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/ 

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

Staff Picks: Winter Wellbeing

Sharing our favorite products for this season of sniffles, frigid temps, and long nights!

Sarah

Shikai Cucumber Melon Body Lotion

Winter weather for me means lotion lotion lotion!  Although I love heavy body butters, they are usually too greasy to put on right before getting dressed.  I love this Shikai Body lotion because it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any greasiness behind.  Cucumber Melon is not only a super fresh scent which brightens any gloomy day, but it reminds me of lotions I used in the 90's.  Total Nostalgia.

Amber

Lake Champlain Traditional Hot Chocolate

I am a devotee of hot chocolate during the winter months, and Lake Champlain makes the best I've ever had. Rich and satisfying without being too bitter, it also serves as a great base to customize the flavor with your favorite herbs and spices. I like to add a pinch of ground cardamom, cloves, or smoked salt for a truly luxurious hot chocolate experience!

Nora

Herbs Etc Deep Sleep Non-Alcohol Tincture

It's easy for me to lose track of my bedtime in the winter when 5pm and 5am feel almost identical. I can't deny, though, that keeping a semi-regular sleep schedule is essential for my physical and mental health. Taking a herbal sleep tincture as part of my evening routine, like this lovely blend from Herbs Etc, can be very supportive for getting me to bed at a reasonable hour, especially when I take it at the same time every night.  This blend has a potent combination of soothing sedative herbs including passionflower, california poppy, milky oat, and valerian - plus, it's a non-alcoholic glycerite, without the sting of alcohol-based extracts. Sleep well!

Brenden

Host Defense MyCommunity Comprehensive Immune Support Blend Extract   

My go to this time of year is the Host Defense MyCommunity liquid extract.  What is it?  It's and incredible variety of medicinal mushrooms that may promote the immune system’s natural ability to communicate and react, encouraging a healthy and balanced immune response. Taking a dropper a day just may keep the telehealth call away.

Emily

Evanhealy Vetiver Hinoki Body Oil

'Tis the season for dry, itchy, flaky skin, ugh!! - but with this luxurious body oil from our beloved evanhealy, no more! I absolutely adore the scent - warm and woodsy, it lifts my spirits on even the cloudiest of days like a cozy embrace. I apply right after a shower, and it leaves my skin silky smooth all day long!

Shannon

Acure Vivacious Volume Shampoo & Conditioner

One of my winter woes is dry, staticky hair, but because I have very fine hair, hydrating conditioners tend to weigh it down. This shampoo & conditioner combo leaves my hair feeling soft and silky all day long, plus the mint & echinacea add a refreshing scent boost! 

Dev

Baraka Dry Nose Hydrating Oil Blend 

If you, like me, suffer from raw skin in and around your nostrils in the cold--not helped by constant tissue use!--then this unassuming little bottle is a life-saver. It has been and will continue to be a permanent fixture in my bathroom cabinet during dry-aired winter months.

Caleb

Urban Moonshine Immune Zoom

I'm so excited to have this product is back on our shelves! I love and use Urban Moonshine's whole line of herbal products including their bitters but Immune Zoom sits  atop my list. It's my go-to for when I start to feel  achey or a tickle in my throat. Made of echinacea, elderberry, elderflower, ginger, and cayenne and lightly sweetened with honey, it is a potent herbal remedy and tastes great too. I like to mix it with warm water and drink it as a tea! 

Mike

Easy to Swallow Basic Multi

Winter is treacherous for one's health, that much is true. The cold and the snow conspire against us, seeping into our bones and making our noses both dry and runny via some arcane magic that no one wants. A solid defense against such dark arts begins with the basics: a good multivitamin! This one in particular is my favorite because it's easy to swallow and isn't particularly targeted towards anyone, which means it's useful for everyone! Sure, you can add in your echinacea, your elderberry, and whatever else staves off the cold, but these are all aided by the solid foundation of the Basic Multivitamin. Safe travels out there, and may your immune systems come out victorious against the winter sicknesses!

Alina:

Olbas Inhaler

You know that wintry feeling of only being able to breathe out of one nostril? Feel that no more! One deep inhale of Olba's menthol + peppermint vapors are sure to open that nasal passageway right up and help soothe sinus discomfort. This pocket-sized powerhouse is truly the best thing I could recommend to someone seeking immediate relief!

Vicki

Indie Lee COQ-10 Face Toner

A refreshing and moisturizing toner - so moisturizing that at times I don't need to apply anything after using this (although mixing it with the Indie Lee Squalane oil is much recommended!). Amongst many amazing ingredients: CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and the Hyaluronic Acid provides lasting moisture, binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Great for all skin types, and loved by many Cambridge Naturals team members. BOTH COME IN TRAVEL SIZES, perfect for testing them out!

Allison

Echinacea Tincture Alcohol-Free

It feels like I'm always on the verge of cold in the winter months, so I like to use the Echinacea Alcohol Free Tincture a few times throughout the week. I feel like it keeps my immune systems engaged which is much needed this time of year! I mix it with juice or seltzer and sip on it throughout the evening. You can also add it to warm beverages as well!

Sally

Badger - Sore Muscle Rub

I find that during the winter cold, snowy, icy months, I am walking around a little bit more cautiously trying to not slip and fall. Sometimes at the end of the day I am feeling very tight and cold in my muscles. The Sore Muscle Rub from Badger organic warming balm is a perfect solution. This rub is in a lovely organic olive oil base with Castor seed oil and Beeswax with several wonderful oils including Cayenne & Ginger which you can really feel penetrating and relaxing your muscles when you massage into your skin. I use this as well on a daily basis on my knees that just always feel stiff. Be cautious around sensitive skin areas, this balm is seriously fierce...in a good way!

Daisy

Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter for Lips

Over the years, I’ve tried several different types of lip balm since I always like to have one in my pocket or bag year-round. However, it wasn't until trying the Evanhealy Whipped Shea Butter for Lips that I found one I truly love. Made with moisturizing organic Shea Butter and Argan Oil, it’s truly a must-have, especially during the dry, cold months of winter.

Marissa

Maude Burn Massage Candle Unscented

Whether you're looking to spark romance or give your skin some love in a new form, Maude's massage candle is sure to bring warmth this winter. Bonus: No overwhelming scent- just pure moisture.

 

Rose

Little Seed Farm Goat Milk Bar Soap - Rosemary Mint Scrub

I've never been particularly picky about the soap I use, but that all changed when I started working at Cambridge Naturals. This soap in particular has become a favorite of mine, and it's especially lovely to use in the winter given its slightly rougher texture which is great for exfoliation. I love this scent too- the mint and rosemary are subtle and invigorating and it leaves your skin feeling clean, smooth, and minty fresh! Makes a great gift too- can't resist the adorable goats on the packaging!

 

The Glam-Goth Look Make-up Tutorial

By Allison, CN Supplies Coordinator & Natural Makeup Enthusiast

I hope you enjoyed our first makeup blog last month. This time, we have a more bold look for you and we got creative with how we use the products - multi-functional, if you will!

(Disclaimer: I am an enthusiast, not an expert!)

  • Apply a primer (or moisturizer) to clean skin

  • While the primer/moisturizer absorbs, apply concealer to eyelids and set it with a setting powder.

  • Fill brows with brow pencil.

    • I filled my brows using medium pressure strokes of the Jane Iredale Precision Pencil in Soft Black, making sure to give structure to the edges of the brow and fill in gaps within.

    • If you end up with something too dark, comb through brows using a spoolie brush or run a cotton swab over the dark parts.

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

  • Use an angle brush, water, and eyeshadow to create a winged liner effect on the upper lid and lash line.

    • I used the Jane Iredale Blue Hour Palette. I dipped my angle brush in water; then into the medium shade (a sparkly midnight blue). Then, I dragged the brush across my upper lash line and lid to create a wing. I always use an eye makeup remover and cotton swab to clean up any imperfections. 

    • Note for beginners: start about halfway across your eyelid, pressing the brush along your upper lash line, dragging it to the outer corner of your eye. Then, re-product the brush and start dragging from the outer corner of your eye - at an angle - toward the end of your eyebrow. Drag out as far as you prefer, and then bring the shadow back to meet your lash line. Repeat until desired shape and opaqueness is achieved. 

  • Use the same angle brush, water, and eyeshadow to line the bottom lash line.

    • I again used the Jane Iredale Blue Hour Palette - angle brush → water → midnight blue shadow. Starting at the outer corner, I applied the shadow to the lower lash line, making sure to connect it to the base of the wing at the outer corner. I only brought the shadow/liner to about halfway across my lower lash line - this is mostly preference because I like to leave the inner surfaces for lighter colors.

    • Follow up with a concealer along the edges to create a crisper and brighter transition or smoke out the edges using a clean fluffy eyeshadow brush.

  • Apply a lighter colored eyeshadow. 

    • I used Fat and the Moon Highlighter in Beam. I applied it to my eyelid, from the inner corner to the wing, using my finger. I also applied it slightly above my natural crease. I chose the midnight blue and lit because they capture a frosty wintery vibe. The Fat and the Moon highlighters are both face and eye-safe, so they are a versatile product for your collection. 

    • You could definitely use the lightest shade from the Blue Hour Palette. It’s a beautiful shade of shimmery lavender - it just didn’t look super flattering on my skin tone. 

  • Apply Mascara

  • Clean up eyeshadow fallout using makeup remover

    • I used Sweet Almond Oil on a cotton swab to wipe away any particles that had fallen on my cheeks. I followed that with a little micellar water to remove the oily residue. You need to clean the oily residue because it will prevent the concealer from holding on to the skin when it is applied. 

  • Apply concealer.

    • I again used the Ere Perez Pot concealer in Latte. Using my finger, I tapped the concealer under my eyes, on the edges of my nostrils, and along my chin because those are the places where I need coverage. Then, I used a damp beauty sponge to press and blend the concealer into my skin.

    • Apply the concealer wherever you feel you need more coverage. 

    • For fuller coverage, apply and blend one coat; let it dry down; then apply and blend another coat. 

  • Apply foundation.

    • I used the Jane Iredale PurePressed Foundation Powder in Warm Sienna

    • Using a fluffy powder brush, I applied the foundation all over my face, making sure to get substantial coverage to the places where you applied concealer. I, then, used a very damp beauty sponge and pressed the powder into my skin - this helps the minerals in the foundation blend into the skin, resulting in more coverage with a natural finish.

    • If you have setting spray, feel free to mist that over your face and then press the powder into your skin using a damp sponge. 

  • Apply bronzer. 

    • I used the Jane Iredale Bronzer in So-Bronze 2. I applied it under my cheekbones and along the bottom side of my jawline. Admittedly, I used this powder as a contour (which is traditionally cool toned), despite it being a little on the warmer side. 

    • The main logic here is that darker shades, regardless of their tone, bring areas back in space and lighter shades act to bring areas forward in space. 

    • Any cool toned shade of the jane iredale powder would work as well - you just want it to be a few shades darker than your skin tone.

  • Apply highlighter to cheekbones. 

    • Again, I used Fat and the Moon Highlighter in Beam to highlight the upper half of my cheekbones.

    • This will bring the area forward in space while also creating a glowy, shimmery cast that catches the light!

  • Line the lips and blot the excess. Stay with me here; it’s going to look odd for a minute!

    • I went in with the Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil in Agate starting with an outline of the lips and subsequently filling in the whole lip with the liner. Next, I used a tissue to very gently blot the excess.

    • Note: generally speaking, products that are eye-safe are also safe to use on lips and face.

  • Apply the eyeshadow to lips. Yes, I said that!

    • I took the medium shade from the Blue Hour Palette and applied it to my lips using a dense eyeshadow brush.

    • Now, this will not work with every liner shadow combination, but it works with most of Ere Perez pencils because they are so moist from the jojoba oil. 

 There you have it folks, a wintery slightly goth makeup look!

On Appreciating Urban Wildlife

By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Strolling Enthusiast

I am, as an adult, quite contentedly a city person. But I wasn't always. I grew up in a distinctly more rural area, where deer regularly came into the yard and foxes watched me from the hills. I had always possessed a love for nature, but when I moved to Boston for work, I at first felt disconnected. Where was the natural world amidst all this pavement? As it turns out, it's still there: you just have to look a bit closer. 

I walk nearly three miles to work each way, which gives me a lot of time to observe nature. I find it a meditative experience: I set aside a little extra time to examine interesting plants and animals I see, sometimes taking pictures or making sketches of them to help me identify them later. Being mindful of my surroundings serves as both a grounding exercise and an intellectual one, as I pause to focus on the natural world around me. Here are some ways I've found to connect with nature when you live in the city.

Get to know your local wildlife. The neighborhood I live in is colloquially known as Rat City, but there's far more than just rats. Cities play host to a diverse collection of fauna, and I've greatly enjoyed getting to know them. Some of them are nuisances, like the wild turkeys who stop traffic along Mass Ave in Cambridge, or the starlings who reduced my vegetable seedlings to bare earth in a matter of days, or the coyotes who lope along the Charles in the early morning hours. Others are thoroughly charming, like the flock of semi-tame pigeons that eat peanuts out of my hands and the fat cottontail rabbits nibbling clover behind my local library. My attention to the local wildlife has acquainted me with species like the common grackle (a heavy-beaked blackbird), the slate junco (a chubby, almost spherical sparrow that I'm particularly fond of), and the cedar waxwing (a fruit-loving bird with some truly impressive feathers). Paying attention to the animals you see every day is a great way to connect yourself back to nature in the city. 

...and your local plants. Despite the often harsh New England climate, a variety of plant life thrives here. Some species I've found on my wanderings include the Cornelian cherry, with its olive-like red fruits; the fragrant linden whose blossoms make such calming tea; and the Ailanthus tree, an invasive species whose scent is as foul as the linden's is pleasant. 

Change your viewpoint. I mean this in a literal sense, not a metaphorical one. Spend some time looking at the ground, at the undergrowth. Are there mushrooms poking up from the roots of that oak tree? Does that fur-lined tunnel in the ground look like the nest of an Eastern Cottontail? Examine last season's fallen leaves and plant detritus, slowly decomposing into dark, nourishing humus. The ground is so much more alive than you might think. Look up into the trees. Fall and winter is a great time to spot old bird nests in the crowns of trees. Is that a beehive? Crabapples withering on the branches, the tiny cones of Eastern Hemlock. Starlings nesting in the eaves of the apartment buildings. Crows perched on television antenna, ivy winding around telephone poles. Both the sky and ground host tiny wonders. 

Find the untamed spaces... Even amidst the cultivated lawns and pruned trees of what sometimes seems like endless college campuses, wild spaces exist. In disused construction sites, on the fringes of winter playgrounds, beside railways and drainage ditches, wildlife emerges. Some plants, like great mullein and broadleaf plantain even prefer disturbed landscapes and poor soil -- I'll never forget the time I found a mullein plant growing on the roof of Cambridge Naturals' Brighton location! 

...and appreciate the cultivated ones. I live not far from Aeronaut's beer garden in Allston, and upon walking past it one summer day was tickled to see they'd planted grapevines and hops along one wall. On the campus of the Harvard Business School, spiky-flowered witch hazel blooms in midwinter, its pompoms often dusted with snow. These landscaping choices may be deliberate, but getting to know them has a magic all its own. 

It took me a number of years to understand and appreciate the wildlife of the city I live in, but I feel genuinely grateful for having taken the time to learn about it. Even the most urban spaces hold tiny pockets of nature -- if only you're patient enough to find them. 

Five Easy Ways to Reduce Your Waste in 2024

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Zero-Waste Enthusiast

"The world doesn't need five people doing low-waste perfectly. It needs five thousand people doing low-waste imperfectly."

I find myself thinking of this quote often. As someone who is trying to reduce the amount of waste I generate, it can sometimes feel very intimidating to explore the low-waste lifestyle. Since I live in a third-floor apartment that's roughly the size of a postage stamp, things like composting and growing my own vegetables aren't feasible for me. But I truly believe that it's the intent that counts with waste reduction, and that even the smallest actions are important. Here are a few simple ways I've found to help reduce the waste in my life. 

Try Some Mending. So your favorite sweatshirt finally ripped under the arm; or a button popped off your jacket, or your cat clawed a hole in the upholstery of your couch. Learning how to repair a busted seam or replace a button is a simple skill that you'll be able to put to use again and again, and if you feel confident, you can even try some more complicated projects. (I taught myself how to reupholster dining chairs this year, and in doing so saved some previously-very-ugly chairs from the landfill with a colorful fabric makeover.) 

Put the 'Eco' in Decor. Instead of purchasing new decorations for the holidays, see what you can repurpose around your house. Last year I decorated my Christmas Tree with strips of recycled fabric instead of tinsel -- it was colorful, unique, and utterly whimsical. I also like to make garlands out of newspaper and bright paint for holidays, and I am a big fan of papier-mache. Making your own holiday (or birthday, or random party) decorations can also be a great opportunity to bond with friends and family -- especially if you have kids in your life!

Rethink Your Packaging. Considering your plastic waste is a great way to reduce how much trash you generate. A few years ago, I went through my day writing down everything I used that was made of plastic, and was horrified to see how long the list was. Sustainability has swept the body care industry, and many products -- like deodorant packaged in paperboard, shampoo bars without any plastic packaging, and even plastic-free cosmetics -- are available nowadays. Even a switch from a plastic container to a glass one can help. 

Green Your Period. If you're a person who menstruates, you know how much trash period products can generate. I've been using a menstrual cup for over 10 years now, and it's been one of the easiest adjustments to the low-waste lifestyle I've ever found. (Bonus: no more purse full of maxi pads, taking your bag to the bathroom, or hiding tampons in your boot to discreetly tend to your menstrual needs while you're out and about.) My favorite reusable period products are the DivaCup and Gladrags Reusable Pantyliners. 

Go for Reusable. While some aspects of low-waste can seem intimidating and even downright scary (reusable toilet paper, anyone?), others are pretty accessible. Switch out your plastic sandwich bags for a cute reusable fabric pouch, try a roll of reusable bamboo paper towels instead of your regular kitchen paper towels, and carry a water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles of water. These days, whenever I buy something, I ask myself, Will I be able to use any part of this object again? I repurpose glass jars and bottles to hold my spices and teas, wrap leftovers in Bees Wrap, and opt for reusable face-cleansing pads. All in all, these adjustments to my life have been pretty easy!  

Remember, we're all on this low-waste journey together. Don't be too hard on yourself if you see the girl on Instagram buying all her groceries in bulk when you've only recently switched to paper-wrapped soap. We each do what we're capable of. And no effort goes unacknowledged. Every act of waste reduction, no matter how small, can make a difference. 

Closing CN Boston Landing

Dear customers,

It is with great sadness that we share the news with you that we will be closing our Boston Landing location in early January. 

We opened our second location in the summer of 2018, just when the neighborhood was beginning to come alive with small businesses, new buildings and new office tenants, and was humming with potential. 

Over the course of our five and a half years in business in Boston Landing, we have weathered multiple storms - including the literal rain storm that nearly destroyed our point-of-sale system the day before we opened (!), and most significantly, the pandemic - which has of course had a devastating impact on most brick-and-mortar businesses located in office-heavy neighborhoods. As a family-owned business with no outside investors, we’ve tried nearly every scrappy business and marketing idea in the book to help our nascent second location survive and thrive. Unfortunately, this has been one very long storm we haven’t been able to weather!

We are so proud of everything our Cambridge Naturals - Boston Landing team has accomplished over these years, and incredibly grateful for the truly wonderful community of customers who have made it clear how much they love that location, as well as for our landlord, who has made significant and meaningful efforts to champion the independent businesses in the neighborhood. We are excited to see how the BL community of businesses continues to grow and evolve! We have learned so much, and made some strong connections with friends across the river that will hopefully carry on long into the future. 

When we moved from Mass Ave in Cambridge to Porter Square in 2006, we used the tagline, “Help us lighten the load before we move up the road!” So now we’re saying, “Help us reduce our inventory to a sliver before we carry it across the river!” (You can blame my father and CN’s co-founder Michael for the terrible sense of humor.) We will be placing all of our products at CN Boston Landing on sale starting today - Save 30% Off everything in store*! Everything remaining will be transferred over to Cambridge Naturals - Porter Square. 

Our current plan is to be open to customers through Friday January 5th, but that may change depending on our in-stock levels (we may close a day or two early) so please call the store before you come over and/or check our website for details.

When the dust settles, we are looking forward to regrouping and turning our full team’s attention to Cambridge Naturals in Porter Square, with significant hope and inspiration. Thank you to all our customers for cheering us on through these wild times. We’re so grateful to be a part of your community, whether near or far. 

Emily & Caleb and the CN Team

*applies only to items currently in stock at Cambridge Naturals - Boston Landing (Brighton). Does not apply to online orders placed for pick-up. While supplies last. 

Fortune Favors the Bowl... of Black Eyed Peas

By Dev, CN Manager

Good luck in 2024 is on the side of Cambridge Naturals customers, because we're fortuitous enough to stock special heirloom dried black eyed peas from Rancho Gordo! Their Super Lucky 2024 Black Eyed Peas are going to be making their way onto many plates this January 1st--including mine, and hopefully yours, too. I can't wait to integrate them into one of my favorite yearly rituals, one that I've somehow managed to not miss once in over 30 years. 

There's an interesting, mysterious history behind the old tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day in the southern United States. It's one I've also carried with me from my home in the South to my newer home in New England, and I've been blessed with numerous opportunities to share it with my friends in Beantown, as well. 

(Fun fact: these little peas aren't peas at all - they're beans from the cowpea family.) 

There have always been a diverse array of theories surrounding the genesis of this southern and African American cultural staple. It seems generally agreed upon that enslaved Africans brought black eyed peas, and the tradition of prosperity associated with them, from across the sea during the Transatlantic slave trade. There's also the folk tale that black eyed peas were among the only foods available to survive on during the siege of Vicksburg in the spring of 1863. Another major event also happened in early 1863; the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the executive order which freed all Black slaves on January 1st, possibly further cementing the date as an important and auspicious day for the lucky black eyed pea to be consumed. 

Regardless of the exact explanation for their continued association with New Year's Day, these little beans symbolize prosperity in the new year when eaten on day 1. They swell when cooked, symbolizing growth, and also are said to represent coins. Growing up in the coastal Carolinas, I was warned by my grandparents and parents that it was of crucial importance to clean my plate and eat every black eyed pea served to me, or I wouldn't have any money in the coming year. Black eyed peas also have some tasty companions with similar symbolism. Leafy greens such as collards are also served alongside them, and are meant to represent greenbacks / paper currency, which also emerged during the Civil War period. Cornbread is another staple meant to represent gold. Pork is traditionally eaten on January 1st as well, because pigs 'root forward', sending you forward into the new year, ready to leave the struggles and habits of the old year behind. 

Some traditions vary from place to place and family to family - Hoppin' John, a fragrant combination of rice, black eyed peas, pork, and onion, can be consumed on the 1st as well. In my family, we typically ate a plate of black eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, and pork on January 1st, and Hoppin' John was made with leftovers on the 2nd. Frugally using leftovers for Hoppin' John also ensures further luck and prosperity in the new year. It can also be used for another day's leftovers as well, which is known as Skippin' Jenny - even luckier! Bean appetite! 

Fun additional reading / sources:

- 'Foodways: Volume 7 of the New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture,' ed. John T. Edge

- 'The True Story of Traditional New Year's Lucky Foods' by Sara Bir, from Serious Eats

- Black History Month: Hoppin’ John - Her Mise En Place