A NEW RITUAL AT ISTORJA: INTRODUCING OUR NEW WELLNESS CORNER
As we enter a new chapter at Istorja, a quiet shift is taking place. What began as a celebration of culinary heritage is naturally expanding into something broader: a lifestyle grounded in presence, nourishment, and longevity.
In many ways, this evolution started where all meaningful change does—in conversation. With our community. With the rhythm of the day. The idea was simple: if Istorja exists to serve well-being through food, why not extend that same care to the ways we energize, restore, and focus?
Rooted in Tradition, Forward in Intention
Our new focus on wellness is not a pivot but a deepening. Inspired by the timeless principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, we are introducing products and practices that support modern life with ancient wisdom. Partnering with global names like Anima Mundi and new local brand Shroom Bar, we aim to bridge the gap between ritual and routine.
These aren’t just supplements—they’re stories. Carried through generations. Grown in sacred soil. Extracted with intention. From the brain-boosting clarity of Lion's Mane to the adaptogenic calm of Ashwagandha, each blend is a quiet offering to help you move through life more intentionally.
Anima Mundi: Rooted in Herbal Heritage
Anima Mundi is widely regarded as one of the finest herbal apothecaries in the world, known for sourcing from indigenous communities and preserving ancestral methods. Their offerings are a staple in the routines of holistic health advocates, including Melissa Wood Tepperberg, whose daily smoothie rituals have spotlighted their Happiness and Organic Relax blends.
With products crafted from Dì Dào (地道)* herbs—meaning they are grown in their original, spiritual homeland—Anima Mundi's adaptogens offer both efficacy and integrity. Each spoonful is a return to earth, a quiet act of balance.
Shroom Bar: Grown with Purpose
Nicosia-based functional beverage company Shroom Bar, founded by Demetris Iouliou, is one of our key partners in this journey. Their extracts follow the Dao Di (道地)* method—an ancient approach where mushrooms are grown in their spiritual homeland, ensuring maximum potency and energetic integrity. These organic blends and high-ratio extracts offer both daily nourishment and targeted support for stress, fatigue, focus, and immunity.
A Soft Introduction to our Smoothies
As a soft introduction to these ingredients, we will also be offering a new selection of adaptogenic smoothies at Istorja. Crafted with care and developed in collaboration with nutritionist Alexia Potamitou, these drinks are more than refreshments—they’re invitations. A daily way to connect with your body, your energy, and your intentions.
This is the beginning of a longer journey—one we hope you’ll walk with us. Not just as guests, but as collaborators in a more intentional, resilient, and radiant way of life.
We’ll see you at the bar.
Make It at Home: Melissa’s Energizing Smoothie
Adaptogens aren’t just powerful—they’re practical. To inspire your own rituals, here’s a recipe from wellness advocate Melissa Wood Tepperberg, who uses Anima Mundi blends in her daily routine.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp almond butter
1/4 cup Cold brew
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup of almond milk
1 tbsp Anima Mundi Happiness Tonic
1 tsp Anima Mundi Coconut Cream Powder
2 heaping tbsp protein powder smoothie tejari organic cacao and greens
1 banana
½ cup of ice
Method:
Rinse produce thoroughly.
Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.
*Footnote: Dao Di (道地) and Dì Dào (地道) refer to the same traditional sourcing philosophy in Chinese medicine. Both emphasize the importance of growing herbs in their native, ecologically and energetically ideal environments to ensure maximum healing potential.