Keeping your furry friends safe this holiday season!

By Amber S

The holiday season is upon us. There's bright decorations everywhere, scrumptious baked goods in full supply, and friends and family descending on our homes for cheerful gatherings. But if you're furry, finned, or four-legged, the holidays can be an overwhelming sensory experience. Here's a few tips to keep your beloved pets safe and happy during the holidays. 

Consider your decorations. Many holiday plants such as poinsettias, lilies, and holly are toxic to cats and dogs, and should never be placed where animals can get to them. (When in doubt, avoid them entirely.) Opt for pet-friendly decorations -- there are some wonderfully realistic fake plant replicas available, or you could opt for a more whimsical felt version. Be mindful of your candle usage -- while a display of softly flickering candles may look lovely and romantic, it's less than ideal for curious kitty paws or wagging tails! Lastly, if you have a Christmas tree, make sure it's sturdily-anchored against climbing cats (I have experience with this one personally!). 

Try a stress supplement for your pets. The pet supplements industry has ballooned in the past few years, and brought with it lots of helpful stress remedies for your furry friend. From homeopathic options to treats blended with L-Theanine (which comes in a form for humans, too!), there's a de-stressing trick for every pet. Pet CBD in particular has seen a huge rise in interest! (Here's a neat trick courtesy of our friends at Head & Heal: If your pet needs a stronger CBD dosage but you're watching their weight, apply the dosage of liquid CBD to a CBD treat for a more potent punch.)

Respect your pet's needs. You may love it when the crowd at your Solstice party coos over how adorable your cat is, but your cat might prefer to be hiding under the dresser in your bedroom. Allow your pets space to decompress. If you're hosting a holiday gathering, consider making a safe, cozy spot with some toys, a water bowl, and a bed for your pet to retreat to if they get stressed. Young children, especially, may need an extra careful eye around animals -- no tugging on kitty's tail! 

Be mindful of food. We humans may get a thrill the first time we find candy canes or (ahem) Taza's Eggnog Chocolate on the store shelves, but your pets probably won't see the fun in it. Many common human foods like chocolate are toxic to dogs and cats. Even holiday treats specifically designed for animals can be overwhelming in large amounts, and sometimes abrupt changes to your pet's diet can cause gastrointestinal upset. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any new food, and always keep them away from toxic human treats!

A couple of other notes about animals and the holiday season:

The ASPCA recommends only giving animals as gifts if the person has expressed a serious interest in and commitment to owning one. Never give a pet to someone as a present without discussing it with them beforehand. 

If you're interested in adding a new furry friend to your family, consider doing so a month before or after the holidays, and ensure you have adequate time to familiarize your new pal to to their environment. The season can be a chaotic time, so giving pets time to adjust is important. (And consider adopting a pet from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder -- there are plenty of animals looking for a loving home.) 

Even though the holidays can be stressful, being mindful of your pet's needs can vastly improve their well-being. From the Cambridge Naturals team, we wish you and your pets a festive holiday season!

A Bit of Winter Color

By Amber S, CN Supplements Education Specialist & Flora Enthusiast

Winter in Massachusetts is a monochrome time. The color palette seems limited to cold, hard hues: slate-grey of sidewalks, ash-grey skies, fallow-brown grass. For the months between November and March, color is a rare commodity in the natural world. But it is there - if you know where to look. Here are a few of my favorite colorful plants to keep an eye out for this winter!

Common Holly (Ilex Aquifolium): Possibly the best-known winter plant, holly is easily recognizable by its distinctive toothed leaves and bright-red berries. It's a pop of color in an otherwise monotone seasonal landscape, and has since become a symbol of winter festivity. It's a popular ornamental plant and you can find it in many neighborhoods around the Boston area.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis species): Witch hazel is one of my favorite winter plants to look out for. Its strange, spiky yellow-and-red flowers bloom in mid to late winter, drawing all eyes to them. Interestingly enough, it's neither a member of the hazel (corylus spp.) family; nor does it have anything to do with witches. (The epithet 'witch' comes from the Old English wice, meaning 'bendable' -- the same place we get the word 'wicker'.) The bark of the plant has strong antiseptic properties, and is often used in topical preparations for skin ailments like acne and eczema. 

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): Technically a member of the holly family, winterberry can be distinguished by its bright red berries that stay on the branches even after the leaves have fallen. The berries are a favorite food source for birds during the colder months!

Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Bright berries and evergreen leaves aren't the only appealing features of winter plants! The aptly-named red-twig dogwood's winter appeal lies in its brilliant scarlet branches that only become visible once the leaves have fallen. It's also native to North America, making it a popular choice as a landscaping plant in New England. 

Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii): After repeatedly encountering this vibrant-leafed shrub with its bright-red berries on my walks to work, I was finally able to identify it. I also learned that Japanese Barberry is considered an invasive species due to its ability to displace native plants, and is actually illegal to propagate and sell in Massachusetts. It's also a prime habitat for ticks! If its name sounds familiar, that may be because barberry is one of the main sources of the alkaloid berberine, often used as a supplement. But please don't make a tea out of your neighbor's hedges! 

So when the greyness of the season seems to be overwhelming and you can't imagine another few months like it, bundle up and set out for a wander. I guarantee you'll be able to spot at least one of these bright botanicals along the way! 

Staff Picks: Holiday Gifting!

Sharing some of our favorite seasonal gifts!

Amber

Beverly Bees Cat Candle

Got a feline fan in your life? This adorable, locally-crafted candle makes the purr-fect gift!

Mike

Goodnow Farms

It's really good chocolate. You really can't go wrong. They do it all in house, and they do it RIGHT.

Amber

Taza Spiked Eggnog Chocolate Disc


I wait eagerly every year for this seasonal sensation to arrive. This 55% dark chocolate, redolent with flavors of nutmeg and rum, is the perfect warming winter treat. 

Dev

Everyday Oil - Mainstay

Everyday Oil's Mainstay blend truly lives up to its name, as I've been using it after showers for years now and plan on sharing the love in gift form! It's a great time to support them in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, since they're headquartered in Black Mountain, NC.'

Rose

Potager Soap Company Bar Soap Minted Lemon Tea

Some soaps just look fancy, and that's their only selling point. Not Potager. This locally made soap is organic, fair trade, vegan, and has an incredible scent and delightful packaging to boot. It makes a lovely gift for the person who you know appreciates well crafted and beautiful products, as well as for the person who might not be inclined to splurge on themselves.

Brenden

Sweet Dreams - Small Heat Wrap (Assorted Patterns)

’Tis the season to give the gift warmth. This is for anyone and everyone. Whether the recipient deals with aches and pains, or needs extra comfort through hard days, this is the gift for them. Support for the person you care about, even when they think they don't need it!

Laura

DIY Local Tea Sampler: Mem Earl Grey, Mem Masala Chai, Mem Golden Buds, Mem Vanilla Rooibos, Sweet Birch Herbals: Heart Lifting, Sweet Birch Herbals: Sleep Deep, Sweet Birch Herbals: Immune, Respiratory & Allergies

There are ample options for this fun DIY gift but below are some varieties I know are delicious and am thinking of including myself! I like that this idea leaves room for your own personal touches and can be tweaked accordingly. You could fill your own tea bags or jars- both of which can be found at CN. Happy Gifting ❤ 

Shannon

Maggie's Mountain Hiker Socks in Heathered Purple & Heathered Green

I have many avid hikers in my family so I can't wait to gift them these gorgeous and warm wool socks from Maggie's Organics!

Emily

Farmhouse Pottery Wassail Candle

I adore our year-round candle selection (especially our beautiful beeswax tapers!) but I look forward to this gorgeous, limited edition Yuletide-themed candle from Farmhouse Pottery every December, which fills my home with the delicious scents of freshly cut pine, evergreen boughs, spicy clove, and a little hint of log fire. 

Caleb

Upstate Elevator Supply Co. Deep Calm CBN 10 mg + CBD 50mg Gummies Raspberry 30CT

Happy Holidays! Feeling stressed? Trouble sleeping? These Deep Calm CBN + CBD gummies might just be a new favorite part of your (or a loved one’s) bedtime routine. 

Molly

Marin Lip Treatment Blueberry French Toast

The Marin Lip treatments would make a luxe stocking stuffer for the skincare lover in your life! They are a cool local Maine company utilizing marine glycoproteins from lobster to create amazingly moisturizing products. Perfect for battling the dreaded cold weather chapped lips. AND they come in deliciously cozy flavors like Blueberry French Toast, Campfire S'mores, and a Holiday Limited edition Gingerbread.

Daisy

Miya Spoon Otter Light Brown/Dark Brown

Who doesn't love Otters? I certainly do! So for everyone in your life who loves them too (or just appreciates an adorable animal) I present the Otter Spoon. Designed to rest on the edge of your cup, this otter is the perfect companion for your tea, coffee, matcha, and more!

Ellie

Badger Orange Spice Holiday Jumbo Lip Balm

These BIG seasonal lip balms in 3 varieties are warming and hydrating for parched winter skin. I use them on my hands too in a pinch - there's enough to go around!

Sarah

Felt So Good Ornaments (Sammy Snowcrab & Agnes the Mouse)

Felt So Good ornaments are new to the store this year and I am OBSESSED.  These Fair Trade ornaments are whimsical, colorful and extremely well crafted down to the tiniest detail. Sammy Snowcrab has been our most popular this year but I am also a devoted fan of Agnes the Mouse

 

Allison's Fat & The Moon Makeup Tutorial!

By Allison S

Your favorite indie makeup brand is on sale until November 30th! Fat and the Moon (cosmetics only)! We’ve put together an autumnal makeup tutorial using some of their products. Disclaimer: I am an enthusiast, not an expert! The good news is that these FATM products are face, lip, and eye safe, per the FATM website.

  1. Start by prepping your skin with your usual skincare, and wait for it to absorb. 

    1. I find that this foundation has more staying-power if I use a face primer with a tacky finish after my regular moisturizer.

    2. I also went in eye primer because I feel it increases the longevity of eye makeup.

  2. Apply foundation.

    1. I used the Evan Healy Oil Serum foundation in shade 10. First I spread the foundation with a brush. Then, I used a damp beauty sponge to blend it into my skin - you can use a setting spray to help blend it as well. This type of foundation may take more time/effort to blend because it is oil-based.

  3. Fill brows.

    1. While I let the foundation absorb into my skin, I filled my brows using gentle sparse strokes of the Jane Iredale Pure Brow Precision Pencil in Medium Brown.

  4. Give brows hold by combing through with a brow gel.

    1. I topped my brows with the Ere Perez Aloe Gel Clear Lash & Brow Mascara, so they hold their shape throughout the day.

  5. For the eyes, apply concealer or eye shadow primer to the lids and set with setting powder.

    1. I used a white Tarte concealer, but you can use any full-coverage concealer.

    2. This will help the eye shadow stay without creasing. This is important because FATM’s makeup products are oil and wax based products, so they are more likely to crease on your eyelids. 

  6. Apply eye shadow.

    1. I started with the Jane Iredale Eyeshadow Palette in Wildflower. I applied the lightest shade all over my lid, focusing the bulk of the pigment on the inner portion of my eyelid.

    2. Then, using a mildly fluffy eye shadow brush, I applied the FATM Lip Paint in Wood Nymph to create my desired shape on the outer portion of my eyelid, blending outwards above my eyelid’s natural crease. 

    3. I followed that with the darkest shade in the Jane Iredale Wildflower Palette. I applied this to the outer portion of the upper lash line and into the crease, following the shape I’d just created using Wood Nymph. I concentrated the pigment along the upper lash line and the crease, but I used a fluffy brush to diffuse shadow over the outer portion of my eye lid.

    4. Then, I used the FATM Highlighter in Lit all over the center of my lid, making sure to blend it into the other shadows.

    5. You can touch up the shadow in the inner corner, if needed

    6. For the lower lash line, I applied the darkest shade in the Wildflower Palette along the outer portion of my lower lashline, using angled brush. Then, I used the same angle brush to apply the highlighter to the rest of my lower lashline, blending it up into the outer third of the lashline.

  7. Apply Mascara.

    1. I curled my lashes using the Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler. The, I used the Dr. Hauska Defining Mascara in Brown on both my upper and lower lashes.

  8. Apply blush

    1. I used the FATM Lip Paint in Dusk as blush by applying it to the apples of my cheeks and blending it up toward my temples using a blush brush.

  9. Apply highlighter

    1. I applied the FATM Highlighter in Lit along the tops of my cheek bones, and blended it upwards towards my temples.

  10. Apply lipliner

    1. I used the Dr. Hauschka Lip Liner in Cumaru (04) to define the shape of my lips. 

  11. Apply lip color.

    1. I used the FATM Lip Paint in Wood Nymph

 And this…is the finished product!

Roasted Squash Linguine with Sautéed Leeks and Feta

By Dev, CN Manager

Squash is a fall favorite for many of us! Myself included. It’s versatile enough to be used in many delicious recipes like soups, roasts, spiced cakes, and more….. The ‘more’ here, of course, is referring to the pasta that happens to be the subject of this blog post. 

Note: I used three different types of squash because they were what I had on hand, and they also were slowly taking over my kitchen counter! But even one type would be sufficient. Same instructions would apply even if pre-cubed butternut squash is what you have readily available. 

Ingredients from the outside world:

  • 1-2 Whole Butternut Squash

  • 1 Whole Acorn Squash

  • 1 Whole Delicata Squash

  • 1 Fresh Leek

Ingredients from our shelves: 

Preparation: 

  • Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. 

  • Slice squash lengthwise into halves or quarters. Remove seeds with a spoon. 

  • Rinse and finely slice leeks. 

  • Using a mixture of olive oil with a pinch of salt and Chinese Five Spice added, lightly glaze your sliced squash until the meat of the squash is evenly oiled. 

  • Place open-faced squash onto a baking sheet or other oven safe pan, and roast for roughly 20-25 minutes. Cooking times may vary based on oven heat, but the squash is ready when it’s lightly browned and can be easily pierced with a fork. While the squash is roasting, time to work on our sauce and pasta!

  • For the pasta, start boiling a medium-sized pot of salted water. Once boiling, add in the dried linguine and cook for roughly 8-10 minutes, until soft. 

  • For the sauce, start by heating a spoonful of olive oil in a pre-warmed skillet over medium heat, and introduce the leeks with a pinch of garlic powder. Sauté until the leeks are lightly brown around the edges (around 6-7 minutes). 

  • The squash should be fully roasted at around this point. Once it’s been removed from the oven, let cool for a few minutes and gently scoop out the cooked squash meat. Add the squash meat directly to your pan of sliced leeks.

  • Add a splash of broth to your skillet–around ½ cup.

  • Pour in about 3/4ths of a cup of butternut squash puree and stir until the roasted squash, leeks, broth, and puree are warm and evenly mixed. As your sauce thickens, you can add more broth as needed to maintain its consistency.

  • Once the linguine has finished cooking, drain and introduce it straight into the skillet. Mix until the linguine is fully coated in your sauce. 

  • Almost done! At this point you can start adding the final ingredients–a dash of rainbow pepper and feta cheese. Mix well over low-to-medium heat until everything is deliciously creamy, and get ready to serve! 

Fifty Things That Are Nice (Even Though The World Is Scary)

By Amber S, CN Supplements Education Specialist & Stargazer

  1. Pancakes

  2. Street musicians

  3. A hot cup of tea on a cold day

  4. Fresh strawberries

  5. Sunshine on your face

  6. Local cafes

  7. That funny face cats make when they smell something stinky

  8. Your favorite armchair

  9. Getting to the subway platform just as your train pulls up

  10. Fire escapes

  11. Good coffee

  12. Stepping on a perfectly crunchy leaf

  13. Children dancing

  14. Seeing a friend you haven't seen in a long time 

  15. Bookshops

  16. Googly eyes

  17. Gel-ink pens

  18. Lemonade

  19. A new jar of peanut butter where the top is all smooth and hasn't been dug into yet

  20. Dogs

  21. Scented candles

  22. The first snow of the year

  23. Smooth rocks

  24. Little Free Libraries

  25. Frogs

  26. Falling asleep with the window open and rain falling gently outside

  27. Goat cheese

  28. Your favorite song coming on the radio

  29. Backrubs

  30. Triple-milled soap

  31. Street fairs

  32. Buttered toast

  33. Learning other languages

  34. Live music

  35. Hugs

  36. Hot sauce

  37. Stargazing

  38. Windy afternoons

  39. Street art

  40. Dark chocolate

  41. Bubbles

  42. Getting cards in the mail

  43. Art museums

  44. Pie

  45. Farmers markets

  46. Finding a dollar in your pocket

  47. Houseplants

  48. Making up silly songs for your pets

  49. The smell of wet earth

  50. Your favorite local natural-products store where everyone knows you

Feel free to share yours with us in the comments below!

Lavender Bunny Balm: for your bunnies and other pets too!

Try as we might to protect them from the slings and arrows of the world, our beloved pets do occasionally find themselves in sticky situations that result in minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises. I recently decided to try my hand at a pet-safe balm that would be effective at healing minor injuries yet gentle enough for use on my bunny’s delicate skin. However, this combination can be useful for a range of other pets, as well! 

Like many topics in the world of herbalism and natural goods, there are differences in opinion and spirited debates over what traditionally defines a ‘balm’ or a ‘salve’. A common answer is that a balm has a ratio closer to 1:1 between infused oils and beeswax, whereas a salve has less wax and is slightly more oil-heavy. Balms are typically harder and useful for protective coatings on skin, whereas salves are useful for being spread more efficiently over larger areas of skin. 

Supplies:

  • Your choice of oil (I used coconut, but jojoba and olive would be great choices as well)

(Why lavender, and why yarrow? Both have useful healing properties! Lavender is gentle on skin, pleasant smelling, and has antimicrobial / antibacterial properties. Yarrow has traditionally been used within herbalism to aid in arresting bleeding and reducing swelling. Both provide useful support for minor scrapes, cuts, bruises, and itchy bug bites.) 

Step 1: Fill your infusion jar about halfway full with a 1:1 ratio of yarrow and lavender flowers. Cover with your oil of choice….and it’s time to play the waiting game! I infused my oil over 5 weeks in a sunny windowsill. You’ll want to shake or mix the contents every now and then during this process. 

Step 2: Once your oil has been sufficiently infused, it’s time to strain it and free it of its dried herbs. Use cheesecloth or muslin fabric over a metal strainer to strain your oil directly into your small pot or glass bowl. At this time you can also place a metal spoon in your freezer. 

Step 3: Unless you’re fortunate enough to have one already, create a double boiler on your stovetop range. Place the bowl or smaller pot containing your oil directly inside of a larger pot that has a few inches of water in it. Make sure the water isn’t touching the bottom of the smaller pot or bowl; the idea is to seamlessly melt the beeswax and oil together over simmering water. 

Step 4: Once the water in the larger part has reached a simmer, and the infused oil pot / bowl is starting to heat up, you can begin to mix in beeswax pastilles. There is no set amount of beeswax to add because the amount all depends on the consistency you want your final balm (or salve) to be. If you want a harder balm, which I made, add more beeswax in a 1:1 ratio. If you want a buttery salve, add less. 

One easy way to test the hardness of your balm and/or salve is by dipping a small amount onto the spoon in your freezer. After a few minutes have passed, you can take the spoon out and test the hardness.

Step 5: Once your balm is of its desired hardness level, you’re done! Pretty easy, right? Now you can just add your balm directly into your tins for storage and future use. If you’d like a stronger scented balm (for example, if you’re making this for humans and not pets,) you can also add a few drops of essential oil during the ‘cooking’ process.

You’re done! And ready to face the world with your little friend.

Staff Picks: Autumnal Bliss

Sharing our favorite products for this delicious season of crisp breezes, back-to-school vibes, family gatherings, and more!

Rose

Sweet Babu's Cherry Pie Granola

I am very picky about my granola. For me, it has to be crunchy and not too sweet. That's why I was so pleased to find Sweet Babu's Cherry Pie Granola. I treated myself to it on a whim recently, looking to add a little oomph to my yogurt, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's absolutely delicious. The granola has a perfect crunch and just the right amount of sweetness, and the cherries are tart and deliciously chewy. I have kept my bag stashed away at work and have been slowly working through it as a snack and on yogurt. Even better, it's gluten free, the company is women owned, and it's made locally in Massachusetts. A perfect fall snack!

Amber

Whole Cloves (CN Bulk Section)

Nothing says 'autumn' to me quite like the spicy, earthy, supremely unparallelled fragrance of cloves. I add them to mulled cider; toss a pinch in my cranberry sauce; and stud them into oranges to make pomanders (whimsical Renaissance-era air fresheners that you can hang in your closet or above doorways). To me, cloves are the scent of welcome, of comfort, and of home. 

Mike

East Alstead Roasting Co. - Burundi Kibingo Oro

The cold approaches - we can all sense its brutal advance as a chill accent on the last of the summer winds. I wither as fall's lower than appreciated temps sap my power. Fortunately, fortifying treats exist, my favorite of which is E.A.R.'s Burundi. A toasty cup of coffee (replace cup with pot on particularly frigid mornings) that warms my insides to feel like June is still with us. These beans do switch every few months, so if it's not here? The other offerings prove worthy as well. As detailed as it is defrosting, I'll be sure to keep these beans close until my beloved heat returns next year.

Alexandra

Host Defense Stamets 7 Mushroom Blend Powder

Recently I have really been loving this mushroom powder blend. It contains lion's mane, cordyceps, maitake, reishi, royal sun blazei, chaga, and mesima. I love mushrooms because they are immune balancing rather than immune boosting. I usually keep a jar out on my counter and throw it into whatever I'm cooking! I add some to my quinoa and cook it in the rice cooker most often, but am excited to stir it into some yummy soups this autumn. It's the perfect immune support for the changing of the seasons, and so easy to integrate into your routine. Yay for functional foods!

Victoria

Nussli 118 - Sprouted Nut Squares - Vanilla Bean Blondie

The most delicious bite sizes nut squares, made with organic and sprouted nuts, down the street on Mass Ave! These are great when I haven't eaten breakfast, and need something to sustain me until lunch. They're also great as a night time snack, when you need a little bit of sweetness and want it to be a healthy choice. We are collaborating with Nussli 118 on a Fall cooking series - see more details here!

Zach

Cambridge Naturals Organic Women's, Men's and Prenatal Once Daily Multivitamins

New from our Cambridge Naturals brand of supplements these certified vegan, from-food, Organic once-daily multivitamins are a great option for people looking for a whole-food multi.  Whole-food vitamins are sought out for their high absorption and they're a great option for people with sensitive digestion systems too.

Dev

Canaan Fair Trade Palestinian Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Rumi

This delicious, savory, and slightly peppery olive oil has climbed its way to the top of my list! I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and am very picky about the quality of oils that I use. This particular one hails from regenerative family farms in the West Bank of Palestine, and utilizes olives from Souri trees, many of which have been lovingly tended to for close to 1,000 years. One of my favorite fall treats is a nice, spice-roasted squash with a light oil drizzle. I can't wait for Rumi to work its magic this season!

Caleb

Seggiano Carnaroli Rice

Risotto is one of my favorite  dishes to make as the weather gets cooler. I make mine with both fresh and dried mushrooms, finely chopped onions, arugula, parsley, and a generous amount of fresh Parmesan. Seggioano’s risotto rice, both Carnaroli and Arborio, is certified organic and grown with the highest standards in northern Italy. Use Better Than Bullion base for the stock for a rich and flavorful dish! 

Brenden

Hiyo Social Tonic - Blackberry Lemon

Hiyo Social Tonics are a great way to relax with friends when you are catching up on all of your summer adventures without leaving you feeling crummy the next day. The beverage is crafted with organic adaptogens, natural nootropics, and functional botanicals aiming to provide a stress-relieving, mood-boosting lift! I really like the blackberry lemon flavor as it packs a punch flavor with every sip. 

Tom

Superior Source L-Theanine 200mg Microlingual

Sometimes I feel like a teapot of emotions. When I have been on the stove for long enough and feel pressure building under my lid, this fast acting, dissolvable form of L-Theanine helps keep me balanced and calm. 

Ellie

Organic Bath Co Body Butter Warm Vanilla Scent

It's entering the season where dry skin can start to become especially perilous, and in blustery fall weather there's nothing more comforting than giving your skin some much-needed cozy TLC with a deliciously scented body butter. Organic Bath Co's body butter has been a favorite and standby of mine for years, and this limited-edition scent is sure to bring your skin lasting hydration and autumnal bliss. 

Molly

True Grace - High Potency Omega-3 Fish oil

I take fish oil year round, but with school back in session, it's a great time to work on supporting brain and immune health! I've tried several fish oil supplements and the True Grace High Potency Omega-3 Fish Oil is by far my favorite. It's made from sustainably sourced, wild-caught Alaskan fish and has no fishy smell or aftertaste, only a pleasant lemon oil. It's easy to swallow and gentle on my stomach. I also love that True Grace is committed to reducing plastic in the ocean: the bottles are made with post-consumer recycled plastic and are meant to be refilled!

Shannon

Potager Soap Company Bar Soap-Lemongrass Calendula

With the changing season, treat your skin to some luxurious hand-made bar soap from Potager Soap Company. Each soap is made with a handful of simple ingredients right in Concord, Mass. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of visiting their headquarters and meeting the lovely women who thoughtfully craft each batch. My favorite scents are Lemongrass Calendula and Minted Lemon Tea because they remind me of the lingering end-of-summer sunsets before true fall sets in.

Ashley

Broken Cup Teahouse - Stone Chocolate Oolong Tea 35g

For those days when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing, Broken Cup Teahouse - Stone Chocolate Oolong Tea is like the warmth of a perfectly curated campfire with every sip. Warming from the inside, out.

Allison

Cambridge Naturals Ginger Bronchial Zinger

I'm not a warm beverage drinker, but I still need a special beverage to soothe a cough. Instead of making tea, I mix the Cambridge Naturals Ginger Bronchial Zinger with chilled unflavored seltzer. The osha root and wild cherry bark help support the respiratory system. The ginger in the syrup tastes just like ginger ale when mixed with seltzer. It's so delicious that I sometimes drink it even when I'm not sick!

Emily

Cambridge Naturals Brand Astragalus Tincture

Astragalus is one of my all-time favorite herbs, and this CN Brand tincture has been a mainstay in my medicine cabinet for years now - I take a dropper full every morning in lukewarm throughout sniffle season! Astragalus (huáng qí) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support a healthy immune system response and reduce inflammation. Astragalus has a mild, woody taste and the dried herb from our bulk section can also be added to soups and stews, or made into a tea! 

'Tis The Sneezin: Herbs For Immune Support!

By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Herbalism Enthusiast

While leaving my apartment this morning to go to work, I saw my breath fog the air for the first time this year. The little cloud reminded me that cooler days are coming, and with them, cold and flu season. Here's some of Cambridge Naturals' favorite immune-boosting herbs and how to use them!

Andrographis (andrographis paniculata): Native to Southern Asia, andrographis has been used in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries as a remedy for the common cold. Early scientific research suggests it may stimulate the immune system to produce more of a specific type of cell called lymphocytes, which fight off diseases. The compounds in andrographis also possess anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can find it in tincture and capsule form, and it's also an ingredient in several of our Cambridge Naturals supplement blends like the perennial favorite Sinus Blaster.

Echinacea (echinacea purpurea and echinacea angustifolia): Echinacea is one of the more familiar immune-supporting herbs to many people and has cemented itself in the canon of Western medicine. Consequently, the scientific research supporting it is better established than many other herbal remedies. Its immune-boosting properties are well studied, and recent research has suggested a number of potential other benefits such as anti-inflammatory action and even possibly providing relief from anxiety. Aside from being available by itself in tincture and capsule form, it's also one of the primary ingredients in our Ginger Zinger Immune Syrup and Immuno-Well Rx formulations, and is a constant Bulk section favorite.

Elderberry (sambucus nigra): Elderberry stands out in the materia medica of immune-boosting herbs for being delicious as well as medicinal. The berries (which must be dried or cooked before use) and flowers are used in tinctures, teas, and syrups. They're particularly high in Vitamin C and may be useful in particular against sinus infections, bacterial infections, and potentially even the flu. However, elderberry can have a diuretic effect and bring on sweating, so it's important to drink plenty of water while using it! Both the berries and flowers are popular bulk herbs at CN, as well as the syrups, tinctures, and capsules made from them. 

Mullein (verbascum thapsus): One of our favorite wonderful weeds at Cambridge Naturals (and one whose virtues I've extolled on the CN Blog before)  mullein's antibacterial and expectorant properties have been the subject of much attention lately. This fluffy leaf makes an antitussive addition to a healing tea or an easy-to-consume tincture. Indigenous Americans used the leaves variously as a tea, a topical poultice, and as an ingredient in smoking blends. Mullein also has a long and respected history in African American herbal traditions; the Black agricultural scientist George Washington Carver notably endorsed its healing properties. It's one of the best-selling herbs in CN's Bulk Herbs section, and we've recently brought in tinctures and capsules  as well. 

Osha (ligusticum porteri): Osha grows mainly in the Rocky Mountains of the United States, and is related to the wild carrot (apiaceae) family. It is considered an important plant by many Indigenous American communities such as the Diné, who tell a story about learning to use the herb from watching wild bears consume it. Its gnarled, dark-brown roots are made into a tea or tincture valued for its antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Early research suggests it may also protect against cellular damage due to its antioxidant compounds. You can find it in products like our Bronchial Syrup and Congest-Eeze capsules, as well as in a tincture by itself. 

These are only a handful of the products we stock to keep you feeling hale and hearty all year round. Check out our full stock on our website, or come in to our Porter Square location for a chat about what we've got to help you feel your best! 

Sources:

https://nativeplants.ku.edu/ethnobotany-research/ligusticum-osha 

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-973/andrographis

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/echinacea

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/elderberry

https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/african-american-herbalism-history/

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Pomegranate Day (A Meditation)

By Amber, CN Supplements Buyer & Pom Enthusiast

In my household, there exists a holiday found nowhere else in the world. A very simple holiday, to be sure, but a holiday nonetheless. I call it Pomegranate Day, and I've celebrated it once a year for about a decade now. 

The gist of Pomegranate Day is this: it is the first day in autumn when I find pomegranates in the grocery store. Because they have such a short time they're in season, that means Pomegranate Day can happen any time in September or early October. 

It's a plain enough celebration. The first day I get a pomegranate for the season, I take it home and clear a space on the kitchen table. I lay out a bowl and rag and put on a shirt I don't mind staining. I light a nice candle, turn off my phone, and put away any potential distractions. And then, for the next hour or so, I dedicate my entire self to the consumption of my pomegranate. I focus on the sensory aspects: the soft tearing of the thick dusky-pink rind, the split of the seam as it parts to reveal the wet red jewels of arils within. I press the arils to the roof of my mouth with my tongue until they pop in a tangy burst, then crunch the seeds between my molars. I let my hands get stained until juice runs down my wrists; my fingertips will wear the yellow memories for days after. I get messy. I slurp, I crunch. I devote my body to the miracle of the heavy fruit. 

And with it, I give thanks for the brief bliss of pomegranate season. I remind myself how wonderful it is to have these fruits, if only for a few months out of the year. I consider how I'm not meant to have everything I want all the time: a pomegranate in June is just not the same as a pomegranate in November, and the fruit is all the sweeter for being so fleeting. 

I recently celebrated this year's Pomegranate Day, and it was one of the most wonderful yet. The fruit the size of both my fists, the seeds like glowing embers. There will be other pomegranates this year, to be sure, but none hold the pure animal joy of the season's first. 

May your pomegranates be glorious, and your gratitude boundless.