The Naturalist Blog
*
The Naturalist Blog *
Product spotlight: Superieur Electrolytes for summertime hydration!
By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Hydration Enthusiast
Superieur Electrolytes came about due to something of a perfect storm of factors. Its founder, Seth Bovio, comes from a family of elite runners and yoga practitioners, and he's spent much of his career formulating electrolyte blends for athletes including the US Track and Field team. But the more he worked with these formulations, the more he began to brainstorm. Why did so many electrolyte blends rely on laboratory-manufactured minerals and chemical additives? What if he could create an electrolyte recipe powered entirely by plants?
Drawing on both his past career experience as well as family herbal knowledge, Seth founded Superieur Electrolytes in 2017. The company's focus is simple: Not just plant-based, but actual plants. Thus in Superieur's formulas, which come in flavors like watermelon, citrus, and newest offering (and Cambridge Naturals staff favorite!) blueberry lime, you'll find only natural ingredients like pink Himalayan salt, acerola berry, and bamboo extract. Each has been chosen carefully for the health benefits it contributes: pink Himalayan salt contains over 80 minerals, acerola provides Vitamin C, and bamboo is a rich source of silica (a mineral important for healthy skin, nails, and hair). The only thing added is potassium, which is crucial for electrolyte balance and helps with leg cramps, dizziness, and dehydration.
A point of pride for Superieur is their use of stevia--which is very different from the more commonly seen stevia leaf extract, I learned. Whereas stevia extract is a patented formula that requires heavy processing, stevia leaf is as natural as they come. During Seth's recent in-store demo at the Porter Square Cambridge Naturals, he explained to me about his experiences growing stevia. "You can literally dry a leaf and crumble it into your tea," he said--a trick I've wholly resolved to try. I admit to being something of a lifelong stevia skeptic, but my recent re-education about this plant has rather changed my mind.
A final perk of the brand is its user diversity. While it was formulated with the needs of elite athletes in mind, it's also beneficial for anyone who might need more electrolyte support than others: elderly people, pregnant folks, chronically ill people. And it's a reliable beverage option for kids, as well. Seth made note of its importance for those who labor in dehydrating conditions, such as road crews, landscapers, and the military. The wide variety of clientele is probably my favorite thing about Superieur. I love the idea of a product having such a wide range of users--it reminds us that, in some ways at least, we're not all that different from each other.
You can check out Superieur's selection of electrolyte powders at both Cambridge Naturals locations, as well as here on our webstore.
Mushroom for Discussion: Cordyceps
By Amber Testa
CN Supplements Buyer & Fungi Enthusiast
Image via OM Mushrooms
Out of all the mushrooms commonly used for medicinal purposes, cordyceps (cordyceps species, including c. sinensis and c. militaris) may indeed be the most bizarre. A bulbous-topped, finger-like fungus, its scientific name literally comes from the Greek words meaning 'club-headed'. But you may have heard it called the 'zombie caterpillar fungus' due to the fact that it grows primarily by parasitizing the living bodies of caterpillars. (More on that later.) You may also know of its appearance in science fiction works like the videogame 'The Last of Us' and the novel/movie 'The Girl With All the Gifts'; in both, it is responsible for a global outbreak of zombies.
Suffice to say that pop culture hasn't exactly been kind to the noble cordyceps. It's something of a shame, really. Cordyceps has a long and storied history in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it's called Dong Chong Xia Cao, or 'Winter worm, summer grass'. The earliest recorded usage of it dates to 1757, though it likely entered the TCM materia medica long before that. It's believed to strengthen the lungs and kidneys, as well as support cardiovascular health. So it comes as no surprise that Western herbal healing promotes it for stamina, energy, and metabolic health.
Wild cordyceps is usually found in the Himalayan mountains, where it parasitizes the bodies of caterpillar larvae. It infects its host and eventually fruits from the head of the caterpillar, killing the insect. (This particular aspect of its life cycle has led to some truly weird photographs of the fungi, many of which I viewed--and cringed at--while writing this.)
Image by David Evans via Wikimedia Commons
Though cordyceps contains a variety of important nutritional compounds such as vitamins B1, B2, B12, and K, as well as the amino acids L-threonine and L-lysine, it is not usually used as a culinary mushroom. Most cordyceps supplements can be found in the form of powders (which are easily added to smoothies, protein bars, and even oatmeal), or as easy-to-swallow capsules.
So, wait, you might be thinking. You want me to eat a mushroom that's grown on bugs?! I'll pass, thanks. The good news is that most commercially-cultivated cordyceps is grown on a substrate of rice or barley, making it both vegan and vegetarian. Wildharvested cordyceps (aka cordyceps that's found growing naturally on caterpillars), obviously isn't.
You must be wondering, of course--does it taste weird, like insects? Thankfully, the answer is no. In terms of flavor, cordyceps is pretty mild, and easy to cover up in recipes.
When it's wildharvested, cordyceps can fetch up to $50,000 per pound, making it the most expensive fungi in the world. But cultivated cordyceps is significantly more budget-friendly, enough so that everyone can incorporate it into their supplement regime. At Cambridge Naturals, we carry a variety of cordyceps products such as capsules, dried mushroom powders, and even hot cacao mix, making it easy to add some of this eccentric mycological powerhouse to your diet.
And don't worry--it absolutely won't turn you into a zombie.
Sources:
OM Mushrooms, https://ommushrooms.com/
The National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909570/
Make Your Own Hydrosol for Summer!
By Dev Foster
CN Manager & Hydrosol Afficionado
Is there anything more refreshing than a sweet botanical hydrosol on a hot day?
Floral and botanical hydrosols have always been popular in skincare routines, either post-cleanser or just any time for a quick and nourishing pick-me-up. Hydrosols are actually condensate waters produced during the steam distillation of essential oils, as a by-product. They retain the water soluble vitamin and mineral content of the plant matter, whereas essential oils retain the fat soluble plant content, with few-to-no vitamins or minerals.
As such, depending on the plant used in the hydrosol, it can have beneficial properties for skin health, texture, and tone. Popular hydrosols used in skin care products include rose, lavender, chamomile, witch hazel, and frankincense, among many others.
It’s surprisingly easy to make your own custom hydrosol at home using simple distillation! Yes, without a still. You might have all the tools you need right now in your kitchen already. Today we’ll be making one with lavender, rose, and frankincense.
Find many delightful dried herbs in our bulk section!
Materials:
Large cooking / stock / canning pot with lid
Heat-safe stand (canning racks are perfect if you have a canning pot, but you can use any heat-safe bowl or tin as a stand, or even a large enough rock with a flat surface.)
Heat-safe bowl (to collect hydrosol in.)
Around 3-5 cups of flowers, herbs, etc. Fresh is ideal, but dried is great as well. For this recipe, we’ll be using 2 cups of organic dried lavender flowers, 2 cups of organic dried rose petals, and a half cup of organic frankincense resin, all available in our bulk section.
Distilled water
Ice cubes
The process:
Wash all of your equipment to eliminate potential bacteria.
Place your stand (rock, ramekin, rack, etc.) in the middle of the pot and place your heat-safe container on top of the stand. This container is where hydrosol will gather.
Around the base of your stand, place your flowers / herbs / etc. Cover them with distilled water until they’re just submerged; there’s no approximate amount of water needed.
Turn the pot lid upside down and place it on top of the pot; place a pile of ice cubes in the inverted lid.
Turn on the heating element to low/medium heat beneath the pot, and simmer for as long as necessary; hydrosol can be produced in as little as 25-30 minutes or over the course of hours with replenished ice, water, and organic materials. It all depends on how much hydrosol you want to collect.
The hydrosol itself, at the end of this process, should be translucent. After about an hour with the amount of dried lavender, rose, and frankincense resin used for this recipe, the end result was ~16 ounces of delicious smelling hydrosol. The water your flowers and herbs were soaking in can also be strained and also used as a refreshing botanical spray, or in other skincare products like lotion. Hydrosols keep best in the fridge, and typically last several months or more. Dispose of your hydrosol when it begins to smell off or 'bloom' with noticeable cloudy matter; for this reason, it's often better to keep them in clear bottles rather than tinted glass. Happy DIY-ing!
Summer camp faves!
Are your kids heading off to summer camp soon? We’re day dreaming of bunk life, swimming, arts & crafts, archery, friendship bracelets, sing-a-longs. Fresh air and time in nature, away from the normal daily routines, developing life skills and making life-long friends. Consider us envious!
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite items for your camper, whether to pack in their daily lunch box, sleep-away trunk, or to send along in care packages throughout the time away from home.
Badger Balm Sunscreen + Bug Spray
In our eyes, Badger Co can do no wrong. This New Hampshire based company is well-known for their commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable manufacturing practices (including solar power), and also the cutest logo in the industry. Badger’s clear mineral sunscreen goes on smoothly and absorbs to translucent - no awkward white cast from the zinc oxide - and their deet-free bug spray is formulated from clean and effective essential oils - laboratory-tested to repel mosquitos, certified organic, and safe for your kiddos.
Make friends with temporary tats! These artist-designed tattoos are sure to be a crowd pleaser and a conversation starter for even the most introverted kid. Pack a bunch in their trunk for rainy afternoons in the bunks, or in their lunchbox for a fun mealtime activity.
Matr Boomie Journal ~ Metallic Mini
Summertime is for creativity and adventure - long, open-ended days hanging with your best friends, learning new skills, and also self-reflection. Writing down one’s daily activities and thoughts can help make sense of all the new experiences, ideas, and questions of life. Start your young person on a life-long journaling habit with these beautiful, fair trade mini journals - perfect for packing into your day pack, or stowing in your jorts pocket for a quiet moment.
Kleen Kanteen Insulated Water Bottle with Twist Cap
It’s important to stay hydrated when spending your morning kicking butt at kickball, acing the archery course, and racing to the second dock with your best buds. We love Kleen Kanteen’s new patterned water bottles - they’re both beautiful and well-designed to keep your child’s water icy cold for hours. Add in a dash of Superieur Electrolytes for some extra deliciousness and nutritiousness, and they’ll be hydrated all summer long!
We’re completely in love with these two new Baggu items - their gorgeous insulated lunch boxes that can be compressed after use and stuffed into a backpack, and their 90’s inspired, full-coverage, light weight bucket hats that will be sure to keep your kid’s precious mug protected from the sun all summer long. Who says you can’t look cute while being sun-safe?
Being away from home (for the first time, or even after many years!) can be overwhelming for many kids. We love this gentle extract by Herb Pharm, featuring Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), an herb in the mint family that has been used for centuries and is supportive for daily calm and focus. It’s a great remedy to have on hand for those homesick moments - even if they don’t end up using it - sometimes just knowing it’s there goes a long way! (Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding a new herb or supplement to your kiddo’s routine.)
Dr. Bronner’s Biodegradable Castile Soap
Most camps require biodegradable soaps and shampoos - we’re perennial fans of Dr. Bronner’s, a leader in clean, organic, and regenerative ingredient sourcing and formulating products that are safe for people and planet! Dr. Bronner’s also has developed something of a cult following amongst the younger generation - so if you were slightly embarrassed (like us) to bring your Bronner’s to summer camp in the 90’s, never fear, all the cool kids are using it these days.
Shepard's Pie with Craic Sauce
Excited to share this delish recipe from our friends at Lowell, MA-based @craicsauce. 'Craic' is an Irish colloquialism meaning 'good times', and this shepard's pie on our taste buds is indeed, a good time. This recipe uses Brian Boru's Curry, desribed as "a fermented turmeric forward curry style hot sauce using scotch bonnet and Hungarian wax peppers with lemongrass, ginger and sungold tomato." Drooling yet?
Ingredients for potatoes:
-1 1/2 lbs potatoes
-1/4 cup half & half
-1/2 stick of butter -1 tsp salt
-1/4 cup parmesan cheese
-2 tsp Curry Craic Sauce
Ingredients for filling:
-2 tbsp olive oil
-1 cup chopped yellow onion
-1 lb ground lamb
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp black pepper
-1 tsp dried rosemary
-2 tsp Curry Craic Sauce
-1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
-2 minced garlic cloves
-2 tbsp all purpose flour
-1 cup mixed peas & carrots
-2 tbsp tomato paste
-1 cup broth
Directions:
-Saute onions then add ground lamb. Saute together and add salt, pepper, and rosemary
-Bring potatoes to a boil then simmer until fork easily pierces through (about 15 mins)
-Preheat oven to 400° F
-Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, curry sauce, and carrot and pea mixture in with the meat and onion. Stir occasionally then add flour, tomato paste, and broth. Let simmer until the gravy thickens
-Drain potatoes and add butter, half & half, cheese, salt, pepper, and curry sauce. Mash!
-Put the meat mixture in a casserole dish and layer the mashed potatoes on top. Bake until the potatoes are beginning to turn golden brown (about 25 mins)
-Let cool then add as much curry sauce as your heart desires. Sláinte! 🍀
P.S. Craic Sauce and many of the herbs and other ingredients included in this recipe can be found in-store at CN or here in our online shop!
Sam’s Spooky Season Picks
Sam, our former resident official Goth Maestro, was generous enough to share with us their favorite picks for this spookiest of seasons. We hope their picks inspire you to celebrate this All Hallows’ Eve in style!
Black nail polish is a must-have for those who are spooky at heart, and Triple O Polish does a tremendous job with their small-batch offering: a smooth, clean formula free of 13 chemicals of concern found in conventional polish.. While decay and corruption might be very gothic concepts to consider, one might wish to avoid formaldehyde on one's fingertips while doing so. For extra darkness, top this with Triple O's mattifying top coat, to turn the black polish into a cavernous shade that absorbs the light.
Fruit Bat & Pomegranate Card by Little Gold Fox Designs
Bats are emblematic of both autumn and the outsider - misunderstood pollinators, communal nocturnal mammals that have become a symbol of the eerie and uncanny. Paired here with a lushly-colored pomegranate, which recalls Persephone's chthonic autumnal journey to the Underworld, this design is both gorgeous and gothic as heck. This would make a lovely greeting card for someone close to your dark heart, or a gorgeous ornament for your wall.
Cinnamon Clove Bar Soap by Just Soap
Don't let the simple appearance of this soap fool you - this isn't your average bar. The scent is enchantingly spicy and dark, calling up associations of both pumpkin spice and evenings spent outside Xmortis in Cambridge (if you know, you know). The formula is cleansing, but not drying, due to the blend of olive, coconut, and ethically-sourced palm oil; as an added bonus, the coarse-ground spices provide a gentle, non-abrasive scrub. Soothing for both a mo(u)rning person's early shower, or a nocturnal creature's late-night soak.
Absinthe Dark Chocolate Bar by Endorfin Foods
Absinthe has long been a staple of those fascinated by the demimonde, perhaps most emblematically captured in author Ernest Hemingway's favored champagne cocktail Death In The Afternoon. For a taste of the realm beyond the veil, without the delirium of the actual liquor, try this chocolate bar: a piquant blend of fennel, anise, and mugwort in a rich base of vegan coconut milk dark chocolate. A square of this late at night makes a dreamy treat.
Lapsang Souchong Bulk Tea by Mountain Rose Herbs
Richly smoky and smoothly tannic, this tea is a marvelous pick-me-up after a night of dark dancing, or as a companion cup on a brisk morning's graveyard walk. The scent and taste call up autumn bonfires; to make this truly a cup of distilled October, follow staff member Amber's lead and add a teaspoon each of cinnamon chips and whole cloves when you brew.
Cute but Spooky Sticker by Graphic Anthology
I'm almost tempted to let this one speak for itself - a skeptical but adorable black cat sticker with a wholesome, Halloween-y thesis stated front and center, perfect for adding a bit of lowkey goth flair to a water bottle, notebook, laptop cover, or embalming kit. (Maybe not that last one.)
Amber's Immune Support Faves
By Amber, CN Supplements Team
As the sun begins to set earlier and the nights get chilly, thinking about winter becomes inevitable. As a member of the Cambridge Naturals Supplements team, preparing my body for the cold season is always close to the surface of my mind. I think especially about the immune-boosting powers of elderberry; of the welcome acidity of fire cider; of the supportive and strengthening properties of turkey tail mushroom.
Bracing your immune system for chillier weather doesn't have to be difficult. With a few key powerhouse nutrients, you can bolster yourself against the worst of it. Here's some of my favorite immune-supporting products available at CN.
Honey Gardens Elderberry Syrup: A classic for immune support, this elderberry tonic is made locally in Vermont and features antimicrobial propolis and raw honey. It also tastes incredible, a welcome alternative to less palatable supplements.
Host Defense Turkey Tail Immune Support Capsules: Considered the gold standard of mushroom brands, Host Defense creates mycological remedies to support a variety of situations. Their Turkey Tail Immune Support, made withTrametes Versicolor mycelium, is a simple addition to your supplement regimen that packs a hefty immunological punch.
Herbal Revolution Fire Tonic: This aromatic, intense fire cider is made with raw apple cider vinegar, garlic, hyssop, and hot peppers in Maine. It can be added to marinades, mixed into mocktails, or (my personal favorite way) taken as a spicy, tingly shot.
Traditional Medicinals Cold Care Tea: On chilly days when my sinuses stage a mutiny, I reach for this sweet, gentle tea with yarrow, elderflower, and hyssop. As a plus, the steam rising from a hot cup of tea soothes the nasal passages and aids in clearing mucus membranes.
Source Naturals Wellness Formula: This supplement formula features a powerhouse cast of immune-boosting vitamins and herbs, including zinc, vitamin C, garlic, mullein, and propolis. A perennial favorite at Cambridge Naturals!
Fire Drops Organic Cayenne Throat Lozenges: Like fire cider crossed with a cough drop, these spicy-sweet lozenges are my favorite on-the-go remedy for a sore throat. They're also a nice pick-me-up on a rainy autumn day!
A letter to our customers ❤️
Dear wonderful customers,
Thank you for all the kindness and support you have shown us over this past year and a half (and some of you, for 47 years!) We quite literally could not have survived without you - and the ways in which you’ve shown up for our stores have often brought us to tears. We hope that we’ve been a source of comfort and joy for you, too.
As I’m sure you’re aware, these are trying times to be a small business. Product shortages, shipping delays, price increases, and a chaotic hiring (and training!) crunch. Despite doing the best we can with offering a living wage and generous benefits, we’re experiencing the same unprecedented turnover that every business or entity across the country is facing. There are a variety of reasons for this - economic, social, existential. This is a tumultuous time, and there is no 3rd PPP loan on the horizon.
Why am I writing this? Because our existing, wonderful staff team is stretched thin. We’re examining all the ways we can care for and support the team that continues to show up, day after day.
This might mean, in the short term, reducing our hours so that we can adequately staff the times we’re open, and our team doesn’t burn out. It might mean closing one day a week. We’re examining and exploring all the options - all of which will hurt our business’ recovery in the short term, but will hopefully allow us to retain our amazing team members in the long run.
How can you help? Continue being kind and patient with our team. Buy our staff a coffee or tea. If we do reduce hours temporarily, please shop with us during our open times, or order online for curbside pick up or buy a gift card. Do your holiday shopping early, and please understand that we may be out of stock of certain items, but have many other amazing products for you.
Thank you for your tremendous support. Thank you for showing up for small, independent retailers. We know we’ll get through this, together.
Emily, Caleb, Michael and Elizabeth
Staff Picks: Autumn 2021
Alina
Superieur Plant Based Electrolytes
These powdered electrolytes are not only a delicious way to change up your water game, but are an easy tool to keep hydrated which is so important as we head back to school this fall. Whether our bodies are burnt out from sports, studying late, or even just getting up early to get to class/work, these vitamin C-rich electrolytes will make sure we're getting the nutrients we need to keep going. I have been drinking the raspberry flavor (delish) every day recently and I definitely feel less parched and more energized! They also help me bounce back after a night out, which is so lovely.
Alisa
CV Sciences Plus CBD Calm Gummies
These flavorful gummies are a perfect pick me up for days when stress is inevitable. Not only are they loaded with 10mg of CBD, these gummies also contain an adequate dose of L theanine and 5 HTP, sure to keep the mind cool, calm and collected.
Alexandra
FES Five-Flower Formula Flower Essence Blend
This five flower blend is perfect for back to school time. I always carry it with me, but it definitely gets the most use when I start up classes again. It contains;
clematis to aid in focus, cherry plum to help keep calm, impatiens to quell irritability, rock rose to implement courage, and star of bethlehem to neutralize grief and promote inner strength. This is the best on-the-spot fix for when I get overwhelmed while I'm out and about. Definitely a must have for any students returning to classes this fall, as well as all of the parents that are helping them do it!
Allison
The Completist Daily Planner Pad - Inky
Even though I'm not a student anymore, I like to use this time of year to get re-grounded in routine and revamp my organization. Summer is great time to relax and unwind, but it can lack productivity - this notepad is provides the structure you need to get back to full productivity this fall! This notepad is useful for anyone planning busy days, but is great for students and teachers heading back to school.
Alyssa
Urban Moonshine Immune Tonic
As we shift into cooler weather, it is vital that we are proactive in taking care of our immune systems. This tonic from Urban Moonshine features reishi mushrooms and astragalus root, which are known for their immune supporting properties. Also included are other mushrooms, roots, and berries, such as maitake, ginger, and schisandra, making this a potent product. In addition to immune support, reishi mushrooms and schisandra berries have the added benefit of stress support, which I think we could all use a little of right now! Using this tonic daily last year I felt safe and supported, and look forward to doing the same in the coming months. I like to put a few drops in homemade lemonade or sparkling water!
Amber
I adore autumn. The moment it starts to get cooler, I'm excited to break out my fuzzy socks and brew a big cup of Lapsang Souchong tea. This woodsy, darkly sweet black tea is smoked during processing, giving it a perfectly autumnal aroma. While it's something of an acquired taste, those who like Lapsang never miss a chance to extol the beauty of its flavor. It's like sipping whiskey by a campfire. Lapsang Souchong is also incredibly versatile--try it as a cocktail ingredient or as a spice in both meat-based and vegetarian recipes.
Brenden
Athletic Brewing Co. Upside Dawn N/A Golden Ale
Octoberfest is close and I love beer. Recently I decided to cut out Alcohol from my life and it feels great. Athletic Brewing Co. makes the best N/A beers I’ve tried. They are great with any meal, fantastic while you work, and just all around a great experience.
Caleb
Ursa Major Daily Defense Lotion with SPF
I’m a big fan of this light, clean, and effective SPF lotion! It’s easy to apply, blends well and doesn’t leave a white zinc cast on my skin. I have a bottle at home, one in my car, and another in my overnight bag. SPF is so important, even on cloudy days.
Deborah
Yogi Chai Rooibos with Oatly Full Fat Oat Milk
My day does not start until I have a mug of Yogi Chai Rooibos tea, with a healthy splash of Oatley oat milk. The rich blend of warm spices and the robustness of the rooibos are a gentle wake-up, without the jitter some of us get from caffeine. The oat milk adds just the right amount of rich sweetness. All the flavor, all the warmth, none of the caffeine!
Emily K.
Clary Collection All Purpose Balm
I can’t get enough of this balm - for soothing my cracked cuticles and nails (the victims of too much sanitizers), for protecting and nourishing my lips, and for healing the patches of eczema that flare up in times of stress. Formulated with healing herbs like calendula, chamomile, and plantain leaf, it’s the perfect balm to have on hand (pun intended) at all times! I carry one in my CN tote bag, in my car, and stash one in my nightstand for morning and nightly use.
Meghan
Health-Ade Kombucha - Ginger Lemon (and all the others)
These Kombuchas are light, bubbly and delicious- I cannot get enough of them! Whether lunch seems just a bit too far or if I want something to settle my stomach after a meal, Health-Ade has not steered me wrong. All the fruit flavors are amazing, but the Ginger says hello to fall as the Lemon kisses summer goodbye.
Mike
BREW DR UPLIFT - Blueberry Raspberry
I've been doing my best these past few months to get enough sleep, and then wake up with good energy and intentions to take on the day ahead. And in all honesty, it continues to be a tough time, as you might be feeling those same experiences as well. What has helped me get back into a good mindset and re-centered recently are these crazy delicious and functionally focusing new BREW DR UPLIFT beverages in our cooler! They start with a blend of certified organic yerba mate, green tea, and guayusa leaf for a really clean 150 mg of caffeine per can, and then include all organic purees of fruit and berries for a really full, authentic flavor. Probiotics included as well. I have fallen in love with the Blueberry Raspberry variety, and I just keep going back for more to keep focused! BREW DR also donates 1% of UPLIFT sales to social justice organizations, which I am here for and is great to see the company uplift those that need it most.
Molly
Sound Sparkling Water - Blood Orange Vanilla Black Tea
The beautiful branding drew me in; but the light, refreshing flavor and touch of caffeine kept me coming back. A lovely afternoon antidote to the post-lunch malaise!
Morgan
Counter Couture Campfire Mug - Bison
Pour in coffee. Clutch to warm chilly fingers. Imagine when the bison were everywhere.
Nancy
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Rated as one of the BEST sunscreens for your face, according to Women's Health Magazine. Lightweight, moisturizing, non sticky, and fast-absorbing sunscreen that is aesthetically pleasing on all skin including darker skin types. Love the creaminess and transparency and it feels more like a lotion than sunscreen. It goes on the easiest and doesn't leave a ghostly white cast which is so hard to find in a 100% mineral sunscreen. It has other lovely ingredients like squalane to replenish moisture and antioxidants as well. I love that there is almost no scent. So whether you are at the school, park, beach or lake you don't smell like a fruity tropical mixed drink.
A reef-friendly sunscreen made with 100% mineral non-nano zinc oxide for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Hypoallergenic, free of synthetic fragrances, cruelty-free, and vegan.
Rose
This blend of roasted barley, rye, dandelion, and sugar beet extracts is amazing hot or cold. Perfect for early fall days when the mornings can start to get chilly but the sun is still strong. Dandelion is believed to support the liver’s natural detoxification process, soothe the nervous system, and calm the stomach. It delivers a smooth, creamy, rich flavor that fits the bill for someone like me who loves coffee but had to kick the caffeine! Mix with some Oatly and call it a day!
Sally
Brown Butter Almond Brittle… it’s like an adult/healthy Toasted Almond bar from the ice cream truck that used to prowl my neighborhood as a child. Delicious, refreshing, Ice cream made with grass - grazed milk, happy cows and a lot of love.
Sarah
tenoverten Reparative Base Coat
My nails take a toll all times of the year, but I especially love to frequently change bright polish colors in the summer which can start to wear my nails out. The tenoverten Restorative Base Coat is a rock star at strengthening nails. I felt a huge change right away. It even leaves enough of a shine to be worn alone. I will seriously never go without this again.
Steph
Stress-induced breakouts? Indie Lee's Banish Solution will become your new spot savior. Anti-inflammatory colloidal sulfur, zinc oxide, and salicylic acid work overtime to dramatically reduce redness and blemish size overnight. My must-have pick for your back-to-school skincare routine, or for anyone who struggles with unwelcome cysts, or the occasional hormonal breakout. Magic in a bottle.
Vika
Dr. Bronner's Magic All-One Chocolate - Smooth Coconut Praline
I didn't know what to expect from Dr. Bronner's Chocolate, but oh was I pleasantly surprised!? It's rich, it's creamy with a soft filling inside that melts in your mouth, the ingredients are the best that there can be. This coconut praline was the second one that I have tried, first was the crunchy hazelnut - which was ALSO amazing. Now I feel like I must try them all! Truly Magical.
All About CBG: a blog post by Elmore Mountain Therapeutics
CBD, THC and now... CBG? CBG (Cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid found in most cannabis plants in low concentrations. It's recently become a major topic of discussion as researchers are hopeful that it may provide a range of benefits similar to CBD. But what is it, how is it different and why? Keep reading to discover how this compound, which has also been referred to as "the stem cell cannabinoid" works in the body.
What is CBG?
CBG, aka Cannabigerol, is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid, found in low concentrations in most cannabis plants. There are a few strains of industrial hemp like The White and Stem Cell which have been bred to express higher levels of CBG, but it's typically nowhere near as concentrated as CBD or THC. CBG can be found stored in the trichome heads (the tiny crystalline structures on leaves, buds and flowers) along with other terpenes and cannabinoids. The reason CBG concentration is typically so low is because most CBG is converted into other cannabinoids before it's time to harvest.
CBG vs CBD
Those who use both CBG and CBD report similar effects from both cannabinoids. There may not be one reason to use CBG over CBD, but rather, they may work conjunctively with one another. Maybe you use CBD on an everyday basis and you occasionally need an extra boost to your endocannabinoid system. CBG makes a great addition to your suite of beneficial plant compounds.
Though they are very similar, CBG and CBD interact with our bodies differently. CBD tends to interact more with the nervous and immune systems, while CBG may have a greater impact in the digestive tract, interacting with our gut flora. CBG also interacts with our system of GABA receptors, which is a neuronal signaling framework that works to stimulate nervous system activity. There may be some linkage between CBG, our gut, and our brain, especially when you consider recent discoveries linking neurotransmitter production to gut health.
As we hinted at above, you can think of CBG as essentially a stem cell from which all other cannabinoid compounds are formed, including CBD. One of the reasons why it's hard to find in higher concentrations is because it quickly converts to other cannabinoids before it's seen or detected.
What are the benefits of CBG?
The benefits of CBG, just like CBD, can vary greatly from person to person. However, considering the way CBG interacts with our body, it may be a viable option for easing unpleasant digestive issues. Some people with issues such as IBS and SIBO may want to consider using CBG to promote wellness in the gut or to support nutritional-uptake issues. CBG's interaction with GABA receptors give researchers hope that it could one day be effective in assisting neurological issues, such as seizures. Similarly, the slightly different chemical structure may make it a good option to try if CBD is not effective enough for you.
Final thoughts on CBG
CBG is new and unique. More research needs to be conducted before we can fully understand it's potential benefits and applications. For the moment, it remains a solid option to consider for supplementing your CBD intake and further promoting the entourage effect in your existing CBD routine. Why not take a quick look at our high-quality 1500mg CBG oil and see if it would be a good option for you?