Category: Herbs & Supplements

  • Building Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

    Building Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

    natural remedies, supplements

    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:

     1. XLear:

    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

     2. Boiron Oscillococcinum: 

    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

     3. Aura Cacia Organic Eucalyptus Oil:

    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

     4. Boiron Nux Vomica:

    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

     5. Rescue Remedy:

    Available in spray, pastille, gelcap or liquid form, this flower essence remedy is used for addressing mild anxiety, nervousness and tension

     6. Fire Cider:

    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

     7. Deep Sleep:

    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

     8. MigreLief:

    Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins combine forces to help relief symptoms associated with painful migraine headaches without any caffeine or stimulants

     9. Aller-Aid:

    A beautiful blend of herbs and powerful antioxidants that helps address symptoms that so many with allergies suffer with needlessly

     10. Herbalist & Alchemist Peppermint Tincture:

    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

     11. Enzymedica Acid Soothe:

    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

     12. Jason Vitamin E:

    Known for its skin healing properties, liquid vitamin E is a great solution for addressing scarring and other troublesome skin issues

     13. Urban Moonshine’s Digestive Bitters:

    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

     14. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Namaste:

    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

     15. Grapefruit Seed Extract:

    Address fungal issues with power; this liquid can be ingested, applied topically, or even used as a laundry additive or food-grade cleanser

     16. Arnica Montana:

    Used to help relieve discomfort associated with bruising, muscle soreness and inflammation, this homeopathic remedy is often prescribed after falls, injuries or surgery

     17. Arnica Gel:

    A topical version of this homeopathic remedy that is often used on bruises and areas of swelling

     18. Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel:

    Complete with colloidal silver, this topical solution suggests usage on skin requiring protection from bad bacteria

     19. Banyan Nasaya Oil:

    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

     20. Tea Tree Oil:

    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.

    Love this post? Click HERE for a printable shopping list of these items!

  • 10 Smoothies You’ll Never Get Tired Of

    10 Smoothies You’ll Never Get Tired Of

  • 5 Supplements You (and Everyone Else) Might Benefit From

    5 Supplements You (and Everyone Else) Might Benefit From

    2017: Whether your goal is more energy, less stress, better digestion, weight loss or improved fitness, this article is for you. If none of these are your goal, this article is also for you! All of us want to optimize our wellbeing – but many of us don’t know where to start. Our modern-day stressful lifestyles and convenience-based food choices leave much room for nutritional deficits and more. Even the most mindful eaters living low stress lifestyles in today’s world can use support from basic supplements, as food choices alone may not be the answer to optimal health. Industrial farming techniques can deprive crops and meats of key nutrients. Here are five supplements you’ll want to consider bringing into your daily routine in 2017:

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    We need this good fat to balance out the bad fat that is so heavily consumed in the standard American diet -often referred to as “SAD” for good reason. Deficits of good fat can wreak damage on our cardiovascular systems, immune systems and more. Incorporating a quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement into your routine will help support a healthy immune system, healthy skin/hair/nails, and a healthy digestive system.

    Probiotics:

    More IS more when it comes to good bacteria. Research has shown that antibiotics depletes our digestive systems of good bacteria, which may negatively impact our bodies in many ways. This concept – along with poor dietary choices – leaves our guts lacking in the diverse flora needed to be in optimal health. Probiotic supplementation can help support optimal digestion and a healthy immune system, among many other benefits.

    Vitamin D3:

    Many of us (especially in this region of the world) are deficient in Vitamin D3.  This is due to lack of sun exposure – which is how Vitamin D3 is acquired in our bodies. Many of us spend our days indoors without sun. If we are lucky enough to be outside, the winter sun exposure is mild and our layers of clothing inhibit absorption. Supplementation with Vitamin D3 may help protect us from many chronic neurological, cognitive, and mood conditions, according to recent research. Vitamin D3 can help support healthy immune function, healthy energy levels, and a healthy mood.

    Magnesium:

    You’ve probably heard a lot about magnesium lately- and for good reason. Like the other nutrients mentioned here, magnesium is particularly prone to depletion in our foods due to poor soil conditions within industrial farming. Furthermore, processed food, soft water, and caffeine may reduce your body’s absorption of this critical mineral. Magnesium supplementation may help relieve discomfort associated with headaches and muscle cramping, and supports a positive mood and restfulness.

    Adaptogenic Herbs:

    Busy modern lifestyle often leaves people “wired and tired”. Stress robs us of our positive mood, energy levels, and our ability to fight off illness. Simply put, our bodies were not designed to withstand some of the stressful lifestyles we live today. Adaptogenic herbs may help support a more positive reaction to stress – allowing our bodies to potentially better cope with life’s everyday demands. Adaptogens work on our endocrine and nervous systems and help support a healthy reaction to stress, positive mood and restfulness.  

  • 10 Minute Herbal Christmas Ornaments

    10 Minute Herbal Christmas Ornaments

    Looking for something easy to bring the hostess of that upcoming party? Need an inexpensive gift? Make lovely ornaments that can double as a tea!

    Here’s what you’ll need:

     

    • Empty Glass Globe Ornaments
    • Bulk Herbs
    • Funnel

     
    Simply fill the ball with the loose herbs. We kept ours simple, using singular herbs in each, but you could create custom blends that could be poured into a tea ball!
     

    Relax Blend:

    Lavender, Chamomile, Lemon Balm

    Cold-Fighter Blend:

    Elderberries, Rosehips, Cinnamon

    Cold-Soother Blend:

    Marshmallow, Peppermint, Mullein Leaf

    Tummy Soother Blend:

    Chamomile, Peppermint

    Blues Blend:

    Oatstraw, Lemonbalm, Spearmint

     

     

  • Top Picks from Our Brand

    Top Picks from Our Brand

    In a sea of supplements to choose from, it helps to know what brands to trust. We are pleased to offer a brand WE trust and turn to!

    Here’s our favorites from our in-house supplements:

    With all that we know now about the benefit’s of taking Turmeric, this is our favorite to keep on hand for regular use. It contains a standardized 475 mg. of curcuminoids that come from a clinically studied source, and is delivered in easy-to-swallow capsules.

    Let’s face it, we ALL smile when we see this supplement. We could all use some brain support! With the amount of information we are faced with in todays world, there’s no way we can cope without a little help. This formula boosts brain function with Ginko Biloba, Phosphatidyl Serine, L-Carnitine, DHA, Choline and more.

    D3 is essential- and we love the fact that ours only requires a single DROP to get 2,000 IU. One bottle lasts a long time, which makes this not only a potent choice, but an excellent value!

    Adrenal Support means helping your body balance it’s reactions to the stressors in you life. Whether stress ramps you up or shuts you down, the reaction takes a toll. Basil Bandwagon Brand Adrenal Support contains Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Schizandra and Ashwaganda: Adaptogenic Herbs help control the reaction, and bring balance to your hormones and energy levels. This supplement also has B vitamins, L-Tyrosine (an amino acid known for helping with anxiety) and Gotu Kola.

    Basil Bandwagon Brand Supplements are 25% Off until May 31st- stock up on our favorites and yours.

  • Summer Camp Week 2: Stand Up to Summer Sun

    Summer Camp Week 2: Stand Up to Summer Sun

    Today, June 20, marks the first official day of summer, but the sun and heat have already graced us with their presence here in New Jersey.  With the temperature turned up and the Earth tilted closer to the sun, we are more susceptible to dehydration and sun damage.  Given this, it’s important to recognize your risk and how you can protect yourself and your health. So… let’s talk summer sun wellness!

    Understanding UV Radiation

    To understand the potential damaging effects sun exposure can have on our bodies, we must first understand the science behind it.

    What is UV radiation? Part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum emitted from the sun

    If UV radiation is “light”, then why can’t I see it? The wavelengths are actually shorter than visible light, making it invisible to our eyes

    What are the types of UV radiation? UVA (longest), UVB, and UVC (shortest – mostly absorbed by our ozone layer, without actually reaching the Earth)

    How does UV radiation cause damage? Excessive exposure alters our bodies’ lipids, proteins and cellular DNA, producing unhealthy genetic mutations. UVA & UVB radiations can generate reactive chemical species called “free radicals” in our bodies’ cells.

    What damage can UV radiation cause? Skin cancers (i.e. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), eye damage (including cataracts), premature skin aging, immune system suppression

    Doesn’t my body have any natural protection to sun? In short – yes, it does. Melanin – a dark brown pigment in our hair, skin and eyes – is what gives our skin its tone/color.  Some people have more melanin, some have less – the darker the skin, the more melanin. Our bodies produce this to help protect deeper layers of our skin from sun damage, but don’t make us immune to damage.

    Understanding Sun Protection

    Seek Out Shade Spending time outside is great, but taking refuge in the shade can be your first line of defense. 

    Choose the Right Clothing Lightweight fabrics and pieces that cover more of your skin are a good idea when your body is going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Baseball caps and floppy hats are not only fashionable, but functional for protecting your scalp and face.

    Wear Sunglasses Again, not only fashionable, but critical for protecting one of your most valuable assets – your eyeballs! Polycarbonate lenses offer full UVA/UVB protection. Check the label that comes with your glasses to be sure you’re getting proper protection. If not, some optometrists offer UV coat application services.

    Check the UV Index Refer to your favorite weather channel or website to check your local daily UV index. While a low index doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take measures to protect yourself, a high index might help you choose when to take extra caution and when to limit exposure.

    Apply CLEAN Sunscreen How do I know what’s a clean product from what’s a potentially-harmful product? Here is a short list of general rules to follow, per the Environmental Working Group, which claims that nearly 75% of sunscreen products on the market are inferior or are made with worrisome ingredients:

    1. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide offer stable protection and usually don’t contain harmful additives.
    2. Higher SPF numbers aren’t always better. In 2011, the FDA determined products claiming SPFs higher than 50 were “inherently misleading” – perhaps no more effective than those up to SPF 50.
    3. Look for “broad spectrum support”, which covers both UVB (which is the primary culprit for sunburn) and UVA rays.
    4. Spray sunscreens can be convenient for application; however, you should be careful not to inhale any of the product and also to hold it close enough to the skin to insure thickness of application.
    5. Avoid an additive called retinyl palmitate, a form of Vitamin A that testing has linked to tumors and lesions of the skin.
    6. Avoid an additive called oxybenzone, which has been found to be a hormone disruptor and common allergen. 

    All this said, there is little evidence to suggest sunscreen alone reduces cancer risk, particularly for melanoma, the deadliest type of which has tripled its rate among Americans over the past 30 years. So, be sure not to use this as your only method of protection.

    Summer Skin & Body Care

    products 1

    At Basil Bandwagon, we carry a wide array of sunscreens rated highly by the Environmental Working Group. Find them in our body care section and ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members for support in choosing a product that’s best for you. Sprays work great for your scalp, sticks offer superior protection for your face and traditional lotion is great for full-body coverage.

    Even with sunscreen protection, the heat and rays can take a lot of moisture out of our skin. It is critical to replenish this to help your skin stay young-looking and healthy! A few of our favorite products that help do this exceptionally well:

    • CocoKind’s Rosewater Facial Toner: Spray your face after exercising, sun exposure, before bed, upon rising – basically whenever you want! Several of our team members carry a bottle in their purse! The antioxidants from the roses used to make the water provide great anti-aging support. Smells gorgeous and is very refreshing!
    • Episilk’s Hyalauronic Acid Serum:  Hyaluronic acid is a fluid component of our connective tissue, synovial fluid and humors of the eye. In serum form, it penetrates deep into the dermis, boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin, locking in moisture. A great way to replenish what you’ve lost from sun and heat!
    • John Master’s Vitamin C Serum: This product contains extracts of sea algae and rosebuds to provide intense moisture and antioxidants to help fight procollagen production. Superoxide dismutase and acerola help fight the aging effects caused by UV rays. Use between cleansing and moisturizing your face at bedtime!
    • ICU Eyewear: We carry a fashionable line of eyewear for men, women, and children, including reader sunglasses. We love ICU because they are a carbon neutral company AND they use recycled, renewable and recyclable content!

     

    Summer Sun Nutrition

    pro 2

    Per the US National Institutes of Health, “A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues.”

    The good news? “Antioxidants can assist in coping with this oxidative stress.”

    Where can you get antioxidants? Well…

    • Eat berries! Fresh, organic are best, but frozen are great too!
    • Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water. If you like it, coconut water and maple water are full of natural electrolytes, helping to keep you hydrated. Natural electrolyte powders available at Basil Bandwagon are also a great replacement for highly or artificially-sugarized sports drinks, which also contain synthetic food dyes. Another good rule of thumb is to limit caffeinated beverages and alcohol when spending time in the heat and sun, as they make it harder for your body to maintain proper hydration. 
    • Consider a Vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids, which come mainly from citrus fruits and black currants. The antioxidants provided in these supplements can be powerful additions to your supplement regimen in summertime, even though they are most often associated with Winter cold season. 
    • Consider an Astaxanthin supplement, which comes from microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill and some crustaceans.  Astaxanthin is 6,000 times more antioxidant-potent than many Vitamin Cs.
    • Consider a Spirulina supplement, which is a versatile algae superfood – available in powder form – that can be added to many sweet and savory dishes and snacks for easy consumption. Like Astaxanthin, it is a very powerful source of antioxidants (as well as Vitamin B12, Vitamin K1/K2, Iron and Manganese).

     

    References

     

    www.ncbi.nlm/nih/gov – The National Center for Biotechnology Information

    www.aad.org – American Academy of Dermatology

    www.skincancer.org – The Skin Cancer Foundation

    http://www.hhs.gov/ – US Department of Health and Human Services

    http://www.who.int/en/ – World Health Organization

    https://www.nih.gov/ – US National Institutes of Health

    http://www.ewg.org/ – Environmental Working Group

    http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/ – Nutrex Hawaii

  • Summer Camp, Week One: Get Right with Your Gut

    Summer Camp, Week One: Get Right with Your Gut

    What better topic to kick off our Summer Camp than that of our guts! Central to our body and to our health, our digestive systems sure are important. And when they’re not functioning optimally, we generally know it… pretty quickly. ☹

    Whether your goals this summer are to lose weight, improve digestion, lower stress, or eat better, you’ll want take note of all the little details covered during this first week of Camp.

     

    Most of us have experienced many – if not all – of these digestive conditions at some point in our lives:

    • Acid Reflux
    • Bloating
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • Vomiting
    • Dehydration
    • Dermatitis
    • Incontinence
    • Gas
    • Food Sensitivity & Gluten Intolerance
    • Heartburn
    • Indigestion
    • Obesity

     

    Most of us know at least one person who has lived with one or more of these digestive-related conditions:

    • Appendicitis
    • Diabetes
    • Candidiasis
    • Celiac Disease
    • Colitis
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Diverticulitis
    • Gallstones
    • Gastritis
    • GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
    • Ulcers
    • Hemorrhoids
    • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
    • Iron Overload Disease
    • Pancreatitis
    • Colon, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic or intestinal cancer

     

    Most of us also know at least one person who has lived with one or more of these neurological, psychological or autoimmune conditions:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Schizophrenia
    • Autism
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder
    • Addison’s disease
    • Thyroid diseases: Grave’s Disease, Hashimoto’s Disease
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Pernicious Anemia
    • Psoriasis
    • Raynaud’s Phenomenon
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Scleroderma
    • Lupus

     

    Yet, most of us don’t know that ALL of these conditions are potentially directly related to our digestive system.

    And since we know that what we feed ourselves and how we care for ourselves impacts the overall function of our digestive system, this information is even more reason to be good to our guts!

    Digestive System 101

    Let’s take a step back and examine the makings of the intricate system that enables our food to be broken down into nutrients, absorbed for functionality and excreted as waste. Simplified, when we consume food, it enters our body at the mouth, travels down through the esophagus to the stomach, enters the small intestine, then the large intestine and the rectum, and leaves through the anus. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas all play supporting roles in digestion as well.

    In our mouth, our teeth and saliva physically break down our food and begin the digestion process for carbohydrates with an enzyme called salivary amylase. (Hence, the reason why we are told to chew our food thoroughly! The more we chew, the more burden we take off the rest of our digestive system.)

    Our esophagus is muscular and uses strength to push our food down to our stomach.

    In our stomach, acid is produced to mix with food, primarily to break down consumed proteins.

    Our small intestines utilize digestive juices and mechanical force to finish breaking down carbohydrates and proteins and extracting nutrients within.

    The liver contributes bile acids for digesting fats, while the pancreas contributes pancreatic juice for digesting starches, fats and proteins.

    Several hormones and many nerves also influence the digestion process by regulating appetite and the secretion of digestive fluids, acids as well as the mechanical motions of digestion. All of this contributes to our energy level, growth and cell repair.

    It is important to acknowledge that no one system in your body operates on a solo mission – instead, they all work together to create a state of equilibrium that we call living.

    Preventative Care

    Now that you know the basics of digestive operation, what can you do to better care for yourself? Here’s where Summer Camp comes in – shifting your focus to the following five ideals will help you avoid digestive complications:

    • Stay active: Move your body to facilitate digestion – especially shortly after eating, rather than laying down to rest or sleep.
    • Choose beneficial, nutrient-dense foods: These are easier on our digestive systems and generate more necessary nutrients for our bodies.
    • Consume foods rich in healthy bacterial flora: Fermented foods including yogurt, kefir water, sauerkraut, and kombucha are high in beneficial bacteria that help maintain wellness.
    • Supplement with quality products: Supplements can make up for the nutrients and flora you may lack genetically, from age, or from your everyday diet – see the table below for more information
    • Practice healthy stress management: Yes, stress itself can affect what nutrients your intestines absorb as well as how fast food moves through your system. (Slower = Constipation; Faster = Diarrhea)

    These simple but critical lifestyle choices can help optimize your digestive organs and their functions.

    Supplement Care

    Probiotics and enzymes are just two of the supplements available to aid in digestive processes. At Basil Bandwagon, we get a lot of questions about the difference between these supplements. So let’s break it down here:

    Probiotics

    Herbal Answers

    These Herbal Tonics are Powerful allies in terms of strengthening the body’s ability to both break down and absorb nutrients. Well-made bitters are remarkably palatable; the naturally stimulate the production of enzymes in the mouth, stomach, liver and intestines.

    Digestive Bitters:

    These Herbal Tonics are Powerful allies in terms of strengthening the body’s ability to both break down and absorb nutrients. Well-made bitters are remarkably palatable; the naturally stimulate the production of enzymes in the mouth, stomach, liver and intestines.

    Carminative Herbs: (spices)

    Warming, gas-dispelling carminative herbs like Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Fennel, Allspice and others are effective tonics for indigestions bloating and upset stomach.

    A wealth of other supplements and herbs can help support relief from digestive distress, discomfort and disease. At Basil Bandwagon, we are here to support you in finding those that best suit your individual needs – so always feel free to ask a team member for help. With this information, you can better support yourself with appropriate supplements when needed, rather than letting the discomfort get the best of you or the condition worsen.

    Exclusive Deal for Summer Campers!

    If you aren’t registered for camp, click here to join! While everyone gets to read our 13 Week Blog series, only Summer “Campers” get our exclusive content and coupons!

  • Natural Scar Treatments

    Natural Scar Treatments

    We all end up with scars. And while we like to honor life’s journey in these bodies, most of us would prefer to minimize their appearance.

    There are some simple and luxurious ways to treat scras without chemicals. The first recipe is for scars from cuts and scrapes, strecth marks, and incisions.

    All-purpose scar oil

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup of your favorite carrier oil (tamanu oil, oilve oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc.)
    • 20 drops lavendar essential oil
    • 10 drops rosemary essential oil

    Mix all ingredients and keep in a glass jar (preferably dark glass) and store in a cool, dark place.

    All-natural remedies for scars

    Lavendar is a great go-to oil for any skin issue. Inanition to helping heal scars, it treats acne, burns of all kinds, and bug bites. Rosemary can help skin cells regenerate, which will shrink scar tissue. Helichrysum fights inflammation, heals wounds, and soothes skin.

    Tamanu oil is excellent for healing scars. It has been used traditionally by indigenous people in Polynesia for its tremendous healing properties. It increases healthy cell growth and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

    Easy face mask for acne scars

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons honey
    • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 3 teaspoons plain yogurt
    • 1 egg white

    Combine with whisk or fork in a small bowl. This mixture will be liquid, so soak a soft wash cloth in the fluid
    and lay it over your face for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water afterwards.

  • A Sign of Early Spring

    A Sign of Early Spring

    Despite the cold temps, Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, like this plant sprouting near Frenchtown, N.J., is looking good! The root of this remarkably beautiful plant can be made into a vinegar-based extract that is a very valuable anti-fungal. It is best used topically, and can be applied to athlete’s foot or other fungal overgrowths, where no open wound exists.

    Studies show the extract can inhibit the deposition of dental plaque, which is why it is used in mouth rinses. It has excellent anti-microbial activity on the mucous membrane tissues. Once again, however, this is a mouth rinse, not to be ingested. Bloodroot has legitimate internal uses, but should not be used this way unless under the care of a qualified health-care practitioner.

    The plant’s most noteworthy physical characteristic is its clasping single grey-green leaf, which wraps itself around the delicate flower when it first appears, later unfurling into a shield-like background for the striking white flower. The small but bulbous root from which the extracts are made contains an acrid red-orange juice wherein lies the medicine. This colorful juice was used as a dye, after careful processing, by Native American people, who adorned clothing and their bodies with it.

  • Medicinal Herbs and Supplements

    Medicinal Herbs and Supplements

    Evidence-based herbal and vitamin supplementation is an achievable reality in our 21st century world. Finding quality herbs and supplements, as well as high-quality information about them, requires experience in the marketplace of natural substances. This is what we bring to the consumer’s table: decades of research into herbal medicine as well long experience working with the finest natural supplement manufacturers in the world.

    There can be a ten-fold difference in the cost of raw materials for good-quality herbs and supplements versus poor quality. Knowing and trusting your herb and vitamin seller is paramount in a world where bargains are everywhere, but information about sourcing can be scarce.

    Taking a degree of responsibility, however small, for one’s own health, is empowering. In addition to exercise, relaxation techniques, and dietary adjustment, herbs and supplements are powerful allies for those seeking optimum health.