Blog

Summer Vegetables: Grill-Ready and Delicious!
Our local producers are bringing in the perfect vegetables for grilling:

•Walla Walla Onion from Blooming Glen Farm

•Zephyr Squash, Fennel, and Golden Zucchini from Sandbrook Meadow Farm

•Paprika Peppers from Millwood Springs Farm.

•Long Hot Frying Peppers from Zone 7

•Purple Bell Peppers from Profeta Farms

Here’s our method for getting the most flavor out of these beauties:
- ²⁄₃cup organic olive oil
- ¹⁄₃cup balsamic vinegar
- ¹⁄₄cup minced onion
- 1tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1teaspoon minced garlic
- ¹⁄₂teaspoon kosher salt
- ¹⁄₄teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
2. Marinade cut vegetables for 3 to 4 hours and then grill or brush marinade onto vegetables as you grill.
3. Yield 1 cup marinade.
July 19, 2016
Summer Camp Week 6: Smarten Up About Supplements

Supplements have gotten some bad press in recent years’ news. Major retailers have been accused of

selling “fraudulent” and “potentially dangerous” herbal supplements. Other supplement makers aren’t

transparent about their sourcing and production practices. So how do you know what’s beneficial,

what’s a waste of money, and what may be harmful?

The U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) is a good place to start with this

explanation. DSHEA mandates that manufacturers and distributors of supplements and dietary

ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded and must

protect the public against any unsafe product. Among several other regulatory clauses, before

marketing any new dietary ingredient, a manufacturer must supply the FDA with adequate information

to provide “reasonable assurance that the ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk

of illness or injury.”

With this Act, we are given an initial layer of protection as consumers. But, to ensure we are getting the

highest quality, safest, most effective products for our bodies, it’s very important to take your

investigation a few steps further.

What to Look for in a Supplement

When researching or purchasing supplements, there are a few things you’ll want to look for regarding

the manufacturer. Sometimes these can be found on product labeling, other times you’ll want to refer

to the company’s website for more detailed information.

Quality Assurance:

A company that does not disclose quality assurance practices is likely not a great choice in

supplements. For instance, when you eat food at a restaurant, you expect it to be made with

care and safety in mind, just as you expect it to contain quality ingredients that are nutritive

(and delicious!) to consume. It is important that you expect the same with your supplements. If

you choose to eat organic, you may also want your herbs to be grown organically.

What to Look for:

Companies that take pride in their sourcing and farming practices most often

disclose this information to help inform consumers of their quality practices.

Gaia Herbs is a superb herbal supplement company with a long-standing reputation of utmost

quality. Headquartered in rural North Carolina, Gaia has implemented an herb traceability

program. Upon purchasing a Gaia product, you will notice a “Meet Your Herbs” code printed on

packaging. The code can be typed into a handy web-based tool which enables you to view the

source of each herb through a virtual tour of their farmland. Super cool! Check out the tool

here.

Operational Transparency:

Supplement companies with poor transparency standards reveal little information – if any at all

– about ingredient sourcing, production methods, packaging details, and shipping logistics.

What to Look for:

As a customer, you want (and have the right) to know about where

ingredients in your supplements come from, how they are made into their current form, what

type of packaging is used to contain them, and under what conditions they are shipped (i.e.

temperature). A good supplement company is transparent about their ingredient sourcing,

production methods, packaging, as well as shipping logistics.

Mega Food is a fantastic supplement company that has adopted utmost transparency to

customers. Headquartered in New Hampshire, Mega Food not only discloses what small, family-

owned farms they source product from, but their website includes live video footage of their

production facility in action. Talk about being transparent! Check them out here.

Descriptive Labeling:

Sparse labeling without detailed information is a sure sign of lack of credibility.

The more information that is provided, the more you are able to determine if the product is exactly what

you are looking for.

What to Look for:

What’s on the label should be in the bottle. In other words, as a customer,

you should be aware of ALL details related to the product formulation. Active as well as non-

active ingredients should be listed to help inform you about your choices.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest is a wonderful herbal supplement company that champions these

practices to create customer-friendly products. Headquartered in Oregon, Oregon’s Wild

Harvest labels are comprehensive, clear, descriptive and informative. A company you can trust!

Check out their quality standards in labeling here.

Claims:

Marketing claims on packaging are often a bad sign. For example, products with labels that say

“Lowers Blood Pressure” or “Lose 10 lbs. Fast!” are not abiding by DSHEA law and are likely to

be unsafe or ineffective.

What to Look for:

Look for products without lofty claims, or with supportive statements like:

“supports healthy blood pressure” or “supports a positive mood”. These companies are

practicing appropriate labeling and marketing tactics and helping you make informed choices on

your selections.

Nordic Naturals is a supplement company specializing in Omega 3 oils. Headquartered in

California, the company’s motto speaks to its commitment to quality: “Committed to Delivering

the World’s Safest, Most Effective Omega Oils™”. Nordic Naturals has surpassed International

Pharmaceutical Standards, has earned award-winning product purity levels, and guarantees

exceptional freshness. This is especially important in fish oil supplements, where rancidity of fish

can play a role in product experience (fish burps are not pleasant and purity can prevent them!).

Check out Nordic Natural’s commitment to quality here.

References

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109760.htm – US Food & Drug Administration

http://www.crnusa.org/index.html – Council for Responsible Nutrition

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/new-york- attorney-general- targets-supplements- at-major- retailers/?_r=0 – NY

http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=35 – The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

https://www.weilvitaminadvisor.com/why_take_supplements – Dr. Weil, “Why Take Supplements?”

https://www.nowfoods.com/now/nowledge/how-read- supplement-labels – Now Foods “How to Read Supplement Labels”

https://www.weilvitaminadvisor.com/medications_that_deplete_nutrients – Dr. Weil “Replenish the Nutrients that Medications Deplete”

July 18, 2016
Summer Camp Week 5: Local Experts Weigh In

In the spirit of continuing our fitness discussion this week at Basil Bandwagon’s Summer Camp,

we’ve compiled a list of the most popular fitness questions you’ve been just sweating to learn

about. And then we asked some local experts. Here’s what they said:

I’m trying to eat more plant-based. What sources of plant-based protein do you recommend?

“There’s a common misconception that you can’t get enough or the right types of protein from

plant based sources, but this is entirely not true. Eating a wide variety of whole foods can

generally cover all of your protein needs, but examples of high protein plant based foods

include quinoa, brown rice, and other whole grains, nut and/or nut butters such as almond or

peanut, and other sources can be added to smoothies or salads such as spirulina, hemp seeds,

flax seed, and chia seed. Of course there are always beans (legumes) and bean based products

such as lentils, black beans, and soy beans. Finally, soy products such as tempe and tofu can

also be used in place of meat in many recipes, however the least processing possible is

generally a good thing.”

– Nick Pfaff, CPT, CES of Pro-Activity, a human achievement company based in Lebanon,

NJ, focused on providing clients with coaching on performance goals

I want to stay hydrated, but I get bored of plain water. What else can you recommend?

“Nothing is better than water at adequately hydrating your body. If you’re getting bored with

just water you can try putting sliced citrus or other fruit into the water for flavoring.

Another option is freshly squeezed fruit juice such as you would make in a juicer- not the

store-bought type. Fruit smoothies are another great option as is coconut water. Decaffeinated

unsweetened iced tea also provides some taste to a water-based drink. Keep in mind that eating

foods that are highly water-based such as soups, fruits and veggies can also help with

hydration.”

– Doug Sellmann, MEd, MSS, NASM, NSCA of The Chatham Club, a fitness training

establishment with a rich history of athletic excellence based in Chatham, NJ

I get muscle cramps and they hurt! How can I prevent them?

“In order to keep muscle cramps away, you’ll want to make sure you are staying hydrated. You

should also always warm up your muscles before a workout with some dynamic (active)

stretching and follow each workout with static stretching, which involves holding a stretch for

about 30 seconds. A healthy balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, potassium, and magnesium

will also help prevent muscle cramps.”

– Bethann Hyndshaw, CPT, HLC, CSN, MTC & Devon Harp, CPT of Inspiring Bodies, a

leading personal training company in Pittstown, NJ, dedicated to providing one-on- one

fitness and lifestyle coaching to all clients

I want to work out but I can’t find the time – where can I start?

“This is perhaps the most common reason given when we ask people if they are getting enough

‘MOVE’ in their life. The bad news is, we are all strapped for time and it is a very real barrier.

The good news is even a very, very short duration, when given in the right dosage can produce

strong gains. Recent studies have shown benefits in as little as 1 minute when appropriate and

applied correctly. In children, within minutes positive physiological responses begin including

improved immune response. So truly since just about any amount of exercise can be beneficial,

all or none thinking is not applicable. We recommend starting by building consistency first,

even if only minutes and expanding from there. Another great way to start exercising is to

attach it to another habit you already have well established. If for example you do something

everyday at a specific time – try to fit exercise in before or after that event so you can build

on a habit or routine already in place.”

– Nick Pfaff, CPT, CES of Pro-Activity, a human achievement company based in Lebanon,

NJ, focused on providing clients with coaching on performance goals

What should I eat before/after my run?

“There are many options for both pre and post exercise meals. Before activity (ideally 1-2 hours

prior) you should eat something that is more ‘good’ carbohydrate-based with some fats and

proteins to sustain your energy. Examples might be whole wheat bread with peanut butter and

banana or Greek yogurt with trail mix. It is also important to hydrate prior to exercise. After

activity (ideally within :30-:45) it’s important to begin refueling and hydrating your body. Similar

nutrients as the pre-exercise meal are present but the proportions change slightly. This meal

should focus more on protein and carbs with some fats. Examples might be grilled chicken and

vegetables with brown rice, a veggie omelet with a side of mixed berries or a fruit smoothie

with protein powder.”
– Doug Sellmann, MEd, MSS, NASM, NSCA of The Chatham Club, a fitness training

establishment with a rich history of athletic excellence based in Chatham, NJ

How many days a week should I exercise?

“If you’re new to exercising, I would start at 2-3 times a week with light to moderate intensity.

If you’re an intermediate to advanced exerciser, then I would workout 4-6 days a week with

active rest days in between. Active rest can involve stretching, light daily activity, and foam

rolling.”

– Bethann Hyndshaw, CPT, HLC, CSN, MTC & Devon Harp, CPT of Inspiring Bodies, a

leading personal training company in Pittstown, NJ, dedicated to providing one-on- one

fitness and lifestyle coaching to all clients.

Do I need to use protein powder?

“No, but sometimes in the essence of time and ease, protein supplementation can insure you

are getting an adequate amount for proper muscle recovery. There appears to be no “special”

formula as most marketers of such products would have you believe as long as you are getting

in a combination of carbs and protein after a bout of exercise. Once again, whole foods will do

just fine.”

– Nick Pfaff, CPT, CES of Pro-Activity, a human achievement company based in Lebanon,

NJ, focused on providing clients with coaching on performance goals

What are your top 3 recommendations for getting “beach body”-ready in two weeks or under?!

“It is not recommended that anyone try to significantly alter their body weight or physique in a

short period of time such as two weeks. A safe amount of weight loss is typically 1-2 pounds per

week. It may be slightly higher for those who are starting at a higher weight. This type of weight

loss should be achieved through proper diet modification and participation in an effective

exercise program. Crash diets, weight loss supplements and high-intensity exercise routines can

cause many negative results. They may result in a significant initial loss in weight but over time

they can make the user ill, possibly injure and sometimes even cause weight gain. There

is no easy way to lose weight other than through diet and exercise. The best bet is to be active

all year-round and eat properly as often as possible. This way your body weight and fitness level

will always be at or near where you would like it to be and there will be no need to crash diet.”

– Doug Sellmann, MEd, MSS, NASM, NSCA of The Chatham Club, a fitness training

establishment with a rich history of athletic excellence based in Chatham, NJ

My doctor recommended 30 minutes of exercise 3x/week, but I don’t belong to a gym – what can I do on my own that I’ll be able to keep up with regularly?

“No gym, no problem! Walking is one of the best exercises to prevent disease and get you on a

fast track to good health. Workouts can also be done at home by either buying workout dvds,

weights, or an outfit you can dance in! You can bring a friend with you to take a local fitness

class or hire a personal trainer to help you build a workout program. You never know what you

may find fun to help you stick to a great workout routine each week!”

– Bethann Hyndshaw, CPT, HLC, CSN, MTC & Devon Harp, CPT of Inspiring Bodies, a

leading personal training company in Pittstown, NJ, dedicated to providing one-on- one

fitness and lifestyle coaching to all clients

How can I encourage my kids to become more active?

“Do it with them! Kids don’t often listen with their ears – they listen with their eyes. If they see

an active lifestyle is a part of their parent’s lives, they will be more likely to embrace it

themselves. Joining teams and other groups that will combine exercise with fun, and utilizing

the power of social connections can have a huge impact here and encourage kids to stick with it

long term.”

– Nick Pfaff, CPT, CES of Pro-Activity, a human achievement company based in Lebanon,

NJ, focused on providing clients with coaching on performance goals

Good carbs and bad carbs – how can I tell the difference?

“Good carbs” are generally categorized as ‘complex’ and are the preferred type as they

contain more fiber and less sugars. Examples of good carbs are green vegetables, fruits

(berries), whole grains, sweet potatoes and brown rice. “Bad carbs” are categorized as simple

and should be consumed in minimal amounts. Examples are soda, candy, artificial syrups, white

bread, white rice and white pasta.”

– Doug Sellmann, MEd, MSS, NASM, NSCA of The Chatham Club, a fitness training

establishment with a rich history of athletic excellence based in Chatham, NJ

How much protein should I be getting in my diet?

“This question depends on the individual. Daily protein intake is lifestyle and goal dependent. A

newcomer to exercise just starting to add and protein to their diet will need less protein than a

bodybuilder or professional athlete. Everyone should try to at least get some protein in with

every meal to ensure a well-rounded diet.”

– Bethann Hyndshaw, CPT, HLC, CSN, MTC & Devon Harp, CPT of Inspiring Bodies, a

leading personal training company in Pittstown, NJ, dedicated to providing one-on- one

fitness and lifestyle coaching to all clients.

I hate running! What are my alternative for cardio exercise?

“The best kind of exercise is the exercise you’ll actually DO….CONSISTENTLY…over a LONG

PERIOD OF TIME. Find something you enjoy, that gets your heart rate up for around 45 minutes

continuously. Dancing, Rowing, Biking, Elliptical, are all good options and that’s not an

exhaustive list. But don’t give up on running just yet – the more you do it, the easier it gets as

your body adapts, and the more you’ll enjoy it!”

– Nick Pfaff, CPT, CES of Pro-Activity, a human achievement company based in Lebanon,

NJ, focused on providing clients with coaching on performance goals

Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease.

July 17, 2016
New Product Wednesday: July 13th Edition

Here’s what we are LOVING this week.

July 13, 2016
Summer Camp Week 5: Rev Up Your Fitness With Small Wins

Fitness means different things to different people.

If you’re an athlete, perhaps fitness evokes feelings of motivation and is about pushing yourself to reach an improved marathon time, lift an extra 20 lbs. in weights, or score those extra goals for your team’s win.

If you’re seeking extensive weight loss, perhaps fitness comes with feelings of overwhelm – getting yourself to the gym, excessive sweating, or stiff and uncomfortable movements.

If you’re in life’s later years, fitness may seem like something long gone, unattainable, out of reach.

If you’re a child, fitness might make you think of riding your cool new bike, something you prefer NOT to do over playing video games, or something you only do in gym class at school.

But at Basil Bandwagon Summer Camp this year, fitness is about the same thing for everyone: creating and celebrating small wins to help us achieve and maintain better health and quality of life.

The fitness plan that’s right for you is the one where you’re improving YOUR health, YOUR wellbeing, YOUR mind, and YOUR self-esteem – not what your neighbor, son, coworker, mother, teammate, or classmate is doing. And taking time to recognize your own personal achievements is an important part of the process of achieving optimal health and respecting your effort and hard work!

Small Wins in Cardiovascular Activity

Think about what your current level of cardiovascular activity is (any exercise that raises your heart rate). Now think about turning the dial up one notch above this level. Just one notch.

Some examples…

You currently live a sedentary life and work a desk job. Turn it up one notch, and now you spend 10 minutes of your 30-minute lunch break five days a week taking a walk outside.

You currently go to the gym three days a week for a 45-minute spin class. Turn it up a notch, and now you’ve dusted off your road bike at home to practice another 20 minutes of cycling each weekend.

Tidy Up the Diet in Small Ways

You tend to enjoy three cups of coffee each day. Tidy it up in a small way by replacing the last cup with a glass of lemon water or herbal tea.

Friday night is always pizza night in your household. Tidy it up in a small way by making your own pie, full of less cheese and lots of veggies; or replace two of your 3 standard slices with a big garden salad or grilled veggies.

Move a Bit More

You like to find the closest parking spot when you go grocery shopping. Move a bit more by finding the furthest parking spot!

Your evening routine involves an hour of television with a snack on the couch. Move a bit more by trading the couch and popcorn for some yoga and stretching on the floor – you don’t even have to give up the television!

Try Something New

Exercise has always consisted of karate, jogging and weight lifting. Try something new by attending your friend’s weekly yoga class.

A knee injury has kept you from exercising for over a year, even though your doctor has given you clearance to get moving. Try something new by signing up for the water aerobics class you’ve been considering for the past several years.

* * *

Every week, take note of what you did to turn up your activity, tidy up your diet, move a bit more, and try something new. Be proud of your accomplishments. If you’re participating in this activity with others, tell them you’re proud of them as well – the positive remarks are incredibly motivating and will keep you on your way to outstanding health.

And, remember… at Basil Bandwagon, we carry a wealth of supplements, foods, beverages and body care products to support you in your fitness activities: protein powders, hydration supplements, natural deodorants, pre-workout formulas, omega-3 liquid/softgels, and tons of protein bars. Feel free to ask one of our friendly team members for support in choosing products that are right for you!

Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease.

July 11, 2016
Herbal Support for Lyme Disease by Ralph Celebre

Lyme Disease is characterized by its large and therefore confusing array of symptoms. Ranging

from fever and muscle aches, to memory loss, depression, irritable bladder, facial palsy, and

brain inflammation, Chronic Lyme Disease can be severely debilitating.

The spirochete bacteria which causes Lyme Disease is Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Spirochetes

are particularly difficult to overcome, and this particular one has molecular characteristics that

make it extremely adaptable to its human host environment.

Lyme Disease can have other modes of transmission besides ticks.There is no definitive test for its

presence; and the standard antibiotic treatment, although necessary, has variable results.

While these facts present a daunting challenge to the patient and practitioner, the body’s ability

to fend off the side effects and symptoms of the disease can be augmented with Herbal

Extracts. The following are key strategies for alleviating Chronic Lyme Disease symptoms and

the herbs that can be helpful.

Modulate Immune Function:

With the Borrelia b. bacteria in your system, your immune function will need extra support. Here

are some herbs I recommend:

Cat’s Claw

An anti-inflammatory specific for rheumatic conditions, this herb also ramps

up the body’s ‘killer cells’, and other cells which engulf and eliminate intruding organisms. Cat’s

Claw also has memory protective effects.

Astragalus

Long used in chronic immune diseases like cancer and AIDS, Astragalus works on all three areas of immune function, the surface, the deep and the non-specific immune function. It is an important preventative against the initial Lyme infection turning into chronic Lyme Disease. It also happens to taste good, which is not often the case with great medicinals!

Echinacea

This herb has a history of use against another spirochete, the syphilis bacteria. It helps break down bacterial cell walls, stimulates macrophage (white) cells, and decreases inflammation. It strengthens collagen tissue, and the body’s ability to rebuild damaged tissue.

Gotu Kola

An immunostimulant with an important extra benefit – it’s ability to strengthen connective tissue. Since many of the common Lyme symptoms involve joints and connective tissue inflammation, this is a critical ally!

Protect the Nervous System:

Some of the most life-altering symptoms of the disease are the neurological ones: depression, cognitive decline, speech debility. Utilize these herbal allies to nourish the nervous system:

Skullcap

Considered ‘food for the nervous system’, skullcap is used in cases where there is inflammation. It is useful for headaches, nervous exhaustion, and irritation of the cerebrospinal system. It has also been used as an anti-bacterial, and to eliminate bacterial toxins.

Oats

Another restorative herb for the nervous system, Milky Oats Extract is nervine, nutritive, and rebuilding to a system depleted by chronic Lyme Disease. It has been mentioned in cases of inability to concentrate, melancholy, and fatigue of the limbs, as well as in cases of bladder irritation, a Lyme hallmark.

Ashwagandha

This Ayurvedic herb is an adaptogen, that is, it helps the body cope with physical and mental stress, mainly through modulation of the body’s complex endocrine system. It’s immune stimulating, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, cerebro-tonic, relaxant, rejuvenative and useful for memory loss, debility, and fatigue. And don’t forget to include Fish Oil in your regimen. Nerve cells need good fat!: One to two tablespoons/day, or 4-6 capsules.

Protect the Heart:

Inflammation of the heart occurs in 25% of Lyme patients. For all patients, systemic inflammation of the blood vessels may be the primary cause of the disease’s progression! It reduces blood flow to the brain and the extremities, causing pain, fatigue, neuropathy, mental illnesses, and many other issues:

Hawthorne

The premier herbal heart tonic; this herb enhances the ability of the heart to utilize oxygen! Use a leaf, flower and berry combination extract. It’s cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory, and a vasodilator, helping circulation throughout the body, a critical component of a Lyme protocol.

Bilberry

This plant is essential for use in vascular disorders and venous insufficiencies. Again, the strategy here is: strengthen the veins and arteries to prevent wholesale exacerbation of the symptom picture which occurs in conditions of poor circulation.

Garlic

This is probably nature’s best herbal antibacterial! It aids in blood flow to the extremities, and lessens inflammation in the blood vessels which can lead to blockages. It’s warming to the system, critical in fighting spirochete bacteria. It is anti-protozoal, which is important in fighting co-infections which occur with Lyme Disease. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body and is most importantly-cardiotonic.

Add Coenzyme Q10 to this list. Though not an herb, it’s indispensable in your effort to tonify muscles like the heart! Take 50-100mg/day. Also, take 2000 mg of bioflavonoids per day and eat berries, other fruit, and vegetables for food-sourced bioflavonoids which protect the integrity of the blood vessels.

References

Snow, Rebecca, MS, RH (AHG), (2007) Chronic Lyme Disease and Co-infections: Clinical

Overview, Proceedings of the 18th Annual AHG Symposium

Duke, James A., (2002), Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, New York, NY, CRC Press

Tilgner, Sharol, (1999), Herbal Medicine, From the Heart of the Earth, Creswell, OR, Wise Acres

Press

July 10, 2016
New Product Wednesday July 6th

July 6, 2016
Summer Camp Week 4: Bites and Rashes

A true summer camp would not be complete without some chatter about those flying pesky creatures that sting and bite. Bugs are a welcomed part of our ecosystem, but we like them better when they keep a fair distance from our bodies.
Bites, stings and poison ivy rashes can be both painful and irritating. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and treat these nasty nuisances naturally that are more problematic during summer months.

Prevention

Most traditional bug deterrent products use N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, or “DEET” as an active ingredient. Unfortunately, DEET is also an eye irritant and an allergen to sensitive skin. It has been linked to possible neurological problems in humans and toxic effects on birds and aquatic life, according to the National Institutes of Health.
At Basil Bandwagon, we carry many essential oil-based bug sprays that are equally as effective in deterring bugs, without any of these potentially dangerous side effects. And if you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even make your own using essential oils from the assortment we sell. Geranium, cedarwood, citronella and peppermint are just a few options that are both effective and pleasant to the nose!
Come visit us to speak to one of our team members about the bug sprays we carry or how to make your own!

Click here to watch a DIY video tutorial by natural blogger, Honeysuckle.

Treatment

You may not know that your pantry likely has some solutions to soothe your irritated skin. In addition, there are many simple, cost-effective items to add to your first aid kit for times of need. Here’s a list of our top 10 favorite natural treatments to soothe bug bites, bee stings and rashes: (click to download PDF)

Top 10 Bite and Rash Remedies

If your aren’t signed up for our Online Summer Camp, you are missing out on extras that go along with these weekly posts! Sign up here.

July 5, 2016
New Product Wednesday!

This week we’ve got a clean Vegan cheese, an amazing new Clif Bar, and a Lean plant protein!

June 29, 2016
Summer Camp Week 3: Simmer Down With Natural Stress Relief
Headaches and heart palpitations and nail biting – oh my! We can’t stress enough how much we despise stress! But we’ve all been there – most of us more often than we like to. And while summertime generally brings more time for rest and relaxation for many people, traveling and traffic and altered schedules can irritate our nervous systems amongst a myriad of personal circumstances we cope with on a daily basis.

Understanding Our Bodies’ Stress Response

We are aware of stress because we know how it makes us feel: sweaty palms, restlessness, stomach cramping, sensations of hunger or nausea, fatigue, heightened emotion, heart fluttering and general agitation.

But, to help manage these uncomfortable symptoms caused by emotional distress, we need to answer this question: What exactly IS stress?

When a physical or psychological stimuli upsets us, a part of our brain called the amygdala – which processes emotion – sends a signal to another part of our brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus functions as a sort of command center by controlling involuntary functions of our body like our heartbeat, pupil dilation, breathing and blood pressure amongst other duties.

The hypothalamus communicates with our adrenal glands – which sit atop our kidneys in our midsection – and trigger the release of epinephrine into our bloodstream. Epinephrine is a powerful hormone more commonly known as “adrenaline” that brings about a number of physiological changes immediately. Our heart begins beating faster, increasing our pulse rate and blood pressure along with our breathing pattern. Faster breathing leads to increased oxygen delivery to the brain, making us feel extremely alert. And all of this happens before we are even able to process what’s going on.

If the stimulus is chronic, the hypothalamus directs the adrenal glands to steadily release yet another hormone called cortisol, keeping the body in a near constant state of high alert that is not appropriate and less-than-comfortable for daily life. If untreated, it can interfere with our sleep quality, digestion, and mental cognition, negatively impacting our work or school performance, physical fitness and relationships with others.

STRESS STINKS!

Luckily, there is a lot that we can do to prevent and treat it. So much, actually, that we could spend a whole summer (or maybe a lifetime!) covering options. But to make the greatest impact this summer, we’ll focus on covering a lot of the basic options.

Prevention

Prevention is key, so let’s start with that. The key here is to change our mindset about stress. Think of it this way:
- To stay in shape, we monitor our diet and exercise.
- To keep up with our hygiene, we bathe and tame our hair.
- To maintain good oral cleanliness, we brush our teeth, floss and rinse.
- To keep stress levels in check, we need to use certain tools to care for our nervous systems.
With this in mind, here are some tools to add to your Stress-Less toolkit:
1. Eat Healthy Meals: Eating nutrient-dense, low sugar meals and snacks every few hours can keep your blood glucose levels consistent and minimize adrenal reaction that can contribute to your stress reactions. Limit alcohol and caffeine as well, as these further contribute to negative fluctuations.
2. Exercise: Exercise is critical for improving your cardiovascular health so that stress doesn’t wreak its havoc. Cardiovascular exercises (i.e. running and swimming) promote the release of feel-good brain chemicals that can counteract stress.
3. Just Say “No!”: It is important to recognize you’re overloaded BEFORE you get overloaded. Block rest and relaxation time into your schedule so that it doesn’t get skipped. Just as you would with showering and brushing your teeth, give yourself some time to quiet your mind with a good book, a refreshing nap, a soothing cup of tea or a walk with your dog.
4. Maintain a Spiritual Practice: Harvard-educated cardiologist, Dr. Herbert Benson pioneered the study of the relationship between spirituality and health. His research tells us that spiritual practices like meditation or prayer improve health. Focus on gratitude and stillness over some quiet time each day.
Management

It’s impossible to eliminate stress completely – and some may argue that some forms of stress are positive influences on our lives, keeping us on our toes – but when stress becomes overwhelming, we need some powerful reduction solutions and techniques.
1. Just Breathe: Take note of your breathing. If you’re experiencing stress, your breathing could be more shallow or more rapid than normal. Try Dr. Weil’s suggested breathing exercise for support, 4-7-8 Breathing.
2. Seek Social Support: Friends, family, mental health practitioners, support groups and community groups can all provide a simple but powerful solution to stress. Releasing tension by talking through conflicts is very effective.
3. Journal It Out: It can also be helpful to jot down your worries, concerns and negative emotion regularly to release the weight of those feelings that you are carrying around. Save your entries in a bound diary or rip each one up after writing it, to symbolically “release” the stress.
4. Take a Technology Time-Out: Many of us spend a considerable amount of time on our phones, our computers and watching our televisions every day. While much of this time is spent doing work, a lot of it is also recreational. These devices can overstimulate our brains and contribute to our feelings of burn-out. Try spending one day a week or one weekend a month without using technology.
5. Get Quality sleep: We’ve all heard it before: 7-8 hours of sleep minimum per night. It is so critical for our emotional resiliency. Sleep gives our brains a chance to repair themselves and gives our bodies the much needed rejuvenation from any physical stress we’ve endured during the day. If falling or staying asleep is a problem for you, seek out natural support (we’ve got plenty of options at Basil Bandwagon – just ask a team member!).
6. Turn to Alternative Therapies: Massage, reiki, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy – these are just some of the options out there in the world of alternative therapies for stress management. Different therapies work better for different people. Find out what works for you and schedule appointments regularly for prevention and reactively in times of high stress.
7. Supplement Wisely: There are SO many different products available to help manage stress. A few of our favorites include:
If you haven’t joined our Online Summer Camp yet, then you are missing out on Coupons, printable lists, recipes, etc! Where can you sign up? Well, right HERE, of course!

References

www.health.harvard.edu – Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School

www.drweil.com – Dr. Andrew Weil

www.kripalu.com – Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

www.bensonhenryinstitute.org – Dr. Herbert Benson, MD

www.psychologytoday.com – Psychology Today’s Evolutionary Psychiatry Blog

www.huffingtonpost.ca – “Six Ways Curcumin Can Help You Sleep More and Stress Less”
June 27, 2016