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 

Matters of the Heart ❤️

By Amber S, Supplements Buyer

The moment February dawns, you'll see them everywhere. Cartoony, symmetrical shapes in all shades of red, pink, and white pop up on chocolate boxes, greeting cards, and candies. Our brains recognize them instantly as hearts, but they're a far cry from the lumpy red organs inside our chests. 

The heart has always been regarded highly. The Ancient Egyptians saw it in a dual role as the seat of emotion and memory (the brain was seen as unimportant). During the Middle Ages, the iconography of the symmetrical, double-lobed heart shape became solidified, as did its association with sentiment. To those early physicians and philosophers, the connection was clear: you see someone you love, and your heart pounds in your chest. Or anger spurs your heart rate to soar, filling you with energy. Or fear quickens your pulse, your heart fluttering like a rabbit's. The heart quickly became seen as the seat for the very strongest of human emotions. 

And yet for all its associations with emotion, the heart plays a distinctly more practical role in the body. It was the English physician William Harvey who, in 1628, first described the circulatory system in his work De Motu Cordis (An Anatomical Account of the Circulation of the Heart and Blood). His fundamental anatomical experiments proved the heart is a pump whose muscle contractions circulate blood throughout the body. He also concluded that some blood vessels drew oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the limbs and brain whereas others brought depleted blood back to the heart to be restored, thus differentiating veins and arteries. 

For as long as humans have known about the importance of the heart, we have devised methods to keep it healthy. Traditional Chinese Medicine, which calls the heart "the emperor of the human body", credits it as the resting place of the shen, or spirit. Early Chinese medical practitioners used a variety of herbs and foods to stimulate the heart, including ginseng (panax ginseng) and red foods like cherries, red beans, and beef. In Ayurvedic tradition, the heart is responsible for moving prana (life force) around the body, and is nourished with herbs like arjuna (arjuna terminalia) and amla (phyllanthus emblica). Those remedies are still in use today alongside newer contemporary remedies. 

In the early 1800's, North American physicians began using hawthorn (crataegus sp.) to treat cardiovascular conditions (a technique they doubtlessly picked up from Indigenous communities). Traditional Chinese Medicine commonly uses hawthorn for the same reason, and the scientific evidence is promising. Studies in animals have shown it to have vasodilatory properties, relaxing constricted blood vessels to allow greater blood flow. Hawthorn is also high in flavonoids and antioxidants, plant chemicals known for preventing cellular damage. A member of the rose family, the deep-red berries can be used in teas or even incorporated into jams and pastries, and it pairs well with flavors of hibiscus and rose. The leaves and flowers are also used, though they're lower in the phytochemicals that make hawthorn such a powerhouse. 

The Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who is often called the 'father or modern medicine', used a different remedy for cardiovascular problems in his patients: the odorific allium we love to nosh on with pasta and potatoes, garlic. Similar to hawthorn, garlic's antioxidant content has shown promising results in lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol, thus improving the efficiency of blood flow and heart function. Garlic is a popular herbal remedy for improving heart health, especially because it's delicious and easy to incorporate more of into your diet. It does also come in capsules, fortunately, for individuals looking for a more convenient option (or folks who aren't exactly keen on the idea of walking around smelling like a pizza). 

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as the ones in fish oil, are a more recent addition to the heart health canon. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two of the primary omega fatty acids, have shown evidence of reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with existing cardiovascular disease. For those who do not currently have heart disease, omegas (either obtained through food or supplements) can still have benefits to heart, eye, and brain health. 

Of course, caring for your heart goes beyond what you put into your body. The American Heart Association recommends reducing the amount of sugar in your diet, lowering your consumption of trans fats, quitting smoking or vaping, and getting enough exercise. Given the prevalence of heart disease in the United States today, cardiovascular care has taken a place as one of the foremost health concerns facing individuals today. 

In 1964, February was declared American Heart Month in a bid to reduce rising rates of cardiovascular disease. This year is the 60th anniversary of its inception, and heart health is still as important as ever. Recent developments in heart health awareness have brought attention to things like the increased rates of heart disease among people of color due to systemic inequalities in the health-care system; the different ways in which heart attacks may present in women; and the importance of heart health for children. 

Writing this blog post has made me remember a book from one of my favorite science writers, Bill Schutt, that I saw at Porter Square Books the other day and didn't pick up: "Pump: A Natural History of the Heart". 

Yeah, I might need to go get that now. 

You can check out Cambridge Naturals' entire stock of heart health supplements online here, or come into our location in Porter Square to see them in person! 

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://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/hawthorn

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic

https://www.euyansang.com/en_US/tcm%3A-understanding-the-role-of-the-heart/eystcmorgans1.html

https://www.heart.org/

https://vibranthealthayurveda.com/heart-health-in-ayurveda/

https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/02/21/12/42/the-evolution-of-american-heart-month

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-and-the-heart-new-evidence-more-questions-2021032422213

Staying Healthy This Season!

By Amber, CN Supplements Buyer & Turkey Tail Enthusiast

It feels like summer has only just left us, but at Cambridge Naturals, our eyes are already on fall and winter. Here in New England, we rarely know what to expect from the weather - only that it will be unpredictable. Long experience has taught us, however, that winter brings with it cold and flu season, and its accompanying sniffles, coughs, and sneezes. Couple that with a global pandemic now in its fourth year, and it spells an extra-special focus on caring for our immune systems. Here's a guide to the most common ingredients you'll find in immune supporting formulas. 

Elderberry (sambucus nigra) is one of the most commonly-used immune boosters, and for good reason. It's loaded with beneficial phytochemicals like quercetin, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, all of which stimulate the body's immune system. It's also, unlike many other remedies, tasty: you can take it as a syrup, lozenge, or tea (as well as in the more traditional capsules and tinctures). The flowers of the elder plant also make a delicious addition to teas!  

Echinacea (e. angustifolia and e. purpurea) is a type of plant in the daisy family which has a long history of medicinal use by Indigenous American communities. All parts of it are used for their immune-system stimulating properties. You'll find it as an ingredient in teas, capsules, and tinctures. (It's also commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its large purple flowers -- I recently found some growing outside my local library!) 

Often paired with Echinacea, Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) is another native North American plant, known for its bright-yellow, strongly-scented roots. Because it takes 4-5 years to reach maturity and is difficult to cultivate, it is often overharvested in the wild and is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It shows promise as a natural antibacterial, but many supplement companies have been reducing their use of it in their formulas due to its endangered nature. 

If medicinal mushrooms are more your style, Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor) is definitely something you'll want to acquaint yourself with. Packed with antioxidants, studies have shown it stimulates the production of monocytes (a type of cell that fights infection). It comes in a variety of forms and is easy to add to your wellness routine. If you're still curious about Turkey Tail, you can also check out my previous exploration of it for Cambridge Naturals here. 

Vitamin C is one of the best-known vitamins, and for a good reason. For centuries, Vitamin-C loaded citrus fruits were eaten by sailors on long voyages to prevent scurvy, and the scientist who isolated it won a Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery. It's present in delicious fruits like oranges, lemons, and pomegranates, as well as bell peppers and tomatoes. It's also a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that any excess is quickly excreted from your body through urine. Because of that, it has a very low toxicity level. It often comes in citrus-flavored chewables, but you can also find it in capsules, drink powders, and even liquid form! 

Zinc is well-known for its role in immune health, prostate health, and wound healing. It's primarily found in animal products like beef and chicken, although also present in many types of nuts and seeds. If you aren't getting enough of it in your diet, it's easy enough to supplement it with capsules or lozenges. (Some people do find the lozenges make them nauseous, so if that's your experience, consider trying a lower dose, a capsule formulation, or taking it on a full stomach.) 

Immune Boosters are formulations of herbs and minerals that, combined, serve to bolster the immune system during cold and flu season. My personal favorite is Source Naturals Wellness Formula, which blends ingredients like Vitamin D-3, andrographis, garlic, and mullein for a wide-reaching spectrum of immune boosters. 

There are so many incredible ways to support your immune system when cold and flu season sets in, and we've got tons of products to help you out at Cambridge Naturals. Check out our full stock of immune health care HERE! 

Spotlight on: Vitality Works!

By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Vitality Works Enthusiast

Hi, I'm Amber (she/they). I've worked at Cambridge Naturals for about three years now. I'm primarily a Supplements Buyer here (although I also do a lot of database work in the back office I affectionately call the Stat Cave).

At the beginning of August, my coworker Victoria (the brilliant soul behind our fabulous Bulk Herbs department) and I were afforded a very cool opportunity. We traveled to the state of New Mexico courtesy of Vitality Works, the company that makes our store-brand supplements, where we toured their production facilities in Albuquerque, visited a biodynamic farm northwest of Santa Fe, and spent several incredible days learning about the intricacies of the supplement manufacturing industry. We joined about forty other people from all areas of the health food and supplements industry - owners of small-town grocery stores from Washington State and Arkansas, co-op workers from Maryland, sales representatives from New York and Florida, and a number of Vitality Works' own team members - for a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry. I can honestly say it was a time I'll never forget.

Upon arrival in New Mexico, we familiarized ourselves a bit with the local history and community. I hadn't quite realized how unusual Albuquerque is until I saw that the airport (or 'sunport', as they call it) features a specialized meditation room designed for quiet contemplation. As early as the 1920's, New Mexico has attracted eccentrics of all sorts, from writers like Jack Kerouac and DH Lawrence to musicians like Bob Dylan. They mingled with the centuries-old traditions of the local Indigenous and Latino communities, drawn by the soaring vistas and stark landscapes of the area. Hippies found their way there in the 60's, and over the decades Albuquerque became a nexus of new-age activity. Even now there's a thriving community that harmonizes the area's diverse background. In the Old Town, spheres of polished amethyst and rugged nuggets of local turquoise sit for sale beside local Catholic milagro votives; pamphlets promote guided hikes into the Sandia Mountains as well as Albuquerque's famous hot-air balloons; and green chiles (a local specialty) hang drying alongside merchandise from the television show 'Breaking Bad', which was filmed in the area. New and old bump shoulders in the city, but it rarely feels awkward. Indeed, as I came to realize over the next few days, this fusion of disparate elements is precisely what makes the herbal supplements industry fit so well here. 

On our second day in New Mexico, we were treated to a tour of Vitality Works' production facilities. Led by founder Mitch Coven himself, we learned how their herbs are prepared--a process which is determined primarily by the needs of the herb itself. Certain herbs, such as echinacea, can take many years to grow, so planning must be done long in advance to ensure a good supply. Other herbs, such as Kava imported from Vanuatu in the South Pacific, are macerated in alcohol for a time to extract their beneficial qualities before being prepared into capsules or tinctures. There's a seasonality to the process as well--sometimes the facility will spend several intense days or weeks processing a particular herb to ensure they're able to capture its beneficial effects before they degrade. To further compound that, intense testing is done on every batch of product, not only to ensure the quality of the active ingredients, but also to verify the integrity of the products themselves. Defective tincture droppers are sorted out, leaky capsules eliminated. Quality control is a business that Vitality Works takes seriously. Witnessing their production system genuinely made me realize how much work goes into producing the supplements on our shelves. 

The next day, we headed north on a bus to Abiquiu, not far from the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the Colorado border, to visit a biodynamic farm that supplies some of the herbs used in Vitality Works' preparations. Developed in the 1920's by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics is a method of organic farming that treats soil fertility, plant growth, pest control, and harvesting as interrelated tasks, and views the process of farming from a holistic perspective. Amid the rows of crops -- St John's wort, dandelion, and spilanthes (to name a few) -- our group learned about the many potential pitfalls that farmers can experience. One year, the farmers watered their St John's Wort too much and it perished; another year, the local elk population ate a substantial portion of their crops. Even a well-prepared farmer can encounter obstacles. 

Additionally, the climate of New Mexico is a challenging one to grow in. The region receives less than fourteen inches of rain per year (for comparison, Boston gets 43 inches yearly), so the soil is often dry, and managing to keep crops watered relies on a particular blend of innovation, traditional methods, and keen advance planning. Compounding that is the altitude -- Albuquerque itself sits a mile above sea level, so taking care of one's body, especially during outdoor work like farming, is imperative. (I had my first-ever experience with altitude sickness while there, and let me tell you, it was not fun.) Spending time at the farm truly impressed upon me the idea that farming is largely about what you can control versus what you can't. 

I think the thing that stuck with me the most about our trip was the unique fusion of diverse factors that combine to make this aspect of the supplements industry so special. Custom-made 3D-printed machines process herbs grown with centuries-old irrigation methods. Careful planning and spontaneous adjustments influence every planting and harvest. High-tech and traditional, scientific and spiritual--so many contrasts that shouldn't work so well together but somehow do, combining to bring the benefits of herbal remedies to our store shelves in Cambridge.

Sometimes I feel that working amid so many sealed bottles and droppers, glass and metal and plastic, distances me a bit from the natural elements of the natural products industry. That week, holding a surprisingly damp, spongy osha root in my hands, or biting into a bitter dandelion root pulled from the ground moments before, I gained a renewed sense of the inherent wonder of the natural world. 

And it is wonderful--I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how eye-wateringly gorgeous New Mexico is. Muted ochre hills dotted with sagebrush roll out beneath skies of such vivid blue it seems impossible that it's the same sky we see in Massachusetts. There were moments during our trip that I didn't even want to blink because it'd mean shutting my eyes for a second to the beauty of the place. I know now why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment -- for I am, perhaps always will be -- utterly enchanted by it.

Cambridge Naturals is supremely grateful to Mitch Coven and the entire Vitality Works team for this incredible opportunity!

Aquarius Season “Tea”

By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

Aquarius is the true wild card of the zodiac. Aquarian’s are distinctly unique- no two you meet will be the same! So in the true spirit of Aquarius, this tea is actually not much of a tea at all… it features Herbal Revolution’s Fire Cider and Topo Chico Sparkling Water. This drink is iced but it will warm you up! It’s tart but it’s sweet! It’s airy but it’s liquid! The sign of Aquarius rules our circulatory system and many ingredients in the fire cider including ginger, horseradish, turmeric, garlic, rosemary, and habanero pepper are known to help boost circulation and increase blood flow.

During the colder months boosting our circulation with herbs like the ones mentioned can help us to fight off that chilled to the bone feeling that can be difficult to shake. Also included in this beverage are both burdock and dandelion root. Many herbalists work with these roots in the springtime (yes, we are almost there!) to assist our organs in their role of filtering toxins from the body. Naturally in the spring time our bodies start to eliminate any toxins that have built up during the winter- burdock and dandelion roots can help to move this process along. Lastly, honey, onions, and hyssop add some sweetness to this otherwise spicy and tart concoction, making it a balanced beverage base. The fire cider is also locally made in Union, Maine, so you can feel great about supporting local farmers.

Fire Cider is based off of a traditional immune-supporting herbal remedy. There is in fact a very similar honey-based recipe traditionally used in the Caribbean, and I’m sure many more around the world! However, the term Fire Cider itself as well as the base recipe was originally coined (or at least popularized) by Rosemary Gladstar, an essential figure in modern American herbalism. Rosemary Gladstar starting using the name and recipe in the late 1970s and taught it to her students for many years. About ten years ago, there was an attempt to trademark the name Fire Cider, which prompted Gladstar and a few other herbalists to form a group called “Tradition Not Trademark” in an attempt to keep the name Fire Cider available for public use. Gladstar and the others’ efforts ended up being successful, making Fire Cider known as a legacy product, which is considered to be a generic term and unable to be trademarked. I thought that this whole ordeal was very Aquarian in nature: putting innovative structures in place with humanitarian intentions. Herbalism at its core has always been by and for the people- just like Aquarians!

To make this beverage, all you need to do is mix 1or 2 tablespoons of the Herbal Revolution Fire Tonic into 8-12 oz of Topo Chico, add ice, stir, and enjoy!

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.

More from Alyssa @vrgohrbls on instagram!

Sunday Sip - Sweet Birch Herbals

By Alyssa, CN Buyer and home herbalist

New to our bulk herb shelves are tea blends from Sweet Birch Herbals, a local community herbal medicine company founded by Hannah Jacobsen-Hardy. We currently carry six herbal blends from Sweet Birch- Sip of Sunshine, Digest & Rest, Immune, Sleep Deep, Nourish & Rebuild, and Heart Lifting. These herbal tea blends are carefully crafted using herbs that are grown in the Sweet Birch gardens, sustainably wildcrafted, or sourced from Mountain Rose Herbs (where we at CN get many of our bulk herbs from as well!).

Personally I am excited to try all of these tea blends, but I am starting with the Nourish & Rebuild. This blend in particular is rich in minerals and nutrients and has menstrual cycle balancing properties as well. I have been making big batches of cycle balancing teas throughout the month for a few years now and I always start with raspberry leaf, which is featured in this blend as well! Raspberry leaf is my absolute favorite herb for cycle support and I love that it is high in magnesium as well, a mineral that we could all use more of! (Visit this lovely blog post from Steph Zabel a while back to learn more about raspberry leaf.) I made Nourish & Rebuild as directed, infusing the herbs with boiling water and letting steep for 4-8 hours. The taste of this blend is grassy and refreshing- great to sip on throughout the day. Sip of Sunshine would be amazing for this time of year as well- notes of citrus and bright spice are sure to bring some light and warmth to cold days.

We are so excited to have these thoughtful tea blends here at the store. Let us know what you think!

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.

Sunday Sip - Ginger Zinger Tea

By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

An essential Cambridge Naturals cold and flu season supplement is our house brand Ginger Zinger Syrups. These syrups come in three varieties: Ginger Zinger, Ginger Zinger Immune, and Ginger Zinger Bronchial. They are all soothing, warming, and deliciously spicy. They taste great on their own but I love mixing one into hot water to make a comforting tea. This is especially nice for times when you may feel under the weather as it is a really easy and quick tea to make.

The Ginger Zinger is made with fresh and dry ginger root, organic honey, vegetable glycerin, and water. The Ginger Zinger Immune has all of that plus echinacea and elderberry for added immune support. The Ginger Zinger Bronchial is also based on the Ginger Zinger plus osha root, wild cherry bark, and licorice root- all great herbs for soothing the throat. All you need to do is mix one to two teaspoons of the syrup into 8oz of hot water. You can make it throughout the day as needed, or just when you’re craving something simple and spicy that’s good for you as well.

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.

Capricorn Season Tea

By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

Hello 2023 and hello Capricorn season! Capricorns are known first and foremost for their industriousness and innate urge to build something that will last for many years to come. Although Capricorns are known to work hard, they are much more than their work ethic. Capricorns take laughing very seriously and love to CHILL as well. And frankly, they deserve a calming evening after a day full of inspiring societal contributions! How can they get back to building without proper rest? The star of this tea is kava kava root, a supremely relaxing and earthy herb that can help even the busiest of Capricorns wind down. Also featured is mullein leaf, an amazing herb for this time of year as it is known to help move along and lingering congestion and support general respiratory health. Mullein leaf has proved to be one of the most popular herbs this winter in the store for good reason! Cinnamon chips and licorice root up the earthiness factor as Capricorn is an earth sign, and add a little sweetness as well. Both cinnamon and licorice can be soothing to the throat as well, making this tea generally great for the season. The overall profile of this tea is bittersweet and slightly numbing. Best when drank at night to assist you in winding down for the evening.

Materials

• Tea kettle

• Mug of choice

• Tea strainer or teabag

Ingredients

• 2 tsp kava kava root

• 2 tsp cinnamon chips

• 2 tsp mullein leaf

• 1 tsp licorice root

Directions

• Add all ingredients to a tea strainer or teabag. Pour 12 oz of freshly boiled water over the herbs and cover your mug. Let steep for 15 minutes or more.

• Alternatively, add all ingredients to a pot and simmer on the stove for at least 15 minutes. This is called a decoction and is actually the preferred method when steeping any roots!

• Strain, sip, and enjoy!

Mullein leaf in a Somerville neighbor’s yard.

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.

Sagittarius Season Tea!

By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, tea lover

If you know any Sagittarians, you probably know them for their vast knowledge of niche subjects, spontaneity, and their mission to always tell you how it really is. There’s never a dull moment when you’re around a Sagittarius and this tea blend is no exception. Sage is the featured herb in this blend to represent Sagittarians’ sage wisdom and philosophical ideas. Sage is also considered to be an uplifting herb, promoting an optimistic mindset like that of a Sagittarians’. Juniper berries bring memories of woodsy outdoor hikes. Sagittarius rules the thighs and hips, meaning frequent hiking adventures are essential. Adventure is a trademark of this sign, whether it be a physical or flavor quest. A Sagittarius tea also wouldn’t be complete without both zing and spice (if you know, you know), and the lemon peel and black pepper bring just that- brightness and pungency.

Materials:

• Tea Kettle

• Mug of choice

• Tea strainer or teabag

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Sage

• 1 tsp Juniper Berries

• 1 tsp Lemon Peel

• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, ground

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a tea strainer or teabag.

• Pour 8 oz of freshly boiled water over the herbs and cover your mug.

• Let steep for at least 15 minutes, strain, sip, and enjoy!

Scorpio Season Tea

By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, lunar Scorpio

We just entered Scorpio season which for me always signals that we have officially transitioned into fall. Scorpios tend to embody metaphorical death and rebirth within themselves, constantly changing and evolving throughout their lives. Oftentimes, they unintentionally challenge others around them to do the same as well. It’s no coincidence that this sign occurs at the same time as autumn, when the nature is also preparing to go into hibernation mode for the winter before re-emerging in the spring. Scorpios usually find themselves going to the depths of their emotions and have a talent for always seeking out the truth. The flavor of this tea is as deep as a Scorpio’s emotional world, with strong flavors of smoke, berry, and pungent rosemary. The smokiness comes from Lapsang Souchong, an unmistakably unique black tea. Also featured in this blend are rosemary, damiana, and hibiscus. Rosemary is traditionally associated with Scorpios because it is a hearty herb that is still able to thrive in the at times harsh conditions of fall. Rosemary also provides cognitive support, helping to keep your mind as sharp as a Scorpio’s. Damiana is a great herb for sexual health, as Scorpio rules this part of our bodies. Hibiscus provides a balancing berry-like flavor and makes this tea a gorgeous deep ruby color. Like a Scorpio, this tea can be a little intimidating at first but ultimately provides a feeling of deep comfort, depth, and freshness.

Materials:

• 8 oz freshly boiled water

• Teacup

• Tea strainer or teabag

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Lapsang Souchong

• 1 teaspoon Rosemary

• 1 teaspoon Damiana

• 1 teaspoon Hibiscus

Directions:

• Boil 8 oz of water.

• Pour hot water over tea and herbs.

• Cover and let steep for 4 minutes.

• Strain tea or remove teabag, sip and enjoy!

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.