Sports Nutrition · Cognitive Health · Recovery
Many high performers are doing everything right and still hitting the wall too early. They train. They invest. They show up. And somewhere beneath the effort, the physiology gives out before the will does.
We call this Suboptimal Runner Syndrome — the pattern of individuals running the race, but unable to break their physiological ceiling.
The underlying issue isn’t motivation—it’s physiology. Chronic nutrient gaps, poor absorption, 87-octane low-bioavailability supplements, and underpowered recovery rituals leave high performers fatigued, under-recovered, and operating below their true capacity. They may be drinking water but still feeling thirsty. They’re investing in premium gear but fueling with suboptimal human infrastructure.
Founded by Liz Bardelas, PT, MBA, a Yale Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience that spans Fortune Global 100 giant Toyota to some of the world’s most respected academic institutions—including UC Davis and Montefiore Einstein. Her advanced expertise in exercise physiology and motor learning from Columbia University, paired with an MBA from Pepperdine University, positions her uniquely to translate complex scientific discoveries into practical, life-changing solutions.
Formulated by medical professionals, not marketing departments.
Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free, and lactose-free, with clinical-grade bioavailability.
Crafted in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility in the USA. Every batch is tested for purity. If it doesn’t meet our standard, it doesn’t leave the lab.
The Herd is growing — a global community that values vitamins as nature intended. Our retail partners are featured on our site, guiding wellness-minded consumers and travelers to where Herb Llama® is carried worldwide.
When stress and burnout crack the foundation, potential isn’t just limited — it’s capped. We’re here to remove the ceiling. To bridge the gap between where you are and what you’re capable of.
Herb Llama® is more than a brand. It is a mindset. A movement. A herd of doers, dreamers, and difference-makers.
We are humans on a mission®.
A small team. Strong opinions. Shared standards.
Yale and UC Davis Physical Therapist. Pilates devotee, windsurfer, PADI-certified open-water scuba diver, and a private pilot equally at home in a Cessna, Cirrus, or Piper. Ask her where to find the best tacos in California. She can fly you there. Liz built Herb Llama® to make clean, science-backed wellness second nature — because health should be a lifestyle, not a chore.
Grace and grit, in equal measure. Faith brings warmth to every encounter — a daily reminder that connection is where all good things begin.
The behind-the-scenes force turning chaos into rhythm. Clipboard always in hand, momentum always in motion.
Sixteen years young Coton de Tulear, forever wise. Our four-legged Vice Pawsident keeps the team grounded, reminds us to play hard, nap harder, and never underestimate the power of a tail wag.
Repeat champion giant slalom skier, U.S. World Cup épée fencer, competitive butterfly sprint swimmer — trained by Dave Salo, Sebastien Dos Santos, and Angelo Mazzoni, some of the most decorated coaches alive. Builds his computers from the chassis up. California Math Mania finalist. From parkour to surfing in Malibu, his edge isn't any single sport—it's knowing when to push, when to recover, and when to switch arenas entirely. Zak is the human Herb Llama® formulates for.
The creative mind shaping a wellness brand with heart, soul, and staying power.