Category: Health

  • DIY Bug Bite Balm!

    DIY Bug Bite Balm!

    Everyone loves summertime, from swimming in the pool, to going on hikes, and having lots of outdoor parties and barbecues. The one downside to being outside… getting bug bites! We tried this DIY Bug Bite Balm and we had to share with everyone! The “pulling” action from the activated charcoal helps remove the toxins from the stings and bites, while the soothing properties from the lavender essential oil help the inflammation and itching. Plus, the coconut oil and shea butter offer a nice anti-bacterial and rejuvenating effect (respectively).

    Ingredients

    3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

    1 ½ Tablespoons Shea Butter

    15-21 Drops of Organic Lavender Essential Oil

    1 Tablespoon Activated Charcoal (grab some from our bulk section!)

    1 Reusable Container (we used U-Konserve’s Big Mini Stainless Steel Container)

    Method

    1. Melt down coconut oil and shea butter.

    2. Once fully melted, add essential oil and activated charcoal. Mix well!

    3. Carefully spoon the liquid into reusable container. Allow to rest for 2-3 hours.

    4. When needed, rub the balm on the affected area, allowing it to run into the skin. Place a bandage on top of the balm and allow it to work its magic before rinsing off later.

    NOTE: During extremely hot days, you want to make sure to keep your new bug bite balm in a cool spot so it doesn’t melt.

    Tell us how much you love your DIY Bug Bite Balm and where you take it on-the-go! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray

    DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray

    Summer is the best time of the year to go swimming! Unfortunately, summer is also the worst time for chlorine. Some of the unwanted benefits of chlorine is that it dries out your hair and your skin- which is never fun to deal with in the hot summer heat. But good news! We have a DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray that is simple to make and is perfect to keep in your bag when you go to the pool this season.

    Ingredients:

    1/4 Cup Filtered Water

    1/4 Teaspoon Powdered Vitamin C

    Essential Oils (we recommend using 1 drop Orange)

    2 Ounce Blue Glass Spray Bottle

    Method:

    1. Add water to glass spray bottle.

    2. Add powdered vitamin C to spray bottle.

    3. Add drop of essential oil.

    4. Put lid on bottle and shake to combine.

    5. Add to hair and/or skin after swimming and rub in. Shower as usual when you return home.

    NOTE: You might want to use this solution within 1-2 days of making it as it might lose its effectiveness afterwards.

    Tell us how much you love your DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray. Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Have a Safe Summer with Boiron!

    Have a Safe Summer with Boiron!

    Your day at the beach doesn’t have to end in misery if you keep your first aid kit stocked with natural summer essentials from Boiron like Arnicare and Calendula medicines. These multi-purpose homeopathic products are available in easy-to-apply topical forms such as gel, cream, lotion or ointment. Arnicare works on muscle aches, stiffness and bruising, while Calendula helps heal cuts, scrapes, bug bites and minor burns and soothes irritated and sunburned skin.

    Calendula

    Whether you have small burns from the grill, outdoor firepit, or even just minor sunburn, calendula is what you need! Made from Calendula officinalis, a garden marigold, it can help moisturize and heal sensitive burned skin.

    Arnicare

    If you’re constantly on-the-go and doing some fun summer activities, make sure you keep arnicare in stock! Made from Arnica montana, a mountain daisy, it can help relieve bumps and bruises after a long day working in the garden, after a long hike in the woods, and even after playing some beach volleyball.

    Regardless of which products you use this summer, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Guilt-Free Brownies featuring PlantFusion!

    Guilt-Free Brownies featuring PlantFusion!

    For the chocolate-lovers out there, these brownies are not only the guilt-free treat we all look for but they’re also gluten-free! The fun thing about making brownies is that you can change up the recipe to include some other fun treats; like fruit, nuts, candy, cookies, or even your favorite supplements! In this recipe, we used two PlantFusion supplements for an added health benefit. The Chocolate PlantFusion Complete Protein not only is packed with 21g of plant-based proteins but it keeps you energized while building and repairing muscle (this would be the perfect treat for after your daily workout)! The Vanilla PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder should be your go-to for building, hydrating, and protecting collagen. BONUS- the Vanilla PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder is also featured in our Smoothie of the Month for July- our Strawberry-A-Go-Go!

    Ingredients

    1 Cup Almond Butter (we used our fresh almond butter from our bulk section!)

    1/2 Cup Maple Syrup

    1 Egg

    1 Tablespoon melted butter (you can also use MCT oil or liquid coconut oil)

    1 Scoop Chocolate PlantFusion Complete Protein

    1 Scoop Vanilla PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder

    1 Teaspoon Vanilla

    Pinch of Salt

    1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

    1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and spray a 9×11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.

    2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together and whisk until smooth.

    3. Spread batter into pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked around the edges.

    4. Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes, even though it’s hard to wait!

    5. Cut into squares or fun shapes and enjoy!

    Before you enjoy your decadent guilt-free PlantFusion chocolate brownies, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite local organic market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #wellnessrecipe

  • Clean & Safe Home Care Recipes with Aura Cacia Essential Oils!

    Clean & Safe Home Care Recipes with Aura Cacia Essential Oils!

    Summertime calls for fresh, clean scents- even though our homes may not be. Check out these clean and safe cleaning recipes made with Aura Cacia Essential Oils!

    Air Freshening Spray

    Ingredients

    -12 drops Aura Cacia Lemon Essential Oil

    -12 drops Aura Cacia Tea Tree Essential Oil

    -2 Ounce Mist Bottle

    -2 Fluid Ounces Water

    Method

    1. Into bottle, combine all ingredients, replace lid and shake until well blended.

    2. To use, shake bottle and spray into airspace.

    General Cleaning Spray

    Ingredients

    -1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

    -1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Tea Tree Essential Oil

    -1 Teaspoon Unscented Liquid Soap

    -15 Fluid Ounces Water

    -16 Ounce Spray Bottle

    Method

    1. In bottle, combine soap and essential oils.

    2. Top with water, replace lid and shake until well blended.

    3. To use, spray on surface and wipe clean with damp cloth.

    Pet Home Cleaning Spray

    Ingredients

    -1 2/3 Cups Water

    -1/2 Teaspoon Sodium Borate

    -1/4 Teaspoon Unscented Liquid Soap

    -1 1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Lemon Essential Oil

    -1 1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Peppermint Essential Oil

    -16 Ounce Plastic Spray Bottle

    Method

    1. In bottle, combine all ingredients. Replace lid and shake until well blended.

    2. To use, shake bottle and spray into a cloth, sponge, or onto surface and wipe area clean.

    *NOTE: Test on an inconspicuous area before general use.

    No matter which product or recipe you use, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Loving Your Furry Friends is a Walk in the Park!

    Loving Your Furry Friends is a Walk in the Park!

    We love our furry friends so much, that we’ve made today Furry Friend Friday! Our furry friends deserve the best- inside and out. We’ve compiled the top products for 6 different categories that you should be looking deep into to make sure you give your pet nothing but the best. BONUS– this Thursday (4/11/19) is National Pet Day! Make sure you keep an eye out on our social media pages for all of the great pictures of our Basil Furry Friends. DOUBLE BONUS- Our baker, Allie, is making pet friendly treats that will be available at both cafes on Thursday only!

    Bath Time

    No matter what pet you have, bath time is a necessity (especially during the upcoming rainy season). kin+kind has a variety of products that are very clean (literally and figuratively)! Made with natural and organic ingredients, they have waterless bath shampoos for both cats and dogs, healing clay shampoos for the itchy dog, and for those pets who happen to run across the unfriendly skunk, a shampoo to help de-stink them!

    Time to Eat

    We all know that when your furry friend is hungry, they’ll tell you. They’ll also tell us if they like what your giving them or not. Thankfully for them (and us too), we have a wide range of both dog and cat food. From dry food to wet food, we have it all. Some brands that we love to give our Basil Furry Friends are Stella & Chewy’s, Tender & True, PetGuard, and Castor & Pollux. Each brand has their own unique quality to them, but every brand is safe to feed your loved ones and keep them by your side for many years to come.

    Health Bonus

    It’s extremely important to give your pets an added health perk to their diet. Health supplements not only keep them healthy and living a long, loving life, but it also keeps them active and wanting to play with you more! Some supplements that we carry are similar to treats like Happy Hips Jerky and NaturVet’s Omegas so your pets won’t know the difference! We also carry powders that you can sprinkle on their daily meals like Enzymedica’s GI Recovery and kin+kind’s Hip & Joint care.

    Ticks Be Gone

    ‘Tis the season for ticks and we’re prepared. Nantucket Spider and kin+kind have pet friendly flea and tick spray that is not only deet-free but they’re also made with essential oils that are safe! Spray your loved ones from head to paw and worry less!

    Play Time

    This is everyones favorite time of day. We carry both cat and dog toys that they will fall in love with (but don’t worry, they’ll still love you more than their new favorite toys). Some of our pet toys that we carry are Throwbowl from Paww, Hedgehog from Spot, and catnip monsters from OurPets.

    Treats for All

    No matter the time of day, make sure you show your pet how much you love them with some treats! No matter the size of your furry friend, we have your perfect, all-natural pet treats ranging in many different flavors! A couple of our favorites are MyDoggy soft baked cookies, Castor & Pollux rawhides, and Buddy Biscuits for cats and dogs!

    Regardless of which product you get your furry loved one, make sure you tell us how much you’re in love with your product! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • It’s World Water Day! Are you hydrated?

    It’s World Water Day! Are you hydrated?

    World Water Day celebrates the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Not only are we celebrating just freshwater itself today, but we are also celebrating all of the ways that we can hydrate our bodies and the amazing options that we have in store. Water comes in all shapes and sizes. What’s an added bonus is that it doesn’t matter the how you drink it, as long as it gets in your body, you’re one step closer to becoming hydrated!

    “Make every drop count” and check out our numerous water options available at both Basil Bandwagon locations!

    Water Favorite

    Eagle’s Peak Spring Water is by far a customer favorite. As soon as we get it in stock, by the end of the day it’s all gone! Next time you’re in store, make sure you grab one (or a case of 6) while you can!

    Bottled Water

    Our water selection is very large and awesome! There are two waters that are special on our shelves right now. One company is CBD Living Water. Not only is it refreshing but it contains 5mg of CBD per bottle! Another company is WAIĀKEA. WAIĀKEA was founded to create a positive change in the world; for the environment and the people. For every liter of WAIĀKEA that you buy, they will donate 1 week of clean drinking water to those in need!

    Water Additions

    Are there some days where you don’t feel like drinking plain water? Get spontaneous and add one of these to your water! Laird Superfood has a hydrate coconut water line (which we carry ALL four of their flavors). This line consists of freeze-dried coconut water that you can add and voila, instant coconut water (their flavors are matcha, turmeric, beet, and original). Another option is from SweetLeaf. They have a liquid form called WaterDrops in multiple flavors (we carry raspberry lemonade and peach mango) that is perfect to keep in your bag 24/7.

    Water Containers

    No matter how you drink it, just make sure you look “cool” when you do! We have many options- one is EcoVessel! Not only does EcoVessel keep your water cold, but they have bottles with strainers and infusers to add water or tea to! Another option we have is our very own Basil Bandwagon Stainless Steel bottles! You can never go wrong so make sure you hop on our bandwagon and grab yours today.

    Water Accessories

    When you’re on-the-go, you have to make sure that your water is accessible. Sometimes when you’re driving and your bottle is too large to fit in the cup holder, you have to throw the bottle on the passenger seat. So when you make a turn, your bottle goes rolling onto the floor and then you have to go forever without drinking. We’ve all been there but we have the solution! It’s called BottlePro and trust us, you’ll thank us later. We also have rePETe bags from ChicoBag! Not only do they come in easy to carry on-the-go little bags that transform into water carriers, but the bags are made from recycled materials! Very Earth friendly!

    Regardless of how you drink your water, make sure you tell us how much you’re in love with your hydrating product! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Dry Skin? Moisture Up!

    Dry Skin? Moisture Up!

    Everyone knows when the seasons change from the harsh, cold winter to sweet, fresh spring due to their skin. Since we’re stuck inside all winter long or we go outside to shovel the snow from our driveways and off of our cars, our skin tends to dry up and crack. Which is never fun to deal with. We all have our parents voices engraved in our minds telling us to put on lotion before we go out in the snow- but most of the time we forget anyways. Thankfully, there are always new products coming out that help our skin when we forget.

    Even better news- we have lots of those products on our shelves just for you!

    Booda Butter

    Booda Butter’s All-In-One Moisturizer is made with organic shea butter, fair trade cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. If you’re tired of feeling your skin crack all winter long, this “butter” will help prevent that! Bonus- it comes in a full and travel size so you can have it stocked in your house or in your bag.

    “Booda Butter has helped keep my hands “crack free” this entire winter. This moisturizer is a definite staple I use year round.” -Susan H.

    Puremedy

    This skin care company uses a variety of homeopathic ingredients. Their Intensive Skin Repair Salve contains arnica montana which helps relieve itchy dry skin, calendula to help heal wounds, echinacea augustifolia, and sambucus nigra to help decrease swelling and soothe the itch. Their Baby Skin Salve should be in every diaper bag. Not only does it contain sambucus nigra and calendula, but it also has cocoa butter and olive oil to help a baby’s skin stay soft and young!

    “My poor baby suffered from bad diaper rash and she couldn’t stop crying. Once we put this salve on, the tears finally stopped and it helped her rash significantly!” -Lynn I.

    Earth’s Care

    Earth’s Care is all about the Earth and your body- they are even a 1% for the Planet member! Their Dry & Cracked Skin Balm dives deep in your skin to moisturize at the source. With shea butter, arnica, and cajeput oil, your skin is in good hands! People who suffer from eczema will love their Eczema Lotion. Their improved formula contains colloidal oatmeal which helps protect the skin, along with aloe and almond oil to help soothe itching due to eczema and rash.

    “I LOVE the Eczema Lotion. Not only does it help the itch, but it also smells great and doesn’t feel too heavy on my skin.” -Kaitlyn A.

    Badger

    This family owned company specializes in organic topical products. They come in all shapes and sizes- especially in tiny tins for relief anywhere you go! Their Cuticle Care Balm gives you cuticle relief with shea butter, castor seed oil, olive fruit oil, and more. The Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands smoothes and softens your rough and dry skin. Perfect for after long days in the harsh winter weather.

    “My cuticles get so much wear and tear that they never look nice during the winter holidays. But now with Badger’s Cuticle Care Balm, my nails look great and they don’t hurt anymore!” -Jennifer M.

    Natural Hope Herbals

    This new brand of herbal salves is a great addition to your body care routine. Most of their natural ingredients are grown on their family owned farm in Millersburg, PA. Their Arnica & St. John’s Wort Salve can help relieve the itching and pain due to wound healing. The Calendula Salve helps decrease the unwanted redness and dryness from the winter weather. It helps soothe and nourish for the appearance of healthy looking skin.

    “I use the calendula salve everyday on my cheeks to help with the dryness from the ‘winter wind.’ I no longer have red or dry patches on my face and I love it!” -Lindsey S.

    Regardless of which product you use, make sure you tell us how much you’re in love with your product! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • It’s Citrus Season!

    It’s Citrus Season!

    On sale this week (2/4-2/10): Organic Blood Oranges and Navel Oranges 2 for $3!

    Everyone looks forward to citrus season- it’s the transition from the cold, frigid months to the beautiful spring weather. Winter was the season of root vegetables and hot soup, but now we can brighten up our plates with some juicy citrus! When someone says citrus, most people instantly think about bright, plump oranges packed with vitamin C.

    We carry many varieties of citrus, but not all are available at one time. Some varieties that we carry are Cara Cara Oranges, Navel Oranges, Blood Oranges, Minneola Tangelos, Mandarins, Grapefruit, Clementines, Satsuma Mandarins, and Valencia Oranges. Not only are there so many different types but there are numerous benefits and uses of citrus too!

    1. Immunity: citrus is packed with Vitamin C which helps boost your immune system to fight colds and support your quest to breathe freely.

    2. Mood: with awakening scents, taste, and color, it is known to help improve your mood and help you come out of your shell.

    3. Skin Appearance: antioxidant properties help cleanse and brighten your skin.

    1. Beauty: aromatherapy to help boost your mood and purify the air, and skin care to help brighten and cleanse your skin.

    2. Nutritional: can be used for dressings and juices, sliced or dried for a quick snack, or even as a garnish and zest!

    With the spring season upon us, make sure you stop by your local Basil Bandwagon Natural Market and stock up on all the citrus we have this season!

    Additional Resources:

    https://www.healthiestbest.com/citrus-is-in-season

    https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-oranges/

    https://tasteforlife.com/diet-nutrition/eat-for-health/put-up-a-fight

    https://tasteforlife.com/conditions-wellness/allergies/fight-spring-allergies-with-food

    https://www.alive.com/health/7-immunity-boosters-need/

    https://www.deliciousliving.com/display-gallery/?id=14207&im=1

    https://stylecaster.com/beauty/citrus-for-beauty-benefits/

  • Now Available in Stores: Fresh Aloe Vera

    Now Available in Stores: Fresh Aloe Vera

    For over 6,000 years, aloe vera has been known for its health and beauty abilities as well as its healing properties. There are hundreds of species of the aloe plant but the most commonly known and used is the Aloe Barbadensis plant, aka aloe vera. There are many aspects of aloe vera- the outside fleshy leaves with serrated edges, the thin layer of aloe latex right beneath the skin, and the inside gooey gel and liquid.

    The plant as a whole contains many vitamins and minerals that are helpful to us humans. It contains antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamins A, C, E, B12, and folic acid), enzymes, minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc), laxatives, and some hormones that help with its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

    There are many benefits from aloe vera. Some are listed in the picture below but there are even more than that!

    When most people hear “aloe vera gel,” sunburns are the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are more uses than just that! Aloe vera can also be ingested as capsules and juice which are used as dietary supplements to help with digestion and boost immunity. People who are in love with the properties of aloe vera have made their own DIY videos for various reasons. Here is a link to a YouTube video where one person makes their own hair, scalp, skin moisturizer from the fresh aloe vera plant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu6aP_UIuxE

    And lucky for us, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market not only has aloe vera supplements on our wellness shelves, but we now carry fresh aloe vera plants in our produce areas- but only for a limited time! Come in quick before it’s all gone!

    For more information on the properties of aloe vera, how to take care of your aloe vera plant, and more, check out these posts below: