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Aquarius Season “Tea”

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

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

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

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

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

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

More from Alyssa @vrgohrbls on instagram!

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Sunday Sip - Sweet Birch Herbals

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and home herbalist

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

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

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

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Capricorn Season Tea

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By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

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

Materials

  • Tea kettle

  • Mug of choice

  • Tea strainer or teabag

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp kava kava root

  • 2 tsp cinnamon chips

  • 2 tsp mullein leaf

  • 1 tsp licorice root

Directions

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

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

  • Strain, sip, and enjoy!

Mullein leaf in a Somerville neighbor’s yard.

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Great Gift Idea! Budget-Friendly At Home Spa Night

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By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, Herbalism Student

Give your loved ones the gift of a budget friendly, at home spa night! As fun as the holidays can be, they can also bring stress and a lack of time to slow down. A gift that can help facilitate an evening dedicated to caring for body and mind might be just what’s in order for that special someone. Plus, the whole bundle costs under $25 and has enough for multiple uses of everything (with the exception of the bath bomb).

A bottle of Plantlife Castor Oil is first on the list- it is an excellent moisturizer and makes a great scalp and hair mask too. To use castor oil as a hair mask, place a few drops all over your scalp and rub in. You can also apply it directly to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave on for about 30 minutes. While you’re waiting for the castor oil to get all soaked in, you can make an herbal facial steam with a custom herb blend (some herb ideas are listed below). To make your steam, heat up some water in a medium sized pot. You don’t need much water- only about 16 oz or so. When the water starts boiling, take the pot off of the heat, add in your herb blend (4-6 tablespoons total is plenty), and cover with a lid. Covering the pot will keep in all of the volatile oils that aromatic herbs contain which can provide extra benefits for you skin. Let the pot cool down for about 10 minutes, and then uncover, find a comfortable spot, and lean your face over the pot and cover yourself with a towel to make a mini steam room. Breathe in the scent of the herbs for 10 to 15 minutes. This is also a great practice to use in times of congestion, as the steam will help to move everything along.

Wash out your hair mask with the next item on the list- a Just Soap Shampoo Bar. I love this shampoo bar because it’s extremely cost efficient at $3.99 as well as cleansing without stripping the hair of natural oils. It also contains rosemary which is an amazing herb for overall hair health. You could also take a nice long bath with a Relaxus Bath Bomb and light the cutest mini candle in the store to add some ambiance. Relaxus bath bombs come in a variety of relaxing scents including lavender, chamomile, and rosemary, and the candle smells like cinnamon.

Together, this gift bundle will be sure to help relax your friends and family without putting too much financial strain on yourself. Here is a cost detailing below:

Plantlife castor oil $4.99

Facial steam herb blend ~

1/4 oz by weight each:

All together this will cost around $22 total!

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Sagittarius Season Tea!

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By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, tea lover

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

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a tea strainer or teabag.

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

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







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Scorpio Season Tea

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By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, lunar Scorpio

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

Materials:

Ingredients:

Directions:

  • Boil 8 oz of water.

  • Pour hot water over tea and herbs.

  • Cover and let steep for 4 minutes.

  • Strain tea or remove teabag, sip and enjoy!

The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Tulsi Elderberry Syrup

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By Alyssa P

CN buyer, herbalism student, beverage enthusiast

It’s that time of the year again when elderberries become the star of the bulk herbs show. Elderberries are known for their immune supporting properties as well as their delicious taste, especially in syrup form. Elderberry syrup is such a fun way to support your immune system and can be taken every day.

This elderberry syrup is inspired by Mountain Rose Herbs’ recipe, a company that supplies many of our bulk herbs and more. Also included is tulsi rama, aka holy basil. Tulsi can act as an immune supporter and is great for stress support as well. The inclusion of tulsi adds some spice and depth of flavor to the syrup and compliments the elderberries well.

Materials

  • Medium pot

  • Measuring tools

  • Strainer and/or cheesecloth

  • Sterilized glass jar

Ingredients

Directions

  • Add berries. herbs, and cold water to a pot and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour

  • Strain berries and herbs using a funnel overlaid with cheesecloth and squeeze out all the liquid. It may still be hot so use caution.

  • Let liquid cool to a bit warmer than room temperature and stir in honey. Make sure the amount of honey is at least half of the total liquid left (1/2 cup honey for 1 cup liquid). This will help to increase the shelf life. If using vodka or brandy, stir that in as well.

  • Store in a sterilized glass jar in the fridge. You should be left with about 1-1.5 cups of syrup or a bit more if you added an alcohol.

This syrup can be taken daily to support your immune system. It tastes amazing on its own or you could use it as a base for mixed beverages. I love adding a tablespoon or two of the syrup to a Ruby Hibiscus Sparkling Water- a delicious drink that’s only two ingredients!

P.S. Find the Mountain Rose Herbs Elderberry Syrup Recipe (and video!) here!



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.

A CBD Guide!

By Alyssa P
CN buyer, herbalism student, and CBD lover

The world of CBD can be intimidating if you have never ventured there before- especially with all of the different options that are out there! Here I will guide you through some CBD basics as well as my favorite CBD products for those who are new to CBD and beyond. First, let’s cover some basics:

What is CBD?

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. CBD is not psychoactive and therefore will not cause a “high”. People use CBD for a variety of reasons, ranging from stress and sleep support to pain relief.

Isolates vs Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum

Generally, there are three types of CBD products: isolates, broad spectrum, and full spectrum. A CBD isolate is isolated CBD and will contain CBD only- no other components from the cannabis plant will be included in these products. CBD isolate is also the form of CBD that has been widely studied, as broad or full spectrum CBD contains too many variables. Broad spectrum products will contain CBD as well as any other naturally occurring plant extracts such as terpenes, but no THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Full spectrum CBD products will contain everything that you find in a broad spectrum CBD plus up to .3% or less THC, which is the legal limit of THC in any CBD product.

CBD for First Timers

There are a couple of products that I usually recommend to customers who are new to CBD. The first being Sunsoil CBD. This CBD oil is a great first glimpse into internal CBD because the dosing is relatively small and it’s one of the most cost effective CBDs we carry at Cambridge Naturals. With an oil you can easily take a very specific dose, which can be especially helpful when figuring out a dose that works for you personally. Sunsoil’s smallest dose is 10mg per 1 dropperful and you could cut that in half by taking a half dropperful. 5-10 milligrams is generally a good dose to start with for those who have never tried CBD, as you can incrementally up your dose from there.

Another great option for trying out CBD is a smaller pack of gummies, like the Upstate Elevator 10mg Gummies- another 10 milligram dose that you could easily cut in half if need be. This pack of gummies is only $10 for 10 gummies so it’s not a huge investment if you are first experimenting with CBD. Plus, they taste great!

CBD Isolates (THC Free CBD)

For various reasons, some people may want to purchase a CBD product that contains absolutely no THC. In this case, they would look for a CBD isolate. Upstate Elevator makes a THC Free CBD Oil as well THC Free Gummies, which are both great options for those avoiding THC altogether.

Topical CBD

In my experience, topical CBD works great to relieve pain. In a recent training from Cordial Organics, our staff learned that our skin has its own endocannabinoid system. This system can absorb up to 3 times more CBD than our internal endocannabinoid system. So because of this, CBD that is used topically has the potential to work even better for pain relief than CBD that’s taken internally. One of my favorite topical CBD products at Cambridge Naturals is Cordial Organics’ Restore Stick, and not just because of their amazing training. This is another affordable CBD option that is easy to apply and smells amazing. It has helped me through various needs, such back pain and menstrual cramps.

My Other Favorite CBD Products

The Gingergrass flavor of the Dram CBD Sparkling Waters was the best selling product of the whole store in 2021, and for good reason too! My coworkers and I definitely contributed to that statistic because this CBD sparkling water tastes so good and in my experience really helps to put me in a good mood. Plus each flavor contains adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms, offering long term stress support as well.

Other CBD favorites of mine include the CV Sciences Calm Gummies and the Flora Sophia Gummies. The CV Sciences Gummies contain 10 mg of CBD, which is a relatively small dose, but they also contain both L-Theanine and 5-HTP. L-Theanine is most commonly found in green tea and is the reason that we feel calm after drinking a cup of green tea. It balances out the caffeine and leaves us feeling peaceful. I find L-Theanine to be so helpful in moments of stress and it has had my back every time I’ve accidentally drank too much coffee. L-Theanine is something I often recommend to customers on its own because in my experience it’s fast acting and reliable. (Find L-Theanine supplements here!) 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, meaning it can help improve our mood. I find this formulation so amazing! The Calm Gummies are relatively new but have already gained a lot of traction by both customers and staff members alike. The Flora Sophia gummies contain 20 mg of CBD and in my personal experience, they do a lot for mood and stress support. I love to take them towards the end of the day to help me unwind and have a relaxing and lighthearted evening.

CBD can be a different experience from person to person, so if you are interested in trying it out its important to do some experimenting with dosage and specific products. It might take some time to find out exactly what works for you, so hopefully this guide is a helpful starting point!

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.

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Libra Season Tea

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By Alyssa P
CN buyer, herbalism student, Libra ascendant

Libra is ruled by the planet Venus and therefore all things romance, beauty, and partnerships. This tea embodies that energy with floral, tart, and berry flavors and deep purple color. Libra also rules the liver and kidneys, so this blend is formulated to bring some balance (Libra’s symbol is the scales) to those areas as well. This tea is high in antioxidants, which may be beneficial for promoting hair, skin, and nail health. Vanilla rooibos is the base of this tea, which is high in antioxidants. Next, this recipe includes chamomile and Gotu kola, which have been known to promote skin health via anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Schisandra berries have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help support heart, liver, and kidney health. Butterfly pea flowers, in addition to being another source of antioxidants, are potentially collagen promoting, which is an essential factor in skin hydration and elasticity. Butterfly pea flowers provide a sapphire blue color, which when mixed with the other ingredients transforms into a gorgeous deep purple. This recipe provides enough for two, so you can share with someone close in true Libra fashion.

Materials:

  • Teabag or strainer

  • Mug of choice

  • Hot water

Ingredients:

Process:

Add all herbs to a tea strainer or teabag. Pour about 20 oz of freshly boiled water over the herbs, cover, and let steep for at least 5 minutes. Strain out herbs and enjoy with a friend!




The information in this blog post is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Sunday Sip - Adrenal Mocktail

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

If you find yourself needing a little afternoon pick-me-up or just some extra hydration, an adrenal mocktail is a great beverage to turn to. This beverage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes- most notably magnesium, potassium, sodium, and vitamin C. It’s very simple to make as it only requires three ingredients. Plus it satisfies that salty-sweet craving! Adrenal mocktails are so refreshing and will give you an energy boost without having to reach for that second cup of coffee, all while transporting you to a momentary tropical vacation. It’s the perfect midday or post-gym drink.

Ingredients:

Process:

Add all ingredients to a glass and mix well. If adding coconut cream, blend or shake well to make sure everything gets mixed in.