At Basil Bandwagon, you can find holiday gifts and stocking stuffers around every corner. While you’re picking up your lunch or doing your grocery shopping with us, why not finish your last minute holiday gift shopping too?
You can gift Sustainable
The latest styles from Hydroflask, Clean Kanteen, Decomposition 100% recycled paper notebooks
You can gift Local
Noble Mushrooms grow your own mushroom kits, Hold Your Horses soaps, Bee flower Honey, Bubbly Goat soaps and lotions
Cookbooks, nutrition and wellness books, herbal teas and medicines, and Basil Bandwagon Gift Cards
Shopping local at Basil Bandwagon and purchasing items we stock from local producers helps sustain family businesses and contributes to a strong and sustainable local economy. Buying fairly traded gifts helps sustain safe and healthy conditions and fair pay for artisans of handmade items around the world. No reason to keep it to just this holiday season – we have a year-round selection of gifts at all three locations, with new items arriving every day!
Three essential oils you might not know the benefits of.
Whether you’re new to essential oils or already have some favorites, the variety of botanicals and their uses is so vast there’s always something to learn. Let’s delve into the fragrant world of three fantastic essential oils: lime, cedarwood, and geranium rose. Each one boasts a unique aroma and an array of potential uses, ready to enhance your well-being.
Lime
Lime essential oil is a ray of sunshine in a bottle. It’s uses extend far beyond adding a zing to your cocktail:
Mood Booster: The bright, cheerful aroma of lime oil can combat fatigue and lift your spirits. Diffuse it throughout your home or workplace for an instant pick-me-up.
Natural Deodorant: Lime oil’s antibacterial properties make it a fantastic natural deodorant. Dilute with coconut oil and apply it to your underarms.
Skin Cleanser: Lime oil can help regulate oily skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Add a drop or two to your DIY cleanser or toner.
Cedarwood
Earthy and grounding, cedarwood essential oil exudes a sense of calm and stability. It’s far from just a moth repellent for your closet!
Stress Relief: The warm, woody aroma of cedarwood can promote relaxation and ease anxiety. Diffuse it in your bedroom before bedtime or inhale carefully from the bottle for a moment of tranquility.
Scalp Soother: Cedarwood oil can help balance the scalp’s oil production and soothe itchiness. Dilute a few drops into an oil and massage it into your scalp.
Focus Enhancer: The grounding properties of cedarwood can help improve concentration and mental clarity. Diffuse it while studying or working on a complex task.
Geranium Rose
Floral and uplifting, geranium rose essential oil is a fragrant hug in a bottle.
Hormonal Balance: Geranium rose oil can help regulate hormones and ease symptoms of PMS and menopause. Dilute into grapeseed or your favorite carrier oil and massage it onto your lower abdomen. As a bonus, it’s been used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks!
Skin Savior: Geranium rose oil can balance sebum production, making it beneficial for both oily and dry skin. Add a drop or two to your moisturizer or facial serum.
Emotional Uplifter: The sweet, rosy aroma of geranium rose oil can combat feelings of sadness and promote emotional well-being. Diffuse it throughout your home or inhale directly from the bottle for a mood boost.
Remember, these are just a few of the many potential uses for these amazing essential oils. Come into one of our locations and speak to one of our friendly wellness ambassadors so you can discover the perfect ways to incorporate these fragrant allies into your life and harness their many benefits. Pranarom Essential Oils, pre-mixed Wellness blends, and Hydrosols are all 20% off until the end of December. All of their products are third party certified organic – that’s NO synthetics, NO herbicides, NO pesticides, NO additives, NO animal testing. Just a few of the many reasons we love their products here at Basil Bandwagon!
This adaptogenic hot chocolate aims to provide a sense of calm and balance, thanks to the inclusion of an ashwagandha and mushroom blend, known for their adaptogenic properties.
Adaptogens are a class of herbs and mushrooms that are believed to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. They have been used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for centuries. While the scientific understanding of adaptogens is still evolving, there are several potential reasons why they are considered beneficial:
Stress Response Regulation: Adaptogens are thought to modulate the body’s stress response by regulating the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol. They may help the body adapt to both physical and mental stressors, promoting a more balanced response.
Homeostasis Promotion: Adaptogens are believed to support homeostasis, the body’s natural state of balance and stability. By helping the body maintain equilibrium, adaptogens may contribute to overall well-being.
Energy and Endurance: Some adaptogens are thought to enhance physical and mental performance by supporting energy production and increasing endurance. They may help the body cope with fatigue and improve stamina.
Immune System Support: Adaptogens are thought to have immune-modulating properties, meaning they may help regulate the immune system. This could contribute to a better defense against infections and diseases.
Antioxidant Properties: Many adaptogens have antioxidant properties, which means they can help neutralize free radicals in the body. This antioxidative effect may contribute to cellular health and longevity.
Cognitive Function: Some adaptogens are believed to have neuroprotective effects and may support cognitive function. They are thought to enhance mental clarity, focus, and memory.
It’s important to note that while adaptogens have a long history of use in traditional medicine, scientific research on their efficacy is still ongoing, and more evidence is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential health benefits. Additionally, individual responses to adaptogens can vary, and they may interact with medications or have contraindications in certain situations. Before incorporating adaptogens into your routine, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.
Elisa Franco
Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate Bliss
Warm, cozy, adaptogenic hot chocolate to soothe your worries.
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a creative and herb-forward cocktail that brings together the warm notes of apple cider with the aromatic essence of rosemary and sage?
Rosemary & Sage Apple Cider Fizz
This herb-forward creative cocktail combines the earthy flavors of rosemary and sage with the sweetness of apple cider and a touch of effervescence.
Welcome to the heartwarming season of Thanksgiving, where the aroma of roasting turkey and the comforting laughter of loved ones fill the air. No Thanksgiving table is complete without the classic accompaniment – cranberry sauce.
This recipe pays homage to tradition, offering a burst of sweet and tart flavors that perfectly complement the richness of the holiday feast. Join us in crafting a simple yet sublime cranberry sauce that will elevate your Thanksgiving experience.
Elisa Franco
Traditional Cranberry Sauce
As you gather with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table, let this traditional cranberry sauce be the jewel of your feast, bringing a burst of flavor that complements the holiday spirit. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time making cherished memories with your loved ones. May your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, joy, and the delightful tastes of this timeless cranberry sauce. Happy Thanksgiving!
Rinse the cranberries under cold water, removing any stems or debris.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir well.
Add the zest of one orange to the saucepan. The citrusy notes will enhance the cranberry flavor.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Stir in the ground cinnamon for a touch of warmth and spice. Adjust the sugar to your taste preference if needed.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Approximately 25 to 33 percent of us aren’t getting enough sleep. While one night of lost sleep can impair mindfulness and reduce performance during the day that follows, the effects are usually corrected once sleep is restored. But the repercussions of chronic sleep loss are of greater concern for quality of life and disease risk in the years to come.
Are you clocking enough hours?
Experts suggest that six hours is the minimum length of sleep required for optimal health in average adults. A recent study investigated the impact of having fewer than six hours of sleep for eight consecutive nights. The findings suggested that just one night of insufficient sleep can cause both mental and physical symptoms, which worsen with consecutive nights of lost sleep.
Consequences of chronic sleep loss
Chronic sleep loss can contribute to systemic low-grade inflammation, which is involved in the development of conditions such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration. Research shows that sleep disturbance increases the risk of infectious disease and contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression.
Sleep Rx
Sleep allows the body to rest and repair, the effects of which are crucial for daytime functioning and overall health.
Mood: Sleep is vital for emotional processing and memory consolidation. Performance: Sleep loss impairs the speed and accuracy of task performance, decision-making, and exercise recovery.
Hormones: Sleep drives the synthesis of reproductive hormones, and sleep deprivation is associated with infertility in both men and women.
Immunity: Sleep promotes balance in the immune system by regulating inflammatory mediators known as cytokines.
Metabolism: Chronic sleep loss increases the risk of metabolic dysfunction and loss of muscle mass.
Sleep tips to try
Looking for a better night’s sleep? Start here.
Have a power nap. Napping has been shown to improve performance and alertness among those with regular sleep deprivation, including night shift workers and pilots.
Get your iron levels checked. Iron deficiency can contribute to restless leg syndrome, sleeping disorders, and chronic fatigue. To assess your iron storage, ask your doctor to test ferritin in the blood. If ferritin is low but you’re eating plenty of iron-rich foods, look into potential hindrances to iron absorption, such as antacid use, celiac disease, and pylori infection.
Ask your health care practitioner about supplements, such as melatonin, valerian, or passion flower.
Cut the caffeine cycle. It’s no surprise that caffeine can reduce total sleep time, impair sleep quality, and cause dependence. Baby steps are better than cold turkey. Slowly weaning off caffeine reduces the risk of caffeine withdrawal headaches and migraines.
Be mindful. Improve sleep quality and quantity with lifestyle practices such as deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness meditation, tai chi, and barefoot grounding.
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without turkey, and this Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast is a healthier option that still delivers all the savory goodness you crave. With a blend of fresh herbs, it’s a mouthwatering centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Elisa Franco
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
The combination of fresh herbs infuse the meat with incredible flavor, making it a delightful centerpiece for your holiday celebration.
Diabetes is a “silent killer.” Here’s how a plant-based dietary pattern (not a strict diet) can be a healthier way to manage diabetes.
A diabetes recap
Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes is an autoimmune disease that generally develops in childhood or adolescence. The body can’t produce insulin and thus can’t regulate blood sugar. Insulin injections or an insulin pump is necessary to ensure the body has the right amount of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, most commonly developed in adulthood, occurs when the body can’t properly use its own insulin—or not enough insulin is produced. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with healthy eating and regular exercise alone, but may also require medications or insulin therapy.
Know the signs
Discovery is a crucial first step. Millions of people live with type 2 diabetes and don’t even know it.
People who are asymptomatic, haven’t followed up on symptoms (which can include frequent urination, blurry vision, and extreme thirst), or don’t often use the health care system may not get a diagnosis until they’ve had it for years. This may mean they need more intensive treatments than if the disease had been caught earlier.
Get the right care
Diabetes is a progressive condition, which means that treatment plans should evolve along with the disease. Behavioral modifications such as a plant-based diet may help with blood sugar control at first, but eventually more extensive treatments such as blood glucose monitoring or medication may become necessary.
What difference do plants make?
The increased soluble fiber in many plant-based foods such as Brussels sprouts, black beans, and root vegetables can slow carbohydrate absorption and bind glucose. This slower rate of absorption helps stabilize blood sugars.
In contrast, high amounts of refined sugar and carbohydrates spike glucose and cause the pancreas to produce extra insulin. Some of the extra glucose may be converted into triglycerides in the liver, and the fat may be shipped to the tissues.
Vegan or vegetarian diets are also typically higher in pulses (like such as barley or quinoa). The high magnesium content of these whole grains helps regulate glucose, improves insulin sensitivity, and controls energy metabolism.
Finally, vegetarians and vegans tend to consume fewer saturated fats. Since many meats contain more fat and calories, they may increase the risk of diabetes. In fact, some research suggests that red meat should be included in the list of diabetes risk factors.
Remember—“vegetarian” doesn’t always mean “healthy”
While a plant-based diet pattern is often higher in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, it doesn’t guarantee weight loss or stable blood sugar levels. Check with your health care practitioner before adopting a new diet.
Consider supplements
Supplements to support healthy blood sugar include:
protein
magnesium
peppermint
pharmaGABA
quercetin
The type and amount of supplemental support depend on your health, eating patterns, and lifestyle. Since supplements can interact with medications, it’s important to create an individualized plan with your health care practitioner.
Science shows that what you eat can influence how much quality sleep you get. So, with some savvy cooking, there is hope for finally getting the ever-elusive shut-eye of your dreams and feeling like a champ. These recipes feature the foods you need to help bring on sweet dreams.
Pumpkin Crusted Salmon with Sweet Potato Mash
Good news for the reluctant or harried cook: this dish comes together quickly but presents itself as something truly fanciful. Rainbow trout and arctic char are good stand-ins for salmon with nearly the same sleep-inducing nutritional make-up.
Heat oven to 325 F (162 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In blender or mini food processor, pulse pumpkin seeds, olive oil, garlic powder, cayenne, 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, and black pepper until mixture forms a semi-dry paste. Alternatively, in bowl, finely chop pumpkin seeds and mix with other ingredients.
Coat salmon fillets with pumpkin mixture. Bake salmon for 18 minutes, or until just barely cooked through in the center.
As salmon cooks, place sweet potatoes in large saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, thyme, mustard, and 1/4 tsp (2 mL) salt. Alternatively, steam sweet potato cubes until tender and then mash with the other ingredients.
Spread sweet potato mash on serving plates and top with salmon.
Yogurt Bowl with Tart Cherry Compote
If you’re hungry for a nighttime snack, then spoon up this creamy, sweet-tart yogurt bowl. It’s also a great breakfast option with a little granola tossed on top.
1 cup (250 mL) tart cherry juice 1 Tbsp (15 mL) honey 1 cup (250 mL) dried tart cherries 1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh ginger 2 tsp (10 mL) grated orange zest Pinch of salt 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract 3 cups (750 mL) plain yogurt 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped walnuts
In medium saucepan, place cherry juice, honey, dried cherries, ginger, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
With slotted spoon, remove dried cherries from pan and set aside. Raise heat to high and boil, uncovered, for 3 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by about half and syrupy. Stir cherries back into liquid and add vanilla.
Place yogurt in serving bowls and top with cherry compote and walnuts.
Southwest Tofu Scramble Tacos
Stuffing a highly seasoned tofu scramble into steamy tortillas proves that tacos can handle all sorts of whims and fancies. And it’s a speedy meatless meal that can help you snag more zzz’s.
1 block (12 oz/350 g) extra-firm tofu 2 tsp (10 mL) grapeseed oil or avocado oil 1 cup (250 mL) chopped yellow onion 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) turmeric 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground coriander 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ancho chili pepper or 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped 3 Tbsp (45 mL) nutritional yeast 1 cup (250 mL) cooked or canned black beans 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped cilantro 8 corn tortillas, warmed 1 avocado, cubed 1/2 cup (125 mL) salsa of choice Lime wedges
Using large holes of box grater, grate tofu into pebble-sized pieces, or finely chop with knife.
In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in turmeric, coriander, ancho pepper or cayenne, salt, and pepper; heat for 30 seconds. Add tofu, bell pepper, and nutritional yeast to skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Stir in black beans, heat for 2 more minutes, and then add cilantro.
Divide tofu mixture among tortillas and top with avocado and salsa. Squirt on lime juice.
This Pumpkin Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly Thanksgiving day.
It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to your holiday spread, and it’s a great way to embrace the flavors of the season.
Enjoy the comfort and healthiness of this soup as you gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Elisa Franco
Pumpkin Soup
Warm up your Thanksgiving dinner with a cozy and nutritious Pumpkin Soup. This hearty soup is a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your holiday menu while keeping it healthy.
1cupheavy creamor substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option
2tblspolive oilor butter
roasted pumpkin seedsfor toppings
1bunchparsleychopped, for toppings
1dollopsour cream or yogurtfor toppings
Method
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add the canned pumpkin to the pot and stir well.
Season the mixture with the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
Reduce the heat to low, and then stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) to the soup. Let it heat through but avoid boiling.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings, such as roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
