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?
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!
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.
Boiron Supplements
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
It’s time for me to fess-up a bit here.
I work in a health food store but haven’t always eaten healthy. When I was a kid, I used to look forward to seasonal holiday treats from fast food chains. My all-time favorite was when March would roll around. My mom would take my brother and I to our favorite fast food place for a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired shake we’d order off their seasonal menu. This was so cool because the shake was a lovely shade of bright green and tasted like sweet minty goodness.
I carried this tradition into my teenage years with my friends and then into early adulthood. That is, until I woke up to how the food I was eating was effecting my health. Let me shed a little light on exactly what is in this green cup of “goodness”. According to the nutritional facts for the shake listed on the company’s website, the shake includes the following ingredients:
Phew… still with me? That is an awfully long list that leaves me with a few questions: Why is it called whipped “topping” and not whipped cream? And why does the cherry have a list of ingredients- isn’t it just a cherry? Also, do green sugar crystals grow out of the ground? Might I add that there isn’t actually any mint in this minty-tasting beverage?
As if this wasn’t enough information to scare you away, check out the nutritional facts associated with a small and large shake:
That’s why we created the Lucky Mint Chip Shake – available at both of our locations for a limited time. Our shake uses none of the above and is actually healthy and naturally energizing and detoxifying. Here’s OUR ingredients: At Basil Bandwagon, we think everyone should be able to enjoy a holiday treat without having to dowse themselves in artificial colorings, flavorings and 3 days-worth of sugar in one glass.
Jenna shows you how to throw together your own Immune Boosting Tonic full of virus-busting goodness!
Here’s what you’ll need:
There is more you can do with this tonic:
• Immune Boosting Tonic is amazing alone- BUT there are some fun ways to use it:
• Use it to make a quick Bloody Mary: add to a mixture of tomato juice spirit of you choice
• It’s a super FLAVOR boost for soups and sauces. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient in my chicken soup and a fix-it for spaghetti sauce that needs a little kick.
• Bone Broth to the MAX: add this to your bone broth!
February is Heart Health month! It’s a good idea to take care of your ticker, and there’s plenty of easy and tasty ways to do so.
That bowl of oatmeal you had for breakfast might be more powerful than you think. Oats contain beta-glucan, a potent soluble fiber with blood sugar regulating benefits. Oats are also high in Vitamin E, which has long been found to be a protective vitamin for the heart.
Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart, the more you eat them, well….. you know the rest. There is actually much science behind this popular rhyme. Lentils are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps keep your arteries clean, reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Lentils are also excellent sources of magnesium and folate – two big promoters of heart health. Magnesium in particular improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrient distribution within your body.
Cocoa beans – from which dark chocolate is created – are rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Flavonoids help protect the body from environmental toxins and damage. Flavanols are the main type of flavonoids found in cocoa. Research has shown flavanols to promote healthy blood pressure, improve blood flow and manage healthy blood clotting function.
Garlic possesses a myriad of health benefits, but one of the most significant is its positive effects on heart health. It serves as a preventative agent against many different conditions: hypertension, diabetes, thrombosis, etc. For heart health, garlic consumption helps reverse plaque build up in arteries. Sure, you may need some gum afterwards, but loading up on this powerhouse is SMART!
Avocados are not only an excellent source of protein and fat, but a heart-healthy superfood. Cholesterol, trans fat and sodium free, avocados are one of the few whole foods that are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat. For this reason, they may help lower your blood cholesterol level when consumed in place of saturated fat.
Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are not just delicious snacks or toppings on your favorite cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. They are an excellent source of polyphenols, which are associated with improved heart health. Polyphenols protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals.
These beautiful fruits contain juicy seeds that are as nutrient-dense as they are delicious. The juice is a rich source of polyphenols, which double as antioxidants, protecting our cells from damage and lowering inflammation in our bodies. The juice is also believed to protect LDL (bad) cholesterol from damaging our arterial walls.
These little guys are PACKED with heart-happy fats and nutrients. Sardine are full the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been found to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
These tiny seeds pack a ton of punch when it comes to heart health. A mere teaspoon of the seeds contains nearly 2 grams of heart-healthy Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Flax seeds are also one of the best sources of plant-based foods for lignan’s, which have strong antioxidant qualities, helping support heart health.
Everyone makes some sort of pledge around the New Year. Almost every one of those pledges has to do with eating and fitness. How trite! How over-played, right? Most of the time- these resolutions don’t even make it out of January alive. This year, I’ve been determined to challenge that norm.
Before January 1, my family and I decided that we were going to do the Whole 30 dietary program. A few years of stress have taken their toll. Despite working at an AMAZING natural market that I love, with access to some of the best food around, my eating habits have really suffered. I’ve struggled with migraines and heartburn, and almost NO energy at the end of every day. I decided it was time to do something about that.
We bought the Whole 30 book, made grocery lists, loaded the fridge with organic meat and veggies and buckled in for the ride. In case you aren’t familiar, let me explain what The Whole 30 is. I’d describe it as a diet reset: no grain, no alcohol, no legumes, no dairy, no sugar, no SWEETENERS, no soy, no yeast, etc.
Here’s how my experience has been going with this program:
Day One: Awesome! We made some great meals, felt really full and proud of ourselves.
Day Two: It was the day before the kids had to go back to school, and Grandpa wanted to take everyone to the Museum of Natural History in NYC. We loaded in the car, bags full of fruit, Epic Bars, and the handful of Whole 30-approved bars. “We’ll make it.” I said.
The Museum was packed and we’d seen all the major exhibits. We were hungry. Our snack bags were empty and the sun was going down. We ducked out of the rain and into a delightful little Greek restaurant. The menu included a few things that were perfect- but, not palatable for the kids. My youngest got skirt steak with asparagus, my oldest got lamb sautéed with veggies. I was excited and got stuffed cabbage- forgetting that it had rice in it until I was about eight bites in. I decided to roll with it. “A little goof-up isn’t the end of the world”, I told myself. Then, my father-in-law ordered dessert while I was in the restroom. Baklava and Kaitifi. I didn’t say a word and devoured all of it. And a glass of wine. My husband and I looked at each other and declared a “do-over” the next day.
Day Three +: It wasn’t as hard as I thought over the next few days. I pre-cooked a lot of organic chicken, ground beef, and bacon. I stocked up on salad greens, veggies and fruit. We put our lunches together in the morning- assembling what were essentially “Buddha Bowls”. What are Buddha Bowls? Buddha Bowls are a life saver.
My favorite bowl to throw together is: cooked sweet potato chunks, diced pork or chicken, greens, chopped cashews and Tessamae’s Creamy Ranch dressing (PALEO and Whole 30-friendly!) This has been my go-to lunch. (see recipe below!)
After a few days, I noticed a few things: no headaches, more energy, and no heartburn.
Week Two: The second week brought challenges. We were having a hard time keeping enough food in the house to be able to build our meals. Without filler foods (bread, beans, pasta, grains), we were absolutely tearing through avocados, eggs, salads greens, and fruit. We had to rethink the way we shop. Instead of one big weekly grocery trip, we were finding ourselves re-stocking every few days. Admittedly, the cost was up, too. (I don’t have to tell you that meat costs more than beans.)
After observing our budget for the week, though, there was a savings in another place that we didn’t even consider: we hadn’t eaten out since we went to Manhattan. Not a coffee run, not a rushed lunch, not a desperate pizza order. The extra expense in the grocery budget hasn’t been an issue because we are making and eating all of our own food!
Another challenge I ran into during this time was when I neglected to eat breakfast and found myself nauseated. My instinct was to grab crackers or a piece of bread to soothe my tummy. I texted my husband who encouraged me to grab a bag of raw cashews instead. He was right- I just needed something in my stomach. It’s amazing the food we want to grab for comfort! I didn’t think the cashews would work, but they set me right and I was able to eat well the rest of the day. I learned that I HAVE to eat. I can’t skip meals.
Moving Forward: Now we’re not done with this program quite yet- we still have a week or two to go, but the results so far are enough that we want to keep going. Perhaps indefinitely. The biggest surprise for me is that I don’t miss dairy or bread as much as I expected to. The theory is that you won’t crave things as much if your body is receiving everything it needs.
If you are looking for a reset, or relief from chronic symptoms that have no answers- The Whole 30 is a solid place to start. It will challenge you, but it will also teach you what you need to truly nourish your body.
This flexible lunch can be made ahead of time- and this makes good use of leftovers!
Cube the meat for easy eating. I was using leftover bacon wrapped pork roast.
Leftover a baked Purple Stokes Sweet Potato
I had some pea shoots from Blue Moon Acres to use as my greens. (Yum!)
Looks GORGEOUS already. 
I added Cashews for extra crunch and good fats!
You can add any dressing you like, but my current favorite is Whole 30 approved and has a delightful dill flavor that I’m sort of addicted to. You can certainly make your own, of course!
Bumps, bruises, scrapes, sore throats, tummy aches- every kids comes with them! Here are 10 of our favorite natural products to address your little ones’ needs in a flash. Stock up now and save on tears later 😉
You’ve heard it by now, Elderberry Syrup is a serious contender in the world of cold and flu remedies. Even held up against pharmaceuticals, Elderberry stands tall. The best part is, it tastes GREAT, so it goes down easy. Just a teaspoon a day during cold and flu season can ward off viruses of all kinds, and bumping that dosage if they get sick can help shorten the duration of the cold.
Be sure to read the labels on Elderberry syrup- notice the sugar content and the additives- we love our brand because it contains neither!
Earaches hurt, and ear infections are one of the biggest culprits for the over-prescription of antibiotics out there. Try soothing the ear canal at first signs of symptoms with this time-tested remedy. Mullein is a flower that you’ve likely ignored or pulled out in your yard- but it’s potent antibacterial qualities can help it heal an irritated ear canal. Garlic is one of nature’s “antibiotics” for the same reason. Together, the two (suspended in olive oil) are a fantastic way to soothe and heal troubled ears.
Be sure to warm the oil first. Do this by placing the whole bottle in a mug of hot water for a few moments, then shake to ensure an even temperature.
A healthy, active child will definitely encounter some bumps and bruises! Treat minor aches and pains with arnica gel applied to the area affected. It will help take the edge off the discomfort after a fall off a swing or a bruised shin. Tablets can be used internally – taken through the mouth – to do the same and work especially well with less localized discomfort.
Focus is important for kids- and sometimes it seems impossible to get it. Without enough quality omega fatty acids in the diet, focus can be severely impeded. Fish oil is an easy way to achieve healthy levels and is easy to take nowadays- even tasty! We like Wiley’s in Mango-Peach flavor. It delivers a good dose of both EPA and DHA needed for brain health and mood health and comes from wild-caught Alaskan Fish that you can trust.
This is one of the simplest and most useful products! Bentonite clay is extremely absorbent- this makes it useful for drying out rashes from poison ivy or shallow scrapes from falling off a bike. This super-hero clay will take the sting out of a wasp bite or minor burns. The best part? ZERO chemicals. Two ingredients: just pure, clean clay and purified water. You can also make it yourself out of the dry powder- but having it in this tube form is worth it!
Anxiety can strike kids just as often as it can strike adults. Pressures of school and sports and friends can compound into a full blown meltdown. Soothe worries with Rescue Remedy! Rescue Remedy is not a sedative- it’s a simple, homeopathic remedy that helps calm the nervous system. Here’s one way we’ve heard it described by a 13-year-old, “It’s like a everything is wrinkled, but then…after a few minutes…it’s smooth again.”
This icy-cold essential oil blend is strong stuff- but when blended with any carrier oil, it becomes a magic tool for slowing coughs! Slather it on the feet and cover with socks to stop a nagging nighttime cough. Dilute it further and massage onto the chest to help open up stuffy noses! In the summertime, it can make a cooling rub for hot car rides or in the car after a sweaty sports game.
We love kale! You probably like it- at least in a smoothie! Kids, though, might struggle to get the benefits of eating lots of greens without a little help. Amazing Grass makes it easy with these packets. They pick a wallop of fruits, vegetables and probiotics that will fill in the cracks of a kid’s diet and make them feel, well,…amazing!
Homeopathy can seem like another language sometimes. Some of the remedies sound like Harry Potter spells! Nux Vomica works like a charm 😉 Nausea can have a myriad of causes, and stopping it involves asking a lot of questions. In the meantime, you have a miserable little person. Nux Vomica can take the edge off nausea and bring comfort until the larger picture becomes clear.
Maybe you’ve tried the Fish Oil and you still have an issue with a fidgety or anxious kiddo. This herbal syrup uses soothing botanicals like chamomile, hawthorn, lemon balm, and catnip. All of these combine to help calm over-stimulated little people without the use of chemicals.
When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? If you’re like many others, you may have a few bottles of expired product, unused product, or product you’re not sure how you acquired. You may not have benefitted from using some of it and some over-the-counter pharmaceutical products may have even generated some unwanted side effects for you. What a waste of money! (And space!)
If this sounds familiar, you’re probably interested in seeking alternative natural solutions to managing your health. We think that’s smart! Save your health AND money… and read on to save your time making selections. We’ve got our top picks for building a fully-stocked natural medicine cabinet with a good solution to nearly all of your wellness needs. Read on…
Starting with our top shelf, left to right:
If you’re prone to sinus problems or allergies, you need this product; this gentle nasal spray contains xylitol – a sugar alcohol that sends bacteria to the grave
Always keep a pack handy for when flu-like symptoms hit; this homeopathic remedy is best used at the onset of symptoms and can help you get back to feeling yourself again simply by working with your body’s own natural defense systems to spur needed action
So many uses for this aromatherapeutic gem; add a few drops to a humidifier in cold months, or to a facial steam bath to help relieve nasal congestion discomfort
When nausea strikes, Nux Vomica is to the rescue; this homeopathic remedy is popular for relieving discomfort from hangovers and more and is easily taken by dropping a few tiny pellets under the tongue to dissolve
Available in spray, pastille, gelcap or liquid form, this flower essence remedy is used for addressing mild anxiety, nervousness and tension
Put some pep in your step or boost your immunity with this food-based tonic filled with anti-inflammatory, cold-busting nutrients; one shot and you’ll feel all the goodness this tonic has to offer
A favorite of those who have trouble sleeping, this formula contains an array of herbs known to help promote restful sleep without groggy, cranky side effects that no one wants to deal with
Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins combine forces to help relief symptoms associated with painful migraine headaches without any caffeine or stimulants
A beautiful blend of herbs and powerful antioxidants that helps address symptoms that so many with allergies suffer with needlessly
Peppermint is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to help calm an upset stomach; simply drop this liquid into water, tea, or a comforting beverage
This formula uses powerful digestive enzymes to break down foods that may cause acid reflux symptoms in sensitive individuals; this product addresses the root cause of the discomfort
Known for its skin healing properties, liquid vitamin E is a great solution for addressing scarring and other troublesome skin issues
This liquid promotes your body’s own production of salivary amylase, which helps break down certain types of food you consume, potentially helping relieve symptoms like gas, bloating and mild digestive discomfort
An organic blend of adaptogenic herbs, this liquid tincture is a great solution to help your body best cope with the stressful demands of everyday life
Address fungal issues with power; this liquid can be ingested, applied topically, or even used as a laundry additive or food-grade cleanser
Used to help relieve discomfort associated with bruising, muscle soreness and inflammation, this homeopathic remedy is often prescribed after falls, injuries or surgery
A topical version of this homeopathic remedy that is often used on bruises and areas of swelling
Complete with colloidal silver, this topical solution suggests usage on skin requiring protection from bad bacteria
Dry nasal passages or bloody noses? This oil is intended to be swabbed on the inner tissues of the nasal passageway to provide needed moisture
This essential oil has too many benefits to list! No cabinet is complete without it!
At Basil Bandwagon, we have a variety of facial, dental, and skin care products free of the chemicals and preservatives you want to avoid. Don’t forget to make these a part of your natural medicine cabinet, since your skin absorbs what you put on it!
Not pictured, but another great addition to your medicine cabinet is activated charcoal. A well-known antidote for food poisoning, this supplement is also used for whitening teeth (when added to toothpaste) or as a natural detoxifier.
As with any substance, you should always check with a doctor or medical professional before use, especially in an emergency or life-threatening situation or if you have any underlying health problems.
