While farming offline the past couple days, I started using Cha-Chas Mystery Pot Mask that I have up to level 3, give him 3x Mega Potions and wait till his smoke turns green then you have a chance at him giving you either Nutruientsx3 or Lifepowderx3. Or another good color is red when he gives you Mega Demondrug or Mega Armordrug.
To give, you select the item in your bag, select Give, then toggle the number you want to give.
To get the items from Cha-Cha you signal him (- then +) and he runs to you and raises his hands, just click the gather button (x) and you get the items from him. You can give him other things at various quantities and at different levels of his mask development. Good use for free lifepowders when you want to free hunt a little.
http://monsterhunter.wikia.com/wiki/MH3:_Cha-Cha_Guide
Check out the bottom of the page, under the Mystery Pot Guide.