, ,

Sunday Sip - Cycle Balancing Iced Tea

, ,

By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, tea enthusiast

As someone with a menstrual cycle, I find that incorporating certain herbs into my routine can make a big difference in how I feel “that time” of the month and beyond. One of my favorite plant allies has been raspberry leaf for this very reason. Raspberry leaf is vitamin and mineral rich and has a toning effect which can help keep uterine cramps at bay. I’ve made it a habit to make a big batch of iced tea overnight to drink daily for at least the two weeks leading up to my period. However, I find that drinking this daily throughout the month gets me the best results. I always feature raspberry leaf in this infusion along with some other cycle balancing and stress reducing herbs. My favorite herbs to add in are rose, spearmint, milky oat tops, and red clover. The resulting taste has a black tea-like base and the rose and spearmint add floral and minty notes.

Materials:

Ingredients:

Process:

  • Add all herbs to your pitcher. I use about 2-3 tablespoons of each herb and my pitcher holds about a half gallon of water.

  • Pour water to fill the pitcher and place in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours.

  • Strain tea out when done infusing and enjoy!

P.S. Brittany Wood Nickerson also had a great book called Sacred and Mysterious that details more menstruation supporting herbs and recipes. I like to incorporate herbs inspired by her recipes into this daily infusion.

P.P.S. This tea can be nourishing for all bodies! Not just for those who menstruate :)

Late Summer Charcuterie Board

By Dev, CN Manager + Charcuterie Board Afficionado

Don't let summer slip away before treating yourself to a fun and flavorful charcuterie board! They're great for parties, beach hangs, or just chilling at home when you're in a foraging mood. Here at CN, we lovingly designed one using nothing but products you can find on our shelves! Featured on our board are the following tempting, delicious, and wholesome snacks :

A number of these staff favorites are locally sourced within New England, as well. Come in, grab an armful (or basketful), and let the magic begin. Happy board-building; consider it a new summer sport!

, ,

Sunday Sip - Hibiscus Cardamom Mocktail

, ,

By Alyssa P
CN buyer, herbalism student, and beverage connoisseur

Sit back and relax this Sunday with a cooling, bright, and slightly spicy hibiscus cardamom sparkling beverage. For this drink we are using Portland Syrup Co. Hibiscus Cardamom Syrup and Dram Cardamom and Black Tea sparkling water. Hibiscus can help us cool down from the summer sun and cardamom can aid digestion. Plus the sparkling water is very lightly caffeinated, making this beverage a perfect post-lunch pick me up.

To make: simply add an ounce of the syrup to a glass, pour in the Dram, add ice, and stir! Garnish with a slice of lime if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!

,

Mushroom for Discussion: Lion's Mane

,

By Amber Testa
CN Supplements Buyer & Armchair Mycologist

hericium erinaceus via Wikimedia Commons

Whether cultivated or encountered in the wild, Lion's Mane is a truly striking fungus. Cascades of fringelike white spines have inspired a variety of unusual names, mostly animal in nature. Its Latin name, hericium erinaceus, literally means 'hedgehog hedgehog'; in German it's called Igel-Stachelbart ('hedgehog goatee'); and one of its common names in Chinese translates to 'Monkey's Head Mushroom'. Nobody's quite sure where exactly the name 'Lion's Mane' came from originally, although the fungi itself is native to North America, Asia, and Europe. 

Lion's Mane is saprophytic, meaning it feeds on dead or decaying matter, but it's also a parasite, invading living trees. It's fond of growing on beeches and oaks especially, although Lion's Mane that is grown for commercial use is often grown on a substrate of rice bran. 

Unlike many other medicinal mushrooms, Lion's Mane is occasionally used as a culinary mushroom. Chewy and meaty in texture, it is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, where it is sometimes used as a meat substitute (the taste has been likened to seafood like crab or lobster.) It can be deep-fried or marinated in spices--a versatile ingredient indeed! 

In terms of its health benefits, Lion's Mane is remarkably comprehensive. Of particular note is its high antioxidant levels, which fight inflammation in the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they have a long history of being used for neurological support and supporting memory and nerve function, and have been used by Buddhist monks for thousands of years. Lion's Mane is primarily thought of as a nootropic, or a substance which bolsters cognitive function; the many helpful compounds within it have been found to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Like many other fungi, Lion's Mane has also been found to boost the function of the immune system. 

As one of the newer examples of mushrooms being scientifically investigated for their medicinal benefits, there's still a lot of research to be done on quantifying the precise benefits of Lion's Mane. Early studies have already validated it as a powerful addition to the medicinal mushroom canon.

Lion's Mane is most commonly consumed encapsulated in pill form, although you'll occasionally encounter it as a loose powder. It's also often blended with coffee, matcha, or tea to create a tasty, brain-boosting beverage that can be consumed at home or on the go. One of my personal favorites is Tamim Tea's Lion's Spice, where it joins turmeric and ginger in an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. 

On the whole, Lion's Mane is a visually striking member of Kingdom Fungi, respected for both its health benefits and culinary uses. It's by far the most popular mushroom supplement we sell here at Cambridge Naturals. You can shop our full selection of Lion's Mane products in-store or on our webstore here. 

Sources: 
https://www.mushroomexpert.com/hericium_erinaceus.html 

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2018/04/14/2003691277 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323400

, , ,

Spicy Chai Concentrate for at-home iced chai lattes!

, , ,

By Alyssa P
CN buyer, herbalism student, and beverage connoisseur

This heat wave has me craving a beverage that will help me stay both cool and energized. Lately I’ve been turning to a homemade chai concentrate that is refreshing, spicy, and not overly caffeinated. Having a concentrate on hand makes my mornings easy since all you have to do is add a milk of choice and ice. Nothing complicated or heated once it’s prepped and it’s already cold from being kept in the fridge. Plus you can make it as sweet (or not sweet) as you would like! This recipe features assam black tea and chai masala spices from Boston Chai Party, a beloved local and Indian-owned brand whose mission is to empower people to make their own high quality and authentic chai at home. Happy chai making!

Materials:

Medium/large pot and lid
Strainer
Glass container for storage
Spoon for mixing
Your favorite glass
Measuring cup(s) 

Ingredients:

½ cup Boston Chai Party Chai Masala Spices
¼ cup Boston Chai Party Assam Black Tea Leaves
4 cups water
Honey, sugar, or another sweetener to taste 
Minor Figures Oat Milk
2-3 fresh ginger slices

Process: 

  • Add black tea, ginger slices, and water to a pot on high heat and stir. 

  • When the water starts boiling, turn the heat to low and stir in the chai spices. 

  • Cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes. 

  • Let cool for a few minutes and then strain into a glass container for storage. The mixture will be thick, so it’s helpful to stir as you strain.

  • If you would like to, add some honey, sugar, or maple syrup for some added sweetness. 

  • Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

  • When ready to use, pour about 4 oz into a cup and add around 8 oz of milk or a milk alternative- Minor Figures oat milk is my favorite. Add ice and enjoy your homemade iced chai latte!

Staff Picks: Summertime 2022!

Amber

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Drink Mix (Raspberry)

With the advance of hot, muggy summer days, staying hydrated is crucial. A scoop of Ultima Electrolyte powder in your water bottle gives you a boost of electrolytes and replaces minerals lost through sweating, with zero sugars and zero carbs. All the flavors are great, but the Raspberry is my personal favorite.






Zach

Cambridge Naturals Preworkout Mix - Citrus Flavor

Summertime is sun-time for me, but often I want that 'extra boost'. And I've tried a lot of preworkout powders - some I've liked and some others not so much. One of my favorite go-to's is our Cambridge Naturals Preworkout Powder - NSF Certified for Sport, it's got just enough energy to get me going and keep me going but without the isolated caffeine in many mainstream preworkouts.

Dev

Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage with Dandelion

If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious alternative to iced coffee this summer--or to cut the caffeine but still have something bittersweet to sip over ice--give Dandy Blend a try. It's a tasty herbal combo of roasted dandelion root, beet root, rye, barley, and chicory, and it's versatile enough to use as an iced coffee or iced tea substitute in terms of flavor potency. It dissolves so well in cold water that you'd never suspect it was formerly a powder! It's super useful for day trips, hikes, and just wherever. For those among us with a sweet tooth, it pairs well with maple and chocolate syrup in iced Dandy Blend lattes.

 

Tatum

Dram Hemp Extract Adaptogenic Sparkling Water

This drink has a lovely blend of apoptogenic herbs to assist you in the ultimate wind down after a long, hot day! It has a nice bubbly refreshing effect and tasty vanilla tones in flavor.

Allison

Ruby - Organic Sparkling Hibiscus, Unsweetened

This is new to our cooler, but I just can't get enough of it! I love everything hibiscus, but this is by far my favorite. It's crisp, tart, and refreshing - everything you want on hot summer day. Perfect for beach bev or enjoying outside on the porch!

Brenden

Counter Culture Coffee, Apollo Whole Bean

Coffee is life, am I right? Summer is life, am I right? If you disagree, please drink your tea in silence! ...Anyways, this year-round coffee is a perfect bright roast for your summer homemade cold brews! Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and is home to many of the best coffees in the world. Inspired by their floral and citrusy notes, Counter Culture uses 100% Ethiopian coffee in Apollo, for a coffee that tastes silky and sweet.

 

Alyssa

Fat of the Land Strawberry, Hawthorn & Rose Elixir

The Fat of the Land Strawberry, Hawthorn & Rose Elixir is bright and tangy, sweet and sour- a perfect summertime taste combination in my opinion! The apple cider vinegar base provides digestive aid and the rose and hawthorn are great heart tonics. Rose can also help us to stay cool in the summer heat. The honey and strawberry provide sweetness and help us to celebrate strawberry season, which is upon us! Enjoy the tincture on its own as a tasty digestif, add it to sparkling water to create a functional and refreshing beverage, or maybe even add it to some white wine if that's more your speed. There's definitely room to get creative with this delicious elixir.

Molly

Death Valley Nails - Tomb of Wrestlers

The perfect summer color! Fun! Bright! Spicy! Goes with Everything!

Emily

Klean Kanteen TKPro - Insulated Thermos (Stainless Steel) 16oz

Summertime for me is all about being outdoors as much as possible - time at the beach, hikes on cooler days, and picnics with friends. This Klean Kanteen insulated thermos is perfect for toting an icy cold beverage (be it coffee, electrolytes, or a homemade mocktail or cocktail) on my adventures, and even comes with its own attached insulated mug to pour and sip from while enjoying the scenery.

 

Caleb

Ursa Major Force Field Daily Defense Lotion

Of all the sunscreens, Ursa Major’s Daily Defense Lotion works best for me. Light and clean, it blends in with my skin well and provides the right amount of protection and moisturizing for everyday use throughout the summer. I keep a bottle at home and another in my car!

Vicki

Gayatri Designs Jewelry - Earrings and Necklaces

This jewelry makes me feel like a sparkly and magical human gracing civilization with my presence. Just kidding, but you get the point. Handmade with intention, each gem chosen with concentration, these pieces are for sure going to make you or your loved one shine this summer. They look especially good under sunlight, their magic sparkling extra bright.

Alina

Heart Grown Wild Strawberry Fields Hydrosol

Sweet, tart Strawberry Fields is super rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants and has the perfect pH level to bring hydration and balance to all skin types. It pairs so nicely with Heart Grown Wild's serums (Veil of Love is my favorite) or another plant-based oil of your choice! This seasonal face toner is going to be a staple of mine all summer long and truly, my mouth is watering at the thought of a big bowl of freshly picked organic Vermont strawbs.

 

Laura

Starwest Botanicals Waters - Rose

Rose water truly becomes my go to for all things once the weather heats up! I find it useful for freshening up my hair in between washes, to hydrate my skin, and for soothing rashes or bug bites. Lately when I wake up and my skin is feeling extra dry, I will use a few sprays in lieu of cleansing. The Starwest Botanicals Rose water is also food grade, making it the perfect addition in a nice seasonal beverage... A summer staple with so much versatility!

Meara

BjornQorn Truffle Popcorn

It's the same Bjorn Qorn we know and love, but truffle flavored! The truffle salt makes it decadent and savory while still keeping it nice and light. I will be snacking on this all summer long!

Aiden

The Wild Unknown Pocket Tarot Deck & Guidebook

I love this deck. It has vibrant imagery, a booklet for identifying cards, and it comes in a metal case for perfect for travel. Throw it in your beach bag, break it out at a pool party, or bring it camping and use it to communicate the with fairies in the forest! Endless fun!!

 

Dev (2nd pick!)

Short Creek Farm - Fennel & Citrus Dry Salame

Dust off those charcuterie boards, we have a great addition on our hands (and shelves)! Short Creek's fennel and citrus dry salame is deliciously salty and full of bold flavor. A bright combination of toasted fennel seed, white wine, and lemon/orange zest add a special and tart kick to the delightfully rich pork taste. This one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser this summer!

 

Product spotlight: Superieur Electrolytes for summertime hydration!

By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Hydration Enthusiast

Superieur Electrolytes came about due to something of a perfect storm of factors. Its founder, Seth Bovio, comes from a family of elite runners and yoga practitioners, and he's spent much of his career formulating electrolyte blends for athletes including the US Track and Field team. But the more he worked with these formulations, the more he began to brainstorm. Why did so many electrolyte blends rely on laboratory-manufactured minerals and chemical additives? What if he could create an electrolyte recipe powered entirely by plants?

Drawing on both his past career experience as well as family herbal knowledge, Seth founded Superieur Electrolytes in 2017. The company's focus is simple: Not just plant-based, but actual plants. Thus in Superieur's formulas, which come in flavors like watermelon, citrus, and newest offering (and Cambridge Naturals staff favorite!) blueberry lime, you'll find only natural ingredients like pink Himalayan salt, acerola berry, and bamboo extract. Each has been chosen carefully for the health benefits it contributes: pink Himalayan salt contains over 80 minerals, acerola provides Vitamin C, and bamboo is a rich source of silica (a mineral important for healthy skin, nails, and hair). The only thing added is potassium, which is crucial for electrolyte balance and helps with leg cramps, dizziness, and dehydration.

A point of pride for Superieur is their use of stevia--which is very different from the more commonly seen stevia leaf extract, I learned. Whereas stevia extract is a patented formula that requires heavy processing, stevia leaf is as natural as they come. During Seth's recent in-store demo at the Porter Square Cambridge Naturals, he explained to me about his experiences growing stevia. "You can literally dry a leaf and crumble it into your tea," he said--a trick I've wholly resolved to try. I admit to being something of a lifelong stevia skeptic, but my recent re-education about this plant has rather changed my mind.

A final perk of the brand is its user diversity. While it was formulated with the needs of elite athletes in mind, it's also beneficial for anyone who might need more electrolyte support than others: elderly people, pregnant folks, chronically ill people. And it's a reliable beverage option for kids, as well. Seth made note of its importance for those who labor in dehydrating conditions, such as road crews, landscapers, and the military. The wide variety of clientele is probably my favorite thing about Superieur. I love the idea of a product having such a wide range of users--it reminds us that, in some ways at least, we're not all that different from each other.

You can check out Superieur's selection of electrolyte powders at both Cambridge Naturals locations, as well as here on our webstore.

, ,

Mushroom for Discussion: Cordyceps

, ,

By Amber Testa
CN Supplements Buyer & Fungi Enthusiast

Image via OM Mushrooms

Out of all the mushrooms commonly used for medicinal purposes, cordyceps (cordyceps species, including c. sinensis and c. militaris) may indeed be the most bizarre. A bulbous-topped, finger-like fungus, its scientific name literally comes from the Greek words meaning 'club-headed'. But you may have heard it called the 'zombie caterpillar fungus' due to the fact that it grows primarily by parasitizing the living bodies of caterpillars. (More on that later.) You may also know of its appearance in science fiction works like the videogame 'The Last of Us' and the novel/movie 'The Girl With All the Gifts'; in both, it is responsible for a global outbreak of zombies.

Suffice to say that pop culture hasn't exactly been kind to the noble cordyceps. It's something of a shame, really. Cordyceps has a long and storied history in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it's called Dong Chong Xia Cao, or 'Winter worm, summer grass'. The earliest recorded usage of it dates to 1757, though it likely entered the TCM materia medica long before that. It's believed to strengthen the lungs and kidneys, as well as support cardiovascular health. So it comes as no surprise that Western herbal healing promotes it for stamina, energy, and metabolic health.

Wild cordyceps is usually found in the Himalayan mountains, where it parasitizes the bodies of caterpillar larvae. It infects its host and eventually fruits from the head of the caterpillar, killing the insect. (This particular aspect of its life cycle has led to some truly weird photographs of the fungi, many of which I viewed--and cringed at--while writing this.)

Image by David Evans via Wikimedia Commons

Though cordyceps contains a variety of important nutritional compounds such as vitamins B1, B2, B12, and K, as well as the amino acids L-threonine and L-lysine, it is not usually used as a culinary mushroom. Most cordyceps supplements can be found in the form of powders (which are easily added to smoothies, protein bars, and even oatmeal), or as easy-to-swallow capsules.

So, wait, you might be thinking. You want me to eat a mushroom that's grown on bugs?! I'll pass, thanks. The good news is that most commercially-cultivated cordyceps is grown on a substrate of rice or barley, making it both vegan and vegetarian. Wildharvested cordyceps (aka cordyceps that's found growing naturally on caterpillars), obviously isn't.

You must be wondering, of course--does it taste weird, like insects? Thankfully, the answer is no. In terms of flavor, cordyceps is pretty mild, and easy to cover up in recipes.

When it's wildharvested, cordyceps can fetch up to $50,000 per pound, making it the most expensive fungi in the world. But cultivated cordyceps is significantly more budget-friendly, enough so that everyone can incorporate it into their supplement regime. At Cambridge Naturals, we carry a variety of cordyceps products such as capsules, dried mushroom powders, and even hot cacao mix, making it easy to add some of this eccentric mycological powerhouse to your diet.

And don't worry--it absolutely won't turn you into a zombie.

Sources:

OM Mushrooms, https://ommushrooms.com/

The National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909570/

, ,

Make Your Own Hydrosol for Summer!

, ,

By Dev Foster
CN Manager & Hydrosol Afficionado

Is there anything more refreshing than a sweet botanical hydrosol on a hot day? 

Floral and botanical hydrosols have always been popular in skincare routines, either post-cleanser or just any time for a quick and nourishing pick-me-up. Hydrosols are actually condensate waters produced during the steam distillation of essential oils, as a by-product. They retain the water soluble vitamin and mineral content of the plant matter, whereas essential oils retain the fat soluble plant content, with few-to-no vitamins or minerals. 

As such, depending on the plant used in the hydrosol, it can have beneficial properties for skin health, texture, and tone. Popular hydrosols used in skin care products include rose, lavender, chamomile, witch hazel, and frankincense, among many others.

It’s surprisingly easy to make your own custom hydrosol at home using simple distillation! Yes, without a still. You might have all the tools you need right now in your kitchen already. Today we’ll be making one with lavender, rose, and frankincense. 

Find many delightful dried herbs in our bulk section!

Materials:

  • Large cooking / stock / canning pot with lid

  • Heat-safe stand (canning racks are perfect if you have a canning pot, but you can use any heat-safe bowl or tin as a stand, or even a large enough rock with a flat surface.)

  • Heat-safe bowl (to collect hydrosol in.)

  • Around 3-5 cups of flowers, herbs, etc. Fresh is ideal, but dried is great as well. For this recipe, we’ll be using 2 cups of organic dried lavender flowers, 2 cups of organic dried rose petals, and a half cup of organic frankincense resin, all available in our bulk section. 

  • Distilled water 

  • Ice cubes

The process:

  • Wash all of your equipment to eliminate potential bacteria. 

  • Place your stand (rock, ramekin, rack, etc.) in the middle of the pot and place your heat-safe container on top of the stand. This container is where hydrosol will gather. 

  • Around the base of your stand, place your flowers / herbs / etc. Cover them with distilled water until they’re just submerged; there’s no approximate amount of water needed.

  • Turn the pot lid upside down and place it on top of the pot; place a pile of ice cubes in the inverted lid.

  • Turn on the heating element to low/medium heat beneath the pot, and simmer for as long as necessary; hydrosol can be produced in as little as 25-30 minutes or over the course of hours with replenished ice, water, and organic materials. It all depends on how much hydrosol you want to collect. 

The hydrosol itself, at the end of this process, should be translucent. After about an hour with the amount of dried lavender, rose, and frankincense resin used for this recipe, the end result was ~16 ounces of delicious smelling hydrosol. The water your flowers and herbs were soaking in can also be strained and also used as a refreshing botanical spray, or in other skincare products like lotion. Hydrosols keep best in the fridge, and typically last several months or more. Dispose of your hydrosol when it begins to smell off or 'bloom' with noticeable cloudy matter; for this reason, it's often better to keep them in clear bottles rather than tinted glass. Happy DIY-ing!

Summer camp faves!

Are your kids heading off to summer camp soon? We’re day dreaming of bunk life, swimming, arts & crafts, archery, friendship bracelets, sing-a-longs. Fresh air and time in nature, away from the normal daily routines, developing life skills and making life-long friends. Consider us envious!

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite items for your camper, whether to pack in their daily lunch box, sleep-away trunk, or to send along in care packages throughout the time away from home.

Badger Balm Sunscreen + Bug Spray

In our eyes, Badger Co can do no wrong. This New Hampshire based company is well-known for their commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable manufacturing practices (including solar power), and also the cutest logo in the industry. Badger’s clear mineral sunscreen goes on smoothly and absorbs to translucent - no awkward white cast from the zinc oxide - and their deet-free bug spray is formulated from clean and effective essential oils - laboratory-tested to repel mosquitos, certified organic, and safe for your kiddos.

Tattly Temporary Tattoos

Make friends with temporary tats! These artist-designed tattoos are sure to be a crowd pleaser and a conversation starter for even the most introverted kid. Pack a bunch in their trunk for rainy afternoons in the bunks, or in their lunchbox for a fun mealtime activity.

Matr Boomie Journal ~ Metallic Mini

Summertime is for creativity and adventure - long, open-ended days hanging with your best friends, learning new skills, and also self-reflection. Writing down one’s daily activities and thoughts can help make sense of all the new experiences, ideas, and questions of life. Start your young person on a life-long journaling habit with these beautiful, fair trade mini journals - perfect for packing into your day pack, or stowing in your jorts pocket for a quiet moment.

Kleen Kanteen Insulated Water Bottle with Twist Cap

It’s important to stay hydrated when spending your morning kicking butt at kickball, acing the archery course, and racing to the second dock with your best buds. We love Kleen Kanteen’s new patterned water bottles - they’re both beautiful and well-designed to keep your child’s water icy cold for hours. Add in a dash of Superieur Electrolytes for some extra deliciousness and nutritiousness, and they’ll be hydrated all summer long!

Baggu Lunch Box + Bucket Hat

We’re completely in love with these two new Baggu items - their gorgeous insulated lunch boxes that can be compressed after use and stuffed into a backpack, and their 90’s inspired, full-coverage, light weight bucket hats that will be sure to keep your kid’s precious mug protected from the sun all summer long. Who says you can’t look cute while being sun-safe?

Herb Pharm Lemon Balm Calm

Being away from home (for the first time, or even after many years!) can be overwhelming for many kids. We love this gentle extract by Herb Pharm, featuring Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), an herb in the mint family that has been used for centuries and is supportive for daily calm and focus. It’s a great remedy to have on hand for those homesick moments - even if they don’t end up using it - sometimes just knowing it’s there goes a long way! (Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding a new herb or supplement to your kiddo’s routine.)

Dr. Bronner’s Biodegradable Castile Soap

Most camps require biodegradable soaps and shampoos - we’re perennial fans of Dr. Bronner’s, a leader in clean, organic, and regenerative ingredient sourcing and formulating products that are safe for people and planet! Dr. Bronner’s also has developed something of a cult following amongst the younger generation - so if you were slightly embarrassed (like us) to bring your Bronner’s to summer camp in the 90’s, never fear, all the cool kids are using it these days.