Nutrigenetics in a Nutshell

By Miles, CN Supplements Buyer

Every wondered how your genes can play a role in things like metabolism, bone health, inflammation, and food sensitivity? Our resident experimental science aficionado, Miles breaks down the basics behind genetic testing and how it can help you understand your body!

And, from today (April 24th) through May 1st 2017, we're running an instagram giveaway with Nordic Naturals - win a bottle of Omega Memory with Curcumin and a bottle of Vitamin D3 Gummies, along with the Bliss Kit from local Orig3n! For more details visit our Instagram.

What’s a Gene again?

As you may remember from high school biology, our cells contain bundles of information otherwise known as genes. Your genes were passed down to you from your parents, and help to determine everything from the color of your hair to how your metabolism operates, among much else. DNA is a long double helix with repeating molecules of nucleotides that make up your genetic code.

In order to be expressed, your genetic code of DNA is read and converted into proteins in a process known as transcription and translation. Again, these proteins are what define your unique characteristics – they can be enzymes that help create neurotransmitters like serotonin, or the collagen in your skin.

Mutations in our genes can occur. Most of the time, these mutations do not make too big of a difference in terms of how our biology operates. A common type of mutation is known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which occurs when one of the base pairs in DNA gets changed around. This may result in decreased activity of the enzyme/protein for which the gene encodes, so sometimes SNP’s lead to disease states.

What does all of this mean for us at Cambridge Naturals? Many supplements interact with our DNA or how our genes are expressed. Turmeric supplements, for example, may work in part by turning off certain genes that lead to heightened inflammation. To support your selection of supplements, we’ve actually started selling DNA genetic test kits.*

 

Why would I want to test my genes?

Sometimes when I help somebody choose supplements, I add the caveat, “we all respond to supplements in a bit of a different way.” There are numerous factors that alter how supplements may work in our bodies, ranging from nutrition, digestive health, and metabolism--all the way to psychosocial variables. A key part of this paradigm, however, is our genetics. Our DNA governs the way we metabolize and absorb certain types of nutrients. Hence, based on our DNA, some specific types of supplements might work better for our bodies than others.

The concept of optimizing your health with supplements targeted to your DNA is an emerging area of focus called Nutrigenetics, and it’s a key component in the type of complementary and alternative medicine practice called Functional Medicine.

With Orig3n Life Profile genetic test kits, your genetic information is collected from a cheek swab sample and analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s.) It can be cost prohibitive to analyze your entire genome, so only certain genes related to specific areas of wellness are analyzed.

Orig3n Life Profile kits are not diagnostic tests and cannot be used for the diagnosis of disease. Nowhere in your results will it tell you that you are deficient in any vitamin. Instead, the words: “adapt, normal, or gifted” are used to discuss genetic activity. For example, if someone has a mutation in a gene linked to Vitamin D metabolism that is statistically associated with lower Vitamin D levels, the test results imply that he or she might need to “Adapt” based on their result. It doesn’t, however, tell you what your Vitamin D levels are! Nonetheless, when we find out more about the SNP’s in our genome we can make actionable conscious decisions to optimize our health.

 

Orig3n Life Profile – An Overview of Kits

Orig3n Life Profile has five different genetic test kits available to us. They are as follows.

Superhero – The “beginner” genetic test kit. Only analyzes for three genes related to muscle speed, strength and IQ.

Fuel - Analyzes for SNPs in genes that contribute to food sensitivity, vitamin absorption, sugar craving and fat metabolism.

Bliss – Analyzes genes related to mood and behavior imbalances. Think: neurotransmitter receptors and related enzymes.

Aura – Skin health genes! Think collagen, hydration, and antioxidant genes that protect us from the sun’s rays.

Fitcode – Analyzes genes linked to fitness, endurance, VO2 max and recovery, among others.

Come in and ask any one of us about the Orig3n kits that are newly available to you!

*These kits are non-diagnostic, do not require blood samples, and are not meant to be used to diagnose any disease nor prescribe any treatments.

Interview with Joel Rosen of Rosen's Kraut

By Vicki, Local Grocery Brands Coordinator

Nowadays the "Fermentation Nation" section of the cooler at Cambridge Naturals is pretty crowded. There are SO many amazing locally made fermented foods options, can there really be anything "new" out there? Well, lo and behold we found Rosen's Kraut at the Sustainable Business Network annual conference, and were bowled over by his crunchy, tangy, delicious and totally original Butternut Squash Kraut (what?!) - along with Beets & 'Neeps and Garlic Pickled Carrots. The texture, the taste, the smell of all of Rosen's Krauts are all so enticing, so eye catching, that it will leave you with a bigger smile and a happier tummy.

Here is a deeper look into the brand, the vision they have, and some other interesting tidbits that will connect you closer to one of our newest local brands!

How did you first learn about fermentation? And how did that spark the interest in starting your own business?

Well, I remember my parents were brewing beer at home when I was ten or so, so I suppose I'd been exposed to the idea that you could ferment your own food and drink since I was a kid.  In college, I spent my summers cooking at a folk dance camp in Plymouth, where the head cook introduced me to their sourdough starter and taught me how to bake bread.  But it wasn't until after college when I lived in China that I really developed a taste for pickled vegetables.  I'd always liked cucumber pickles, but in China I was introduced to the concept of salted pickled vegetables like turnip and mustard tuber that were eaten with breakfast, alongside steamed buns or in savory crepes.  It wouldn't have occurred to me to eat salty, sour, or spicy condiments first thing in the morning, since we're more used to eating sweets with breakfast here, but once I got a taste for it I was really hooked.

When I moved back to Boston I began experimenting with making my own kimchi and fermented grated carrots that I'd eat with my eggs and coffee.  Around that time, JP also started hosting the Boston Fermentation Festival just down the street from where I lived, and I'd walk down every year and taste what everybody was making.  Just about a year ago I left my software job and had some time on my hands, so I thought I'd try selling my carrots and see if I could make a business out of it.  I played around with a ton of recipes and vegetables this past summer, including some brined ferments like cucumbers and okra, but eventually narrowed down to a line of kraut-style veggies that go particularly well on salads.  I figure, everybody eats salad, but salads can get boring, so I'm hoping my products can help fill a big need here, even with people who might not necessarily be thinking about the health benefits of fermented foods, but who are just looking for something more exciting and colorful to put on their salads.

Of course, I eat this stuff with everything, and if I can get others eating pickles with breakfast, that would be awesome, but it might be a bit of an acquired taste for most folks.

Why is eating fermented food important for us?

There's a lot to be said about the health benefits of fermented foods, and Sandor Katz even writes about fermentation as a kind of political act, but I just eat it because I'm addicted to the flavor.  Fermented foods, pickles, cheese, beer, wine, bread, all have that distinctive umami flavor that you can't get without it.

You have one of the most unique krauts available, how did you get the idea for the Butternut Squash Kraut?

I'd been intrigued by the color and texture of butternut squash for a while, and was curious to see how it would ferment.  Great, as it turns out.  The bright yellow color is the first thing you notice, and the texture is crunchy but also has a creaminess to it.  The most common variety of butternut was also developed here in Waltham, so I thought it would be nice to focus on a crop that's local to Boston.

Where do you source your veggies for your Kraut? Why is sourcing important to you?

Sourcing good produce, I've learned, is essential to the quality of my krauts, especially because my recipes are so simple.  I take veggies, shred them, salt them, add garlic, and that's it.  I don't cook them, I don't use vinegar, and I don't add any other spices that could compensate to mask the flavor or texture of a poorer quality vegetable.  The fermentation process is entirely natural and results can vary widely depending on the quality and ripeness of produce used, so throughout the season and as I source from different farms, the flavor of my ferments will change from batch to batch.  Since I got started in January I've been buying directly from small farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  My last few batches have all been sourced from Red Fire Farm in Montague, but their supply of winter squash just ran out for the season so I'll need to look a little farther afield for butternut this summer. Next year if things go well I'm hoping I'll have reached a scale where I can find a farm to grow all my butternut for me, to process once at the beginning of the year to last me the whole season.  Fermentation is primarily a food preservation technique, after all!

What inspires you in life?

I like meeting people who have done a whole bunch of different things in their lives, who end up being successful at something interesting that they hadn't imagined they'd do, or could have planned for as part of a traditional career path.  For example, there was a little while when I was working in Beijing, I got a gig as an interpreter for the special effects team on the production of The Kite Runner.  My boss, the special effects supervisor, was a crusty old kiwi who had spent much of his younger professional life on deep sea excavation of naval wrecks.  That's how he learned a bunch about explosives, which turned out to be a useful skill for special effects in film.  He didn't go to film school or plan to work in movies, but now he gets paid to travel the world blowing things up and making fake snow.

I've also been inspired by my kung fu teacher for as long as I've been studying with him.  He worked in business making bean sprouts wholesale for twenty years before opening his martial arts school.

Anyway, I'm still not sure what I'm going to be when I grow up, but I figure if I keep doing things that interest me, I'm probably on the right path.

Interview with Liat of Tamim Teas

By Vicki, Local Grocery Brands Coordinator

I bet you’ve never tasted a mushroom blend that as good as the Tamim Tea blends! With five unique, synergistic and delicious mushroom teas, they create a user friendly experience - making it easy for you to get the benefits of mushrooms in a simple and tasty way. Medicinal mushrooms are growing in popularity - more and more of our customers are seeking them out for their health and wellness benefits. We truly believe that they can save the world!

Last year during Herbstalk, Michael Kanter, co-founder of Cambridge Naturals, noticed Liat from Tamim teas offering her delicious mushroom tea to the public. Her blends were gaining a lot of interest from the attendees, all the notes were very nicely balanced, AND she was working with local farmers for her blends. Ever since then, we have closely collaborated with Liat and her products, and were one of the first stores to offer them. In addition to the pre-packaged blends, two of the Tamim Teas are now also available in our bulk section: “Lion’s Share and Reishi Delight”.

Her full line consists of: Lion’s Share, Reishi Delight, Chaga Chai, Shiitake Uplift, and Maitake Bloom. I talked with Liat to learn more of her story and why mushroom teas are a great addition to your daily diet!

How did you get inspired with the idea to create such unique mushroom blends?

Sipping on mushrooms for health benefits is an age-old tradition that has recently gained more attention from people interested in caring for their health in a natural way. When I first started drinking mushroom teas, I realized that I didn’t love the taste of plain mushrooms, but I do love tea!  By using herbs to balance the flavor profiles of different medicinal mushrooms, I could make blends that were delicious, full-bodied, and much better tasting than the teas I was drinking everyday – and with the added benefits of mushrooms, it was the best of both worlds!

Where do you source your ingredients? Why is sourcing locally important to you?

Our mushrooms are locally sourced from family farmers who we know and trust in New England. Many of our organic herbs and spices are locally grown, too. Currently, we use local and organic ginger and turmeric from western Massachusetts.

Local means the best taste, and benefits for both you and the environment. Our mushrooms are grown and freshly dried whole, so you wont find any processed powders or extracts here. Our cultivated mushrooms are grown organically, without chemicals or toxins, and our wild harvested mushrooms are sustainably sourced. This is vitally important to us as mushrooms like chaga can take years to regrow and irresponsible sourcing can wound trees and cause long-term ecological damage. 

Which is your favorite blend of Tamim Teas? Why is it your favorite?

That’s like asking someone to choose their favorite child. It all depends on mood…and that can change from day to day ;-) 

How do people respond to the idea of drinking mushroom teas at first?

There are two general groups of responses. The first are from people who revere mushrooms as a source of vitality. These are often people who are already taking mushroom supplements based on powders or alcohol based extract and for them, an all natural caffeine-free tea made with whole local dried mushrooms is a no-brainer.

The second group of responses is from people who have never heard of mushroom teas. This is always more exciting for us, as we love the transformation from wary… to curious… to yum!

Leave us with your most favorite quote, and your favorite song :)

Favorite Quote:

“Peace, happiness and joy is possible during the time I drink my tea.”

— thich nhat hanh

Favorite Song:

“La Vida Es Un Carnival”  (Life is a Carnival) by Celia Cruz. The song reminds us to think of life as a carnival; to always remember to laugh and that pains can be alleviated through song and dance.

The Naturalist Guide to Facial Moisturizers with SPF

Wishing for sunny weather but loathe the idea of slathering sunscreen onto your face? Loathe no more! Cambridge Naturals has got you and your face covered this summer season. Browse our variety of natural facial moisturizers containing SPF, and learn to love protecting your skin all year long!

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream, SPF 30

Our most luxurious regenerating moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen. Herb and oil based, lightweight matte finish protection matched with non-nano zinc.
Recommended Skin Types: All skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

Ursa Major, Daily Defense Lotion, SPF 18

Locally made in Vermont, Ursa Major hydrates and delivers nutrients to the skin all while blocking the sun’s rays. Ursa Major tells us to think of the Daily Defense Lotion as a “high-tech natural moisturizer, anti-ager and sunscreen in one - a forceful blend of science and nature.” The lotion goes on perfectly over a serum or the Ursa Major Face Balm.
Recommended Skin Types: Normal/Dry skin expecting sun exposure

100% Pure Green Tea Oil Free Moisturizer, SPF 30

This lightweight, vegan and oil-free product will offer your skin sun protection while giving you the hydrating benefits of a moisturizer. Green Tea is this product’s highlighted ingredient which helps to soothe and calm your skin - perfect for summer.
Recommended Skin Types: Best for oily skin.

 

Andalou Naturals Benefit Balm, Natural Tint, SPF 30 (Age Defying Line)

Andalou Naturals’ Benefit Balm in Natural Tint contains anti-aging ingredients such as resveratrol and CoQ10 which help to protect and energize your skin. This product can be used alone or under makeup. Offering a tint, the Benefit Balm can add a nice glow to your skincare routine!
Recommended Skin Types: Best for dry/very dry skin.

Andalou Naturals Benefit Balm, Sheer Tint, SPF 30 (Brightening Line)

Andalou Naturals’ Benefit Balm in Sheer Tint contains skin brightening ingredient Vitamin C. Paired with mineral ingredients, this balm provides broad spectrum protection and offers a beautiful, sheer tint when applied to the skin.
Recommended Skin Types: Normal/Combination Skin

Andalou Naturals Benefit Balm, Untinted, SPF 30 (Clear Skin Line)

Andalou Naturals’ Untinted Benefit Balm is wonderful for those looking for a moisturizer with SPF and no colored tint. Containing argan oil and fruit stem cell complex, this product will help to keep your skin hydrated while combatting the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. This product helps mattify any excess oil, reducing shine on the skin.
Recommended Skin Types: Oily/Overactive Skin

Andalou Naturals Color Correcting Creams in Sheer Nude and Sheer Tan, SPF 30 (Sensitive Line)

These color correcting moisturizers offer beautiful coverage and protection! Using rose stem cells, these products deliver sun protection and soft, sheer coverage while keeping the skin hydrated and looking fresh.
Recommended Skin Types: Sensitive/Dry Skin

For a little more protection, consider these staff and customer favorites for face-friendly sunscreens:

Evanhealy’s Sheer Tint Sun Stick, SPF 30

Rich in raspberry seed oil, argan oil and shea butter, evanhealy’s brand new Sheer Tint Sun Stick is the perfect product for on-the-go sun protection! Only the size of a lip balm, you can toss this in your bag or in your pocket for sun relief all day. Bonus: this sun stick has the scent of a creamsicle and will be the sweetest addition to your suncare routine!
Recommended Skin Types: All Skin Types

Badger Rose Tinted Face Sunscreen, SPF 25

Made with Damascus Rose, Chamomile and Lavender, you can forget about any flashbacks to that sunblock smell you might be relating to your childhood. Badger has created this facial sunscreen to offer you SPF protection while nourishing and nurturing your skin. The Rose Tinted Sunscreen is so lightweight that it has been lab approved to be non-comedogenic -- it won’t clog your pores!
Recommended Skin Types: All skin types/Sensitive Skin
 

*All brands listed use non-nano zinc, and contain 0 chemical sunscreens.

March Monthly Muse: Dr. Eva Zasloff

By Mary, CN Body Care Buyer & The Naturalist Contributor

We’ve been marching our way into wellness all month long, and encouraging you, our wonderful readers and customers, to do the same. As important as it is to nurture health throughout our entire lifetime, there’s no more important time than when we first arrive here. We at Cambridge Naturals are not doctors or pharmacists, and although we all carry a wealth of knowledge on our products, most of us don’t have the kind of experience and education needed to help ensure the best care for those precious days of pre and post-natal care.

Eva Zasloff, M.D. is a Cambridge based doctor offering in-home medical care for newborns and new mothers and has helped so many get the support and healthcare they need during this time. The term “fourth trimester” was not a term I was familiar with prior to speaking with Dr. Zasloff and I don’t think I’m alone. It refers to the moment of birth to three months after, and is a time of great change and adjustment for both the baby and parents.

At a time when the percentage of postpartum depression is up to 75% in the US, Eva’s model of care is an important one to know about. She offers pediatric check-ins as well as support for mothers for anything from lactation support to navigating postpartum blues. Her practice focuses on in-home visits allowing patients to be treated in the environment they’re most comfortable in. Read on to learn more about Eva and her work, including her top recommendations for new moms!

What is your favorite place or thing to do in the Boston area?

I love the pick-your-own-flowers CSA at Lex Farm. It is a local community-run farm located next to the Arlington reservoir.  Every week in the summertime, I head to the farm to hand pick flowers from the fields for my home. I look forward to it every year.

Do you have a life changing book you’ve read that you can recommend?

Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz. I have been interested in the microbiome and probiotics for a long time, but about 5 years ago I discovered this book. I love Katz's style and approach to fermenting foods- super informative but also laid back. This is my go-to book for homemade sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt recipes. My three boys have grown accustomed to many glass jars with strange foods fermenting on our kitchen counter or patio...

What initially drew you to working with postpartum moms and babies when you entered the medical field?

I have always been struck by the beauty, power, and vulnerability during this time for both the newborn and the family. The physiology of the mother and baby is so fascinating. Newborns have to figure out how to exist breathing and living outside of womb which was filled with amniotic fluid - like figuring about how to transform from being an amphibian into a mammal! The postpartum mother is healing from the birth experience and having dramatic shifts in hormonal and regulatory mechanisms in order for lactation to be established. Another amazing aspect is how connected the mother-baby unit is, both emotionally and physically. How the baby is feeding, how the mother is feeling, these things affect one another. Also, so much attention is put into the pregnancy and birth experience- which is great- but so often, the baby is born and the support falls. As a practicing family doctor, I over and over again had felt like I could be caring for this population in a better way.

What have some of the highlights been since you founded your own practice, Tova Health?

So many! First, it is an honor to be a part of this transformative time for a family and to be welcomed into their home. It is also so energizing to have a vision of something good and important, and then to actually make it happen. It really is a creative process for me. Doctors and midwives from all over the country are reaching out and excited about this new model of care. So thrilling to watch this grow.   

I also love the multicultural richness of the postpartum time - there are many ancient traditions and rituals surrounding this time. After one my newborn home visits, the grandmother brought me to the kitchen to teach me how to make a traditional Indian postpartum drink. It is delicious and made with dill seed and ghee. Now I bring the ingredients and recipe of this tea as a welcome gift to new families.

Home births and in-home care for mothers and newborns is still a foreign concept for some in this country. Your patients have found the care you offer invaluable. In what ways is your service different?

For the first 3 months of life, I visit the family in their home, caring for the mother and baby in an integrative way. I provide comprehensive newborn care for the baby. The family can rest and heal. I walk through this time with them and meet them where they are. I listen to their birth stories- the beautiful parts and the hard parts. Sometimes there are tears. We talk about postpartum blues, breastfeeding concerns, diaper rash, all of it! It is remarkable how much recovery, learning, and grown can happen when supported.

Lastly, what are your top 3 Cambridge Naturals product recommendations you can make for new mothers?

1. Organic Fenugreek seeds in the bulk section. Fenugreek is thought to promote milk supply. swallow 1/2 teaspoon of seeds each day postpartum if milk supply is low or needs a boost.

2. Silverette Nipple Caps. These are a great gift! They can be really helpful and soothing during the first few weeks of  breastfeeding.

3. The First Forty Days. Such a beautiful book- full of postpartum wisdoms, cultural traditions and recipes. great to read during the end of pregnancy or during those long postpartum nights.

Eva Zasloff MD  is a board certified family doctor with a focus on pediatric & women’s health. She has created a new model of care called Tova Health: Integrative Newborn & Maternal Care at Home serving the greater Cambridge area. info@tovahealth.com / www.tovahealth.com

Elecampane (Inula helenium)

By Steph Zabel,
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

I must admit, elecampane is one of my favorite herbs. But it is often an acquired taste, and many people don’t get past its surprisingly pungent and forceful flavor, eschewing it for more mellow-tasting herbs. However, once you give it a chance there are many gifts to be gained from this beautiful and healing plant.

Photo by Radu_Privantu via Wikimedia Commons

Before we get to its use in herbalism, I want to note that elecampane is often planted in gardens due to its tall stature and beautiful flowers. It is a relative of the sunflower and you can see the resemblance in the cheery, long, yellow petals and in its graceful height. This plant will grow taller than a human! Elecampane takes its botanical name, Inula helenium, from the legend of Helen of Troy. Legend has it that the plant sprung up in the places where her tears fell when she was kidnapped from her home.

“It can reach deep into the lungs and gets things moving again by clearing and releasing old infected mucus. Emotionally it is also used for grief and sadness that is stored in the lungs.”

The pungent root is the part used in herbal medicine; it is harvested in the autumn when the plant is two or three years old. As alluded to above the taste of the fresh or dried root is strong: it imparts a bitter, spicy and warming flavor all at once.

Elecampane is most famous for its ability to strengthen and support the respiratory system. It is known as one of the best herbal expectorants for congested and stuck mucus in the chest, phlegm-y coughs, and for many respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. It can reach deep into the lungs and gets things moving again by clearing and releasing old infected mucus. Emotionally it is also used for grief and sadness that is stored in the lungs.

A strong antiseptic and bactericide that helps resolve bacterial infection elecampane will change thick, green, infected mucus to white or clear mucus. Old herbal writings also indicated the use of it for shortness of breath and swollen and inflamed respiratory conditions.

Photo by Radu_Privantu via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to its wonderful respiratory properties, the bitter properties of the root stimulate the appetite, overall digestive function and help increase the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. Traditionally it was used for all sorts of digestive woes from intestinal parasites to stagnant digestion to imbalanced intestinal flora. In fact,  another amazing attribute of elecampane is that the root is a rich source of source of inulin. This is a storage carbohydrate found in some plants which feeds and supports healthy digestive flora, acting as a prebiotic, i.e. food for our good gut flora.

HOW TO USE:

➤ To make a decoction of the root, place 1 tablespoon dried root in 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cover. Let cook for 15 to 20 minutes, then strain out the root.

Note:  Avoid elecampane during pregnancy.

RECIPE: Elecampane Infused Honey

• Fill a small glass jar 1/3 of the way full with cut, dried elecampane root. Cover completely with raw, local honey. Stir as best you can.
• Cap with an air-tight lid, and label the jar with the ingredients and the date.
• Let this mixture steep together for 2-4 weeks. You may want to flip the jar upside down every so often so that the root moves back and forth through the honey and does not stay clumped together in one spot.
• Taste the honey at intervals to see when it has reached its desired strength.
• To strain out the herb you may need to gently (very gently!) heat the honey in a warm water bath. The heat will loosen up the honey and allow the root to be strained out more easily. But you want to be sure not to heat it up too much or you will destroy much of the nutritional goodness in the raw honey.
• Once the root is strained out, place in a glass jar and store in a dark cupboard.
• Use this honey on its own or mixed into a hot cup of tea to help with coughs, colds and stuck congestion.

REFERENCES:

Botanical.com
RJWhelan.co.nz
PlanetHerbs.com

Steph Zabel, MSc, is an herbalist and educator who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world.  She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual wellness consultations, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, Boston’s community herbal conference.  Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.

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This blog series — Herbs and Botanicals— is for general health information only. This Web site is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.

Beauty Uniform: Jennifer Botto of Thorn + Bloom

By Mary, CN Body Care Buyer & The Naturalist Contributor

I remember when I discovered what I thought was my signature scent, and I remember clearly when I realized the effect it was truly having on me, which was what can only be described as “sensory assault.” The headaches, the skin irritation, all signs pointed to the designer perfume I insisted on spritzing myself with. Jennifer Botto, founder of the Somerville based perfume company Thorn + Bloom understands this experience all too well.

I first met Jennifer last summer at the annual Herbstalk event. The packaging and display of her products quickly reined me in and she gladly humored my eagerness to learn everything about her line. She patiently handed me sample card after sample card, walking me through the depth of each scent. There was finally a high quality non-toxic perfume on the market and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops of the Armory.

The “fragrance” that makes up synthetic perfumes is actually a combinations of hundreds of synthetic chemicals and are loaded with pthalates, known hormone disruptors. According to a 1991 EPA Analysis, 95% of those chemicals are derived from petrochemicals and are known to cause birth defects, cancer, asthma, and allergies. An alarming statistic we are privileged to be aware of. We at Cambridge Naturals are just as careful of what we put on our bodies as we are of what we put in them, and we want the same safety standard for you.

All scents in the growing Thorn + Bloom line are available for sale at Cambridge Naturals. I interviewed her this month to get the full scoop on how she got started in nontoxic perfumery and below she shares some tips from her own beauty uniform.

Scent is powerful in the sense that it can instantly flood you with specific memories and transport you to another time and place. As a perfumer, is there any scent or combination of scents that has that effect on you? Where does it take you?

My most nostalgic blend, Stranger in the Cherry Grove, reminds me of my father's cherry pipe tobacco. It is smoky, woody, leathery with the slightest hint of charred cherry wood and fruit. In a perfume, it's an unexpected and surprising combination (burnt cherries?) but it makes sense when you know the context behind it's creation. For me, it is one of my most favorite scents and memories.

You grew up on a farm in New York but now live in the city of Boston. Has the change of scents in the environment you work and live in had any effect on what you do?

Natural Perfumery has helped me reconnect to nature in the midst of a frenetic urban environment. Living in a city often robs people of natural aromas such as freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, tree bark, moss, animal manure, silage, wood fire, etc and replaces them with synthetic aromas such as exhaust, gasoline, industrial materials, car air fresheners and synthetic perfumes. The sense of smell is often underrated and neglected, especially in a city such as Boston.

“Perfuming quickly became an obsession when I realized that botanical scents can rival the very best synthetic fragrances.”

What initially drew you to natural perfumery?

I've always been very allergic to synthetic perfumes and could never find a natural perfume that met my expectations in terms of longevity, complexity and sophistication. I decided to experiment with a handful of essential oils and my passion grew into a collection of hundreds of rare natural essences. Perfuming quickly became an obsession when I realized that botanical scents can rival the very best synthetic fragrances.

Do you have a signature scent or do you change it up everyday?

I tend to wear perfume seasonally and developed the line with this in mind. I love wearing Bird of Paradise in the summer, as it evokes a luscious tropical paradise with night blooming Jasmine, lemon and ginger. During the colder months I choose Orange Blossom, as the cardamom, honey and cedarwood exude a sensual warmth.

What does your daily skincare routine from day to night look like?

Of course, Coconut Oil is a mainstay for full body and face hydration. I've recently discovered topical Magnesium oil which has been a godsend. I find it helps with lymphatic drainage and exfoliation, giving my skin a firmer texture and more rosy appearance. It also helps with aches and pains just as an epsom salt bath would. I love the idea that I can spray the Magnesium on my skin as a kind of mobile bath therapy.

Do you wear makeup?

When I wear makeup I tend to do a natural, minimalist face with Jane Iredale products. My favorite look is a neutral lip with bright rosy cheeks and a lot of lash. I recently discovered a fantastic new product called One Two Lash which relies on magnetic technology to attach false lashes effortlessly. I'm constantly on the go so the ability to apply lashes in a snap with no messy glue or expensive extensions has really upped my beauty game!

What has inspired or continues to inspire your beauty uniform?

The older I get, the more I try to look for ways to let my inner beauty shine through. This has meant clean eating and clean living, cutting down on synthetic chemical exposure and processed foods. I also rely heavily on drinking lots of water and getting a minimum of 7 full hours of sleep every night.

When do you feel most yourself?

I love spending time in rural settings, away from the maddening crowd. I tend to become overstimulated by all the sounds and movement of the city and so it's very refreshing to return to the countryside for reflection and slow living. It's also wonderful to be able to stargaze when the light pollution isn't so heavy!

Do you have a favorite scent in your collection or one that is particularly special to you?

My favorite is Evergreen. I grew up in norther NY surrounded by beautifully fragrant forests of pine, spruce and fir trees. My family makes maple syrup so the combination of sweet boiling sap and cool fresh evergreen needles always brings back fond memories of childhood.

Thank you so much, Jennifer! Visit us in store to try  Thorn + Bloom. To learn more about Jennifer and the line of perfumes you can follow them on instagram @thornandbloom for updates!

Marching into Wellness: The Clay Chronicles

By Caitlin, CN Body Care Lead

When I think about a product that has changed my life, I think about evanhealy’s Clay Mask Kit. A tasting of masking products and shimmering gold paper, it’s as if you’re getting a glimpse of the glowing skin you’re about to call your own. For me, nothing has beat the blend of Evan’s clays with a hydrosoul and the dedicated time to preparing and painting on a mask. This is truly basking in the art of self-care.

Before I began masking with pure clays, there were the days of mint julep masking. A squeeze tube of unnecessary ingredients that would somehow “refresh” my face. Thinking back, how could I possibly be restoring life to my skin if I was simply smearing on a paste of preservatives? I did not want to preserve the state of my skin, I wanted to purify it!

Flash forward past unconscious consumerism and wrecking my skin with the college lifestyle and to a curious time where I relentlessly researched ingredients and products. That time is now.

With countless options available for facial care, I find it incredibly important to listen to our bodies and find what works best for us. If you’re looking for the right clay to add to your skin regime, consider these clay options for masking:

Pascalite Clay

Pascalite Clay was accidentally discovered in the 1930s by Emile Pascale. After Pascale’s chapped hands became covered in a white substance, he cleaned his hands, realizing the chapped condition improved after a single application.

Pascalite Clay is a bentonite/montmorillonite clay that does not swell when mixed with a liquid, unlike other bentonite clays. Pascalite has yet to be discovered in any other area of the world and is exclusive to the high vortex area of the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. This clay has a strong energy level that is powerful, yet gentle for all skin types. Pascalite Clay is hand-mined in the summer and then solar-dried throughout the winter.

Fuller’s Earth Clay

Fuller’s Earth Clay is best known for its skin-lightening properties and its ability to absorb oils. Commercially, this clay has been most commonly used to clean up oil spills in auto shops, to clean sheep's wool before sale and used in cat litters. Because of its wild success commercially, cosmetically, Fuller’s Earth Clay is the way to go for those with oily skin! Mountain Rose Herbs suggests combining Bentonite Clay and Fuller’s Earth Clay for best results. Fuller’s Earth Clay is quarry-mined from naturally occurring deposits and is untreated.

Rhassoul Clay

Our Rhassoul Clay is composed of deposits from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Rhassoul blends beautifully with water for easy preparation and application. At first, Rhassoul appears to be a soap-like rock before it becomes a powder. To achieve the powdered state, the clay is sundried and untreated. After micronization, Rhassoul becomes extremely soft to the touch. Rhassoul is higher in silica and magnesium than other clays, which makes this clay a great option for any skin type!

French Green Clay

French Green Clay is an extremely absorbent clay composed of small molecules that lovingly absorb oils and impurities from the skin. French Green Clay is a great spot treatment mask for the occasional breakout or the perfect option for a weekly full facial masking experience. French Green Clay has a stunning, earthy green tone that is the result of decomposed plant matter and iron oxides. Mountain Rose Herbs’ French Green Clay is untreated and quarry-mined from naturally occurring deposits in France.

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin Clay is also known as White Cosmetic Clay. Kaolin is an extremely lightweight clay with natural absorbing properties and is the most common clay additive among skincare products. Kaolin Clay is the best clay for those with sensitive skin because of its ability to gently cleanse and exfoliate while stimulating circulation. While some clays absorb oils from the skin, Kaolin does not, which makes this the ideal clay for those with drier skin. Our Kaolin Clay is quarry-mined from naturally occurring deposits, water-washed and unrefined with an off-white appearance while dry, and a brown tone when wet.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay is also known as Montmorillonite Clay and is a naturally occurring, weathered and aged volcanic ash from the United States. If you’re in need of a serious clay mask that you can really feel, Bentonite is the way to go. As Bentonite dries, you can feel your face tighten and pulsate. Bentonite is great as a full body pack if you’re really looking to heavily detox your skin. Once mined from the earth, Bentonite must be dried of any moisture and is baked in the sun. After drying, the clay is pulverized by hydraulic crushers. Bentonite Clay becomes activated when mixed with liquid, producing an electric charge. When mixing a mask, you’ll notice Bentonite Clay particles clinging to the liquid, swelling spreading across the surface. This powerful, electrically-charged mixture makes for a powerful detoxifying clay mask!

**Clay Mask Kit along with evanhealy’s other products sold in store.
** All clays mentioned can be purchased in the Bulk Section!

Clean Swaps

By Mary, Body Care Buyer & The Naturalist Contributor

We’re two months into the new year and those resolutions of cleaning up diets and skincare regimens may begin to waiver. It’s hard to resist the pull of something you’re familiar with and invest in something new. As someone that has successfully cleaned up her makeup and skincare products, I assure you that the initial discomfort and uncertainty of change quickly dissipates. Similarly, you’ll discover new snack options that you’ll become devoted to, that fill you with nutrients instead of high fructose corn syrup. Don’t worry, they’ll still satisfying those cravings!

We’ve put together a collection of clean swaps to help those in need of recommendations for simple replacements from Cambridge Naturals brands that are just as good (if not better) than their conventional counterparts.

MyChelle Sugar Cleanser <-- St. Ives Apricot Scrub

When we talk about exfoliating, we’re talking about gently sloughing off those dead skin cells and clearing clogged pores. This reveals smooth, clean skin that will readily absorb the nutrients from the other skincare products you’re using.  But most commercial exfoliants will actually leave small scratches on your skin, doing more harm than good. The MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser gently exfoliates with naturally moisturizing sugar and smells like birthday cake.

Acure Spot Treatment <-- Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10

Despite what you’ve been told, blemishes are a common occurrence well into your 20s (maybe even your 30s!) and it’s not a bad idea to have a secret weapon in your bag for when one of them sneaks up on you. The Acure Spot Treatment Gel contains 2% salicylic acid naturally derived from white willow bark, along with a slew of other plant extracts that support healthy skin without redness or irritation associated with harsh conventional treatments. I’ve seen this work overnight and happily replaced my trusted CVS brand with this one.

GoMacro Bars <-- Clif Bars

Between work, kids, class, errands, and appointments, sometimes it’s just not possible to sit down and enjoy a proper lunch. And that’s okay! We proudly support snacking. But we do want you to get the most out of it. Clif bars tend to be the go to but GoMacro Bars are giving them some serious competition. In addition, they don't contain soy protein isolates, which can act like estrogen in the body. If you’re looking for a bar that will fill and satisfy you, the go macros come in a variety of flavors that are entirely organic, non-gmo, vegan, gluten free, soy free, and kosher.

 Dandy Blend <-- Coffee

Quitting coffee is easily one of the top resolutions, and also one of the hardest. We live in a world with a coffee shop on every corner, where mindless consumption of caffeine is the norm. But if quitting entirely or even lessening the amount you drink is something you desire, Dandy Blend is an incredible alternative. The taste is great and it allows you to enjoy the ritual of coffee making and drinking without any caffeine withdrawal symptoms. If you haven’t given this a try yet I urge you to. They even offer small single serving packets if you want to try before jumping into the full size.

Ultima Replenisher <-- Gatorade

Electrolytes without the simple sugars and flame retardants! These Ultima packets can be a life saver when it’s hot and humid, after a late night, or one two many coffees. The packets offer an easy travel option that can be added to any cup of water rather than a bulky plastic bottle. They keep you hydrated with essential salts and minerals! 

Gaia Quick Defense <-- Airborne

Working in a high contact environment such as retail, we at Cambridge Naturals take our immune support seriously. Gaia’s Quick Defense is loaded with immune boosting herbs including Elderberry, Echinacea, and Ginger. Take this at the onset of symptoms (aka that first sneeze) for powerful support! And unlike its commercial counterparts, this Gaia supplement has no unnecessary additives and is made with organic ingredients.

Marching into Wellness: Bitters and How They Make Us Better!

By Elizabeth, CN Co-Owner & Certified Nutritionist

There are many reasons for us to use bitters to “make ourselves better” on a regular daily basis (see the list below). 

At Cambridge Naturals, we offer an eclectic collection sure to please your palate for both cocktails and for good digestive health.

Bitters’ complex flavors do more than make your mouth pucker, or add “life” to a cocktail.  Bitters help us balance our appetite and our digestive processes by increasing the secretion of our digestive enzymes. And bitters are also known to help detoxify the liver. 

Made from the roots, barks, and flowers of many herb plants, bitters stimulate the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile.  

Where did this concept of using bitter plants for cocktails come from?  Bitters have a rich history in all the major civilizations of the ancient and modern world extending all the way from the ancient Egyptians to the 16th century prescriptions of the physician Paracelsus to the 19th century British practice of adding herbal bitters to wine …. all the way to today when we mostly think of them for cocktails with names like orange bitters, celery bitters, lemon bitters, Creole bitters, grapefruit bitters, chocolate bitters, peach bitters, and more.

Here are 2 new bitters from Urban Moonshine™ to please your palette:

Cider Vinegar Bitters (alcohol free), which “Supports Digestion” and is “Fast Acting Heartburn Relief.” It is both “Earthy and Sour!”

Healthy Liver Bitters, noted as “Sweet & Herbaceous” and it “Supports Digestion, Normal Detox & Healthy Cholesterol”

What Bitters Can Do For You:

• Curb sugar cravings*
• Soothe gas and bloating and relieve occasional heartburn*
• Encourage production of bile & digestive enzymes*
• Calm upset stomachs*
• Increase absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K*
• Help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels*
• Balance appetite*
• Ease constipation and regulate bowel movements*
• Support liver function and healthy skin*

Ask our staff for some of our favorite bitters!

*This blog post — Bitters and How They Make Us Better! — is for general health information only. This Web site is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.