The origin of Mara Labs is rooted in a deeply personal journey. In 2012, Mara Roberts—David Roberts’ wife—was diagnosed with breast cancer. The pursuit of a comprehensive, science-based recovery protocol sparked the research that ultimately led to the discovery that stable sulforaphane was needed.
We were able to find an extremely expensive liquid version that was successful against Mara’s cancer cells, but as many of you know, it is nearly impossible for cancer patients to swallow large volumes of liquid - especially when it tastes terrible. In April of 2017, Dr. John Gildea succeeded in stabilizing sulforaphane in a form we could encapsulate. If you’ve ever wondered why we use Size 1 capsules without any fillers, Mara is our why. And so are you. We needed to find the path of least resistance to provide the maximum impact of stable and bioavailable sulforaphane to those who needed it most. Mara was instrumental in securing the initial funding needed to bring BrocElite to market. Sadly, she was already quite sick and passed away just a few months later, but her legacy became the driving force behind our mission: to pioneer and cultivate lifestyles of wellness for generations to thrive.
In the face of profound loss and with a steadfast commitment to scientific integrity, co-founders David Roberts, Dr. Martin Katz, and Dr. John Gildea have continued to develop targeted interventions designed to restore balance, enhance cellular resilience, and support optimal function across every major system in the body—laying the foundation for generational health and healing.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with other companies that share our commitment to integrity, scientific rigor, and holistic well-being. This month, in honor of Mara and all the mothers who inspire us, we’re excited to highlight a few of these like-minded partners. In the coming months, we’ll be introducing these companies to our community—one at a time—through our email list, alongside stories of recovery, favorite recipes, science insights from our team, and more. If you're not already subscribed, you can join the list here.
This article contains affiliate links. Please see note below about our policy on affiliate links.
LumeBox
We have been fans of red light therapy long before it hit the mainstream, but with the current focus on light therapy, there is a plethora of products that do no good at best and at worst can make things worse. LumeBox was created by a physician and friend of Mara Labs who took great care (and 3rd party testing) to bring us a product that was both portable and extremely effective with both NIR and RLT functions.
LUMEBOX is a portable red light therapy (RLT) device designed to deliver both red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) light wavelengths, aiming to promote skin health, alleviate pain, and enhance overall wellness. Its compact design allows for convenient at-home or on-the-go treatments.
With 1000+ 5-star ️️️️️ reviews and the most incredible stories of healing, this little tool has worked wonders for my skin (a natural glow with reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), achy joints, sore muscles, and helped me lift heavier to build muscle - which has in turn translated to better body composition, blood sugar control, sleep, mood, and so much more. It's incredible for cramps related to indigestion, stomach bugs, and period discomfort.
Our Experience:
While we all use a variety of at-home red light panels (more on that later) we use the LumeBox daily at home and never travel without it. I have been known to turn it on in the airplane bathroom to get some healthy red light on a long flight.
LumeBox is currently 50% off and we've never seen a sale this low, so we're sharing it with you! Click here to purchase through our affiliate link. 50% off code: THEMARALABS
Sale ends Monday!
VitaClay
Quite simply, VitaClay® is amazing because nature’s organic unglazed clay is amazing. It’s greener than green with no toxins or dangerous coatings plus clay amplifies flavors, stabilizes textures and increases nutrient bio-availability. Add VitaClay’s time and energy-saving modern synergistic heating technology to the mix and you’ve got the best of both worlds at your fingertips.
Our social media manager, Joy, has been a long-time fan of VitaClay as part of her post-cancer journey to less toxins in her home. She was thrilled to meet VitaClay's founder Michelle Liu at a recent conference and try out their largest model, which works great for her family of 5 plus enough for leftovers or guests. Stay tuned for a more in depth post coming soon with their family's go-to recipe for PERFECT rotisserie chicken in the VitaClay.
A few features:
- Cooks with unglazed pure clay.
- Superior taste, texture and nutrition.
- Fast and easy with push of a button.
- Compact multiple settings plus warm, stock and yogurt.
- Make healthy nourishment in the half time.
- No added Lead, aluminum and Non-stick chemicals in your clay pot, verified by accredit 3rd party lab, see heavy metal free test cert in FAQ page.
Mara Labs customers can save 10% here with code MARALAB10.
Annmarie Skin Care
Annmarie Skin Care emphasizes the use of organic and wildcrafted ingredients. Their products are free from synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and harmful chemicals, focusing instead on plant-based components that nourish the skin naturally.
They’re currently offering Mara Labs customers their Clean Beauty Trial Set for just $21.99 (worth $66!) + FREE shipping!
What’s inside?
> Aloe Herb Cleanser: Gently purifies & hydrates
> Anti-Aging Serum: Plumps & firms your skin
> Anti-Aging Facial Oil: Deeply nourishes & restores glow
FREE GIFT:
Vitamin C With Seabuckthorn: Brightens & evens skin tone!
TruVaga
If you've been here long, you know that one of our favorite sleep hacks comes from Dr. John Gildea of Mara Labs. This involves stimulating the vagus nerve to shift the nervous system from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest” mode—a state critical for quality sleep. Our favorite easy way to do this is the TruVaga. It’s not cheap, but the investment is well worth it. I have owned one for almost a year and have used it for ~500 sessions. It travels with me, and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve used it on a friend or coworker, only to have them be blown away and immediately purchase their own.
It only takes 2 minutes and works with a simple app with preset settings. My kids can easily use it!
Why Vagus Nerve Stimulation Works:
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The vagus nerve controls parasympathetic responses that promote relaxation, digestion, and sleep
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Stimulating it reduces inflammation, lowers heart rate, and improves heart rate variability (HRV)
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VNS has been shown to increase deep sleep and support recovery
Dr. Gildea’s results:
- HRV improved
- Less chronic pain and better digestion
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Resting heart rate dropped by 8–10 bpm
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Deep sleep increased to an optimal 18–20% of total sleep time
Joy's Results:
- Sleeping HRV went up by 54% and average resting HR went down 10%
- Felt noticeable shift in overall level of anxiety
- Able to fall asleep easily and feel rested with fewer hours of sleep
- Found that 2 sessions could stop a migraine from progressing
“It’s like training wheels for your nervous system,” says Dr. Gildea. “By toning the vagus nerve, you can shift out of sympathetic overdrive and allow the body to rest, repair, and sleep.”
If you'd like to try it for yourself, use code ML30 at checkout for a discount.
Natural Sloth Candles
Natural Sloth candles are distinguished by their commitment to health, sustainability, and transparency. Handcrafted in Texas, these candles are MADE SAFE® certified, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Our favorite scent is Home and Fresh. Use the code MARALABS for 15% off!
Pluck Seasoning
We know you care about nutrient density and whole-body wellness will love cooking with Pluck—a delicious, organ-based seasoning blend that makes it easy to sneak superfoods into everyday meals. Rich in bioavailable vitamins and minerals, Pluck supports the same foundational health principles behind BrocElite and our other products.
Plus, it’s team-tested and approved: David brings the most addictive seasoned almonds to our meetings using Pluck’s Original blend—they’re always the first to disappear! MARA20 to save 20%!
Fatty15 - the longevity nutrient.
As you know, our team here at Mara Labs feels strongly that investing in health on the cellular level is one of the best decisions you can make. We’ve been taking Fatty15 for about a year and can see results! Then last year at a conference, we met the founders and are even more convinced that this is a valuable addition to our daily stack. Here's why we think Fatty15 and BrocElite make the perfect pair...
Fatty15 and BrocElite are a perfect pair for cellular health and longevity. Fatty15 provides essential C15:0 to strengthen cell membranes and reduce inflammation, while BrocElite activates the Nrf2 pathway to boost detoxification, antioxidant defenses, and mitochondrial renewal. Together, they support resilient, healthy aging from the inside out. Click here to save 20%.
Buzz Skin
(non toxic perfume that doubles as bug repellant…and actually works!)
Buzz Skin Perfume is a unique line of all-natural fragrances that double as insect repellents, blending luxury scents with practical protection against bugs. Created by stylist Lisa Jean Walsh, who sought a gentle yet effective bug spray for her children after moving to Charleston in 2019, the brand offers products that are both skin-nourishing and environmentally friendly.
Part of our team works remotely from Charleston and reports that this repels even the infamous no-see-ums...and smells incredible. Use code BUZZLAB25 for 25% off!
LifePro Fitness Sauna Blanket or Vibration Plate
Vibration Plate:
Whole body vibration (WBV) stimulates muscle contractions, improving strength, balance, and circulation in just a few minutes a day. It also supports lymphatic drainage and cellular detox, making it a powerful tool for recovery and inflammation reduction. Regular use has been shown to enhance bone density, metabolism, and overall mobility—especially beneficial as we age. I've been using it twice a day for about 6 months and can tell a significant improvement in stability, muscle soreness, and weight management. Several friends have reported that having their kids use vibration before and after school has improved attention during school ours and cut down on meltdowns after school.
Sauna Blanket:
This isn’t just a sauna blanket; it’s your gateway to a full-body detox and relaxation experience. Designed with far-infrared heating technology, it provides deep, penetrating warmth that helps you sweat out toxins, relieve muscle tension, and enhance your overall well-being. With its portable and user-friendly design, you can enjoy the benefits of a sauna session anytime.
Use this link for 30% off + free massager!
*Please note: Our commitment to integrity includes full transparency - when we receive commission from recommending a product, we will clearly disclose that relationship. In some cases, we’re grateful to receive a commission in exchange for our research and education. In others, it brings us joy to simply share products we personally use, trust, and value - no strings attached. Either way, we will always disclose this so you can make a decision about your purchase. If you do click an affiliate link for Mara Labs, that commission is used to continue to grow our company and bring you the best in pure and bioavailable supplements. This article contains affiliate links.
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