Category: Health

  • 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.

  • Combatting the Winter Blues

    Though we are in the home stretch as far as making it through the Winter here in northern New Jersey, the weather has still been cold, damp, snowy, foggy, cloudy, and wet. With the sun currently rising around 6:45am and setting at 5:45pm, we’re getting less than 12 hours of sunshine. Even the happiest of folks can struggle with low mood given these circumstances.

    If you’ve been feeling blue and at a loss of what to do, here are some tips from our resident Health Coach, Jenna:

    Be mindful of comfort food.

     

    Many foods we tend to reach for instinctively in the hopes to heighten our mood are full of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fat. Pastas with cream sauces, baked goods, and potato chips are popular examples. Adopting a sense of mindfulness when making food choices for meals and snacks is an important part of ensuring your body remains nourished and your blood sugar levels stay steady. This can help prevent mood swings.

    Instead of the pasta, opt for a superfood shake full of proteins and greens and void of common allergens. We recommend Navitas organic essential superfood blend for it’s 12 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar (derived from monk fruit – for those of you who are opposed to the taste of stevia).

    Instead of the baked goods, opt for a QUALITY chocolate bar with REAL ingredients. We recommend local brand, Mishti organic and handmade chocolate with fair trade cocoa beans. If you haven’t heard, chocolate does help lift mood 🙂

    Instead of the potato chips, opt for a crispy snack of a different sort. Seasnax makes a organic, gluten free, roasted seaweed snack that is as addicting and snack-worthy as potato chips. A great natural source of iodine and other sea minerals, its a delightful way to eat more mindfully.

     

    Keep on top of your vitamin D levels.

    If you’re not sure where they stand, check with your healthcare practitioner. A simple blood test can provide an answer. Our bodies derive vitamin D from sun exposure, which many of us get less of during Winter months. The solution is to supplement with a proper dosage. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to determine this.

    Watch your caffeine intake.

    When the weather is cold, many of us reach for coffee, tea, or, hot chocolate regularly throughout the day. Not only can this impact your sleep schedule, but it can throw your mood out of balance. If you are feeling agitated, consider opting for a decaffeinated or lower caffeinated herbal tea to support your energy levels and mood. We like Yogi’s Sweet Tangerine Positive Energy tea, which offers a bit of an energy boost without an overpowering punch of a caffeine.

     

    Keep your gut bacteria in check.

    We know that beneficial bacteria in the gut help promote reduced inflammation, digestive regularity, immune health. But what you might not know is that beneficial bacteria in the gut also promote healthy mood. We recommend a quality refrigerated variety with at least several dozen billion live and active cultures of various kinds. Megafood makes several great options.

     

    Feed your body with healthy fat.

    Omega 3 fatty acids are critical to balancing your body’s mood among other critical functions like your cardiovascular system and immune system. Many of us can benefit from supplementing with a quality EPA supplement – which is one of the two main constituents of Omega 3 fatty acids. We highly recommend Nordic Naturals’ EPA soft gels, which deliver a significant dosage of 850 mg.

     

    Stay hydrated!

    I find myself saying this a lot to folks – since the statistics out there show that many of us are walking around mildly to severely dehydrated on a daily basis unknowingly. Dehydration has an incredibly negative effect on mood. The heat of Summer months often helps instinctively remind us to drink more water, but in Winter months, we tend to neglect this in a state of pseudo-hibernation. Boost your water with a quality electrolyte formula like Superieur’s Fresh Citrus mineral powder complete with Vitamin C, which can help promote healthy immune function.

     

    Count on herbs.

    If the blues are hitting you hard and you feel like you could benefit from a boost, know that there are herbs clinically shown to support a positive mood. Lemon Balm, St. John’s Wort, and Ashwagandha root are just several examples. Oregon’s Wild Harvest has capitalized on these beneficial beauties, by blending them into a tasty, naturally-flavored lemon liquid tincture appropriately called “GoodVibes”.

     

    Consider smart supplements.

    At Basil Bandwagon, we stock a variety of pure and effective supplements formulated specifically to help support healthy mood. Natural Factors makes a blend called “Mental Sunshine” that contains Vitamin B6, Inositol, 5-HTP, and Saffron, which, separately, and collectively have been clinically proven to support a healthy mood.

     

    Limit your screen time.

    Cold weather generally means more time indoors for most of us. And more time indoors generally means more screen time for most of us.  While the internet, telephones, tablets, and televisions can provide entertainment, valuable information, and efficiency, too much time spent hunched over a screen doesn’t contribute positively to our emotional health. Make time for no screen time!

     

    Optimize activity and adventure.

    Prioritizing regular adventure into your life can help promote positive emotions as you begin to look forward to activities that engage your thought or your physical body. Whether a mini road trip, a skating experience at a local rink, or a cooking class in a studio, new and exciting activities can help bring joy and inspiration to your life when things are feeling a little low.

  • Let’s Talk Flu-Prevention

    Let’s Talk Flu-Prevention

    Maybe you have the flu, or you’re getting the flu- or maybe everyone around you has it. Think you’ve tried everything? Jenna and Carolyn talk about what they turn to amidst all the coughing and fevers popping up all over the place.

     

    Here’s the products:

    Basil Bandwagon Brand Elderberry

    Gaia Quick Defense

    Urban Moonshine Immune Boom

    Fire Cider (Unsweetened)

    X Clear Nasal spray

    Neti Pot

    Boiron: Oscillococcinum, Cold Calm, Throat Calm

    Zach and Zoe’s Ginger Honey (local!)

    Oranges!

    Yum Earth Vitamin C pops

    Renew Life Ultimate Flora or Basil Bandwagon Brand Suprema Dophilus

    Emergen C

    Four Elements Tea: Minus Sinus

  • Winter Skin Woes

    Winter Skin Woes

  • Eat This – Not That, Holiday Edition

  • Our Back to School Top 5’s

    Our Back to School Top 5’s

    Five Easy Lunches Ideas

    As a busy parent, school lunches can be one of the most frustrating things to manage for your kids.  

    • They don’t like school lunches.
    • A quick pitstop at a deli or fast food place on the way to school to grab lunch to go isn’t the healthiest option.
    • Packing lunches from home is overwhelming and time-consuming.

    Feels familiar, right? We’ve got some QUICK, EASY, and HEALTHY solutions for you. Basil to the rescue!

    When packing a lunch, consider it should have 4 elements:

    1. Protein, to keep them full
    2. Fruit or veggie, to keep them nourished
    3. A healthy carbohydrate, to keep them energized
    4. Something sweet, to keep them interested

    This alone can help you set food out and get an idea of what to pack.

    Here’s 5 of our favorite lunch ideas with links to easy recipes that you’ll want to use over and over!

    Hummus Platter:

    No recipe needed: Find your favorite hummus, add crunchy chips, and some veggies to dip and this one is good to go! Slip in a better-for-you treat to satisfy a sweet tooth at the end of their meal.

     

    Pizza Mini Quiches:

    These are made ahead of time and kept in the fridge. There are tons of recipes online- a quick google search will help you out! These will fill up bellies, satisfy cravings for pizza, and can be made with non-dairy cheese. The toppings are totally up to you. We kept it simple here with pepperoni.

    Spring Rolls:

    These are crunchy AND chewy at the same time. And, let’s face it, they look cool. Once you master HOW to make them, you’ll see how easy and flexible they are! Try shredded carrots, sprouts, finely sliced bell peppers…anything your kiddo will try! Roll them up into a spring roll and ta-da! Add a sauce for dipping, if you like!

    Quesadillas:

    Sure a nice, hot quesadilla is ideal, but they taste pretty good cold, as well. They are great for picky eaters and provide a nice savory balance to sweeter flavors. Add a crunchy veggie, some fruit and salsa for dipping.

    Leftover Makeover:

    Make a little extra at dinner and pack up the rest- hot OR cold for lunches the next day. It will stretch your food budget and make easy work of meal packing in the morning. Here’s some ideas we dig:

    7 Ways to Turn Leftovers into Lunch 

    Leftovers for Lunch

    Rework Leftovers for Easy School Lunches

     

    Five after School Snacks that will help kids Stay Focused

     

    #1: Organic Popcorn

    Crunch, crunch, crunch: engaging the senses keeps kids in focus. Working to chew food can keep a kids awake and alert. Easy-to-eat popcorn is a great option for this. It’s tasty, salty, and most people can’t resist it once they smell it and its placed in front of them. We LOVE Farmer Steve’s Popcorn, its not only ORGANIC, it’s super-duper local and makes a terrific snack.

    #2: Pumpkin Seeds

    Pumpkin seeds are nutrient rich and full of brain-loving Omega 3s and zinc. They also provide that crunch, as well as a boost of protein that will hold them over until dinner.

    #3 Go Raw Bar

    Chewy is similar to crunchy in that it pulls in the senses. Chewy can mean sticky or sugary, but not with these. Go Raw Chewy Apricot sprouted bars are JUST fruit with sprouted flaxseeds. Sprouted means MORE nutrition and easier digestion of the flaxseeds. You kids will love the chewy texture and the fruity flavor.

    #4 MadeGood Granola Minis

    These adorable little goodies are made in a dedicated facility free from the 8 common allergens: peanut, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish, making them a safe bet for all kids. They are totally additive free and get a nutrition boost from sneaking in veggies (in powder form!). Organic, non-gmo…and did we mention these are SUPER tasty?

    #5 Fruit

    Fruit is sweet and cool and squishy. It’s also full of vitamins and water and fiber and is something kids will always reach for. Especially if you make it fun. Try skewers, or cut fruit into chunks that can be dipped into yogurt. Check out our produce specials and stock up on the seasonal favorites every week.

     

    Five Supplements that will Keep Kids Well this Year

     

    #1 Megafood Kids Daily Immune

    Add a dose of this to a glass of juice or smoothie. Megafood gets all their nutrients from food sources in their unique extraction process. This blend of citrus, Elderberries and Echinacea (and more) is as clean as you can get and delivers the most bang for your buck in keeping colds and flu away.

    #2 Wileys Finest Alaskan Fish Oil:

    Long chain Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and might even strengthen the immune system. Omega 3’s are SO important and difficult to get into our diets. This fish oil will also help with focus and it TASTES AWESOME!

    #3: Sambu Guard for Kids

    Elderberry syrup isn’t just for hippies anymore- it’s for everyone because it WORKS. It’s easy to take because it tastes good, and people are seeing results. We like this formula because its only sweetened with fruit juice and it combines elderberry with elderflower, echinacea and licorice extract.

    #4: Herbs for Kids: Nettles & Eyebright

    Allergies can wreck a students day. Coughing, sneezing, watering eyes… it’s uncomfortable. The side effects of prescriptions can be even worse than the symptoms you are trying to control. Nettles serve as a sort of natural anti-histamine. Eyebright is anti-inflammatory, especially to the mucous membranes. This herbal formula can be taken in a cup of tea or mixed in with a little honey.

    #5: Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotic

    Gut health is SUPER important to immune health. We need good bacteria to go to battle for us from the inside out. Keeping kids on a solid probiotic is one way to make sure you have this part covered.

     

     

     

  • Your Embarassing Questions ANSWERED: Lady Parts

    Your Embarassing Questions ANSWERED: Lady Parts

    We get questions all day long that make people blush. Rather than wait for you to call, we figured we’d tackle the issues with video!

  • Meet May’s Featured Drink: Sunshine Smoothie

    Spring is in full swing and summer is on the horizon. Everyone is looking forward to warm evenings and days full of fun. What better way to celebrate this glorious anticipation than with something sunny and sweet?

    Meet our Sunshine Smoothie:

     

    We blended frosty chunks of mango with cool coconut milk, added tangy orange juice and a few creamy bananas to round it out. A scoop of turmeric adds not only a boost of inflammatory goodness, but it gives this smoothie its bright orange hue!

    Try one today!

     

  • 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.

  • 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!