Blog

  • Celebrating Our 24th Birthday!

    Celebrating Our 24th Birthday!

    24 years ago a natural market was started by a budding Herbalist in a small neighborhood in Hunterdon County. Today, the market has evolved into a multi-location, destination shopping experience for local produce, organic prepared foods, natural grocery items as well as quality supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies. Not only have we grown in size, but also in success, as the community around us has grown tremendously, incorporating natural products into daily living. Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone with a special Social Media Celebration Tour, product giveaways, samples, raffles, live music, and a weekend-long sale you won’t want to miss!

  • Natural Egg Dyeing

    Natural Egg Dyeing

    With Spring here and the Easter holiday on the horizon, many of you are opting to celebrate with the longstanding tradition of dyeing eggs. And a beautiful tradition it is! The eggs make great decorations as a centerpiece for your dining table or simply as a table arrangement to impress guests. Not to mention they are a FUN family activity.
    The not-so-fun part of the traditional dyeing comes from the back of the egg dyeing kit: yellow 5, blue 1, blue 2, red 40 and so on, and so on. The dye is full of synthetic junk. Which, may not seem like a big deal to you, but if you intend on consuming the eggs after the holiday, you may want to rethink what you’re using to dye them. On the other hand, if you care about the environment and would like to vote mindfully with your dollars to support natural food products, you may also want to rethink what you’re using to dye them.
    Here’s where we come in. We scoured the internet to find the best recipes for dyeing our eggs and came up with a few unique favorites to test out:

     

     

    • turmeric
    • purple cabbage
    • blueberries
    • spirulina
    • hibiscus

     

    As you will see, some of the colors came out much more vibrant than others. And we also discovered that the longer you soak them and keep them refrigerated when not on display, the more vibrant the colors will stay. We opted to de-complicate the recipes. We simply filled single cups about 1/2 way with each of the materials. Then added enough distilled vinegar to cover the material. Then followed up with hot water to activate the dyeing process. We submerged a single egg in each of the cups and let them sit refrigerated overnight.
    Here’s what we ended up with!

     

     

    Notice that we didn’t include what should have been a green egg that was dyed with the Spirulina. It didn’t work for us! Next time we will add some mashed spinach, perhaps?
    Give this a try and let us know what materials worked best for you and which were your favorites!
    Happy egg dyeing!
  • 12 Uses for CBD Balm

    12 Uses for CBD Balm

    CBD Balm is a favorite of ours, here. It’s uses go beyond just aches and pains- it’s a versatile product that has us buying it over and over and even panicking when our supply is low!

    In this video, Jenna shows you 12 ways you can use this balm and find relief from common issues.

  • Just the Goods: A Skincare Line That Gets our A+ Review

    Just the Goods: A Skincare Line That Gets our A+ Review

     

    Finding a CLEAN skincare routine that works isn’t always easy.

     

    In this video, Carolyn shares her experience seeking out gentle products that work. Carolyn has sensitive skin and has struggled with blemishes, redness, and allergic reactions over the years. She explains how she’s been prescribed multiple harsh pharmaceutical products, including antibiotics, that seemed to worsen her delicate skin’s condition rather than improve it.

     

    If you or someone you know struggles with skin health, you’ll want to check out what Carolyn has to share about a product line that her skin rates an A+.

     

    https://vimeo.com/209400166

     

  • 10 Supplements to Stock Up On from this Month’s Sale

    10 Supplements to Stock Up On from this Month’s Sale

    This month’s sale is on Boiron and Europharma: 25% Off! Perfect time to stock up!

    Boiron Supplements

    1. Oscillococcinum

    This is one of our go-to remedies for fighting off flu-symptoms. It is safe, natural and easy to take. It has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms (www.oscilli.com). We recommend always having a box on-hand at home so that you are prepared for when these dreaded symptoms hit! Oscillococcinum is best taken at the FIRST sign of symptoms.

    1. Sabadil

    Allergies are the worst! With Spring around the corner, we all need to be prepared. Itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny noses, and itchy noses are all part of the nuisance that this homeopathic supplement can address. Keep a box on hand at work, in your purse, and at home.

    1. Arnicare Gel

    For muscle pain, stiffness, swelling from injuries and bruising, this stuff is a life-saver. Simply apply the gel onto your skin in the affected areas. The gel absorbs so nicely and provides wonderful relief from the discomfort of pain. It is unscented, non-greasy and gentle on skin.

    1. Kali Phosphoricum 30c

    Too many hours spent working – especially staring at your computer and smart phone? We’ve all been there. This homeopathic remedy is one of the most popular for good reason. It is used to alleviate discomfort from tension headaches associated with intellectual fatigue. The tube of pellets is easily stored in your purse or workbag so you can reach for it as soon as your headache hits you.

    1. Hypericum Perforatum 30c

    Many of us suffer from nerve pain at some point in our lives: sciatica, fibromyalgia, shingles and more. These conditions can be incredibly painful to manage. With more folks preferring to opt for natural, non-prescription pain relief, this is a great option to manage nerve pain.  As a homeopathic remedy, Hypericum Peforatum is safe to take in conjunction with other medications and supplements.

    Europharma’s Terry Naturally

    1. CuraMed 350mg Effervescent Tablets

    Many chronic health conditions are inflammatory-based. Beyond swelling and stiffness, inflammation can cause pain, which can impact mobility and mood. Pain medications are often prescribed by healthcare practitioners to manage symptoms, but they do not address the root of the problem. Steroids are also often prescribed by healthcare practitioners to manage the swelling, but do not come without some major side effects.  Curcuma longa – the active concentrate of turmeric – provides powerful natural relief from inflammation. For folks who have trouble with swallowing pills or tablets, these dissolvable effervescent tablets are a great effective alternative.

    1. Curamin PM

    If chronic pain keeps you awake at night, this supplement is something to consider. Curcuma longa, in combination with 5mg of melatonin (our body’s own natural hormone that regulates our sleep cycles) will help alleviate occasional discomfort and sleeplessness.

    1. Vectomega Omega-3 Plus Phospholipids & Peptides

    Many of us choose to supplement with Omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy hearts and immune systems. In addition, these supplements help support healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and eyes.  There are so many good options today, but this product is easily one of our favorites. Created from North Atlantic Salmon, it is the only omega-3 bound to phospholipids and peptides, the building blocks of healthy cell membranes.

    1. Traumaplant Comfrey Cream

    Comfrey Cream has been used for years to help heal bruises, pulled muscles, fractures, sprains, strains, and osteoarthritis. In more recent years, comfrey has gotten a bad reputation due to a toxic component within it called, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, that can damage the liver. However, Terry Naturally’s Traumaplant Comfrey Cream has been carefully formulated WITHOUT the inclusion of this component, so that we can enjoy all the benefits of comfrey without the dangerous side effects.

    1. CuraMed 750mg Superior Absorption Curcumin

    Like the effervescent tablets, CuraMed is an incredible product for managing discomfort associated with inflammation; however, this product is in capsule form and is formulated at the 750mg strength to provide maximum effectiveness to those coping with more intense symptoms. We talk with countless customers each week who rave about this product and how it’s helped given them quality of life back!

     

  • A Lucky Shake for St. Patrick’s Day! (Hold the Polysorbate 80, Please!)

    A Lucky Shake for St. Patrick’s Day! (Hold the Polysorbate 80, Please!)

    It’s time for me to fess-up a bit here.

    I work in a health food store but haven’t always eaten healthy. When I was a kid, I used to look forward to seasonal holiday treats from fast food chains. My all-time favorite was when March would roll around. My mom would take my brother and I to our favorite fast food place for a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired shake we’d order off their seasonal menu. This was so cool because the shake was a lovely shade of bright green and tasted like sweet minty goodness.

    I carried this tradition into my teenage years with my friends and then into early adulthood. That is, until I woke up to how the food I was eating was effecting my health. Let me shed a little light on exactly what is in this green cup of “goodness”.  According to the nutritional facts for the shake listed on the company’s website, the shake includes the following ingredients:

    Phew… still with me? That is an awfully long list that leaves me with a few questions: Why is it called whipped “topping” and not whipped cream? And why does the cherry have a list of ingredients- isn’t it just a cherry? Also, do green sugar crystals grow out of the ground? Might I add that there isn’t actually any mint in this minty-tasting beverage?

    As if this wasn’t enough information to scare you away, check out the nutritional facts associated with a small and large shake:


    That’s why we created the Lucky Mint Chip Shake – available at both of our locations for a limited time. Our shake uses none of the above and is actually healthy and naturally energizing and detoxifying. Here’s OUR ingredients: At Basil Bandwagon, we think everyone should be able to enjoy a holiday treat without having to dowse themselves in artificial colorings, flavorings and 3 days-worth of sugar in one glass.

    Organic Banana

    Organic Spinach

    Spirulina

    Organic Mint Leaves/Extract

    Organic Coconut Milk

    Organic Cacao Nibs

     

    Come visit our café to enjoy this delicious shake today!

     

     

  • Zucchini, Corn & Black Bean Tacos

    Zucchini, Corn & Black Bean Tacos

    Zucchini is a superhero when it comes to healthy eating. You can do SO much with it. This week’s video shows our favorite ways to prep it for maximum flavor.

    https://vimeo.com/206063032

    Once you have your zucchini cleaned and chopped- you have a world of possibilities. Here’s one of our favorite meatless recipes that easy to throw together and packs a LOT of flavor!

    Zucchini, Corn & Black Bean Tacos

     

    Ingredients:

     

    • 3 Tablespoons Oil
    • 2 Cups Frozen Corn
    • 1 Yellow Onion
    • 3 Cloves Garlic
    • 2 Red Peppers
    • 1 Jalapeno
    • 3 Medium Zucchini
    • 1 can Black Bean, rinsed
    • 1 Tablespoon Cilantro
    • Juice 1 Lime
    • 3/4 Cup of Full Fat Greek Yogurt
    • 8 Tortilla

     

    1. Heat 1/2 of the oil in a pan.
    2. Cook/caramelize Onion for 5 minutes.
    3. Add Garlic, cook for 1 min
    4. Add Red Peppers, cook for 5 minutes
    5. Add Zucchini and Corn and cook for 5 minutes
    6. Add Black Beans and Cilantro and cook for 3 minutes.
    7. Mix Lime Juice with Yogurt
    8. Toast tortillas if desired
    9. Spoon Zucchini, Corn and Black Bean mixture onto tortillas. Top with Lime/Yogurt mixture and add salsa of your choice.

     

  • Introducing….the Lucky Shake!

    Introducing….the Lucky Shake!

    Creamy, Minty and full of protein and nutrient rich Spirulina, our newest smoothie is a better choice!  With no added sugar and ZERO preservatives, you can pass up the drive thru and crush the milkshake craving.

    https://youtu.be/PfOc-sk8U_k

     

     

  • Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Papaya Salsa

    Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Papaya Salsa

    Soft, sweet Papaya…we love them in smoothies, we love them in salads- but we REALLY love them mixed in with savory flavors. Vietnamese Chicken Thighs blend sweet and savory and are elevated with our favorite, simple Papaya Salsa. Check out this video to see how we like to prepare this fruit for one of our favorite recipes.

    https://vimeo.com/205087514

     

    Papaya Salsa

    Our salsa can be adjusted depending on the crowd you’re serving. The ingredients are simple and fragrant and you’ll find yourself sampling after each step as the flavors build!

    https://vimeo.com/205095005

     

     

    Vietnamese Chicken Thighs

     

    Free Bird Organic Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, with Skin)

    1 Lime- zest and Juice

    1 Jalapeno- seeded & minced

    3 Cloves of Garlic-minced

    2 Tablespoons Braggs Aminos

    1 Tablespoons Fish Sauce

    1 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

     

    Combine ingredients in a plastic bag. Add chicken thighs, press air out and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.

    Grill, pan sear or roast- your choice. Cook until thighs reach 165 degrees.

    Top with Papaya Salsa and enjoy!

     

     

     

  • How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    Jenna shows you how to throw together your own Immune Boosting Tonic full of virus-busting goodness!

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped
    • 1 head of garlic, peeled and rough chopped
    • 3 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tablespoon dried echinacea root
    • Apple cider vinegar (organic with “the mother”)
    • Raw organic honey
    • 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
    • cheese cloth (enough to cover the top of the jar with a couple layers)
    • A large glass container of some sort. We used a quart-sized mason jar.

     

    Step by Step Instructions

       

    1. Place onion, garlic, ginger and echinacea root in a mason jar.
    2. Add apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs.
    3. Cover with cheese cloth and screw on the band to hold it tight. (don’t use the lid portion- your tonic needs air!)
    4. Leave in the jar for 2-3 weeks, preferably in a sunny or slightly warm place.
    5. Strain and discard the herbs.
    6. Mix with equal parts raw honey and add cayenne powder.
    7. Store in the fridge and take 1 teaspoon as needed daily or whenever you start to feel run down.

     
    There is more you can do with this tonic: 

    • Immune Boosting Tonic is amazing alone- BUT there are some fun ways to use it:

    • Use it to make a quick Bloody Mary: add to a mixture of tomato juice spirit of you choice

    • It’s a super FLAVOR boost for soups and sauces. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient in my chicken soup and a fix-it for spaghetti sauce that needs a little kick.

    • Bone Broth to the MAX: add this to your bone broth!