The Naturalist Blog

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Guest User 1/16/23 Guest User 1/16/23

Capricorn Season Tea

By Alyssa, CN Buyer and herbalism student

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

Materials

Tea kettle
Mug of choice
Tea strainer or teabag

Ingredients

2 tsp kava kava root
2 tsp cinnamon chips
2 tsp mullein leaf
1 tsp licorice root

Directions

Add all ingredients to a tea strainer or teabag. Pour 12 oz of freshly boiled water over the herbs and cover your mug. Let steep for 15 minutes or more.
Alternatively, add all ingredients to a pot and simmer on the stove for at least 15 minutes. This is called a decoction and is actually the preferred method when steeping any roots!
Strain, sip, and enjoy!

Mullein leaf in a Somerville neighbor’s yard.

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

Guest User 1/13/23 Guest User 1/13/23

Staff Picks: Winter Wellness!

**Rose**
**Olba’s Inhaler**
I saw a fellow team member use this awhile back and it piqued my curiosity. I admit, I was skeptical, but I am now a total convert. This inhaler provides an intense yet refreshing jolt. If you're a fan of peppermint, menthol, and even that tingly sensation from wasabi, this inhaler is definitely for you. Every time I use it, I immediately feel more awake, refreshed, and I truly believe that it even lifts my mood! As an extra bonus, it's affordable, and small enough to carry around whenever you need a little extra boost of refreshing coolness in your nose, airways, and lungs.

**Amber**
**A. Vogel Soothing Pine Cough Drops**
I can't speak highly enough about these cough drops. At first I was worried that they'd be excessively pine-y, like chewing on a Christmas Tree, but they've got a very subtle pine flavor with flavors of honey and mint. They're also zinc-free, which is helpful if you're prone to the nausea that zinc sometimes causes (like I am). These are definitely my favorite lozenges for those dreary winter days when you're feeling under the weather and need an immune-boosting pick-me-up.

**Megan**
**Apis Apotheca Facial Balm - Honey Mallow Whipped**

When the winter winds blow, Honey Mallow provides. This nourishing whipped facial balm made in the Hudson Valley is everything my parched winter skin needs. I have sensitive reactive skin and often deal with winter dry spots and irritation and this product is seriously a game changer. Best used in conjunction with a hydrosol or damp face for better absorption this balm is for everyone but especially those with reactive skin. From acne- to eczema this balm is a literal dream come true.

**Liz**
**Bulk Ashwagandha Root, Pieces (Local, Organic)**
I love ashwagandha as part of an immune building winter wellness tea blend, to support my immune system so that I might get sick less often and less badly if I do. Ashwagandha does double (and triple!) duty because it can relax the nervous system and help regulate circadian rhythm, so I take it to help me sleep and relax as well. For immune support, I like to simmer the bulk root pieces in tea for an hour with other immune building herbs like reishi, eleuthero, astragalus and a bit of licorice root, plus some cinnamon chips and ginger for flavor.

**Emma**
**Host Defense Mycobrew - Mocha**
I was actually gifted the Bulk Canister last year at MGH when they came to my Alzheimer's lab (lions mane -- great for the brain!), and I am just starting to run low on it. It is such a great warm drink in the winter. I find the lions mane really helps me focus whenever I take it--something we all need a little extra help with when laying in bed feels extra enticing. The mocha element is just such a nice little touch--who doesn't want a little chocolate mushroom coffee in the winter? Grab these little travel packets and keep them in your bag for a quick & easy good-for-your-brain drink!

**Alina**
**Brightening Face Polish by Brown & Coconut**
This scrub is one of my favorites year round, but it is a life saver particularly in the winter time when my skin leans more dry and sensitive. It only has 3 ingredients! Brown rice flour gently exfoliates away dead skin cells, oats cleanse your pores and tackle inflammation, and hibiscus is key for brightening your skin. I would recommend this for all skin types - especially those with sensitive skin who are perhaps hesitant to try a scrub. Also enjoy this as a mask to soak up all of those benefits for a little longer. Supporting small Black Woman owned businesses like B&C while taking loving care of your skin is a win-win!

**Emily**
**Ursa Major Golden Hour Cream**
Total Ursa Major fan girl here, and the Golden Hour recovery cream is my #1 when the dry, icy, blustery season takes hold. It's the protective, nourishing barrier my face needs to retain moisture all winter long! I particularly love it when layered on top of first the Ursa Major Vitamin C Serum and then Heart Grown Wild Veil of Love serum - a triple-threat combo that keeps my skin vibrant and glowing even in the dullest of months!

**Zach**
**Town Tonic Farms Fire Cider**
Newer to CN, this lovely local Fire Cider by Town Tonic Farms brings the heat - made locally in Westport this Fire Cider has local Wildflower Honey + Organic Horseradish but also Red Onion, Rosemary, Thyme, and Cayenne. Take it by the swig or the shot, this is a must this winter season

**Brenden**
**Cocomels Chocolate Covered Sea Salt**
**ker-a-mel”, “kar-a-mel” ,“car-mel”** however you want to say is okay as long as you are feeling the Cocomel affect and you are eating said treat for self care and winter wellness. This little two pack is just small enough enjoy alone but not big enough to share unless you are buying multiples to share with the humans around you. "Why should you eat this tasty treat?" That is not the question to ask! "When should I eat this tasty treat?" NOW!

**Sofia**
**Traditional Medicinals Tea - Seasonal Sampler**
Start boiling that water! Pull out your favorite mug! It's tea time ;)
I have been absolutely digging the selection in this sampler. It has 4 tea bags each of herbal cold care, throat coat, echinacea plus and breathe easy. I got to try the Throat Coat, which I've been wanting to try for a while, without committing to a whole box of it. Score! Now that I have discovered how much I love each of the teas I will not hesitate to buy a full box of each from now on, but for those that love options in life, keep on keeping on with that seasonal sampler!

**Caleb**
**Marin Soothing Hydrating Cream**

I love this new product! If your skin is anything like mine, you'll feel dry and itchy all winter long. I first read about Maine based Marin Skincare and their unique product rich in Glycoproteins, a unique by-product of lobster processing, in an article in the Boston Globe and am super excited to carry them here at CN. This is the most highly moisturizing cream I've found for both face and body and this is the best my skin has felt in many years.

**Alyssa**
**CN Sinus Blaster Tincture**

Well someone had to mention this Cambridge Naturals staple for winter wellness- if you know, you know! This tincture is like nothing else I have ever tried in both its usefulness and taste. It's a combination of potent herbs that are spicy, sweet, cooling, warming, and slightly numbing all at once. In my experience it is so helpful in finding relief from congestion when nothing else is quite working like you need it to. It also comes in a spray version if that's more accessible to you. Happy blasting!

**Dev**
**Mixed Feelings Essential Oil Blend by Vitruvi**
'Mixed feelings' are more or less what I have about winter time and the dropping temperatures outside, but the same can't be said about my favorite cold weather essential oil blend! Nothing but positive feelings here towards this warm, inviting combination of rosemary, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger--plus so much more! It's great in a traditional diffuser or as an addition to an aromatherapy-friendly humidifier.

**Keilah**
**Fat of the Land Hibiscus & Rose Honey with Marshmallow Root**
I originally got this honey as a gift for a friend of mine for her birthday. But how could I give something without trying it? This honey is packed with floral and sweet flavors so much so that you don't need to add it to a complex tea blend for it to taste amazing. Hibiscus is filled with antioxidants, vitamin C and iron, all things that will help keep your immune system up and working. Marshmallow root helps soothe your stomach lining, throat irritations, and aids in relieving any coughs you may be experiencing during this season. Rose is a wonderful flower that has antimicrobial properties and reduces inflammation. All to say this honey would be an amazing addition to your winter wellness cabinet. Let the honey speak for itself and try it!

**Vicki**
**Olipop Apple Crisp**
One of the most refreshing and satisfying carbonating beverages I have had the pleasure of consuming. Seriously have been drinking a can a night for the past week. It has TONS of fiber, and 2 grams of sugar in the can, so instead of feeling guilty for drinking a soda at night-time, I feel proud that I am drinking a soda at night-time.

**Julia**
**Thyme Herbal Winter Wellness**
This book is not only adorable, but it's incredibly informative as well! The Thyme Herbal Winter Wellness book was written by an herbalist. Bringing you a variety of receipts that will keep you healthy all winter long! As well as focusing on self-care and providing information on seasonal energetics, healing herbs, immunity boosters, and so much more! One of my favorite receipts from this book is the pickled garlic, it's so simple yet so tasty! A perfect read for this time of year.:)

**Allison**
**Megafood Elderberry Immune Support Gummies**

These elderberry gummies are great for cold/flu season. In addition to elderberry's immune support, they also have blueberry and ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which is helpful for keeping the body healthy and strong to fight off illness! Blueberry is also high in vitamin C which provides an additional layer of immune support. I've been taking these for the last month, and I've really noticed a difference!

Guest User 1/5/23 Guest User 1/5/23

Sunday Sip - Mushroom Hot Chocolate

By Alyssa, CN Buyer & Herbalism Student

Tis the season for hot chocolate! Although I wish it was snowing instead of raining, I am still craving a nice warm chocolatey drink this week. Om Mushrooms puts their own spin on the classic comforting beverage by adding a hearty blend of functional mushrooms. Their blend of Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail provides us with flavonoids and antioxidants. Also included is ashwagandha, a root that is known for its adaptogenic properties- meaning it helps our body adapt to stressors when enoyed over time. I think this hot chocolate powder is most delicious when mixed into hot oat milk, but is great with hot water as well.

To make: Heat up 12oz of your milk of choice (I like Minor Figures Oat Milk best!) or boil 12oz hot water. Add in 2 packets of Om Mushroom Hot Chocolate and stir well. Top it off with whipped cream and some cocoa powder if you have it! Enjoy!

Emily Kanter 1/2/23 Emily Kanter 1/2/23

Volunteer work and supporting the community around you in the New Year! ❤️

By Julia, Customer Service Specialist

Start out the new year by making an impact in your community and be a part of the change! This time of year can be especially hard, whether it’s trying to find shelter, putting food on the table, staying warm, or even just staying healthy. Mentally and physically. Want to make a difference? Want to help the community around you, but don’t know where to start? That’s what I’m here for! Not only am I going to help you find volunteer work, but I’m going to mention other ways to make a difference than just community service. And, research has shown that getting involved in a cause and helping others can have a measurably positive impact on your own sense of connection, mental health and well-being. So, win-win! I will also be mentioning a site that gives information about support groups that might help during this difficult time. I hope you find this helpful!

Interfaith Social Services:

Based in the south shore, Interfaith Social Services is a nonreligious organization that provides a wide variety of ways to aid those in need. Their services include financial donation, homelessness prevention, plant grow share, food and clothing donations, volunteer work, counseling, help for the holidays, fundraising, and the bureau drawer thrift shop. This group values community, compassion, inclusion, and collaboration with other groups and organizations to further their cause.

Help For The Holidays is a seasonal program that allows individuals, businesses, and churches to give support to their food pantry client families. These kind volunteers buy gifts for the families that would not otherwise be able to provide for their children. Last year, this program helped almost 700 children. Thankfully all their client families are booked this year! Although if you still want to help you can make a monetary donation!
Plant Grow Share involves donating fresh fruits and vegetables from individuals or organizations who have a little extra to give from their own garden. This helps provide healthy food for the community! Also when available, seedlings are given out to local gardeners for the spring. Interfaith also has volunteers help grow a garden of their own in the alleyway at their office in Quincy. Thus showing us it’s possible to have a garden wherever you are, no matter the size!
Financial Donation is a general donation to support the group itself so they can continue to give aid and put that donation to use for programs like HomeSafe and Mental Health Counseling. You chose the amount to donate and whether you would like to donate monthly or just once!
Food Donations are put into use for the food pantry that provides essential nourishment to individuals and families in need. This food pantry has been around since 1975 and is one of the biggest food pantries of Greater Boston.
Fundraising gives you the opportunity to work together with your community and influence the people around you to take part as well. On the interfaith site, you can get information on how to start your own fundraiser and how to get the word across more efficiently.
Volunteer Work at Interfaith includes a 3-hour weekly shift in all different kinds of roles in assisting the food pantry and thrift shop. They provide opportunities for individuals, youth groups, and business groups. These shifts also involve a morning shift or afternoon shift.
Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop is a thrift shop that gives 100% of its proceeds to Interfaiths food pantry, mental health counseling, and homelessness prevention program. This thrift store is completely run by volunteers and sells everything from clothes to houseware. If you love to thrift, there’s no better place than this! Get some goodies and make a difference!
Homelessness Prevention is a program at interfaith called HomeSafe. In this program, eligible clients can get assistance with things like budgeting, help with rent, utilities, and more! They also give additional information to other resources for financial assistance on their website. Want to take part in this program? All you have to do is donate!

City Year:

This organization provides support for students by giving them the tools they need to succeed. They work hard to show kids their potential and capabilities, as well as helping them believe in themselves. Thus creating more motivation and drive. City Year works with over 29 cities to give students the opportunity to connect with a mentor. Allowing these kids to have an adult figure to help guide them and give them the support they wouldn’t otherwise have. To be a part of this life changing program you could either fill out an application to volunteer or just donate to the cause!

Groundwork Somerville:

Since 2000, Groundwork has been striving for more accessible fresh produce, hands-on education, youth empowerment, and civic engagement, making them an essential part of their community. Programs such as Green Team, School Gardens, and South Farm Street provide a multitude of opportunities for students and volunteers alike. The people of Somerville are able to take part in creating a safe place to learn and grow; bringing more vegetation into the city to work with mother nature instead of against her. Not only does Groundwork focus on the importance of the environment, but social, racial, and economic justice as well. They recognize that there is much to be done when it comes to equality. With their high school program, they discuss topics such as racism, sexism, environmental injustice. As well as ARMS program participants to address these important topics. Lastly, this farm provides space for community gatherings as well as a place for pollinators to thrive.

Green Team is a program that works on leadership and teen employment. Teens get paid to work at the garden and learn how to cultivate their own food. Not only that, but they also focus on civic engagement, environmental justice, urban agriculture, and biking.
School Gardens educate kids about all different kinds of fruits and vegetables that they can grow themselves, as well as cook the food they cultivate in their garden. This program is available in eight of Somerville’s public elementary and middle schools, as well as a charter school. Groundwork offers both in-school and after-school programs for kids to learn how to plan, plant, and harvest. School gardens also give kids the opportunity to learn about other subjects in a unique way. Subjects like math, biology, chemistry, art, and so much more! To be a part of this amazing program you can volunteer your time or donate!
South Farm Street is Groundworks urban farm site along with the Artfarm location. Between these two locations, approximately 2,000lbs of food is harvested to provide fresh and affordable food to the people of Somerville. This is also the location for the Green Team, school groups, and volunteers to take part in helping their community. As well as working together with mother nature! In turn, South Farm Street provides a wonderful home for pollinators in the city.

Rosie’s Place:

As the first ever only women's shelter, Rosie’s Place has been providing shelter and meals to women in need since 1974. Their mission is to help women who struggle with homelessness feel safe as well as giving them more opportunities with mental health care, recovery, job applications, rent, utilities, and transportation. Rosie’s Place offers a safe haven to women of the LGBTQA+ community as well and has a place for any women, no matter religion, ethnicity, age, race, or perceived ability. To be a part of the impact you could make a donation, whether it's financial, food, clothing, or utilities. If you have the capabilities, volunteering is a great option as well. Rosie’s Place provides volunteer opportunities for groups with catering and workshops. As well as individual volunteering in serving meals, prepping meals, teaching classes, and leading an art workshop.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):

This site gives information on all kinds of support groups. From recovery, and mental health, to groups that are for friends and family members of those who are struggling. Currently, these group meetings are done remotely and are available Monday to Friday with multiple time slots. This site also provides other resources as well, like information on housing, employment, family support, health insurance, and so much more!

There’s always a way to help and give back to your community. Even if that means just talking about these important topics and spreading the word. If you are someone who needs a little extra help, please don’t hesitate to reach out and find support.

Guest User 12/29/22 Guest User 12/29/22

Heartwarming Winter Tea

By Alyssa, CN Buyer & Herbalism Student

Happy belated Winter Solstice! We are currently through the shortest days of the year and the sun is beginning to stay out a little bit longer. This is the tea I will be turning towards during the last long dark nights that define the next few weeks ahead. It is both warming and uplifting which I am sure I’m not alone in craving at the moment.

Rose has always been my most loved plant ally. I find everything about it to be soothing- from the smell, to the beauty of the petals, and the mellow sweet taste. It always comforts me in times that life feels a little heavy on my heart. Ginger, cinnamon, and fenugreek provide warming and sweetness. The ginger in particular also helps circulation which can wake up the body from that chilled to the bone feeling this time of year can sometimes leave us with. Mullein is an excellent herb for this time of year, offering any needed respiratory support and congestion relief.

Ingredients:

Per 8oz hot water~

2 tsp Mullein
2 tsp Rose Petals
1 tsp Fenugreek
1 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon Chips

To make, steep all herbs in freshly boiled water for at least 10 minutes, strain, and enjoy!

Guest User 12/13/22 Guest User 12/13/22

Great Gift Idea! Budget-Friendly At Home Spa Night

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:

Lemongrass $.31
Sage $.44
Thyme $.47
Chamomile $.78
Lavender $.80
Peppermint $.81
Red rose petals $.90

Just soap shampoo bar $3.99

Relaxus bath bomb $3.99

Big Dipper Mini Heart Beeswax Candle $3.79

All together this will cost around $22 total!

Emily Kanter 12/13/22 Emily Kanter 12/13/22

We just can't kelp ourselves...

By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Macroalgae Enthusiast

One of my favorite things about living in Boston is its seasonality. In autumn, there's gorgeous foliage and Halloween; winter brings snow and outdoor ice-skating. Come spring the parks bloom with crocus and tulip, and in the summer--well, in the summer there's the beach.

Even as a city-dweller who doesn't own a car, I'm grateful to be able to hop on a train and be at Revere Beach in an hour. I'm not even a big swimmer, to be honest. My favorite ocean activity is simply wandering around, wading in the shallows and exploring tide pools, examining starfish, clams, and the ubiquitous collection of plants known, rather unfairly, as seaweed.

Seaweeds (or, more positively, sea vegetables) has been an important part of Indigenous cultures all over the world for thousands of years, but has definitely been experiencing a renaissance lately. In coastal Wales, it is eaten as the traditional dish called laverbread; in Japanese cuisine it is made into soups or served with rice as sushi. Agar, a gelatinous substance extracted from algae, is used worldwide to make candies and jellies, and is also used as a cultivation medium in microbiology. More recently, seaweed has found its way into more unusual formats, such as tea and skincare, as well as seaweed-derived supplements.

Nutritionally, sea vegetables are a great source of iodine, a trace mineral important for the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is responsible for regulating things like metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. Seaweed also contains a respectable amount of prebiotic fiber, which helps to foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. And sea vegetables boast a hearty nutrient profile that includes Vitamin B12, calcium, folate, potassium, and iron. The benefits of seaweed are myriad, and fortunately, easy and inexpensive to obtain.

At Cambridge Naturals, we stock a solid retinue of seaweed-based products. Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

Organic Dulse Flakes: Dulse (palmaria palmata) is a reddish-purple alga with a savory flavor that's been likened to bacon. I like to steep it in some hot water with some miso, garlic, and tofu for a quick soup, toss it on popcorn, or use it as a garnish for breads and salads.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Cuticle Rescue: Every time I use this super-moisturizing cuticle balm, I wish I'd taken before-and-after photos. Made with kelp and sea buckthorn, it's amazing for healing cold-chapped winter hands, and you can also use it as a lip balm in a pinch.

Mary's Gone Crackers Seaweed and Black Sesame: Salty, savory, and umami, these crunchy crackers are also vegan and gluten-free! (They're amazing when spread with a little sunflower cream cheese like Spero.)

A Wild Soap Bar Seaweed: Made with finely ground pumice stone, sea kelp, and Dead Sea clay, this mineral-rich soap provides gentle exfoliation without an overwhelming fragrance. It also makes a nice gift for that friend who's always planning their next beach day.

Cup of Sea Seaweed Teas: These delicious teas blend seaweed, herbs, and black or green tea for a delicious brew like nothing else out there. I love Great Wave, a refreshing, slightly salty blend of green tea and kelp, and Sea Smoke, which combines dulse and lapsang souchong black tea for a robust, savory brew. Seaweed and tea may sound like a weird combination at first, but once you've tried it, you'll understand. It's an experience unparalleled by anything else.

Seaweed is so often unfairly maligned that it's easy to forget about the many benefits it offers. And in the cold New England winter, when long summer beach days feel so far away, it's one of my favorite pick-me-ups to tide me over until I can get back to the ocean.

(No pun intended.)

Sources:

https://www.nutritionadvance.com/sea-vegetables/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-seaweed

Guest User 12/8/22 Guest User 12/8/22

Sagittarius Season Tea!

By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, herbalism student, tea lover

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

Materials:

Ingredients:

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!

Emily Kanter 11/29/22 Emily Kanter 11/29/22

Guide to low-waste periods!

By Allison, Customer Service Specialist & Low-Waste Enthusiast

Period product waste may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of eliminating waste and helping the environment, but globally, 200,000 tons of period related waste accumulates every year! Fortunately, there are a variety of options when it comes to sustainable period products - varying from reduced waste to zero waste. Remember! It’s not about committing to zero waste 100% of the time! Small mindful choices to reduce waste do indeed help minimize overall waste. High-waste menstrual products include tampons with plastic applicators and single-use pads; luckily sustainable products have become more accessible.

If you’re interested in moving towards lower waste options, but still need the convenience of traditional period products, then biodegradable (cardboard applicator) tampons, applicator free tampons, or reusable tampon applicators might be the right fit for you. Applicator-free tampons are also more affordable than applicator tampons.

Menstrual disks are another low to no waste option. They are available in both disposable and reusable varieties. There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to insertion, but one advantage of menstrual disks is that they can be worn for more than eight hours, unlike tampons which pose the risk of toxic-shock-syndrome with extended wear. Menstrual disks may also be confused with menstrual cups. Aside from shape, one of the key differences is that menstrual disks do not create suction around the cervix, making it a better option for people with IUDs - suction can pose a small risk to IUD stability.

Menstrual cups are a no-waste period product that can be inserted into the vagina and create suction around the cervix. This makes menstrual cups an effective leakproof option. Though, there is also a learning curve when it comes to proper insertion, so it might be a good idea to use a backup panty liner for the first couple cycles after making the switch. Menstrual cups also come in different sizes depending on individual anatomy and previous vaginal childbirths.

Another no-waste option is reusable washable pads. Many people find these pads to be less irritating to the skin than disposable pads. However, some do find them a bit more bulky - though reviews on that are mixed. Using these is very similar to disposable pads, except after use: just rinse with water; place them in a mesh/delicates laundry bag; and wash with detergent in your usual washing machine. Be sure to skip the fabric softener though - it will reduce the absorbency of the material.

Period underwear is another no-waste option, very similar to washable pads. An added bonus to period underwear is that they’re leakproof, unlike washable pads.

It’s also possible to incorporate different sustainable products in different situations. For example, wearing reusable pads or period underwear at home or to bed, but using tampon options while you are on the go, running errands or at work. Menstrual cups are a safer choice than tampons for times when you need coverage for more than 8 hours at a time. Mixing and matching is encouraged!

Shop all menstrual care on our website: www.cambridgenaturals.com/shop