Staff Picks: Winter Wellness!

Rose

Olba’s Inhaler

I saw a fellow team member use this awhile back and it piqued my curiosity. I admit, I was skeptical, but I am now a total convert. This inhaler provides an intense yet refreshing jolt. If you're a fan of peppermint, menthol, and even that tingly sensation from wasabi, this inhaler is definitely for you. Every time I use it, I immediately feel more awake, refreshed, and I truly believe that it even lifts my mood! As an extra bonus, it's affordable, and small enough to carry around whenever you need a little extra boost of refreshing coolness in your nose, airways, and lungs.

Amber

A. Vogel Soothing Pine Cough Drops

I can't speak highly enough about these cough drops. At first I was worried that they'd be excessively pine-y, like chewing on a Christmas Tree, but they've got a very subtle pine flavor with flavors of honey and mint. They're also zinc-free, which is helpful if you're prone to the nausea that zinc sometimes causes (like I am). These are definitely my favorite lozenges for those dreary winter days when you're feeling under the weather and need an immune-boosting pick-me-up. 

Megan

Apis Apotheca Facial Balm - Honey Mallow Whipped


When the winter winds blow, Honey Mallow provides. This nourishing whipped facial balm made in the Hudson Valley is everything my parched winter skin needs. I have sensitive reactive skin and often deal with winter dry spots and irritation and this product is seriously a game changer. Best used in conjunction with a hydrosol or damp face for better absorption this balm is for everyone but especially those with reactive skin. From acne- to eczema this balm is a literal dream come true. 

Liz

Bulk Ashwagandha Root, Pieces (Local, Organic)

I love ashwagandha as part of an immune building winter wellness tea blend, to support my immune system so that I might get sick less often and less badly if I do. Ashwagandha does double (and triple!) duty because it can relax the nervous system and help regulate circadian rhythm, so I take it to help me sleep and relax as well. For immune support, I like to simmer the bulk root pieces in tea for an hour with other immune building herbs like reishi, eleuthero, astragalus and a bit of licorice root, plus some cinnamon chips and ginger for flavor. 

Emma

Host Defense Mycobrew - Mocha

I was actually gifted the Bulk Canister last year at MGH when they came to my Alzheimer's lab (lions mane -- great for the brain!), and I am just starting to run low on it. It is such a great warm drink in the winter. I find the lions mane really helps me focus whenever I take it--something we all need a little extra help with when laying in bed feels extra enticing. The mocha element is just such a nice little touch--who doesn't want a little chocolate mushroom coffee in the winter? Grab these little travel packets and keep them in your bag for a quick & easy good-for-your-brain drink!

Alina

Brightening Face Polish by Brown & Coconut

This scrub is one of my favorites year round, but it is a life saver particularly in the winter time when my skin leans more dry and sensitive. It only has 3 ingredients! Brown rice flour gently exfoliates away dead skin cells, oats cleanse your pores and tackle inflammation, and hibiscus is key for brightening your skin. I would recommend this for all skin types - especially those with sensitive skin who are perhaps hesitant to try a scrub. Also enjoy this as a mask to soak up all of those benefits for a little longer. Supporting small Black Woman owned businesses like B&C while taking loving care of your skin is a win-win!

Emily

Ursa Major Golden Hour Cream

Total Ursa Major fan girl here, and the Golden Hour recovery cream is my #1 when the dry, icy, blustery season takes hold. It's the protective, nourishing barrier my face needs to retain moisture all winter long! I particularly love it when layered on top of first the Ursa Major Vitamin C Serum and then Heart Grown Wild Veil of Love serum - a triple-threat combo that keeps my skin vibrant and glowing even in the dullest of months!

Zach

Town Tonic Farms Fire Cider

Newer to CN, this lovely local Fire Cider by Town Tonic Farms brings the heat - made locally in Westport this Fire Cider has local Wildflower Honey + Organic Horseradish but also Red Onion, Rosemary, Thyme, and Cayenne.  Take it by the swig or the shot, this is a must this winter season

Brenden

Cocomels Chocolate Covered Sea Salt

ker-a-mel”, “kar-a-mel” ,“car-mel” however you want to say is okay as long as you are feeling the Cocomel affect and you are eating said treat for self care and winter wellness.  This little two pack is just small enough enjoy alone but not big enough to share unless you are buying multiples to share with the humans around you.  "Why should you eat this tasty treat?" That is not the question to ask! "When should I eat this tasty treat?" NOW!

Sofia

Traditional Medicinals Tea - Seasonal Sampler

Start boiling that water! Pull out your favorite mug! It's tea time ;) 
I have been absolutely digging the selection in this sampler. It has 4 tea bags each of herbal cold care, throat coat, echinacea plus and breathe easy.  I got to try the Throat Coat, which I've been wanting to try for a while, without committing to a whole box of it. Score! Now that I have discovered how much I love each of the teas I will not hesitate to buy a full box of each from now on, but for those that love options in life, keep on keeping on with that seasonal sampler! 

Caleb

Marin Soothing Hydrating Cream

I love this new product! If your skin is anything like mine, you'll feel dry and itchy all winter long. I first read about Maine based Marin Skincare and their unique product rich in Glycoproteins, a unique by-product of lobster processing, in an article in the Boston Globe and am super excited to carry them here at CN. This is the most highly moisturizing cream I've found for both face and body and this is the best my skin has felt in many years. 

Alyssa

CN Sinus Blaster Tincture

Well someone had to mention this Cambridge Naturals staple for winter wellness- if you know, you know! This tincture is like nothing else I have ever tried in both its usefulness and taste. It's a combination of potent herbs that are spicy, sweet, cooling, warming, and slightly numbing all at once. In my experience it is so helpful in finding relief from congestion when nothing else is quite working like you need it to. It also comes in a spray version if that's more accessible to you. Happy blasting!

Dev

Mixed Feelings Essential Oil Blend by Vitruvi

'Mixed feelings' are more or less what I have about winter time and the dropping temperatures outside, but the same can't be said about my favorite cold weather essential oil blend! Nothing but positive feelings here towards this warm, inviting combination of rosemary, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger--plus so much more! It's great in a traditional diffuser or as an addition to an aromatherapy-friendly humidifier. 

Keilah

Fat of the Land Hibiscus & Rose Honey with Marshmallow Root

I originally got this honey as a gift for a friend of mine for her birthday. But how could I give something without trying it? This honey is packed with floral and sweet flavors so much so that you don't need to add it to a complex tea blend for it to taste amazing. Hibiscus is filled with antioxidants, vitamin C and iron, all things that will help keep your immune system up and working. Marshmallow root helps soothe your stomach lining, throat irritations, and aids in relieving any coughs you may be experiencing during this season. Rose is a wonderful flower that has antimicrobial properties and reduces inflammation. All to say this honey would be an amazing addition to your winter wellness cabinet. Let the honey speak for itself and try it!

Vicki

Olipop Apple Crisp

One of the most refreshing and satisfying carbonating beverages I have had the pleasure of consuming. Seriously have been drinking a can a night for the past week. It has TONS of fiber, and 2 grams of sugar in the can, so instead of feeling guilty for drinking a soda at night-time, I feel proud that I am drinking a soda at night-time. 

Julia

Thyme Herbal Winter Wellness

This book is not only adorable, but it's incredibly informative as well! The Thyme Herbal Winter Wellness book was written by an herbalist. Bringing you a variety of receipts that will keep you healthy all winter long! As well as focusing on self-care and providing information on seasonal energetics, healing herbs, immunity boosters, and so much more! One of my favorite receipts from this book is the pickled garlic, it's so simple yet so tasty! A perfect read for this time of year.:)

Allison

Megafood Elderberry Immune Support Gummies

These elderberry gummies are great for cold/flu season. In addition to elderberry's immune support, they also have blueberry and ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which is helpful for keeping the body healthy and strong to fight off illness! Blueberry is also high in vitamin C which provides an additional layer of immune support. I've been taking these for the last month, and I've really noticed a difference!