Tag: herbs

  • Healing Herb & Vegetable Broth

    Healing Herb & Vegetable Broth

    Healing Herb & Vegetable Broth

    When you’re looking for a soothing and nourishing recipe that can help boost your immune system and provide comfort, a healing herbal vegetable broth is the perfect choice.

    Packed with a variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs, this broth not only tastes delicious but also provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want to warm up on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

    Elisa Franco

    Healing Herb & Vegetable Broth

    This healing herbal vegetable broth is a kitchen staple that you'll want to keep on hand year-round. Its nourishing properties make it a go-to when you're feeling unwell, and its delicious taste makes it a versatile addition to various recipes. Sip and enjoy the benefits of this homemade broth and share it with your loved ones. Store extra in the freezer to have at the ready.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 carrots chopped
    • 2 celery stalks chopped
    • 1 onion peeled and quartered
    • 6 cloves garlic smashed
    • 1/2 whole lemon washed thoroughly
    • 1 leek cleaned and sliced
    • 1 red or green pepper chopped
    • 1 parsnip chopped
    • 1 small bunch of fresh parsley or cilantro
    • 1 sprig of fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried
    • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, or 1 tsp dried
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
    • 1 tsp coriander seeds
    • 1 tsp fennel seeds
    • 1 tsp turmeric powder or a small piece of fresh turmeric root
    • 1-inch knob of ginger sliced
    • 1 small handful of dried shiitake mushrooms
    • 12 cups water
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 3 jalapeño slices optional, for heat
    • 1/2 cup sliced reishi mushroom, or 2 tbsp powdered optional, for immune boost
    • 1 piece kombu optional, for immune boost
    • 1 tbsp dried astragalus optional, for immune boost

    Method
     

    1. Gather all your ingredients and chop the vegetables as indicated.
    2. In a large soup pot, dry-toast the coriander seeds and fennel seeds over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This step enhances their flavors.
    3. Add all of your ingredients, except the water, to the pot. Stir to combine.
    4. Pour 12 cups of water into the pot, covering all the ingredients. Slowly bring the mixture to a soft boil over medium high heat.
    5. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the broth simmer for about 1.5 to 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to release their goodness. Add salt and pepper to taste during this time.
    6. After simmering, carefully strain the broth into another pot or large bowl. Discard the solids or save them for compost.
    7. Your healing herbal vegetable broth is ready to serve. Sip it as a comforting and soothing drink or use it as a base for soups, stews, or any recipe that calls for broth. It's a wonderful way to nourish your body and support your immune system.
  • Let’s demystify menopause and perimenopause

    Let’s demystify menopause and perimenopause

    Let’s demystify menopause and perimenopause

    A natural and poignant time

    Menopause is so seldom talked about openly. Aside from some of the most common discomforts, menopause is often shrouded in mystery, and perimenopause even more so. Let’s shine a light on both.

    The meaning of menopause

    Dr. Caroline Meyer, naturopathic doctor and energy healer, tells us that, in its most technical sense, menopause is the time in a woman’s life following the absence of a menstrual cycle for a minimum of 12 months.

    Dr. Jeanne Paul, ND, the first First Nations person to graduate in this profession in Canada, shares this definition with her patients: “[You] are entering the age of becoming a Wise Woman, an Elder-in-training.”

    From a medical perspective, says Paul, menopause is when all mature eggs, which have been decreasing since birth, have been used up. At that point, “she will now cease her monthly moons due to decreases in female hormones.”

    The “symptoms” of menopause

    “Many women experience no negative symptoms with this natural change in life,” assures Meyer. Other women, however, experience such symptoms as insomnia, anxiety, memory loss, depression, weight gain, irritability, fatigue, and, of course, those hot flashes.

    Symptoms can, in turn, range in discomfort level from annoying to outright debilitating. Additional common symptoms of menopause include night sweats, a decrease in sexual drive due to vaginal dryness, uncontrolled mood changes, sleep pattern disturbances, bladder infections, and forgetfulness.

    The precursor—perimenopause

    The time leading up to menopause, perimenopause, is a phase of transition when mature eggs are diminishing and ovulation and menses become irregular. During this time, there is a drop in estrogen levels, and women begin to experience some symptoms resembling menopause. Declining fertility, period irregularity, urinary urgency, memory problems, sleep disruptions, and mood shifts are common.

    The transition toolbox

    Menopause is not a disease or ailment, but rather a natural, poignant time of life for every woman. Paul says, “Most cultures view menopause as a natural life process, a sociocultural event, and a positive part of a woman’s life.”

    Partner support

    Supportive partners and family members can have a major impact on a woman’s menopausal experience. Meyer suggests offering “patience and kindness to the women in their lives who are undergoing perimenopause or menopause.”

    A time to turn inward

    Positively managing stress is essential during the peri/menopausal years. Meyer recommends meditation, regular exercise, prioritizing rest and sleep, doing activities that bring joy, and moderating alcohol. And, she emphasizes that moving into menopause is a time for women to finally focus on themselves.

    Natural remedies for menopause

    Dr. Caroline Meyer’s suggestions for peri/menopausal symptom relief; however, she urges professional guidance.

    Natural remedySymptom relief for
    ashwagandhastress relief; immune support
    ashwagandha/macalow libido
    maca/chasteberry/evening primrosebalancing estrogen and progesterone levels
    flaxseedregulating estrogen levels
    cinnamonglucose control and circulatory stimulation

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Tips for Staying Healthy This Flu Season

    Tips for Staying Healthy This Flu Season

    UPDATE 5/5/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Due to supply issues, we are limiting certain items as follows (we are unavailable to special order these items as well):
      • LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Yeast
      • LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Eggs

    UPDATE 4/30/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Due to high demand with curbside orders, our phone extensions have changed! Please listen to our NEW phone menu as they have changed for ALL stores.

    UPDATE 4/17/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Due to supply issues, we are limiting certain items as follows (we are also unavailable to special order these items as well):
      • LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Hand sanitizers and related products (glycerine, tea tree oil, etc.)
        • All immune-related and anti-viral supplements
        • Whole chickens
      • LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER:
        • All household cleaning products, toilet paper, etc.
        • Protein staples, and beef products
        • Chicken, eggs, milk
        • Yeast
      • LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Cascade toilet paper

    UPDATE 4/15/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • In order to shop inside all of our stores, state mandated masks must be worn inside.
    • The coffee/tea stations and nut butter machines are no longer self-service. To use these areas, please ask an associate for help.
    • Want to change up your routine at home, check out our blog, social media accounts and our Pinterest page for fun ideas! There is something new everyday! Make sure you check out Women’s Voice magazine & the Non-GMO Project’s streaming of the award-winning documentary film Modified, available for FREE until April 22nd! For more information, check out our social media pages (Facebook and Instagram).

    UPDATE 4/11/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Please wear a mask if you leave your house. All of our team members are wearing masks and we are encouraging all customers to wear masks when they shop inside with us.
    • All stores will be closed tomorrow for Easter and we will reopen on Monday.
    • Our Curbside Pick-Up program will be unavailable from 6pm tonight until Monday morning. If you have a Curbside order in process or ready for pick-up, you must come get it before 8pm on Saturday as we will be CLOSED on Sunday for Easter and you will have to wait to pick-up on Monday. However, all stores will remain open until 8pm tonight if you need to grab a couple of last minute groceries for tomorrow!
    • Regarding our Curbside Pick-Up program, orders may take more than 24 hours to fulfill. Please check your email for receipt of order and kindly DO NOT place a repeat order to insure we got your first one- it confuses the system too much. Thanks for your patience.

    UPDATE 4/9/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Please be patient with us! In order to practice proper social distancing, we are limiting the number of customers in the store at a given time.
    • Curbside orders may take extra time to be fulfilled – we thank you for your patience and cooperation. Our stores are still open for walk-in business but please practice proper social distancing.

    UPDATE 4/7/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Effective today, 4/7/2020, our cafe hours have changed! Cafes will be open from 9am-4pm everyday. If you would like to place an order, you can place the order inside, call or order online through www.shopbasil.com.
    • Please be aware of certain policies for our Curbside Pick-Up program:
      • We will process orders as quickly as possible, but please understand that it might take us several hours (or longer) before your order is ready for pick up.
      • Depending on volume, some orders may not be available for collection until the following day.
      • Orders placed after 6pm will ONLY be available for collection the following day.
      • Orders are available for pickup from 9am-7pm daily.
      • All orders are final. We currently do not have the ability to revise the order after it is submitted.

    UPDATE 3/31/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • We’re online! You can now place your orders for our Curbside Pick-Up program online through our website by clicking here or visiting www.basilbandwagon.com/curbside-pick-up/.
    • Need a quick and easy dinner for two? We now offer F2M Dinner for 2 for only $19.99! To see what’s on the menu, please call the stores directly:
      • Flemington: 908-788-5737
      • Clinton: 908-735-3822
      • Lambertville: 609-460-4500

    UPDATE 3/23/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Regarding our Curbside Pick-Up program, your tips are applied to our round-up program as generous gift to our local organizations. Each of our stores are “rounding-up” at the registers for different local groups (as follows):
      • Flemington = The Flemington Food Pantry
      • Clinton = The Open Cupboard Food Pantry
      • Lambertville = Fisherman’s Mark
    • Our cafés are still open! To order from the café, you can come in, call ahead, or order online by visiting www.shopbasil.com!
    • We are asking all customers to follow these guidelines in order to help our staff and community stay as healthy as possible:
      1. Practice social distancing (6 feet) at all times (and when possible)
      2. Shop quickly
      3. Please limit shopping to one family member when possible
    • Due to supply issues, we are limiting certain items as follows (we are also unavailable to special order these items as well):
      • LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Hand sanitizers and related products (glycerine, tea tree oil, etc.)
        • All immune-related and anti-viral supplements
        • Whole chickens
      • LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER:
        • All household cleaning products, toilet paper, etc.
        • Protein staples, and beef products
        • Chicken, eggs, milk
      • LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Cascade toilet paper
    • We’re working on our checkout terminals so that physical touching of pinpads are limited. What do we mean by this? When paying with a card (debit or credit), all cards are to run as credit. This means that for debit transactions, customers must press ENTER when prompted for a pin (but DO NOT enter your pin).
    • Until further notice, CASH BACK IS SUSPENDED.

    UPDATE 3/20/2020: Here is the latest important information:

    • Starting Saturday 3/21/2020, the first hour (8am-9am) of all stores will be open solely to seniors (62+), pregnant mothers and immunocompromised individuals. If you do not fit under any of these, please wait to shop until after 9am!
    • In an effort to protect our most vulnerable Community Members, we are now offering curbside pick-up. Please call us directly at the following numbers to place a phone order:
      • Flemington: 908-788-5737
      • Clinton: 908-735-3822
      • Lambertville: 609-460-4500
    • Unfortunately, we do not have our catalogue online currently available. However, you can place a cafe order for pick-up at shopbasil.com. We are working on getting the rest of our catalogue online.
    • Our curbside pick-up is a work in progress and we greatly appreciate your support and patience with us as we work through the “kinks” of this program! We are trying to process orders within a timely manner.
    • We are not selling self-serve kombucha until further notice.
    • We are also “rounding up” at the registers for local food pantries in the area. The following stores that we are “rounding up” are for the following food pantries:
      • Flemington = Flemington Food Pantry
      • Clinton = Open Cupboard Food Pantry
      • Lambertville = Fisherman’s Mark

    UPDATE 3/19/2020: In support of a healthy community, we are updating some store policies:

    • Please be expedient with your purchases and exit the building. While you are shopping in the building, we appreciate the practice of social distancing (maintaining a distance of about 6 feet from others) when possible.
      • To limit the time it takes to wait for your cafe orders, you can place your order, pay for it, and select a pick-up time online! To do so, please visit www.shopbasil.com. Please make sure that you select the correct store before ordering!
    • If you’re feeling “under the weather,” please be mindful of others and stay home.
    • We have temporarily suspended our refund and return policies. To ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers, ALL sales are final.
    • In order to reduce the spread of germs, we are asking that all customers and staff to not bring in any reusable containers, drinkware, or bags. However, if you are using a reusable bag, we would like to ask you to bag your own items.
    • Due to supply issues, we are limiting certain items as follows (we are also limiting special orders of these items as well):
      • LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Hand sanitizers and related products (glycerine, tea tree oil, etc.)
        • All immune-related and anti-viral supplements
      • LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER:
        • All household cleaning products, toilet paper, etc.
        • Whole chickens, protein staples, and beef products
        • Chicken, eggs, milk

    If you’re staying home and would like to invest in a future purchase with us (once we all nip this thing in the behind), please consider ordering a gift card! You can purchase a gift card at shopbasil.com!

    We appreciate your cooperations and your local support!

    UPDATE 3/17/2020: This is an evolving situation that we will continue to closely monitor on a daily basis. When updates arise, we will notify our staff and customers as soon as possible. We want to thank our staff and customers for the endless love and support that we have received over the past couple of days. We appreciate your understanding of our various supply issues and our constant updates. Here are the updates as of today:

    • We have sent out a company wide update informing all team members of CDC recommendations for preventing the spread of germs. In that same communication we are putting a strong emphasis on team members adhering to the Basil Bandwagon Handbook sick policy, which reiterates many of the CDC’s recommendations.
    • As always, our team members will continue to frequently wash their hands and will be wearing gloves at checkout lanes. Cashiers will also have cleaning supplies at the registers to frequently wipe down checkout lanes, pin pads and other frequently touched surfaces.  Our teams will also be wiping down frequently touched surfaces throughout the store, including doorknobs and handles.
    • All seating areas have been removed.
    • All cafés will continue to have take-away service.
    • We will not be offering any food samples and all vendor demos have been cancelled in an effort to reduce the spread of germs and reduce person-to-person contact. We have also removed all testers (grocery, wellness, and beauty areas) from the shelves and will replace with new ones in the future.
    • All kombucha stations are no longer self-serve. We ask that all customers do not refill your personal growlers at this time. Please ask an associate to fill a growler or cup. We will be providing free growlers soon- until then, please use to-go cups only.
    • Our staff is working hard to keep the store fully stocked as possible. We are working with our distributors to maintain inventory, although we may experience temporary out of stock issues with some essentials. This is an unprecedented event and volume of sales.
    • Due to supply issues, we are limiting certain items as follows (we are also limiting special orders of these items as well):
      • LIMIT 2 PER CUSTOMER:
        • Hand sanitizers and related products (glycerine, tea tree oil, etc.)
        • All immune-related and anti-viral supplements
      • LIMIT 3 PER CUSTOMER:
        • All household cleaning products, toilet paper, etc.
      • LIMIT 4 PER CUSTOMER:
        • All meat and protein staples, eggs, milk

    UPDATE 3/7/2020: Hey there Basil Bandwagon shoppers! We know coronavirus is the talk of the town lately and while we don’t want to make light of it, we want to remind everyone that there’s no reason to panic! Even in China where most cases have occurred, there is only 1 case for every 85,000 residents that live there. And the other good news is that in 80% or more of those cases, symptoms are like a bad cold.

    How is Basil Bandwagon Natural Market Doing Their Part to Limit the Spread of Germs?

    Cashiers have wipes at the registers to frequently wipe anything that may be touched by our shoppers (keypad, register belts, etc.). As always, our employees will continue to frequently wash their hands with hot water and soap, and we will continue to make sure that café tables and other frequently touched areas of the store will be washed and disinfected to help avoid the spread of germs.    

    Tips for Staying Healthy in General:

    • Wash Your Hands – Frequent hand washing with just soap and warm water is important for protecting against all infectious diseases and use hand sanitizers and disinfectants when soap and water are not available. Hand sanitizer is becoming harder to find as distributors cannot keep up with such high demands. Click here for some DIY recipes you can make at home!
    • Disinfect Surfaces – Coronaviruses can persist on surfaces for up to 9 days! Make sure you disinfect surfaces in your home, especially if you think someone might be infected.
    • Strengthen Immunity – Unfortunately those folks who are older and/or are immune compromised have a much higher rate of death from all viruses, and so doing what you can to strengthen your immune system is vital.

    Strategies to Boost your Immune System

    Exercise, stress relief, a balanced diet and certain supplements are all effective ways to boost your immune system:

    • Exercise – Regular exercise mobilizes T cells, a type of white blood cells which guard the body against infection. However, continuous rigorous workouts can actually weaken the immune system, so moderation is a key.  
    • Sleep – A solid 7-8 hours is needed to avoid reducing the activities of T cells in your body.
    • Less Stress – Stress can release the hormone cortisol, which negatively affects T cell reproduction. Try yoga, meditation or deep breathing each day to reduce your stress levels. If you would like some recommendations, ask some of our staff members – there are lots of local businesses who would love to work with you!
    • Moderate Alcohol Intake – while moderate consumption of alcohol can positively affect overall health, excess intake (more than 2 drinks/day) can negatively affect the immune system.
    • Stop Smoking – Smoking impairs the immune system, and you have a significantly higher chance of being seriously affected by virus infections.
    • Healthier Diet – Vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrients essential to immune health. A diet rich in colorful food typically will be higher in valuable vitamins. These foods all can help you strengthen your immune system: citrus, red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, turmeric, green tea, kiwi, poultry, and sunflower seeds to name a few!
    • Herbs, Vitamins and Supplements – While the hope is you can get many needed nutrients from your diet, supplementing can help improve your immune system.  Here are just a few things you may want to include in your daily regime:
      • Echinacea, Elderberry, Andrographis, Colloidal Silver, Monolaurin & Zinc
      • Vitamins A, B6, C, D & E all help strengthen your immune system, and especially Vitamin C, which you can get from citrus fruits, spinach and strawberries. And although it’s cold here now, consider getting outside during sunny days to help your body produce more Vitamin D. Even just 15 minutes in the sunlight will help!
      • Mushrooms and mushroom supplements – rich in essential nutrients and very good for your immune system.
    • Herbs, Vitamins, & Supplements
    • Household Cleaners
    • Healthier Diet

    We all hope that the spread of Covid-19 is curtailed as soon as possible and if so, great, but if not, we look forward to helping you as you reduce stress, improve your diet and strengthen the ever important immunity system.  All of which is good regardless of what season we are in!    

    For more information:

    https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

    https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html

    https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Guide_to_Local_Production.pdf

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

    https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/infections/2019-novel-coronavirus-sars-cov2-covid-19

    https://www.npr.org/2020/02/27/810016611/coronavirus-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-prepare-and-prevent

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/02/26/how-to-prepare-for-coronavirus/?arc404=true

    https://healthcareinamerica.us/for-a-stronger-immunity-natural-ways-to-boost-the-immune-system-d7aba9ae599b

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?utm_source=Good+Harvest+Contact+List&utm_campaign=407de02845-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_06_05_08_19_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ae16396593-407de02845-109654375

  • DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas with Christine Waltermyer

    DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas with Christine Waltermyer

    DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”

    Vegan White Chocolate Bark

    with dried cranberries

    Makes 16 Hearts

    Ingredients

    6 oz Sunfood organic cacao butter, melted

    ⅓ cup vegan vanilla protein powder

    2 tablespoons dried cranberries (sugar free if possible)

    2 tablespoons hemp hearts 

    2 tablespoons chopped goji berries

    ¼  teaspoon sea salt

    ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    A few drops – ½ teaspoon SweetLeaf Sweet Drops Vanilla Creme Sweetener

    Equipment: Silicone heart-shaped molds (or you can just make bark in an 8 x 8-inch pan lined with parchment paper), pretty boxes for packaging

    Method

    1. Heat an inch of water in a saucepan. Place a metal bowl over it. Add the cacao and heat until melted.

    2. Add the protein powder, vanilla, sea salt, and stevia drops. Whisk to blend.

    3. Working quickly, use an immersion blender to blend smooth.

    4. Pour into silicone molds or an 8 x 8-inch dish lined with parchment paper.

    5. Sprinkle the hemp hearts, dried cranberries and chopped goji berries across the tops.

    6. Place in the refrigerator to set for 2 to 4 hours.

    7. Carefully release the chilled hearts from the mold (or break the bark into random pieces). Place the chocolate in gift box of choice. The white chocolate will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Or you can store in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.

    Homemade Natural Bath Bombs

    with Essential Oils

    Makes 2 Medium Size Bath Bombs

    Ingredients

    ½ cup baking soda

    ¼ cup organic cornstarch

    ¼ cup epsom salts

    ¼ teaspoon Decorative Food Colors from Nature (color of choice) or other natural powdered food coloring

    2 ½ teaspoons jojoba oil (or castor oil, almond oil or melted coconut oil)

    ½ teaspoon water

    ½ teaspoon essential oil of your choice (lemon, grapefruit, lavender, etc.)

    ¼ cup citric acid

    Equipment: Bath bomb mold

    Method

    1. In a medium size bowl, combine the baking soda, cornstarch, epsom salts, and food coloring. Whisk to blend.

    2. In a small glass jar, combine the jojoba oil, water, and essential oil. Place the lid on the jar and shake well. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl. It should be the consistency of slightly wet, crumbly beach sand. It should stick together and you should be able to form a small ball with it. If it seems too dry, you can add a few drops more of the jojoba oil, just enough to achieve the right consistency.

    3. Add the citric acid, working it in quickly.

    4. Using a bath bomb mold, scoop up a generous amount of the bath bomb mixture and press the two halves of the mold together. Press the two halves together firmly, then lightly tap the mold to release it. Place the finished bath bomb on a plastic tray lined with parchment paper.

    Herb-Infused Massage Oil

    Ingredients

    4 or 5 sprigs of your favorite dried herb such as rosemary or lavender

    Enough almond oil combined with a neutral oil like avocado oil to fill a medium size glass jar

    6 drops essential oil such as clary sage, rosemary or lavender

    Equipment: A pretty gift bottle and ribbon

    Method

    1. Fill a medium size glass jar with the oil. Place the dried herbs in the oil. Cover the jar and place in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. Strain out the oil, removing the herbs, and pour the oil into the gift bottle, adding 1-2 new sprigs of the dried herb. At this point you can add a few drops of essential oil such as clary sage. Place the lid on the bottle and add some ribbon for the perfect Valentine’s gift!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • RECAP: New Product Wednesday 9/25/19

    RECAP: New Product Wednesday 9/25/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Andi Lynn’s Pure & Custom Formulary: Shhhh…, Inhale, Fire, Propolis, Pure, Harvest Berry, Calm, & Pillow
    Garden of Life: Plant- Based Energy & Focus
    HappySqueeze Twist 4-packs: Apple, Kale, & Mango and Apple, Kale, & Blueberry
    Kin+Kind: CBD Ears & CBD Pet Balm
    Pastabilities: Pumpkin Shaped Pasta
    Pukka Teas: Blackcurrant Beauty, Tulsi Clarity, & Herbal Collection
    Simple Mills Soft Baked Almond Flour Bars: Spiced Carrot Cake & Dark Chocolate Almond
    YumEarth: Organic Candy Corn
  • Stock Up on Your Favorite July Sale Items!

    Stock Up on Your Favorite July Sale Items!

    Looking to switch up your supplements? Now is the time! These awesome products are priced at a whopping 25% until July 31st, 2018.

    Here’s what we have to offer:

    Amazing Grass  

    Having a hard time getting your greens?  Amazing Grass has made it EASY, and tasty with their Effervescent Greens tablets! Each fizzy tablet delivers a full serving of greens!

    Nutrient-rich greens mix with potent adaptogenic herbs in three different Elixir’s from Amazing Grass! Nourish your body to improve function with these three formulas: Belly Elixir, Beauty Elixir and Brain Elixir.

    Himalaya Herbal Healthcare

    Feed your adrenals and find balance with Himalaya’s Stress Care blend.

     

    It’s one of our MOST asked about symptoms: Hot Flashes.

    This Formula is a blend of Ayurvedic Herbs including Shatavari, Gotu Kola, Asoka Tree and more.

     

     

  • Hawthorn, a Tonic for the Heart

    Hawthorn, a Tonic for the Heart

    Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have been used as food and medicine for centuries. Their use as a heart tonic, though, is relatively recent.  That story is interesting and goes like this:

    A Dr. Green of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland practiced medicine in the 19th century and was known to have great success with patients with heart ailments.  This Victorian era doctor was secretive about his methods, never revealing the ingredients of his cures for “dropsy” (edema), “flux of humor” (circulation problems), heart weakness in aging, and the like.  When he died, his daughter revealed that his protocol consisted largely of administering tinctures of the ripe berries of the very common Hawthorn tree.

    Hawthorn is a gentle herbal medicine.  It seems to work primarily by enhancing the heart’s ability to utilize oxygen.  It can be taken on a regular basis over a long period of time.  In separate double-blind studies, patients with either cardiac insufficiency or weakened cardiac performance showed significant improvement.  In other studies, Hawthorn exhibited the ability to  increase coronary blood flow, decrease arterial blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and improve the contractility of the heart muscle.

    There is no one constituent within the plant that can do all of the above.  The whole plant extract is preferred, including  the leaf, flower and berry.  Hawthorn doesn’t work to stimulate the heart, like digitalis (a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials), but works on the nutrition of heart cells and their ability to store and release energy.  Dr. Rudolf Weiss, MD, of Germany states that Hawthorn “has a long-term sustained effect on degenerative, age-related changes in the muscular tissue of the heart.”

    Hawthorns are shrubby trees which grow prolifically in our area. They are in the genus Crataegus, and part of the Rose family.  They have noticeable white flowers, but care should be taken to avoid the long sharp thorns on the branches!  Extracts are available in both capsule and liquid form.

    Come in and speak with one of our knowledgeable Wellness Ambassadors about Hawthorn today. We carry many options to choose from and, this month only, are featuring a special smoothie in our café that includes this wellness-promoting ingredient. Shot Through the Heart, appropriately named, is available through the end of February, so stop by and grab one to enjoy!

    Written By Ralph Celebre, Registered Herbalist (AHG)

  • 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

  • Holiday Survival Guide: Stress Rescue

    Holiday Survival Guide: Stress Rescue

    This is undoubtedly the most stressful season of the year- tons of pressure, lots of social events, etc. It’s hard to find relief. In this week’s video- we share 5 products we love that can provide relief for stress and anxiety.

  • 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!