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Dev's Yuzu Kava Relaxer 🍹

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By Dev F, CN Manager + Fizzy Beverage Connoisseur

Fizzy and functional, together at last!  

I’m always interested in casual ways to make our favorite food and drinks go even further for us and our bodies… beyond just tasting good, of course. Last year was big for what we might call ‘fizzy and functional’ drinks - I was thrilled by the refreshing and delicious simplicity of Mountain Rose Herbs’ own Functional Fizzes from their blog last summer, and most of us active on social media of any kind at least know of the existence of the viral “Sleepy Girl Mocktail,” which emerged on TikTok in 2023. 

(For those who missed out on the phenomenon, it’s a calming and tasty combination of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice, and lemon-lime soda/seltzer meant to be used as a tasty sleep support beverage.)

Naturally - with so many cool sodas, seltzers, and herbal extracts on our shelves–it made sense to try my hand at one! 

First up, my own stress and sleep support mocktail: A blend of tart yuzu and bittersweet kava kava, with a fragrant note of lavender. Kava is known for its sleep supportive properties, so this is a great one to sip on a balmy summer evening while you’re winding down and ready to fall into the sweet embrace of slumber…

Ingredients:

Prep is very easy and fast, and the ingredients can be modified to suit your own taste. I mixed the lavender and kava extracts together in a glass with both Portland syrups, added ice, and then poured Sanzo’s yuzu sparkling water over the top. Just stir slightly and you’re ready to go! 

(Or stay! Possibly in bed, or another comfy spot.)

Staying Hydrated (Even If You Hate It)

By Amber S, CN Education Specialist, Buyer, & H20 Enthusiast

Tuesday morning, early: my phone buzzes with a warning, a red triangle with an exclamation point. Our area is now under a Heat Advisory, though I don't really need a weather alert to know it. It's hot. The air above the pavement shimmers. Boxy air conditioners sprout from apartment windows like strange fungi. Glassy-eyed birds sway on power lines. Even the wild rabbits stretch out in the shade, mouths hanging open in the heat. Yes, I think, definitely time to up the ol' water intake. 

I have always been a person who likes to stay hydrated - indeed, when I forget about everything else, I remember my water bottle. It's come as a surprise to me that drinking enough water isn't easy for everyone, though. And yet it's crucial, especially in the summer, to stay hydrated. Here are some tips for staying hydrated - even if you hate it. 

Flavor your fill. I am one of those people who really likes the taste of water. Mineral water, fizzy water, water straight from the tap - I love it all. But if you happen to not, try flavoring your water. A couple of leaves of mint, a slice or two of lemon or lime, or even some mineral drops can improve the flavor of your water. Experiment to figure out what motivates you, and don't be afraid to experiment -- my water yesterday had a few leaves of fresh basil a friend had given me from their garden, and it was unexpectedly delicious! 

Add electrolytes. In the summer especially, your body loses electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium through sweating. Electrolyte powders are a great way to both replenish lost minerals as well as add some flavor to your water. 

Personalize your water bottle. At Cambridge Naturals, we're huge geeks about our water bottles. Everyone's got their own, and you can usually tell who's bottle belongs to who by the array of colorful stickers we like to decorate them with. (My own bottle has pigeons, moths, and cats -- some of my favorite animals.) It might sound kind of silly, but a water bottle can be a statement of personality. Whether your taste runs to self-care mantras, activist statements, cute animals, or elegant flowers, decorating your water bottle can make a huge impact on how much you actually use it. 

Make it accessible. I'm one of those people who keeps a water bottle everywhere: there's one by my bed, one at work, one in the kitchen, and one attached to my backpack. Simply by always having a water bottle with me, I'm reminded of the importance of drinking water. 

Set reminders. If you struggle to remember to drink enough water, there are some excellent phone apps out there that can remind you. The more advanced ones even let you track your hydration over time and set goals to improve your daily wellness. You can also check in with your friends, family, and co-workers to cheer on each others' hydration goals - Caleb, our co-owner at Cambridge Naturals, is famous for championing us to stay hydrated!

Be aware of secret dehydrators. A lot of things can cause your body to lose water. Diuretic substances like caffeine and alcohol increase urination, and hot weather causes your body to lose water through sweating. And while drinks like seltzer, soda, and juice provide some hydration, they're also more likely to add extra sugar to your diet. 

Know your body. People of certain age groups such as children and older adults tend to naturally be more prone to dehydration. Some medical conditions, especially those affecting the bladder, kidneys, and gastrointestinal systems, impact how much water your body is able to absorb. And some medications can also impact how your body processes fluids. Learning about your body's own unique needs will help you maintain your optimum hydration level. 

Make it a habit. Did you know that your body loses water while you sleep? The relationship between hydration and sleep is a complicated one, but studies have shown that dehydration can negatively impact the quality and duration of your sleep. To restore water lost during the night, have a glass of water first thing in the morning. If you've got pills or supplements to take, that's a great thing to pair it with. 

Lastly, while staying hydrated is important, remember to take care of yourself in other ways, too. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Check up on children, elderly friends / family, and anyone else who lives alone. Make sure your pets have access to plenty of water, too. And if you can't find a place to stay out of the heat, check out this list of community cooling centers across Boston. 

Summer can be a fun time -- make sure you're properly hydrated enough to enjoy it!

Sources: 

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/hydration-and-sleep

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086

Staff Picks: SUMMERTIME Edition ☀️

Sharing our favorite products for this vibrant season of sunshine, picnics, beach days, ice cream, and so much more!

Rose

Ursa Major Spray Deodorant - Sublime Sage

I might lose my Cambridge Naturals employee card (not a real card, a hypothetical one) when I say this, but I have not made the switch to natural deodorant. However, I love this Ursa Major deodorant for when I'm on the go and feel the need to freshen up. It has a lovely smell that isn't overwhelming, which is good for folks that are sensitive to strong scents. In addition to the brightness from the sage, there are other nice additions like lavender, sandalwood, lemon myrtle, and frankincense. Perhaps someday I'll officially make the switch to natural deodorant, but for now I will keep my Sublime Sage in my bag and spray away when the mood (or smell) strikes!

Amber

Ethique Curliosity Co-Wash Bar

I discovered this product at EXPO West 2024, and it was a total game-changer for me. I'm the only person in my family with curly hair, so learning how to take care of it has been a journey! Co-washing, which is basically using a super-moisturizing conditioner to wash your hair, has done wonders for me. My curls are voluminous but defined, and they've never been softer. One Ethique co-wash bar lasts for 100+ uses, and there's no plastic packaging -- perfect for curly folks who want to reduce waste while having excellent hair. Bonus: it smells like lemongrass, one of my favorite summery scents! 

Mike

Casamara Club - Sera

It's Saturday night. I'm finishing my shift here, and I need something refreshing to kick off my weekend. This can right here glares at me from the cooler, knowing that I need it. What do I do?

I practically drown myself in this allspice/anise wonder, with notes of grapefruit that I so dearly love. Something about it calms both my stomach and my mind. With summer begging to take over, I can finally enjoy this with the windows open. The perfect little treat!

Victoria

Ere Perez Quandong Green Booster Facial Serum

Moisturizers and oils feel way to heavy for my face, so I'm super happy to have found this green booster serum that feels light on my face; goes on smoothly without me feeling like I am stretching my skin, and adds a tiny bit of moisture. It's packed with tons of antioxidants and this special Australian plant called Quandong - an amazing source of Vitamin C! Ask us for a sample to take home and try!

Zach

Aya's Tasty AF Green Garlic Oil

Garlic lovers rejoice and flavor fiends unite!   Aya's Tasty AF has heeded your call for zing with their wildly delicious Green Garlic Oil.  A mouthwatering amount of garlic meets parsley, coriander, Jalapenos, salt, and vinegar in this must try condiment.  I've already used this on just about everything - mixed in cream cheese for bagels, in marinades for vegetables, in salad dressing, and more.

Alexandra

Mountain Rose Herbs Calendula Hydrosol

Now that it's getting warmer out, all I want to do is be in the sun. Unfortunately, the hours of sunbathing can have consequences, as I often find myself with a bit of a sunburn. It's because of this, a staple of my summer skincare is the calendula hydrosol from mountain rose herbs. It's so soothing and healing! It always cools down the heat of my sunburn. I'll throw it into my bag when heading to the beach to use as a refresher throughout the day as well.

Dev

Bobo's Coconut Oat Bar

Dense, filling, tasty, and convenient....what more do you need in a breakfast or snack bar? I've recently gotten into Bobo's Oat Bars and it's truly the perfect time of year for them. I'm regularly fueled by them for breakfast, but they would also be a perfect companion on a hike or other outdoors excursion. Coconut is simply the perfect summer flavor, but there are other Bobo's bars to satisfy any palate!

Julia

Badger SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

As someone who has sensitive skin, does not respond well to fragrances, prefers products with the fewest ingredients possible, likes to feel protected from sunburns, and has been looking for an non-chemical sheer sunscreen, Badger's new edible formula works super well for me. Although Badger offers a facial sunscreen with the same formula, I use the regular one on my face and am happy with the results. With just zinc oxide, coconut oil, sunflower wax, and sunflower vitamin E...Badger's new mineral sunscreen blends in immediately and my skin feels soft and protected. 

Caleb

Ursa Major Fortifying Gel Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for summer. While deeply soothing, it is not oily so you can move and sweat with ease. And, the cooling aloe vera feels oh so good after a day in the sun. Pairs well with Ursa Major's Face Tonic for extra soothing hydration and their Daily Defense Lotion for all day weightless UV protection. 

Brenden

Badger SPF 50 Adventure Mineral Sunscreen

Summer in the city means you need sunscreen in your bag at all times.  I go for the Badger SPF 50 Adventure Mineral Sunscreen with Clear Zinc. When using this you get great lasting protection, but never forgot to reapply often!  The best part about this product is the clear zinc, which leaves minimal to no white cast on the skin.  Come in to our stores, pick it up and have a great summer!

Bianca

Parch Non-Alcoholic Prickly Pear Paloma Mocktail

The paloma is the chic and sophisticated sister of the margarita. It's citrusy, bitter- sweet, and extremely refreshing on a hot summer evening. I like mine in a chilled glass with a salt or tajin rim. The addition of adaptogens like ginseng and ashwagandha leave me feeling calm and excited for what's to come next. 

Sally

Derin International - Turkish Classic Towel

These 100% Premium Turkish Cotton towels are so absorbent and lightweight. Very easy to stash in a beach bag for the summer, outing  or use as a spontaneous picnic blanket.
They measure 78" x 38" making them large enough for bath, spa or gym use as well. There are a variety of vibrant fun colors available and a smaller size is also an option.  

Ellie

Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream - Blue Tansy Rose

I've been a cream deodorant skeptic, and I'm used to finding that I need to reapply natural deodorant if I want it to last, so I've been pleasantly surprised by how well this lovely cream deodorant from Little Seed Farm holds up through the end of the day even in the humid summer months. One of the newer scents, Blue Tansy Rose, is my personal favorite, but you really can't go wrong with their selection. 

Daisy

Mad Hippie Luminizing Facial SPF 29

We carry several lovely sunscreens ranging in texture, strength, and application (cream, balm, or stick) but I always return to Mad Hippie's Luminizing SPF. As the name implies, this 29+ UVA/UVB sunscreen has a shimmery finish which I love any day and especially those days when I want my skin to be extra glowy. It also has several wonderful skincare ingredients like Squalane and Niacinamide to nourish your skin during continued use all summer long!

Shannon

Roar Organic Cucumber Watermelon

I tried this drink for the first time last summer when the CN crew spent the day at Muddy River Herbals farm and have been a fan ever since! Filled with electrolytes, this is one of my favorite go-to drinks after a long, hot summer day!

Sarah

Botanica Outdoor Candles

Move over citronella there's a new party in town!  I love sitting outside but absolutely hate citronella.  These candles are the perfect solution.  Who knew outdoor candles could be so luxurious?  Made with soy wax and mosquito repellent essential oils, these candles not only say bye bye to pesky bugs but smell AMAZING.  They can also be used as indoor candles.  Best of all, when the candle is finished you can reuse the ceramic vessel as a planter.

Allison

Alden's Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream all year long, but I splurge on these ice cream sandwiches in the summer months. The ice cream is rich and smooth - the perfect match for the soft chocolatey cookie. Need I say more?!

Emily

Mount Lai Cloudberry Dew Gel Eye Mask

Summertime is when I want to feel my most vibrant and fresh-looking (harder to go goblin-mode under piles of sweaters as in wintertime), but it's often challenging to get a good night's sleep on those stuffy, sweltering summer nights! So I rely on a few tricks to help soothe my puffy morning eyes - first: hydration, second: jade roller, and third: these amazing gel eye masks from Mount Lai! They contain cloudberry (a vitamin c + antioxidant rich super fruit), irish moss, peptides (known as a building block of collagen) and hyaluronic acid. I've never looked *less* tired after a night of tossing and turning! And luckily, a beautiful summer's day awaits.

A Midsummer Day's Sun Tea

By: Laura Scarpellini, Lifestyle Buyer, Merchandiser and lover of mundane magic

With the Summer solstice coming up next week (June 20th), It seems to be the perfect time to soak up the season’s rays in a delicious sun-steeped tea! Midsummer celebrations historically celebrate the sun through bonfires, dancing, and merriment. While I may not have the yard space for dancing about a bonfire in Boston, I will simply have to make do! By listening to early 2000s pop in my porch garden with a mason jar of iced tea, and curling up to A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) at dusk of course.

For your own Midsummer celebration:

A large 32-64 oz jar makes a wonderful batch for sharing, but if your solstice plan is a party of one, a standard 12-16 oz mason jar will work too. You can use approximately 1 tsp of your tea of choice per 8oz of water. Place the jar in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours, checking on it periodically to give it a little shake! 

The options are endless, but a beloved pick is hibiscus flowers for their vibrant red-purple steep. Delicate plant parts, like leaves and flowers will do best with this method since roots, barks and seeds tend to need a little more heat, time and agitation to extract medicinal properties. But that being said, you could probably still get a delicious and mucilage rich result if working with marshmallow root! It doesn’t have to be an herbal tea either, Camellia Sinensis (the plant species that is responsible for white tea, yellow tea, green tea, oolong, dark tea and black tea) will steep just fine too. Here is my own midsummer sun tea recipe if you are in need of inspiration:

Red Raspberry Leaf

Hibiscus Flower

Rose Hips

Mullein Leaf

Orange slices

Add ice cubes and honey or sugar to taste! Sip and take in the sunlight of the year’s longest day…

Eat your heart out, Charlie Bucket!

By Amber S, Supplements Buyer & Chocolate Enthusiast

In an unassuming-looking yellow barn on a quiet suburban street in Sudbury, Massachusetts, there is a chocolate factory. 

You wouldn't think it to look at the place: a pond dotted with water lilies, barn swallows darting about the eaves -- but through the sliding door, beyond barrels of carefully-marked beans, up a flight of stairs to a bright and airy room that hums with machinery and smells vaguely of honey and damp earth, there is the wondrous Goodnow Farms, one of the most award-winning chocolate-makers in the United States. 

It is to Goodnow Farms that my colleagues and I have traveled from our store in Cambridge to witness the magic of chocolate-making from Goodnow's owners themselves. Tom and Monica founded the company with the goal of making the highest-quality single-origin chocolate. What does that mean, exactly? Well, cacao beans, I learned, have different flavor profiles depending on the bean variety and the region they're grown in. Much like tea or wine grapes, the terroir of cacao beans imparts a unique flavor. Most commercially-available chocolate sources their cacao beans from many different places, some as far apart as Africa and South America, and then cover the muddled flavors with lots of sugar and deodorized cacao butter. The result is sweet and delicious, but lacking in the deep complexity of single-origin chocolate. 

Chocolate isn't just candy, says Tom -- it's a food. Goodnow's cacao beans come from a selection of farms in Mexico, Central America, and South America, and Tom travels there frequently to check in with the crops. Once the beans are picked, fermented, and dried, they're shipped to Massachusetts where the next part of their adventure occurs. 

In the light-filled upstairs space, the cacao beans are gently roasted, then the hulls removed and separated. (The resulting hulls make excellent compost for local farms.) At this stage, the pencil-eraser-sized pieces of bean become recognizable as cacao nibs. Then the beans are ground slowly over a period of days, a processed we witnessed in several different stages. Cacao is a bit like peanut butter, Tom tells us: when you grind the beans, they release their oils and fats. At first, the paste is thick, dark, and grainy, and intensely flavored -- our team tasted notes as varied as blue cheese, raisins, and bell peppers in different cacao varieties. And it isn't sweet, necessarily, nor is it savory - it has a pungent, tannic fruitiness that seems to defy classification. 

Once the beans are ground, they're flavored and sweetened, a process which has to be adjusted for each variety. Some of Goodnow's flavors include Caramelized Onion (using onions from Wolfe Farms in New York, a flavor which sounds contradictory but left our entire team open-mouthed in awe of how well it worked) and Putnam Rye Whiskey (which soaks the cacao beans in whiskey from Boston Harbor Distillery, and to me tasted of winter mornings and made my mouth tingle agreeably). Goodnow cares passionately about the sourcing of their ingredients, using local products whenever possible (their Spiced Apple Cider chocolate uses apples from their very own trees)! 

After the chocolate is conched to the proper consistency, it's tempered - a process that uses strategic heating and cooling to produce consistently-sized fat molecules, which improves the smoothness and texture of the bar. (People unnecessarily demonize fat, chimes in Monica, but fat is flavor.) Then it's poured into molds, chilled, unmolded, and packaged in Goodnow's signature shiny gold wrappers. 

The whole experience was incredible - Tom and Monica are clearly passionate about their craft, and it shows in the exceptional quality of their products. I personally had never been that much a fan of dark chocolate, citing a lifelong aversion to bitter foods (I still think arugula is a joke the rest of the world is playing on me), but our trip to Goodnow showed me that dark chocolate - good dark chocolate--isn't defined by bitterness alone. The complexity of single-origin chocolates incorporates a true sense of character and place, and single-origin chocolates are as diverse as the nations in which the cacao beans are grown. Goodnow's integrity and commitment to producing high-quality chocolate, combined with the slightly madcap whimsy of some of their flavor choices, produce on the whole an utterly unforgettable experience. 

Being a kid in a chocolate factory must be fun. But, I'm beginning to realize, being an adult may actually be more fun.

Eat your heart out, Charlie Bucket. 

Survive and Thrive at Boston Calling

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Live Music Enthusiast

Every year in late May, crowds descend upon the Harvard Coliseum for one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in New England. Sure, Boston Calling may not have the celebrity clout of Coachella or the cool-kid reputation of Bonnaroo, but you have to admit there's something kind of awesome about finally having a music fest of our very own. Whether you're a newbie to the world of Boston Calling or a frequent fest-goer, here's some important things to consider when hitting the field. 

Sunscreen is your best friend. Even if you're darker-skinned, staying vigilant with your sun protection is important. To avoid getting your sunscreen confiscated by security, opt for a small non-aerosol tube, like this one from Babo. And don't forget your eyes. I always bring a pair of sunglasses with me to outdoor shows (usually cheap ones, that way I'm not too bummed out if I lose them). 

Stay hydrated! Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. (Boston Calling lets you bring in your own empty water bottle to refill at their Hydration Stations.) Adding some prepackaged electrolyte powders (like these from Superieur) to your water can help you replace the minerals you lose through sweating. 

Protect your hearing. Music festivals can get loud. A couple of years ago I caught Nine Inch Nails' incredible Boston Calling set -- from my apartment balcony a mile away. A pair of heavy-duty earplugs can protect you from total decibel decimation. 

A rather candid bit of advice from my own experience being a frequent concert attendee: If you're a festival-goer who menstruates, a menstrual cup like this one from VIV will save you the trouble of lugging around handfuls of tampons. (And you won't have to figure out where to dispose of your trash afterwards, either!) Menstrual cups are a simple switch that will make your fest-going experience so much easier. 

Other important things to remember: Wear comfortable shoes -- especially if you're going to be dancing a lot. (And as cute as your new Doc Martens are, now is probably not the best time to wear them for the first time.) Carry a Sharpie so you can write down your contact information in case of an emergency -- or in case you spot that incredible bassist whose autograph you want.

A bandanna is also a good thing to keep around -- it can tie your hair back, keep sweat out of your eyes, or even serve as a clean ground cover in a pinch. Figure out public transit beforehand, especially if you're coming in from afar. Try to be respectful of the locals, as Boston Calling takes place in a mostly residential area of the city. And above all else, be kind to each other and to your bodies. 

Are you checking out any of the acts at Boston Calling this year? (The CN Team is especially stoked for locals Paper Lady!)

Skincare on the go!

Eager to get into a skincare routine but intimidated by the sheer number of products and potential steps? Have a 7-step skincare regimen but not enough time to get around to everything? Are you a student rushing between classes in the AM, a new parent with zero free time and somehow even fewer hours of sleep, or just frequently on the move?

If any of those describe you, you’ve recently been in our thoughts! We live in a complex and demanding world, so a few of us put our heads together to recommend some simple but effective skincare products for those short on time…

Emily:

When crunched for time, I rely on my vital trio of:

Note: all HGW is on sale 15% off in May 2024!

1. Start with: Apis Apotheca Barrier Function Optimizer (Toner) OR Heart Grown Wild Seasonal Hydrosol [note: all HGW is on sale 15% off in May 2024!]. Toners and hydrosols provide essential hydration for parched skin, and literally set the skin up to better absorb and retain moisture (try putting oil on dry skin vs. damp skin and you'll feel the difference!). A few sprays and I'm ready for action!

2. Next up is a serum, either Ursa Major's Vitamin C Serum OR Cocokind's Ceramide Barrier Serum (if I'm feeling fancy and luxuriating in time, both). The Vitamin C Serum helps to add hydration and balance and soothe my sometimes-irritable skin. The Ceramide Barrier Serum smooths and hydrates, keeps my skin looking fresh and nourished even on the driest of days.

3. And last but definitely not least, day cream! Once the serum has settled in a bit (but not fully dry) I apply a day cream to lock in that hydration and keep my skin feeling fully moisturized and protected all day long. Either Ursa Major's Golden Hour Recovery Cream OR Evanhealy's Blue Chamomile Day Cream. In the spring/summertime, I'll opt for an SPF day cream instead - either Ursa Major's Force Field SPF OR Cocokind’s Daily SPF.

Amber:

Aura Cacia's Sweet Almond Oil is my favorite makeup remover. Seriously, this stuff has tackled my makeup from a Distillers show as well as from Cambridge's infamous XMORTIS Goth Nights (IYKYK). It can remove makeup that took hours to apply in mere minutes, which is super-useful if you're a Goth On The Go. ;)

Dev:

Emily briefly mentioned it already, but Heart Grown Wild's Veil of Love Cleanser + Serum & Prism of the Sun Hydrosol make a wonderful and nourishing duo with no compromise whatsoever on quality.

Oil cleansers are a gentle way to flush out impurities and revitalize your skin, especially if you regularly use cosmetics. The addition of their hydrosol after an oil cleanse will support your skin with botanical nutrients and aid in both serum absorption and pH balancing. Once you've cleansed your skin, spray a light mist of Prism of the Sun over your face, and immediately follow with a layer of Veil of Love again! 

Gently massage into your skin to support absorption and lymphatic drainage, and you're out the door. This approach isn't just great as a time-saver, it can also support sensitive and reactive skin types - if you need a cooling alternative to Veil of Love, Heart Grown Wild's Azul is also a great serum choice. So if you're prone to break-outs but have all the time in the world to get ready, it's still a simple and fantastic routine!

(Really don’t have time for anything at all? Ursa Major’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Wipes are great if you’re in a rush, or just for a refreshing pick-me-up during the course of your day. I always keep some in my bag just in case.) 

Vicki:

Mountain Rose Herbs Witch Hazel infused with herbs!

This requires time beforehand - but once made it's easy to use - you infuse herbs in witch hazel for 2 weeks to a month and use it as a face toner - I use it morning and evening to wash my face with a cotton ball. (Looking for a more sustainable alternative to a cotton ball? Try the Reusable Cotton Rounds from Brooklyn Made or the Reusable Rounds from Last Object) 

I know witch hazel can be drying, so I often put linden or elderflower in there and that makes it moisturizing! My favorite go-to herbs to infuse in witch hazel are rosemary, thyme, linden, rose, elderflower, and whatever else I have on hand that I know will work! 

Shannon:

SPF is an essential skin care step that is often skipped because of inconvenience. I personally hate the feeling of thick, oily SPF on my face and spent many years just avoiding it altogether. One of my favorite products, especially in the summer, is Mad Hippie Daily Protective SPF. It's a light Mineral 30 SPF serum that blends in with no white cast, absorbs fast and is especially perfect for reapplication on the go!

There are also tinted formulas in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark for anyone looking for light coverage with SPF! 

Pro tip: try keeping it in the fridge on warm days!

Staff Picks: Spring Forward Edition 🌱

Sharing our favorite products for this vibrant season of longer days, blooming buds, itchy noses, closet clean-outs, runner’s highs, and so much more!

Zach

Moss Mango-Ginger Sea Moss Beverage

I've been waiting for this product to exist - a sea-moss drink with a meaningful dose but with a flavor and texture that are delicious all on their own.  Refreshingly funky with lots of Organic Mango and Organic Ginger, this new-to-CN drink is gonna be my springtime go-to for something juicy but not sugar-laden (plus all the trace mineral goodness of Sea Moss!)

Amber

Surely Wine Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Brut

Picture this: you're sitting on a blanket in your favorite local park, the scent of crushed grass beneath your legs. Fat bumblebees nose their way through early-spring flowers. A street performer bows their violin somewhere nearby. You've got some crusty bread, raspberry jam, sharp cheddar cheese, and this deliciously tart non-alcoholic wine filling you up like sunshine. You take a deep breath. Winter is finally over, and the sky has never seemed bluer. 

Ellie

Weleda Calendula Intensive Skin Recovery Skin Cream

When the days start to gradually trend warmer and longer, many of us start to emerge from our winter burrows and spend more time outside. It can take some time to remember to be careful and apply plenty of SPF in the changing season... so when I get a little too bold and get burnt (whether by the sun or in a clumsy kitchen slip-up) I've been finding this calendula cream from Weleda soothing and supportive with the healing process. It's thick, luxurious and intensely moisturizing, so when I use it I get to feel like I'm *really taking care of myself*. Good to have on hand for those unfortunate moments!

Brenden

Beekeeper's Naturals - Sinus Support

Beekeepers Naturals has combined the the superstar of immune support- propolis - with quercetin, bromelain and nettle leaf to provide a potent dose of seasonal sinus care that helps support healthy histamine levels. I love this product all year round but especially during spring allergy season!

Emily

Real Pickles Red Napa Kraut

As we ease into spring I start to crave fresh produce: crunchy veggies from the local farmers market. Unfortunately it's not really till late April or May that we get to take advantage - so I'm getting my crunch fix via Real Pickles' delightful red napa kraut. Lacto-fermented in small batches with using all organic ingredients including zesty purple daikon, red napa cabbage, ginger, and savory Atlantic sea vegetables, it's the crispy tangy umami kraut of my springtime veggie dreams.

Shannon

Evanhealy Lavender Argan Light Facial Moisturizer

This is a great product to use when I'm ready to switch out the heavy moisturizer that protected my skin through the winter months! It's light, fast absorbing, and still leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day long. Plus, the light scents of Lavender & Argan Oil are nonirritating and reminiscent of blooming spring flora.

Dev

Nantucket Spider Laundry Detergent Strips (Chamomile)

There are few items in the store that I use more regularly during the week than these helpful little squares. Spring on the horizon means new growth, blooming flowers, open windows, and of course....spring cleaning, including laundry! If you haven't yet, making the leap to detergent strips is so worthwhile. These save on space, have a lovely and mild floral scent, and come in totally plastic-free, biodegradable packages. More importantly, they take almost no effort--just toss one or two in with your laundry load and you're good to go. (Unscented strips are also available for those who are particularly sensitive!)

Caleb

Vibrant Health Green Vibrance 

I have now been drinking this every day for two months and I honestly feel better than I have in a long time. Packed with essential nutrients and probiotics, this has been one of the most welcome additions to my daily routine! And, they are a wonderful company to support with strong values of transparency and quality. 

Mike

Aya's Tasty AF Hot Chili Oil

Winter, faint as it was, is departing. At least, we think so. However, you may still need a wake up call to really get your bones moving into the new season, as I do. Personally, I prefer to do so with tasty goods, and this is one tasty good that will jolt you right out of winter hibernation! You can eat it as a dip for chips (my preferred method), or you can cook with it, but a little dab will surely awaken your taste buds for the wonders of spring!

Tom:

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix

As I progress in my training for some trail races later this spring, I always mix Ultima powder into my hydration bladder. This electrolyte concoction serves as a tasty source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, potassium, and sodium - plus vitamin C and zinc. It comes in a variety of flavors derived from fruit and plant extracts with stevia leaf. I have yet to try them all. Ultima helps my body keep up with whatever activity I am doing no matter how physically demanding it is.

Allison

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap

Tis tis tis the season for spring cleaning! Dr. Bronner's is a very useful multi-purpose soap, but I personally like to use it to clean my makeup brushes. I like to set aside time at each seasonal shift to clean commonly used items that are easy to neglect, like makeup brushes. Just run your brush under water, apply some Dr. Bronner's, swirl the brush in your palm to clean, and rinse until water runs clear.

Deborah

Jeni's Ice Cream - Lemon & Blueberries Parfait

Enjoying a bowl or cone of Jeni's Lemon and Blueberry Parfait Ice Cream is the perfect way to welcome in spring. It achieves a perfect balance of smoothness and tartness, complemented with the sweetness of real blueberries.  

Sarah

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in "Forever You"

Jane Iredale's Just Kissed lip and cheek stains are magical PH activated formulas that react to your body's natural chemistry to create a unique color that's just for you!

My personal favorite is "Forever You" which goes on clear leaving the shade a total surprise. For those who'd like a little more control over the color family, they also come in Forever Pink, Forever Orange and Forever Red.  The stains can be used on both lips and cheeks and, like the name suggests, they are long lasting.

What color will you choose?  More importantly... what shade will choose you?

Julia

Quinn Filled Pretzel Bites-Chocolate-y Peanut Butter

These are a perfect delicious shareable snack, as long as there are no nut allergies!  They are organic, gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO, and Kosher! I can share them with my gluten-free friends, and...there are people who eat gluten and are skeptical of gluten-free pretzels, who really like them! I like having a snack and/or treat that is sweet and salty. These are gone within hours. There is an amazing crunch and then the peanut butter chocolate gooey-ness inside melts in my mouth. Quinn also has the plain peanut butter option, which is incredible as well. Yet, anything with dark chocolate makes my day better. 

Julia

Sienna Naturals-Mini Repair Ritual Kit

As someone with super curly (3C) curls who has been looking for the right natural curly hair products for a long time, I think I've found my match. My hair is very fine and thick product designed for many curly types weighs my hair down, creates stickiness and/or crunchiness. Sienna Naturals' Mini Repair Ritual Kit includes the Deluxe Mini H.A.P.I Shampoo, the Deluxe Mini Plant Power, and the Deluxe Mini Dew Magic. I began with the Plant Power deep conditioning mask. It restored my hair, making it super silky soft. Opinions differ on no wash, co-wash, or gentle shampoos for curly hair. I have never been happier with a shampoo than the H.A.P.I. one. Then, to put a cherry on top, the Dew Magic leave-in conditioner leaves my hair soft (NOT crunchy) and defined curls for the day. The products also dry quickly, not causing it to look like I have wet hair all day! Bonus: I am super sensitive to fragrances and can only wear and use essential oils. Some essential oils are even too strong for me. Sienna Naturals uses the gentle and uplifting scents of lavender and geranium. Sienna Naturals combines shea butter (an essential for curly hair in my books) and baobab oil, which for me, is key to softness and hydration. I just tried this mini-kit, and now I want to fill my shower with all of their products!

 

One Person's Weeds Are Another's Herby Salad

By Amber Testa, Supplements Buyer & Urban Foraging Enthusiast

Note: It's important to be 100% sure of a plant's identity before consuming it. Never consume plants that have been treated with chemicals, take care when foraging in city environments (as soil may be contaminated with pollutants), and always be mindful about foraging on what may be private land.

I've always thought, personally, that the concept of a 'weed' is a rather arbitrary designation. I am a lifelong drinker of chicory coffee and a muncher of dandelion leaves. I delight in the sour little shamrocks of woodsorrel leaves and slap plantain on my mosquito bites. I find joy as a city dweller in seeing the same plants I remember from my rural childhood in my daily life in Boston. And though I may be more cautious now about the potential for environmental pollutants, the sight of a familiar species still causes the corner of my mouth to quirk up in a grin. Here's a quick lowdown on five of the most common local weeds that you're just as likely to find on the streets of Boston as well as on the shelves of Cambridge Naturals. 

Mullein (verbascum thapsus): Mullein is instantly recognizable by its slender vertical spikes of yellow flowers, which often exceed four feet in height. The flower spikes develop during its second year of growth; during its first year, the plant appears as a rosette of fluffy grey-green leaves growing close to the ground. It prefers disturbed soils, especially in urban environments; I've even found it growing in construction sites in my long-term neighborhood of Allston. 

Mullein, though not native to North America, has a storied history of use by the Indigenous and Black communities. It has been utilized primarily as a respiratory tonic; the leaves can also be smoked (either on their own or as part of a blend) for both medicinal and recreational purposes. And if you find yourself in a hygienic pickle while out hiking, you should also know that one of mullein's many nicknames is 'cowboy toilet-paper' (!).

Dandelion (taraxacum officinale): The scourge of suburban lawns everywhere, dandelion is able to grow in a wide range of environments, from pavement-locked schoolyards to rural pastures. You'll catch the vivid yellow flowers poking up from cracks in the sidewalk, dotting the grass at city parks, and finding their way onto sports fields. But dandelion is more than just the archnemesis of lawn-loving suburban dads--it's also a nutrient-packed treat!

All parts of the plant can be eaten. The leaves and stems are rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium, and make a pleasant addition to green salads. The roots can be eaten when young as a vegetable, or roasted and dried as a coffee substitute. In traditional herbal medicine, they're valued for their diuretic properties (indeed, their French name pissenlit means 'pee-the-bed'), as well as their ability to cleanse the liver and promote healthy digestion.

Broadleaf plantain (plantago species): Plantain (no relation to the similarly-named member of the banana [Musa] family) is definitely one of those plants you always notice but don't know the name of. In my mind, it evokes images of itself around picnic tables, on playgrounds, on well-trodden woodland footpaths. It's the plant you fiddle with while sitting on your blanket waiting for a fireworks show to start, or scuff under your sneakers at a summer concert in the park. But this humble plant, with its shiny leaves and elongated, corncob-like spikes, possesses surprising healing abilities.

Plantain makes a useful spit poultice for bug bites and bee stings incurred while outdoors; simply chew the fresh leaves into a mash and apply them to the irritation. Sure, it seems a bit weird at first, but the relief it provides is impressive. Plantain is also the source of psyllium husk, a fluffy substance mostly known for its use as a supplemental dietary fiber -- although it's also increasingly popular as an ingredient in gluten-free baked goods!

Chicory (cichorium intybus): Related closely to dandelion and salad endive, chicory is considered both an unpleasant weed as well as a cultivated crop. It grows along roadsides, among construction sites, and in unmown yards, but does not exist in undisturbed natural environments. Its pale blue flowers on their scraggly stalks may not seem particularly impressive, but chicory's real glory is underground. The deep taproot, which can grow to several feet long, was historically used to stretch coffee supplies during wars; when dried and roasted, it has a pleasantly bitter flavor without adding any caffeine. As a person of Louisiana Cajun descent, I first encountered chicory as a coffee addition, and still enjoy it as such. Chicory is also a rich source of a prebiotic fiber called inulin, which helps the beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome to thrive. Despite not being the showiest of plants, chicory boasts a wide spectrum of uses and strong cultural connections. 

Red Clover (trifolium pratense): While not a native species to North America, red clover has become naturalized here. And while its binomial name may come from the Latin word prātum, meaning 'meadow', you're just as likely to find it growing in urban backyards or along roadside ditches. There it often attracts bumblebees and Eastern Cottontail rabbits, who delight in its large pink flowers! Outside of New England, red clover is a popular cultivated crop used for both livestock feed as well as its powerful soil-enriching properties due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.

In traditional herbal medicine, red clover is valued for its phytoestrogenic compounds, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the human body. For that reason you'll often see it incorporated into remedies aimed at menopausal people. Its leaves and flowers have a pleasantly sweet flavor that make a lovely addition to teas, and you can even eat the leaves raw as a salad green! 

There's so much to be learned from our friendly local weeds. The next time you're walking along the street in Boston, cast an eye to the side of the road and see if you can find any of these underappreciated botanical specimens! 

Sources: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dandelion-taraxacum-officinale/

https://www.neworleansroast.com/history-of-using-chicory/

https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-for-mullein/ 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-clover#benefits 
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/plantain-weed 

It's easy being green 🥬

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Vegetation Enthusiast

This far into February, I am beginning to tire of the 'winter in New England' color palette: misty gray, steel blue, worn-brick red, icy white. My eyes are aching for brighter hues, and I find myself gravitating to the most colorful produce I can find in the grocery store. 

My craving for color as of late got me thinking about the section of products in the Cambridge Naturals Supplements Department that we refer to simply as 'Greens'. It's where you'll find powders, fizzy tablets, and dark-bottled tinctures of green plants of all sorts, from trendy new products like superfood gummies to millennia-old superfoods once used by the Aztecs (!), all bursting with greeny goodness. 

So what exactly gives plants their vivid viridian hue? The answer lies in chlorophyll, a deep-green pigment that enables plants to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Specialized chlorophyll-containing structures called chloroplasts absorb sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose, a type of sugar the plants use as food. The process of photosynthesis produces oxygen, which provides fresh air for us all! 

Because chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light and reflects green, it gives plants their green color. It was first isolated and named in 1817 by Joseph Bienaimé Caventou and Pierre Joseph Pelletier, who took its name from the Greek words χλωρός, khloros ("pale green") and φύλλον, phyllon ("leaf"). Green vegetables have been eaten by humans as long as we've existed, but chlorophyll itself has only been used as a dietary supplement since the 1960's. Usually consumed in a liquid form, people take it for allergy support, skin health, and antioxidant benefits, though the science behind it is still in its early stages. (I myself like to mix a dropperful in a glass of water -- it has a refreshing flavor, like how mowing the lawn smells.) But use caution when handling liquid chlorophyll, as it stains intensely. I'm told a bottle of it once smashed on the sidewalk outside the Cambridge Naturals store doors, and the green mark didn't disappear for months.

When you think of green supplements, one of the first things to come to mind is probably spirulina. This blue-green algae (genus Arthrospira) was first used as a food source by the Aztec people of Mexico, who harvested it from the alkaline waters of Lake Texcoco. They called it tecuitlatl, a Nahuatl word meaning roughly 'rock poop', and would make it into cakes along with corn, beans, and chiles as fuel for long journeys. The practice of eating spirulina died off with the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, but Mexico is seeing a resurgence in interest in spirulina as a way to reclaim Indigenous heritage. 

Spirulina is rich in protein and minerals, as well as iron and B vitamins, and is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. It can be mixed into smoothies, taken as tablets, or even cooked with -- I particularly like mixing a bit with mashed avocado and lime juice and spreading it on toast. Blue spirulina, a type of algae with a unique pigment called phycocyanin that lends it a shocking electric-blue hue, tints many an Instagram acai bowl and chia pudding. As a whole, spirulina has a unique flavor and soft-cheese texture that might not be for everyone, but its reputation as a nutrient powerhouse has made it a staple food for centuries.  

Often paired with spirulina, chlorella is another blue-green algae renowned for its iron and protein content. But while spirulina grows in both saltwater and freshwater, chlorella is a freshwater algae. It's difficult to cultivate on a large scale, which may explain why it hasn't reached spirulina's level of popularity.  But it shows promise in lowering levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, as well as reducing inflammation throughout the body. 

Native to the Indian subcontinent, moringa (sp. moringa oleifera) is a green superfood that may be relatively new to westerners, although it has been used by people in South Asia for millennia. It is often called the drumstick tree, and its leaves, roots, and pods are eaten as food. Early science suggests it may aid in lowering blood sugar levels, as well as lowering blood cholesterol. And because it's such a rich source of nutrients, it can be especially helpful for individuals with poor diets. It often comes in capsule form, although the powder form is just as popular. You can even find it as an ingredient in snack bars, gummies, and skincare products! 

But all of this is too complicated, you might be thinking. I can't grow a moringa tree in my house, and my landlord would throw a fit if I started cultivating algae on my fire escape. That, my friend, is when you might turn to wheatgrass. I've written about wheatgrass before as a dietary supplement and fun sensory experience for pet cats, but humans can also reap its benefits. It makes a fresh-tasting juice and is an easy addition to smoothies, where its high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants really shine. And it's super-easy to grow indoors, giving you a reliable source of superfood nutrition right in your own home! 

The nutritional benefits of green superfoods have been utilized by humans for millennia in the past, and it seems they may also become the food of the future. Early studies suggest they may provide a sustainable nutrition source for food-insecure communities, and they've also been investigated as a potential food for long-term space missions or Mars travel! Could the same farming practices devised centuries ago by the Aztecs one day support humans in space? It's pretty cool to think about! 

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.

Sources: 

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/chlorophyll/ 

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210111-how-mexico-is-reclaiming-spirulina

https://www.webmd.com/diet/chlorella-health-benefits

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-benefits

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9143897/