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OUR STORY

KHÄT was born from combat, the challenges of coming home, and a determination to find a better way forward.  Founded by a U.S. Marine, the brand carries a personal mission: Keeping Health Above Temptation.  This is the story of the experiences that shaped that mission and the people who made it possible.

WHERE IT BEGAN

My journey with KHÄT began in March 2003, during the invasion of Iraq.  As a United States Marine, I went into combat alongside my friends.  That was where I first encountered khat (Catha edulis) and saw Iraqi fighters turn to stimulants to push through pain, exhaustion, and the unforgiving demands of war.
 
Those experiences stayed with me through my first two deployments and into my third, this time to Afghanistan.  In the deserts and mountains of Helmand, I again saw how people relied on substances to cope with the pressures of combat and the challenges of daily life.  Watching the consequences of dependency unfold changed the way I thought about the habits people use to get through another day.

 

THE BATTLES THAT FOLLOW YOU HOME 

 

Coming home did not mean leaving every battle behind.  I faced struggles of my own, physically and mentally, and began to understand how easily destructive habits can take hold.

Luke Gilliland — Helmand patrol August 2010.png

Combat takes a psychological toll that is difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced it.  The intensity and the highs of being in the moment can fade quickly once you return home.  What remains can be raw, isolating, and hard to navigate.  Far too many people are left trying to find their way through those feelings alone. 

 

That was the catalyst.  I wanted something different in my own routine.  My interest in herbs grew from a personal desire to make more deliberate choices and find a better direction than the one I felt myself heading toward.  KHÄT grew out of that search. 

 

KEEPING HEALTH ABOVE TEMPTATION

 

The product name KHÄT stands for “Keeping Health Above Temptation.”  It is a reminder to take ownership of our choices & keep moving toward the life we want to live; mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

 

KHÄT is more than a name on a can.  It is my response to the struggles that push good people toward dark and lonely places.  It represents the determination to keep going, the willingness to change direction, and the people who help us get back on our feet.

 

SO, THEN WHY DOES ONE OF THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE NICOTINE?

 

I get it...nicotine is an addictive substance, and a tough habit to break free of.  While I personally choose not to use nicotine regularly, I understand the purpose it serves for others.  For those seeking a different option, our herbal blends are my personal go-to, and they've made a huge difference for me.  My blood pressure is down, my alcohol consumption is down, and I've practically kicked the nicotine habit all-together.  These herbal blends help me manage the everyday stresses of life, and I’m proud to offer them as an alternative for others.

 

A PERSONAL COMMITMENT

 

The bottom-line is that you'll get no judgment from here.  I would prefer that we all break free from the habits of nicotine and alcohol, yet I recognize that the struggle is real for many.  With KHÄT, I’m hoping to provide you with an option that doesn’t carry the same harmful risks as tobacco or other substances like those I’ve seen on the battlefield.  Regardless of the formula you choose, I stand by these products and I assure you that you’ll enjoy the experience.  If, for whatever reason, you're not 100% satisfied, I'll buy it back from you; you've got my word on that. 

 

KHÄT is my commitment to those who helped pick me up while I was down, and I know it will remain a trusted alternative for anyone looking to make better choices in their basic daily routine.  KHÄT is my commitment to the people who helped pick me up when I was down.  Their support is part of this brand’s foundation, and I want that sense of purpose to stay with us as we grow.

 

Semper Fidelis,

Luke Gilliland

Founder, PūrPharmX

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