Category: Herbs & Supplements

  • Why we LOVE our Basil Bandwagon Brand Supplements

    Why we LOVE our Basil Bandwagon Brand Supplements

    We didn’t just seek out a generic brand to sell in our store.  We wanted to find a line of supplements that reflected our own high standards.  And, we found it!

    Here’s what we LOVE about our private label:

     

    Award Winning

    We have an amazing line of 470 award-winning innovative formulations (Check out our Aller-7!) and are constantly developing our line to make sure we bring you the latest discoveries and the most trusted ingredients through science based research.   

    Tried and Tested

    Our formulas use a full spectrum of active ingredients, each independently double-tested so you can feel confident you’re getting what your body needs.

    Quality 

    We have achieved an extensive list of certifications and standards regulated to European Commission Standards.  With a minimum of 4 FDA inspections per year, our brand is 1 of only 2 companies in the U.S that is 100% certified by the FDA in their analyses.  We are committed to providing the highest quality in supplementation! 

    Trust

    All Basil Bandwagon Brand ingredients are sourced from suppliers we trust with full transparency from harvest, to our state of the art eco-friendly facilities, straight to our shelves. Our manufacturer has nurtured relationships with suppliers for over 40 years.

    Local

    Like you, we love shopping local!  Our line is produced by a New Jersey-based family-owned business, building the local economy since 1978.

    Here’s some more of our posts that feature our brand:

     

    Top Picks from Our Brand

    Our Go-To Products for Staying Well

    Smarten Up about Supplements

    5 Supplements You (and Everyone Else) Might Benefit From

  • Our Go-To Supplements for Staying WELL

    Leaves are just starting to change, the air is getting crisp, and off in the distance you can hear the seasonal sound of…someone coughing. Here we go again.

    Heading back to school means lots of kids in small places, high stress levels with homework,  and very active lives with extracurricular activities.  Start now by  boosting the immune system and get a head start on a healthy school year and all it’s sneezing, coughing and general ickiness.

    Vitamin C – of course, and with added bioflavonoids is helpful (like eating the whole orange – the fruit with the white pith).  C helps to keep your cells clean and boost the immune system.  Whatever your body doesnt need will be eliminated so don’t be timid about ramping up the dosage.
    While we know that vitamin D is important for bone health and healthy growth in children, it has also shown to be an important vitamin to the immune system.  Start taking your vitamin D now, and continue through April (the month when the sun is closest to the earth).
     
    Elderberry syrup, a great source of vitamin C, proanthocyanadin flavonoids and is known to have antiviral proteins!  Kids love the taste, so this is a no-brainer!
     
    Astragalus strengthens our immune reservoir and is helpful for allergic rhinitis – the fall ragweed is in full bloom now!  This is a great herb for teachers heading back to the classroom to ward off colds and respiratory illnesses.
     
    Our shelves are stocked and ready with flavorful Zand herbal lozenges – made with zinc  and an herbal blend rich in vitamin C.  A great little nutritive support to boost the immune system and soothe the throat.  The orange flavor is popular with kids!
    A Wellness Formula is great way to boost our immune system heading in to winter – we have quite a few on the shelves, filled with vitamins, herbs, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories!  Bluebonnet, Source Naturals and Basil Bandwagon all have superior wellness formulas!
    A large part of our immune system lies in the gut, so keeping our gut microbiome healthy is important.  Pick up a probiotic with at least 7 strains of probiotic cultures! Boost that beneficial bacteria and crowd out the unhealthy ones!
    And of course, don’t forget to stock the freezer with organic chicken bone broth to prepare a quick chicken soup – a proven remedy for quicker healing time with colds!

     

  • 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!

  • 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!

     

  • How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    Jenna shows you how to throw together your own Immune Boosting Tonic full of virus-busting goodness!

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped
    • 1 head of garlic, peeled and rough chopped
    • 3 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tablespoon dried echinacea root
    • Apple cider vinegar (organic with “the mother”)
    • Raw organic honey
    • 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
    • cheese cloth (enough to cover the top of the jar with a couple layers)
    • A large glass container of some sort. We used a quart-sized mason jar.

     

    Step by Step Instructions

       

    1. Place onion, garlic, ginger and echinacea root in a mason jar.
    2. Add apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs.
    3. Cover with cheese cloth and screw on the band to hold it tight. (don’t use the lid portion- your tonic needs air!)
    4. Leave in the jar for 2-3 weeks, preferably in a sunny or slightly warm place.
    5. Strain and discard the herbs.
    6. Mix with equal parts raw honey and add cayenne powder.
    7. Store in the fridge and take 1 teaspoon as needed daily or whenever you start to feel run down.

     
    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!

     

  • This Week’s Featured Products: Feb 1st

    This Week’s Featured Products: Feb 1st

    Looking for something you saw on our video?

    Here’s the items Jenna and Carolyn featured in this week’s New Product Wednesday Video:

    Anita’s Guacamole: SUPER clean and fresh

    Market Pizza: Locally made with impeccable ingredients, this pizza is an easy go-to when you want to impress without slaving in the kitchen

    Bell Evans Chicken Nuggets: Read your labels! Even if the chicken nuggets you buy SAY they are natural, look up the ingredients! Belle Evans passes our test, and taste.

    Murrays Chicken Wings: Humanely Raised Chicken with no preservatives!

    Back to Nature Chocolate Chip Cookies: Cleaner alternative to a mainstream favorite. You’ll never go back.

    Farm to Market Cafe Vegan Coleslaw: Made RIGHT here in our own cafe, our coleslaw has less sugar that the traditional coleslaw and zero preservatives!

    Sweetah’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar: LOCALLY made, this treat will leave you HOOKED. Just ask any team member here, we are all addicted.

    Late July Nacho Chips: We don’t have to tell you what these can replace. 🙂

    GT’s Kombucha: Large Size

    Zevia: Mt. Zevia is clear, colorless and completely free of any additives but gives that fizzy sweet soda experience!

    Dominex Veggie Eggplant Meatballs: junk-free and just as tasty as the standard frozen meatballs. You won’t miss the meat.

    Hail Merry Miracle Mini Tarts: Creamy, dense, and rich, these tarts are craving-crushers.

    Olli Salumeria Sopressata:  a better choice for your meat and cheese plate

    Enzymedica Enzymes: Acid Soothe, Digest, etc. are excellent choices for helping your tummy break down any foods you might have over-consumed

    Hilary’s Eat Well Broccoli Casserole– Easy appetizer that will please EVERYONE!

    Heather’s Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules: Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel. Soothing remedies for a myriad of tummy troubles. You’ll want to have some of these in your cupboard.

    Urban Moonshine: Bitters stimulate your gut to produce the enzymes it needs to make the most of good food and combat the bad

    Nature’s Way Charcoal: Charcoal is about as simple as it get. It absorbs gas, toxins and more and helps you feel better after overeating.

     

     

  • Helpful Hints for a Healthy Heart

    Helpful Hints for a Healthy Heart

    At the core of your livelihood is your heart. Your trusty heart. Think about it: it never misses a beat, pumping oxygen and nutrients into all of your cells and tissues constantly from the time you were born. A symbol for love and happiness, how can we NOT cherish our hearts and treat them with care?!

     

    At Basil Bandwagon, we are in tune with what makes you beat. We have a wide array of supplements to help support a healthy cardiovascular system and we are passionate about sharing our knowledge.

     

    Pictured here are some of our Heart-Healthy faves:

    Hawthorne, Rose Hips, Fish Oil, Red Yeast Rice, CoQ10, Astaxanthin, Reishi, Garlic, Grape Seed, etc.
    Come visit one of our stores to chat with one of our friendly team members.

     

    Save BIG in February: all Nordic Naturals Supplements are 25% Off!

  • Putting Together Your On-The-Go Essentials

    Putting Together Your On-The-Go Essentials

    Everyday Natural Essentials

    These are a few of our favorite must-haves for your purse, pocket, car or office: natural solutions to help you cope with common colds and more. Read on to see how keeping these products handy can help you conquer any day, no matter where you are.

     

    1. Xyloburst Gum

     

    Everyone needs gum, right? It freshens breath and cleans your palate after a meal on the run. Chances are you have some in your car, purse or pocket right now. But take a look at what’s in it. Read the fine print. Check out what’s making it sweet. Some gums contain sugar – a brilliant idea for cleaning your teeth (NOT!). Other gums contain aspartame or other synthetic alternative sweeteners that we don’t love for many reasons. Try swapping your old gum in for some gym with Xylitol. A sugar alcohol derived from corn or birch trees, xylitol kills bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities. Chewing gum with xylitol after meals can help ensure fresh breath AND a healthy smile.  

     

    2. Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters

     

    Our bodies are designed to break down the foods we eat and absorb nutrients from them, but our poor modern diets tend to interfere with this. Digestive bitters are a group of herbs that have the power to stimulate digestive function gently and effectively by encouraging the production of healthy enzymes. Bitters can help receive heartburn, gas, bloating and even decrease sugar cravings, according to our friends at Urban Moonshine. We especially love their handy portable spray bottle. If you’re on-the-go and experiencing discomfort, a few sprays are all you need to be on your way!

    3. Ultima Replenisher

     

    These little packets will put you back on course when you are feeling thirsty, tired or dehydrated. Full of electrolytes and minerals, this powder will mix right into your water bottle when shaken and works fast to bring balance to your body! Great for hot days, stressful days, or days when you are recovering from being sick. And they taste amazing, too 😉 Don’t leave home without a packet!

     

    4. Activated Charcoal

     

    Going out to eat can be an adventure- especially for our stomach. This is when activated charcoal can be your best friend. Charcoal can capture unwanted material that can wreak havoc on your body, carrying it through your digestive system and potentially saving you an emergency trip to the restroom. Keep it on hand to relieve gas and bloating and even safeguard against food poisoning!

     

    5. Aura Cacia Peppermint Oil

     

    Peppermint essential oil is a superhero. The cooling effect it has on the senses makes it super useful for so many things. It can provide relief for nausea, hot flashes, fever, sinus congestion, stress, migraines and more. Apply a drop to a tissue and inhale, or dilute with a carrier oil in a roller ball applicator to apply to your skin (such as the back of your neck and temples) to bring calm to what’s bothering you.  The oil can also extinguish the itch of a bug bite and cool the irritation of a hot rash.

     

    6.Bachs Rescue Pastilles

     

    You’re late and that clock is just bearing down on you- this is going to be a long day. You know that pit in your stomach you get from this sort of stress? That’s what Rescue Remedy is all about. Using the power of homeopathic flower essences, this remedy works with your body to bring about a natural sense of calm when you need it most. These pastilles are discreet and easy to take- just pop one in your mouth and let it dissolve. Before long you’ll realize everything is just fine.

    7. Amazing Trio by Amazing Grass

     

    It’s 3:00pm and you need a pick-me-up. But if you reach for that cup of coffee, you know you’re going to be up half the night. This is no longer a predicament when you’ve got a packet of greens handy! This powder mixes quickly with water to provide an instant boost for your system. It oxygenates, alkalizes and detoxifies with nutrient-rich superfoods. These little packets pack a punch of Wheat Grass, Barley Grass and Alfalfa. They fill in nutritional gaps and bring you up to your best potential!

     

    8. Everyday Throat Spray

     

    This soothing throat spray provides instant relief to a dry mouth, a scratchy throat, or a nagging cough. It freshens your breath with peppermint and cools your throat too. The additional of colloidal silver in this formula allows the spray to attack bacteria that cause these problems. It also uses osha root as a trusted herbal cough remedy, and licorice root to soothe irritated mucous membranes. A dash of ginger within helps to calm congestion and reduces nausea. This is a must-have in everyone’s bag!

     

    Click Here to download our

    On-the-go Essentials shopping list! 

     

    Works Cited

    Steinberg, LM; Odusola, F; Mandel, ID (Sep–Oct 1992). “Remineralizing potential, antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of xylitol and sorbitol sweetened chewing gum.”. Clinical preventive dentistry. 14 (5): 31–4. PMID 1291185.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0008816/?report=details

    http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/peppermint-oil.aspx

    Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • 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!