Category: Health

  • 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:

  • It’s Non-GMO Month: Part 2

    It’s Non-GMO Month: Part 2

    With the Keto diet and Non-GMO Month being noticed around the same time, why not feature them together!

    So what exactly is the Keto diet?

    The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that offers numerous health benefits. With the drastic reduction is carbs, you put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When your body is in ketosis, your body becomes extremely efficient at using fat for energy. Some health benefits from the keto diet are lower blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as switching the body’s metabolism from carbs to fat. Another health benefit that strikes a lot of consumers’ attention is losing body weight and lowering the risk factors for diseases.

    What foods should I avoid on the Keto diet?

    Foods that are high in carbs should be very limited or even eliminated. The list of foods that should be avoided are: sugary foods, grains or starches, fruit, beans or legumes, root vegetables and tubers, low-fat or diet products, certain condiments or sauces, unhealthy fats, alcohol, & sugar-free diet foods.

    What foods should I eat on the Keto diet?

    Your plate should be based with the majority of these foods: meat, fatty fish, eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, avocados, low-carb veggies, & condiments and spices.

    Are there any side effects from being on the Keto diet?

    Even though the keto diet is safe, there are some initial side effects that your body goes through as you adapt to your new diet. Each individual body is different and unique- so you should be more aware of how you feel and balance accordingly.

    At Basil Bandwagon, we carry numerous Keto diet friendly products that are also Non-GMO Project verified! Some of our products are featured below!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 9/19/18

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 9/19/18

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Maddalena’s KETO Cheesecake

    Lake Champlain Halloween Chocolates

    Forager Project Coconut Cashewgurt

    Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk

    Basil Bandwagon Elderberry Syrup & Ginger Rescue

    Aunt Patty’s Brown Rice Syrup

    Anita’s Plain Coconut Milk Yogurt Alternative

    Essential Baking Take & Bake French Baguette

  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 9/5/18

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT WEDNESDAY 9/5/18

    Check out our new products this week!


    Benjamin International Head Wraps and Bandanas


    Bee’s Wrap Sandwich Wraps

     

    Picnik Butter Coffees: Mocha Latte


    Pacific Foods: Curry Chickpea Soup with Chicken Bone Broth

     

    Natural Vitality Calm: Calmful Sleep Supplement & Bath Salts

     

    Happy Tot Veggies Bowl: Cheese & Spinach Ravioli

     

    Grosche International Pour Over Coffee Maker

     

    Greenlid Biodegradable Kitchen Food Waste Bin

     

    Good Paper Greeting Cards

     

    Epic Bone Broth

     

    Dirt Bag Beauty Clay-Based Face Masks: Pretty In Pink, Morning Sunshine, & Earth Angel

     

    Bulletproof Fat Water

  • Bee Focused Smoothie

    Bee Focused Smoothie

    School is BACK, and you can feel the hectic energy winding up again.

    This is why we made this month’s smoothie full of brain boosting goodness.

    Blueberries:

    Full of rich vibrant color and antioxidants, Blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress.

    Oats:

    Oats are a slow-burning carbohydrate that keep our body fueled up and functioning.

    Bee Pollen:

    This superfood is full of benefits, and focus is one of them! It’s full of enzymes that feed the brain to reduce stress and increase FOCUS!!

  • RECAP: NEW PRODUCT THURSDAY 8/30/18

    RECAP: NEW PRODUCT THURSDAY 8/30/18

    Check out our new products this week!

    Aloha Bay Coconut Votives: Pumpkin Spice & Chai Spice

     

    VEGA Protein Cashewmilk Yogurt Alternative: Raspberry, Vanilla, & Strawberry

     

    Rainbow: Colloidal Oatmeal Bath & Body Wash

     

    Miyoko’s: Vegan Roadhouse Cheese Spread

     

    Lumineux Oral Essentials: Oral Perfection Toothpastes

     

    AromaVase & Pranarôm Essential Oils

     

    Wilde: Chicken Chips Barbecue & Buffalo

  • Clean Up Your Self Care Routine With These 12 New Product Lines

    Clean Up Your Self Care Routine With These 12 New Product Lines

    By Jenna Kohler, MA, Certified Health Coach

    What you put IN your body can make a big difference in your overall wellness. Most of us are well acquainted with that notion by now; however, many folks aren’t aware that what you put ON your body can make a big difference too.  The tissues that make up our bodies are absorbent and internalize what we come in contact with.  Those of us who have had negative reactions to products we’ve used on our bodies know very well the effects of internalizing something our body doesn’t like. Others who haven’t experienced this may be taking for granted their body’s ability to process many of the harsh chemicals and toxins that are frequent additives in conventional or ‘drug store’ skin and beauty care products.

    At Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, we take great care in curating product lines that are both safe AND effective. We hand-select products from companies that care about your wellbeing, the wellbeing of our community environment, and the wellbeing of our planet. Recently, you may have noticed many new products landing on our shelves in our health and beauty aid aisles. We want to take a moment to introduce some of these wonderful new product lines with you. These are just a few of the reasons why these products have made it through our rigorous vetting process and we’re certain there will be a few you’ll be eager to try!

    Opas Soap

    Now carrying shampoo, conditioner, lotion, & bar soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Opas: “Our products have antique and vintage-inspired qualities as recipes from the Naturalism and Renaissance era. We practice sustainability and composting and our products are completely eco-friendly from our ingredients to our packaging.”

    Carina Organics

    Now carrying shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand soap, body wash, & hair spray/gel at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Carina: “We are present in every step of the product-making process. Our ingredients, including alfalfa, chamomile, echinacea, nettle, red clover and a variety of Botanical Tree Essences, are hand-selected and harvested throughout the Pacific Northwest. This helps to ensure the use of only the healthiest and highest quality extracts and essences.”

    Schmidt’s Naturals

    Now carrying deodorant & bar soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Schmidt’s Naturals: “Everything we produce is manufactured without harming any animals, and we never purchase ingredients from suppliers that test their products on animals — Schmidt’s is committed to staying certified vegan and cruelty-free. Schmidt’s Naturals products are always free of aluminum, propylene glycol, SLS, PEG, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance, artificial flavor, artificial colorants, and artificial sweeteners.”

    Dirt Bag

    Now carrying face masks at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Dirt Bag: “The women-owned, women-founded company was named ‘Dirt Bag’ because it suited the product, which uses a dry blend of ingredients analogous to dirt, and also because it serves as a reminder that good things can come out of some very bad circumstances for women. Sustainable, all-natural ingredients.  No animal testing.  100% Eco-Friendly.“

    Botanical Therapeutic

    Now carrying shampoo, conditioner, body wash, & hand cream at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Botanical Therapeutic: “We have chosen a healthier approach to manufacturing self-care products. Since Carina’s inception in 1972, replacing chemical and synthetic ingredients with natural and organic plant extracts, essences, and oils has been central to our focus and philosophy.”

    Dr. Gingers

    Now carrying the dental care oil pulling line at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Dr. Gingers: “Dr. Ginger’s research, as well as testimonials from people she knew and treated, confirmed the notion that oil pulling does indeed offer substantial benefits to oral and overall health. No harmful chemicals.  Dr. Ginger’s uses detoxifying Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate (an amino acid from coconut oil) in lieu of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (an irritating surfactant).”

    Oral Essentials

    Now carrying the dental care teeth whitening line at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Oral Essentials: “You shouldn’t have to choose between a product that is good for you, and a product that actually works. For us, that meant formulating products that we can feel good about putting in our bodies. No ‘DO NOT SWALLOW’ labels, no irritating bleaches, no compromises. We are the first ever dentist-formulated, naturally-derived, clinically-tested, certified non-toxic oral care company in the world, and you know what? We think it’s about time!”

    Ancient Olive Soap

    Now carrying bar soaps at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Ancient Olive: “Ancient Olive soap is perhaps the oldest and purest soap in the world, made of 100% olive oil and a high concentration of laurel oil. It is renowned for its skin-nourishing, wrinkle-fighting vitamins A and E from olive oil and its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties from laurel.”

    Green Goo

    Now carrying first aid salves/balms, foaming hand soap, & bar soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Green Goo: “We are leaders in the commercialization of no-compromises natural body care products. Our mission to provide safe, natural and effective products extends into our philanthropy, as we continue to donate products to military, maternity and child care, and animal care organizations both here and around the world.”

    Earth Mama Organics

    Now carrying baby body care product line, mommy body care product line, body wash, & deodorant at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Earth Mama Organics: “We formulate easy-to-use herbal products to support mamas and babies through the entire miraculous birth process, from pregnancy through postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, baby care, and even the loss of a baby. We honor plant wisdom that has been passed down from great-grandmother to grandmother to mother to daughter; we combine that wisdom with the safety and assurances of contemporary evidence-based research.”

    Purple Prairie Botanicals

    Now carrying bar soap, & lotion at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Purple Prairie Botanicals: “Purple Prairie Botanicals has always believed in the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life as we know it. This planet produces all of the products we share with you. When purchasing our raw materials, we only work with American companies that lead the industry in environmental stewardship and adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved.”

    Attitude

    Now carrying body wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, & hand soap at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market!

    About Attitude: “All of our products are worry-free – 100% safe for your family and the planet, and free of cancer-causing chemicals, mutagens and endocrine disruptors. That’s why we question everything. And we invite you to do the same.” We have an insatiable need to innovate, inspire and improve. We are as much scientists as explorers, roaming the Earth and our homes looking for new ways to not only Live Consciously, but live better.