularly memorable reactions or feedback?

IshikawaRegarding the products, the most rewarding feedback is when customers say, "It had a direct effect!" We've heard from many who experienced relief from constipation, milder PMS symptoms, reduced menstrual pain to the point where they no longer needed painkillers, and regulated periods. Some customers, who admitted they didn't have high expectations initially, have even become repeat buyers because of the product's effectiveness.

While individual responses to natural products can vary, I was surprised to hear from a male freelance fashion PR professional who said he lost 6kg with "INNER CLEANSE." Although it wasn't designed for weight loss, and I haven't experienced any weight loss myself, I suppose such things can happen. Also, as "Plantology" is sold online, I am grateful for the communication we can have with our customers online.

Currently, we are busy with shipping and inventory management, so we haven't been able to share information as proactively as we'd like. However, due to a certain event, we've gained many followers on Instagram (@plantology_diary), and it's been a delightful surprise to receive questions, updates on stock availability, and even words of encouragement on my occasional posts. This has been one of the most unexpected and welcome responses.




Plantology
http://www.plantologyus.com/