Introducing Luz Neri: Unveiling the Story of an Earth Goddess and Agri

Why We Source Filipino Ingredients from the Motherland

Meet Luz Neri, an embodiment of the native earth goddess spirit and a visionary agripreneur hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Midsayap, Cotabato, nestled within the vibrant heart of Mindanao, Philippines.

Luz's remarkable journey as a creator of herbal wonders commenced in 2010, having survived cancer through the use of herbs– armed with nothing but a modest sum of a hundred pesos, a determined spirit, and the steadfast companionship of a mortar and pestle. These humble beginnings marked the genesis of her venture into the realm of crafting herbal products, a path she would later traverse with unwavering dedication and a profound connection to the Earth.

The remarkable transformation that followed led to the birth of Manna’s Alternatives Herbal Products, an enterprise that she nurtured from a fledgling concept to a thriving reality. Luz's unwavering commitment to her vision has flourished into a business that stands tall today, harmonizing sustainable growth with the ethos of fair-trade cooperation. Together with a collective of devoted farmers cultivating certified organic crops, Luz has woven a tapestry of success and resilience that resonates far beyond her local community.

Luz Neri's luminous journey received a resplendent accolade in 2014 when she was bestowed with the prestigious TOFA (The Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines) National Gold Award. This was just one among the constellation of honors that have recognized her as a vanguard of farmer entrepreneurship and a luminous inspiration to all.

Among the myriad treasures nurtured by Luz's nurturing hands, Herbalaria is particularly blessed to be graced by her creative touch. She crafts a symphony of nature's finest offerings, from the robust essence of Sambong to the richness of Guyabano, the soothing notes of Lagundi, the mystique of Mangosteen, the vitality of Moringa, and the golden warmth of Turmeric. These botanical treasures are not just ingredients; they carry the ancient energy of the land from which they emerged, a sacred connection that infuses Herbalaria's products with unparalleled resonance.

Luz Neri's indomitable spirit blazes a trail of pioneering brilliance, illuminating the path for aspiring agripreneurs and entrepreneurs alike. She stands as an emblem of strength, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with the Earth that fuels her every endeavor. As we celebrate Luz's journey, we also acknowledge her role as a beacon for women of color in the entrepreneurial farming landscape.

As we revel in the legacy of Luz Neri, we invite you to share your thoughts and insights. What other healing botanicals would you like to see adorning the canvas of our products? Your voice guides us as we continue to honor the spirit of the Earth and those who work in harmony with it.

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10/10 will buy again!

10/10 will buy again! It smells amazing and is wonderful to use anytime as an uplifting practice. 4 oz is a large amount of precious hydrosol, salamat po! Also looking forward to using it as insect repellent in the future.

An Investment For Your Spirit!

Learning under Lyn is a transformative experience. Her knowledge of plant medicine and the ancestral traditions of the Philippines is boundless, reflecting years of dedicated study and deep spiritual connection. Lyn's mastery of her craft is matched by her humility and unwavering commitment to serving her community. Her mission to protect the earth and teach others to become responsible stewards of the land is embodied in Halamanism—a practice she has beautifully defined as the reclaiming and revitalization of Philippine plant medicine, rooted in animistic traditions, to heal ourselves, our ancestors, our communities, and our planet.

Although Lyn comes from a lineage of respected shamans and healers, she embraces a non-hierarchical approach, empowering all to access the sacred on their own terms. She has an extraordinary ability to hold space for the complex emotions that surface as her students confront ancestral grief, offering compassion and guidance throughout the journey. Lyn’s energy and teaching style draw people from all walks of life, creating an environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. She and her family have become like family to me and many others who are fortunate enough to learn from her.

THE BEST!!!

Lyn’s Herbalaria products are so intentionally crafted - down to the lunar/astrological timing and energetics. I absolutely love knowing what I put on my body comes from her personal garden/farm, where she has a reciprocal and divine relationship with her plants spanning decades and even lifetimes. I also love how some of her plants, like the calamansi tree, were inherited and lovingly moved from a late ancestor's home to be with Lyn and her family. The actual products themselves are luxurious and the epitome of nourishing, engaging all the senses and doing all they claim to do - Lyn is a botanical expert who knows what she is doing. I would recommend her products to anyone who cares about the effectiveness and ethics of their skin care. I feel blessed to know, learn, and nourish my body / mind / soul through Lyn and the larger herbal area family.

Calamansi lotion in my everyday bag

Smells great, feels nice, fits in any of my bags!!

Wow

This smells divine! It brought me so much joy when I first tried it. The oil feels great on my skin and is absorbed quickly without making me feel greasy. It's perfectly moisturizing. I feel all the energy that was used in crafting this product!

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Introducing Luz Neri: Unveiling the Story of an Earth Goddess and Agripreneur from Mindanao, Philippines

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