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Staying Healthy This Season!

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By Amber, CN Supplements Buyer & Turkey Tail Enthusiast

It feels like summer has only just left us, but at Cambridge Naturals, our eyes are already on fall and winter. Here in New England, we rarely know what to expect from the weather - only that it will be unpredictable. Long experience has taught us, however, that winter brings with it cold and flu season, and its accompanying sniffles, coughs, and sneezes. Couple that with a global pandemic now in its fourth year, and it spells an extra-special focus on caring for our immune systems. Here's a guide to the most common ingredients you'll find in immune supporting formulas. 

Elderberry (sambucus nigra) is one of the most commonly-used immune boosters, and for good reason. It's loaded with beneficial phytochemicals like quercetin, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, all of which stimulate the body's immune system. It's also, unlike many other remedies, tasty: you can take it as a syrup, lozenge, or tea (as well as in the more traditional capsules and tinctures). The flowers of the elder plant also make a delicious addition to teas!  

Echinacea (e. angustifolia and e. purpurea) is a type of plant in the daisy family which has a long history of medicinal use by Indigenous American communities. All parts of it are used for their immune-system stimulating properties. You'll find it as an ingredient in teas, capsules, and tinctures. (It's also commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its large purple flowers -- I recently found some growing outside my local library!) 

Often paired with Echinacea, Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) is another native North American plant, known for its bright-yellow, strongly-scented roots. Because it takes 4-5 years to reach maturity and is difficult to cultivate, it is often overharvested in the wild and is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It shows promise as a natural antibacterial, but many supplement companies have been reducing their use of it in their formulas due to its endangered nature. 

If medicinal mushrooms are more your style, Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor) is definitely something you'll want to acquaint yourself with. Packed with antioxidants, studies have shown it stimulates the production of monocytes (a type of cell that fights infection). It comes in a variety of forms and is easy to add to your wellness routine. If you're still curious about Turkey Tail, you can also check out my previous exploration of it for Cambridge Naturals here. 

Vitamin C is one of the best-known vitamins, and for a good reason. For centuries, Vitamin-C loaded citrus fruits were eaten by sailors on long voyages to prevent scurvy, and the scientist who isolated it won a Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery. It's present in delicious fruits like oranges, lemons, and pomegranates, as well as bell peppers and tomatoes. It's also a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that any excess is quickly excreted from your body through urine. Because of that, it has a very low toxicity level. It often comes in citrus-flavored chewables, but you can also find it in capsules, drink powders, and even liquid form! 

Zinc is well-known for its role in immune health, prostate health, and wound healing. It's primarily found in animal products like beef and chicken, although also present in many types of nuts and seeds. If you aren't getting enough of it in your diet, it's easy enough to supplement it with capsules or lozenges. (Some people do find the lozenges make them nauseous, so if that's your experience, consider trying a lower dose, a capsule formulation, or taking it on a full stomach.) 

Immune Boosters are formulations of herbs and minerals that, combined, serve to bolster the immune system during cold and flu season. My personal favorite is Source Naturals Wellness Formula, which blends ingredients like Vitamin D-3, andrographis, garlic, and mullein for a wide-reaching spectrum of immune boosters. 

There are so many incredible ways to support your immune system when cold and flu season sets in, and we've got tons of products to help you out at Cambridge Naturals. Check out our full stock of immune health care HERE! 

Cultivating Kindness As A Muscle

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Tomato Enthusiast

I find myself thinking, quite often these days, about the state of the world. To be honest, it's hard not to. Our obsession with reading about the myriad current tragedies is so novel that the COVID-19 pandemic granted us a new word for it: doomscrolling. There's a fine line between being informed about the state of the world and feeling helpless to do anything about it, and it's all too easy to cross that line. 

One thing that gives me comfort amidst all the chaos is to simply focus on putting a bit more good out into the world, however I can. I've found kindness to be more and more a carefully cultivated act, one that must be initiated with intention. To be nice may be inherent, but to be kind takes work. Kindness is a muscle, one we have to consciously exercise. And like a muscle, the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. 

During the heart of the COVID lockdown in 2020, I embarked upon a mission of conscious kindness -- doing things expressly for the purpose of making other people happy. One of my earliest acts of cultivated kindness was to tie a small note onto the thriving tomato plants my downstairs neighbors were growing on their fire escape, remarking on how beautiful their plants were. A few days later, I discovered a note on my back doorstep: "Your note made our day, thanks so much!", weighted down with a gorgeously heavy, ruby-red tomato. That note hangs on my refrigerator to this day, a small, potent reminder of the delight that can come from simply saying something kind. (The tomato, as you might expect, has long since been devoured.) 

I am a hider of small encouraging notes under bus stop seats and in the knots of trees, a sticker-on of googly eyes to public trashcans, a complimenter of strangers. For a decade now I've kept a jar of spare change on my hallway table, adding to it whenever my pockets chime with coin, and when it's full I take the subway into Downtown Boston and spread my coins into the instrument cases of buskers in the Public Garden. (I've always believed that to create music in public is its own form of magic.) At a concert I attended recently, I noticed a couple taking pictures of each other in the venue's elaborately-decorated lobby; I stepped in and offered to take a photo of them together. A genuinely delightful conversation followed, during which I learned that they were Austrian tourists visiting the US for the first time, and that their mutual appreciation for this musician was what had actually brought them together years ago. 

More than anything, I've found that cultivated kindness gives me a sense of control in this all-too-chaotic world. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated, especially when so much feels like it's out of our hands. But to deliberately create connection and community where there was none before - there's a gentle power to that like nothing I've ever experienced in my life. To be consciously and deliberately kind without expecting anything in return. There is strength in kindness. It is quiet, but it is a fierce and unstoppable force. 

Panneer Rose Mocha with Lavender and Pomegranate Molasses 

By Dev, CN Manager and Mocha Latte Enthusiast

Leaves are turning, there’s a faint chill in the air, and textbooks are being cracked open once more… little is better in life to greet this seasonal change – and increased study hours – than a delicious coffee! 

After a rebrand, Diaspora Co. has made a long-anticipated reappearance on our shelves with beautiful, colorful packaging! It seemed only natural to utilize their fantastic and flavor-packed offerings in this next post. Their Panneer Rose petals have been described as “ambrosial” and I couldn’t agree more.

This delicious mocha can be made hot or iced. The custom ice cube pairing can help a cold drink stay cool for even longer without watering it down, and the cubes can also be popped into a hot mocha (or hot chocolate) to cool it down enough for immediate sipping. 

For this particular recipe I utilized the following products from our shelves:

In a small cooking pot, combine 2-3 tablespoons of cacao powder with 2 cups of oat mylk (or milk / mylk of your choice). Stir until boiling, when the powder has fully dissolved into creamy richness. This makes roughly enough for one cup of cocoa and enough to also use as the base for several ice cubes to match. 

In a second small pot, combine 1 cup of cane sugar, 1 cup of water, and ½ cup of Panneer rose petals. Bring to a boil and simmer together for around 10 minutes, and then carefully strain / remove the petals to produce a lovely rose simple syrup. Your syrup should have some thickness to it without being gooey. 

You can now add the rose simple syrup to the cocoa pot, one ounce at a time until you’ve reached a desirable floral flavor. This rose cocoa can be poured straight into ice cube molds; I garnished all cubes with a sprinkle of dried lavender and rose, as well. Let the cubes solidify in your freezer for a few hours, pop them out, and they’re good to go!  

(If you’re ready for some delicate rose flavor but aren’t able to make a simple syrup, a spritz or two of Starwest Botanicals’ food grade rose water will also do! I added it into the mix with my own mocha as well. As far as I’m concerned, ‘too much rose’ doesn’t exist!)

The rest is a choose-your-own coffee adventure. You can chill this rose-cocoa mixture in the fridge and add it to cold brew coffee at a 1:1 ratio for a refreshing floral iced drink. You can add in a shot or two of espresso and make a standard iced mocha latte, which is what I did while making this particular recipe. You can also enjoy it hot, or leave out the espresso or coffee entirely for a floral hot chocolate. 

Any way you choose, your tastebuds will thank you, and your friends and family will be impressed with your delicately garnished cocoa cubes with gorgeous and colorful flower petals. I also enjoy a slightly tart and fruity depth to my coffee, so I added a small amount of Just Date Syrup’s pomegranate molasses to my mocha latte as well. So good!

In other highly important fall coffee news…..Diaspora Co.’s pumpkin spice mix has also just hit our shelves! It’s that time again, and a great way to treat yourself to a fall favorite with unique single-origin sourcing! 

Zero-Waste Halloween! 🎃

By Amber, CN Supplements Buyer & Old Hallows Eve Enthusiast

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I love the colorful costumes, the candy, the bright jack-o-lanterns illuminating doorsteps and windows. But in recent years, I've become uncomfortably aware of how wasteful it can be. So much energy is dedicated to a single night, only for the decorations and bits of costume to wind up in the trash as November dawns the next morning. So figuring out how to make my celebrations more eco-friendly has been something of a project this year. Here's a couple of ideas I'm incorporating into my life to make my own Halloween festivities a bit more sustainable:

Beware of microplastics. Many Halloween costumes involve microplastics (like glitter or sequins) that can easily find their way into the environment. Consider using eco-friendly glitter (such as this mica-based one from Natural Earth Paints), or this face paint made with natural pigments! 

Be mindful of your costume. Instead of buying a prepackaged costume that you'll wear once and then throw away, consider searching your local thrift store for clothes you can turn into a costume. (It's a bonus if you can repurpose certain items, like scarves or dresses, into your wardrobe after the holiday is over!) I personally love shopping at the Garment District for unusual costume pieces! And crafting your own costume can be a blast. Invite some friends over, mull some hot cider, and work on your costumes together for a delightful pre-Halloween get-together. 

Compost your carvings. After your jack-o-lanterns have had their big night, consider adding them to your compost bin (or checking with your neighbors if they have one!). Many towns and cities also host compost drop-offs or have communal compost bins; check out what's available near you. (Also: save the seeds from your pumpkin and roast them with a bit of butter and some sea salt. They're delicious.) 

Put the 'eco' in 'decor'. Instead of buying premade decorations, consider making your own out of materials you already have around. Recycled paper pumpkin garlands, cheesecloth ghosts -- there are so many cool things you can create! I'm obsessed with Sibster's simple DIY decor. A scarecrow made out of old clothes stuffed with newspaper was always traditional in my household growing up, along with hanging paper bats and ghosts. Making these crafts is also a great activity to do with the kids in your life! 

Consider your candy. You don't need to be the person that hands out toothbrushes on Halloween to have a wholesome holiday. Try getting your candy from a local or minority-owned business, and consider having a non-food option for trick-or-treaters with food allergies! 

Having a green Halloween doesn't have to be hard. There are so many ways to cut down on waste and let your creativity shine! 

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When you can’t give the gift of sleep, give the next best thing!

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By Rose, CN Director of People Operations & Mother of Two Kids Under Four

​​New babies are an absolute joy. The warmth, love, excitement, and happy tears that are shed. It’s a feeling quite like none other. And as many know, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Lack of sleep, physical pain and recovery after labor and delivery, limited opportunities for taking care of oneself… the list goes on. The simplest things like eating, drinking water, and even showering can feel and be impossible.

I’ve had two babies, and have experienced quite a bit in my own birth and postpartum journeys including some difficult physical challenges and emotional hurdles. I consider myself lucky to have been able to carry those pregnancies, and despite two not so straightforward births or postpartum periods (I’m talking to you 2020 Covid shut down with a newborn!) it's been a wonderful and wild ride.

When I think about the early days of having an infant at home and the amazing gifts that people dropped off for me, I think about the thoughtful and generous care packages I received from friends and family. Here at Cambridge Naturals, we have a robust selection of items to help support during the postpartum period. Below are a selection of products that I believe make excellent gifts for new moms and parents!

Image courtesy of The New Yorker, Becky Barnicoat.

Post-birth Recovery:

  • Motherlove Sitz Bath Spray

  • Motherlove Rhoid Balm

  • Motherlove C-Section Cream - while the scar from a c-section will never go away, it is generally recommended that the scar is massaged to help aid in blood flow, reduce itchiness, and help with healing. On a purely emotional level, some women experience complicated and negative feelings about their c-section, stemming from societal messages, rhetoric from friends and family, or simply from within. It’s my strong belief that birth is birth and c-section recovery is- to be frank- pretty bad a**! (Picture this: You have major surgery and within just a few hours you’re typically up and at it caring for an infant, contorting your body to try breastfeeding and/or pumping, mixing bottles, changing diapers, etc.) C-section massage can be one small step in trying to get more comfortable with and proud of this amazing feat!

Breastfeeding:

  • Silverettes - In the hospital with my second baby, the lactation consultant recommended these to me over any other product. Honestly I was skeptical, but they truly did wonders for me in those first weeks and months of marathon breastfeeding sessions.

  • Mother Love- Nipple Cream - helpful in combating sore, cracked, and dry nipples. Does not need to be removed prior to breastfeeding or pumping.

  • Fenugreek - this tea has a combination of fennel, fenugreek, and other herbs which can help to support and promote lactation.

Bodycare:

  • Acure Dry Shampoo and Ursa Major Face Wipes - for when showers just aren’t happening!

  • Deodorant - after childbirth, it’s common to experience significant postpartum sweating due to hormonal shift. While deodorant choices can be quite personal, we have so many great ones to choose from!

Supplements:

  • Iron*- can help combat low iron levels due to blood loss during labor and/or low iron levels during pregnancy.

  • Ashwagandha*- can help with mood and anxiety.

*While generally the above supplements are considered safe to take while breastfeeding, there is limited testing done on these and how much passes through milk. Please consult with a doctor before taking any of these to ensure they are safe and won’t interact with any medications.

Snacks:

My first attempt at a long walk, two weeks post birth.

Miscellaneous:

For Baby:

For fur babies that are getting neglected because of the new human baby:

Sea Moss FAQ: Everything you want to know!

By Amber, Supplements Buyer & Algae Enthusiast

Of all the hot new products hitting the wellness scene lately, perhaps none is more hyped than sea moss. This gooey, gelatinous wonder has been all over social media. Its users tout effects like increased libido, clearer skin, and more energy. But what's the science behind it? And why does it have so many different names?

So, what exactly is sea moss?

Simply put, sea moss is a form of red algae (a seaweed) that's been used all over the globe for centuries as a food source and health product. The nomenclature, however, can get a bit complicated -- let's get into that next.

Irish Moss? Sea Moss? Jamaican Moss? What's with all the different names? 

While the terms 'Irish moss' and 'sea moss' are often used interchangeably, Irish moss generally refers to seaweed belonging to the variety of chondrus crispus. The word for this type of algae in Gaelic is 'carraigín', anglicized as 'carrageen'. It's where we get the English word 'carrageenan', a type of carbohydrate often added to improve the texture of products like ice cream, yogurt, and toothpaste. Chondrus crispus is a thick-leafed, dark purple plant that grows in the cold waters of the Northern Atlantic ocean, and is capable of surviving with minimal sunlight. 

Sea moss (also called Jamaican moss or Caribbean moss) is also a type of red algae, but it belongs to the genus gracilaria or eucheuma. It's generally thinner and yellow or pale gold in color, and it lives in warmer waters (especially in the Caribbean, hence the name), southern Africa, and Asia.

A lot of confusion occurs because the two types, once prepared into gel, look similar and have almost identical health properties. To put it simply, all Irish moss is sea moss, but not all sea moss is Irish moss. If you're unsure about what exactly you're getting, just verify the species of the algae -- it's usually printed on the package. 

What are the health benefits?

Sea vegetables in general are known for their high concentrations of phytonutrients. Both gracilaria and chondrus crispus contain high levels of minerals including potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins like folate (B9) and beta carotene (a form of Vitamin A). It also contains prebiotic fiber, which may improve gut health by contributing to a healthy microbiome. Its high sulfur content may contribute to skin health, and the high levels of B vitamins may provide an energy boost. 

How do I use it? 

Sea moss is an incredibly versatile product -- you can add it to juice or smoothies, take it in capsule form, or even apply it topically as a refreshing skin treatment! 

So, does it matter which one I take?

At the end of the day, the short answer is this: not really. Because both Irish moss and sea moss have tons of beneficial nutrients, the differences between them are going to be minimal. The key is to make sure you use sea moss that's been wild-harvested (rather than commercially grown in tanks), because tank-grown sea moss lacks many of the nutrients that make sea moss so healthy.

What kinds of sea moss do you offer at Cambridge Naturals?

We stock two brands of sea moss gel, Ocean's Promise and Herbal Vineyards. Both are Black-Owned brands; Herbal Vineyards is also Woman-Owned! We also stock capsules of dried powdered sea moss from Ocean's Promise. Ocean's Promise also offers sea moss blended with bladderwrack (another beneficial form of seaweed) and burdock root (a member of the genius Arctium used for its detoxifying benefits). 

No matter your budget or lifestyle, there's sure to be a form of sea moss that works for you. Check out our full section of products online, or come in to chat with us about this amazing algae! 

Blueberry An“tea”oxidant Smoothie!

By Dev, CN Manager and Antioxidant Pun Enthusiast

Professionally and personally, I’ve probably made no less than thousands of smoothies, so I’m always on the lookout for flavorful and nutritious ingredients to enhance the ones I make at home. 

Enter: Millennia Tea cubes!

Millennia Tea, out of Canada, is a relatively new product for Cambridge Naturals in 2023. We're the first U.S. location to offer these delightful little squares. They're a bit different from what most people are probably expecting of green tea; they're raw, fresh green tea leaves that have been washed and frozen into cubes. That's right, fresh! Not dried tea leaves. They're wonderful, antioxidant-rich additions to smoothies / smoothie bowls, and they can also just be dropped into hot or cold water to steep as regular tea.

Today’s an“tea”oxidant smoothie recipe features Millennia tea cubes and several other antioxidant-rich friends of green tea that can be found on our store shelves or in our freezer.

Why are antioxidants important? When consciously and diversely integrated into a whole food diet, they can support the body’s defense against free radicals, which are chemical compounds that, in high levels, can damage cells and genetic material like DNA strands.

Free radicals are produced naturally as the body breaks down food for cellular energy, but they also can be found in environmental pollutants and smoke. An excessive amount of free radicals in the body may lead to higher susceptibility to chronic health issues and disease–what’s also known as “oxidative stress.”

Fortunately, our bodies have developed ways of combating free radicals on a molecular level, and we can give it a little boost of support by enhancing our diets with a diverse selection of foods high in antioxidants.

Blend until smooth, and enjoy! This recipe makes roughly 3 cups, or 24 ounces of smoothie. It’s a refreshing combination of berry and coconut flavor; summer might be behind us now, but this one's good year round! 

Stuffed Southwest Sweet Potatoes

By Dev, CN Manager & Food Styling Enthusiast

Looking for a stand-out dish for a small gathering? Or even just something hearty that isn’t super time intensive for weekly meal prepping? If you’ve got an hour, look no further! This one’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and anyone gluten free. It can also easily be made vegan by substituting a non-dairy cheese. 

Ingredients from our shelves: 

Fresh ingredients:

  • Sweet potatoes (this recipe makes 8-12, depending on potato size and desired level of stuffing)

  • 1 Bell pepper (~1 cup, diced)

  • 1 Red Onion (~1 cup, diced)

  • Avocado (1 fruit, sliced)

  • Lime juice

Rinse whole sweet potatoes and pierce them a few times each with a knife. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for 45 minutes at 425 F, or until soft enough to easily re-pierce with a fork. Fortunately, this leaves quite a lot of time in the middle for the rest of prep!

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before preparing, for around 3-4 minutes under cool water. Bring 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of lightly salted water to a boil together, and simmer afterwards for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. This should produce roughly 2 cups of cooked quinoa. (If you’d like even more flavorful quinoa, it can be cooked in your choice of broth.)

Dice one cup of bell peppers and one cup of red onions. Toss both in an oiled skillet with a pinch of our flavorful taco seasoning, sprinkle of crushed rainbow peppercorns, and a dash of lime juice. This is all imprecise and to taste, so use as little or as much as you’d like for desired flavor boldness.

Add the drained can of Cadia’s black beans to your skillet in addition to the 2 cups of cooked quinoa. Mix together and sautee thoroughly on the stovetop until browned, roughly 10 minutes or so over medium heat.

Once the potatoes are fully baked, remove them from the oven and split them open slightly with a knife. Spoon in and mix the quinoa, onions, peppers, black beans, and spices with the meat of the sweet potato. Add freshly grated pepperjack cheese until melted, and drizzle spicy coconut yogurt sauce on top of the potato. 

To make the coconut yogurt sauce, simply mix around 1/2 cup of Cocojune's coconut yogurt with lime juice and taco seasoning, also to taste.

For an extra crunch of protein, you can throw on a small handful of Louisville Jerky’s vegan bacon bits. I also garnished my potatoes with fresh sliced avocado and even more lime juice for a final tart kick. Deliciousness awaits!

Spotlight on: Vitality Works!

By Amber, Supplements Buyer + Vitality Works Enthusiast

Hi, I'm Amber (she/they). I've worked at Cambridge Naturals for about three years now. I'm primarily a Supplements Buyer here (although I also do a lot of database work in the back office I affectionately call the Stat Cave).

At the beginning of August, my coworker Victoria (the brilliant soul behind our fabulous Bulk Herbs department) and I were afforded a very cool opportunity. We traveled to the state of New Mexico courtesy of Vitality Works, the company that makes our store-brand supplements, where we toured their production facilities in Albuquerque, visited a biodynamic farm northwest of Santa Fe, and spent several incredible days learning about the intricacies of the supplement manufacturing industry. We joined about forty other people from all areas of the health food and supplements industry - owners of small-town grocery stores from Washington State and Arkansas, co-op workers from Maryland, sales representatives from New York and Florida, and a number of Vitality Works' own team members - for a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry. I can honestly say it was a time I'll never forget.

Upon arrival in New Mexico, we familiarized ourselves a bit with the local history and community. I hadn't quite realized how unusual Albuquerque is until I saw that the airport (or 'sunport', as they call it) features a specialized meditation room designed for quiet contemplation. As early as the 1920's, New Mexico has attracted eccentrics of all sorts, from writers like Jack Kerouac and DH Lawrence to musicians like Bob Dylan. They mingled with the centuries-old traditions of the local Indigenous and Latino communities, drawn by the soaring vistas and stark landscapes of the area. Hippies found their way there in the 60's, and over the decades Albuquerque became a nexus of new-age activity. Even now there's a thriving community that harmonizes the area's diverse background. In the Old Town, spheres of polished amethyst and rugged nuggets of local turquoise sit for sale beside local Catholic milagro votives; pamphlets promote guided hikes into the Sandia Mountains as well as Albuquerque's famous hot-air balloons; and green chiles (a local specialty) hang drying alongside merchandise from the television show 'Breaking Bad', which was filmed in the area. New and old bump shoulders in the city, but it rarely feels awkward. Indeed, as I came to realize over the next few days, this fusion of disparate elements is precisely what makes the herbal supplements industry fit so well here. 

On our second day in New Mexico, we were treated to a tour of Vitality Works' production facilities. Led by founder Mitch Coven himself, we learned how their herbs are prepared--a process which is determined primarily by the needs of the herb itself. Certain herbs, such as echinacea, can take many years to grow, so planning must be done long in advance to ensure a good supply. Other herbs, such as Kava imported from Vanuatu in the South Pacific, are macerated in alcohol for a time to extract their beneficial qualities before being prepared into capsules or tinctures. There's a seasonality to the process as well--sometimes the facility will spend several intense days or weeks processing a particular herb to ensure they're able to capture its beneficial effects before they degrade. To further compound that, intense testing is done on every batch of product, not only to ensure the quality of the active ingredients, but also to verify the integrity of the products themselves. Defective tincture droppers are sorted out, leaky capsules eliminated. Quality control is a business that Vitality Works takes seriously. Witnessing their production system genuinely made me realize how much work goes into producing the supplements on our shelves. 

The next day, we headed north on a bus to Abiquiu, not far from the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the Colorado border, to visit a biodynamic farm that supplies some of the herbs used in Vitality Works' preparations. Developed in the 1920's by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics is a method of organic farming that treats soil fertility, plant growth, pest control, and harvesting as interrelated tasks, and views the process of farming from a holistic perspective. Amid the rows of crops -- St John's wort, dandelion, and spilanthes (to name a few) -- our group learned about the many potential pitfalls that farmers can experience. One year, the farmers watered their St John's Wort too much and it perished; another year, the local elk population ate a substantial portion of their crops. Even a well-prepared farmer can encounter obstacles. 

Additionally, the climate of New Mexico is a challenging one to grow in. The region receives less than fourteen inches of rain per year (for comparison, Boston gets 43 inches yearly), so the soil is often dry, and managing to keep crops watered relies on a particular blend of innovation, traditional methods, and keen advance planning. Compounding that is the altitude -- Albuquerque itself sits a mile above sea level, so taking care of one's body, especially during outdoor work like farming, is imperative. (I had my first-ever experience with altitude sickness while there, and let me tell you, it was not fun.) Spending time at the farm truly impressed upon me the idea that farming is largely about what you can control versus what you can't. 

I think the thing that stuck with me the most about our trip was the unique fusion of diverse factors that combine to make this aspect of the supplements industry so special. Custom-made 3D-printed machines process herbs grown with centuries-old irrigation methods. Careful planning and spontaneous adjustments influence every planting and harvest. High-tech and traditional, scientific and spiritual--so many contrasts that shouldn't work so well together but somehow do, combining to bring the benefits of herbal remedies to our store shelves in Cambridge.

Sometimes I feel that working amid so many sealed bottles and droppers, glass and metal and plastic, distances me a bit from the natural elements of the natural products industry. That week, holding a surprisingly damp, spongy osha root in my hands, or biting into a bitter dandelion root pulled from the ground moments before, I gained a renewed sense of the inherent wonder of the natural world. 

And it is wonderful--I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how eye-wateringly gorgeous New Mexico is. Muted ochre hills dotted with sagebrush roll out beneath skies of such vivid blue it seems impossible that it's the same sky we see in Massachusetts. There were moments during our trip that I didn't even want to blink because it'd mean shutting my eyes for a second to the beauty of the place. I know now why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment -- for I am, perhaps always will be -- utterly enchanted by it.

Cambridge Naturals is supremely grateful to Mitch Coven and the entire Vitality Works team for this incredible opportunity!

Staff Picks: Back To School Autumn Edition!

Sharing our absolute favorites for this season of fresh pencils, crisp weather and renewed focus!

Rose

A Wild Soap Bar - Sassafras

This is the perfect bar soap as we head into the fall. Its scent is warm and cozy, smelling of cinnamon, clove, and patchouli. As an added bonus, the texture is course enough to serve as an exfoliant, which is much needed as we head into the seasons of cool weather and dry skin. Plus, is there any other word as fun as sassafras? 

Gabi D

Fluf Zip Lunch Bag

Who doesn’t want a fun lunch box?! It’s back to school time and a packed lunch is necessary for me. The Fluf Zip Lunch bag has space for my emotional support water bottle, multiple containers, and a small bag a BjornQorn. It’s the perfect lunch bag for any age. Another great perk is that it’s machine washable! No more wiping the inside of a lunch bag and hoping all the smell goes away. My choice is the shark! Which fun bag would you pick??

Amber

Rahua Enchanted Island Vegan Curl Butter

I get so many compliments on my hair when I use this curl cream! I have very fine hair, but I have a lot of it, and I'm happiest when it looks a bit on the untamed side. I work a bit of the cream through my damp hair in sections, then use my fingers to separate and define the curls, and let it air dry. Picture this: you're on a rambling walk through the sunlit autumn forest with leaves crunching beneath your boots, wind ruffling the woodland-spirit curls of your dreams. Yeah. If your Disney Princess hair idol is Merida, this is the stuff for you. 

Allison

Onyx & Green One-Subject Notebook

School supplies! CN has you covered with these very practical one-subject spiral bound notebooks. I use this notebook to take notes during all our wonderful staff trainings and meetings! They're perfect for students, teachers, and or anyone who still enjoys putting pen to paper! Speaking of paper - this paper is made with cane sugar, not trees. The best part is: no spine-breaking required!

Brenden

Odyssey Elixirs - Organic Sparkling Energy Elixir - Passionfruit, Orange, Guava

Back to school is the time of year to get yourself organized and focused.  Odyssey Elixirs sparkling energy drinks are a great product to pick up to support this hectic yet exciting time of year. This isn't your typical bull logo energy drink.  It's filled with much healthier ingredients including green tea caffeine for the fix you might need, L-theanine for that calm caffeine come down, Lions Mane mushroom for brain support, and Cordyceps mushroom for daily energy support.  It truly feels great! We have a few flavors, try them all!

Alina

Apple Green Duck Jumbo Corduroy Tote Bag

This is simply THE autumnal tote! These colors from Apple Green Duck are earthy and cozy and what my Fall dreams are made of. It has plenty of room for all of your necessities and so much more. Take this corduroy tote with you on a breezy evening stroll, to apple picking, to markets - possibilities are endless and this is the bag to bring every time!

Emily

CN Brand Astragalus + Reishi Mushroom Tinctures

I absolutely love autumn. The crunch of crisp apples and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils (yes I still use pencils!), the changing light, and the anticipation of cozy sweater season is upon us. And, along with autumn also comes the beginning of sniffle season. But fear not! Cambridge Naturals Brand Astragalus Tincture and Reishi Tincture are here to save the day. Taken together daily on an empty stomach, they provide a powerful immune-supportive duo that can keep the autumnal germs at bay!

Molly

Bushwick Kitchen Trees Knees Cinnamon Maple Syrup

I know we see maple syrup and think of pancakes, but please try this in your coffee! I've been adding it to my Iced Oat Milk Lattes all summer for a little treat, but fall will really be this stuff's time to shine. So warming and cozy! This Organic Grade A maple syrup from the Catskills is infused with organic cassia cinnamon and so delicious!  And yes, of course, it's great on pancakes and french toast too.

Zach

Fillo's Walking Tamales

What a Walking Tamale you ask?  Well, it's a tamale's worth of deliciousness in a convenient package ready to eat on the go.  Equally at home on a plate, both flavors we stock pack a ton of flavor and quality nutrition without going overboard on anything.  They are at their peak when heated in a microwave or cut up and sautéed off like polenta but they're are also really good right out of the pack.

Vicki

Jahmu Chai - Vegan Golden Milk 

All ORGANIC INGREDIENTS! Locally made by an amazing small team of health conscious individuals, in Rhode Island! I'm not vegan, and I prefer this golden milk over any others. It's lightly sweetened, excellently spiced and lusciously creamy. One jar gets you about 24 servings, and it is so worth it during those chilly/relaxed evenings when all you want to do is warm up water and stir the contents of your cup.

Dev

Omsom Saucy Noodles: Soy Garlic

It's that time again--back to school! And nothing screams 'back to dorms' especially like packaged ramen. Luckily for us, Omsom is now on the scene. These instant noodles are an elevated twist on an old staple, and there are flavor combos and heat levels to suit everyone's taste. They're all deliciously seasoned and bursting with umami flavor. You can make them happen from the "comfort" of your dorm room in a microwave, or on a stovetop. They're also great dinner starters for anyone, student or not; toss in some stir-fried veggies or a fried egg on top to make a hearty little meal!

Shannon

Appointed Notebook (Grid) - Blossom

When I went back to school a few years ago I started bullet journaling to stay organized and have been doing it ever since! I love having my notebook on me at all times and planning out each month, writing my to-do lists, taking notes for classes, and doodling. Plus it's so fun to personalize with CN's fabulous collection of stickers!

Mike

Oregon's Wild Harvest Ashwagandha Ginkgo

It is time to dread: moving day is upon us, in the city. However, there is help, and it will even help you remember where that last box is! Granted, there are other reasons this fall to take Ashwagandha Ginkgo as well: school is starting, we have to switch to colder weather garb, and there will be many more people out on the roads as it gets too cold to walk. Regulating your stress while keeping on the move is key, and that's what I like about this pair of plants!

Deborah:

Yogi Tea Soothing Caramel Bedtime w/ Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk

My day isn't complete without ending it with a mug of Yogi Tea's Soothing Caramel Bedtime. As part of my night-time ritual I brew up a mug and add a little Minor Figure's Organic Oat Milk for just the right amount of non-dairy creaminess. The tea is yummy with just the right amount of sweetness and spiciness, while the l-theanine, chamomile, and skullcap help to make me sleepy and ready to drift off!

Alexandra

Wooden Spoon Herbs Tincture - Adaptogen Balance

A mix of holy basil, ashwagandha, reishi, and goji berry; this tincture is the ideal daily stress support. I take a dropper full in the morning when I  know I have a busy day ahead of me. Wooden Spoon Herbs is also woman-owned!

Nora

Bulk Wild Cherry Bark, Pieces (Organic)

Cold infusions (steeped in cold water for at least 12 hours) made from the inner bark of wild cherry trees are warming, bitter, slightly sweet, and astringent, with an almondy flavor and scent. It's delicious on its own or when sweetened with a bit of honey, and can be helpful for chilling out hectic, spasming coughs that can arise with seasonal allergies. Calming and slightly sedative, it's a perfect cozy autumn beverage before bedtime! I like to use a sieve to strain the infusion into a mug, and then return the bark to a container and cover with fresh water to steep again - you can do this several times, and get a lot out of just a few tablespoons of bark.

Katie

Smith-Waite Tarot Deck (Centennial Edition)

Spooky Season is finally here, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit of Halloween than to learn how to read the Tarot? The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot deck is the perfect deck for beginners, as it is a reproduction of the initial deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909 under the direction of Arthur E. Waite. The images are set in the original, muted colors as chosen by "Pixie" herself.