August eNews

WHAT'S IN STORE

BACK TO SCHOOL
Don't stress! There is still several weeks of summer left to enjoy before stressing about school.  Try Natural Vitality Calm, a magnesium citrate powder, and your mind and body will thank you. Magnesium is essential for your nervous, circulatory, and skeletal systems. Natural Calm is easy to swallow, 1 teaspoon mixes easily with 8oz water or juice, but you can adjust to find the right amount that works for you. 


 All sizes and flavors are 20% off this month!


Looking for school and office supplies that have lower environmental impact? Using sustainable materials like bamboo, jute fiber, recycled plastics Onyx & Green has created affordable and stylish backpacks, pencilbags, calculators, rulers, pens and paper, to name a few. Go Green when going back to school this year!




VITAL PLANET 
Probiotics for Pets

For our four-legged friends who may have digestion issues, bowel troubles, or have recently been on antibiotics, we now have powdered probiotics for dogs and cats! Formulated with the help of Renew Life's Brenda Watson, Powdered FloraDog and FloraCat each contain:
- 20 Billion live cultures per serving
- 10 unique strains for optimum strain diversity
- Prebiotics (serve as food for good bacteria)
- Formulated with high bifidobacterium or high acidophilus formula to support the specific needs of canines & felines, respectively.

Get a month's supply for just $29.99


BEE APPRECIATION

Celebrate Bees with us throughout August!  Find Free booklets for kids and adults filled with fun facts about Bees and Honey recipes. Plus, for National Honey Bee Day Saturday, Aug. 22, come in for a free honey stick with the purchase of any Bee product*! 

We'll also be showing Vanishing of the Bees Documentary in our Wellness Center at 1, 3, and 5pm.
“Wherever there are bees there is health” Caio Plinio Secondo 23 - 79 A.D.

WE NEED BEES: Even the Ancients knew it: Bees are a barometer of the health of our environment, and in turn, our food system and we the people who depend on it. In fact, people have managed and sustained farming practices with the help of bees for 4500 years.  

The world's food production is dependent on pollinators like honey bees. Some estimates range from 50-80% of the world's food supply being directly or indirectly affected by honey bee pollination. Roughly 1/3 of all vegetables and fruits produced are pollinated by honey bees.
Depending on the crop, some fruits would not develop at all without pollination from honey bees. With other crops, yield and quality would decrease without bees. Ever see a lopsided apple or pumpkin? That is a sign of improper, or a lack of, pollination.


VANISHING BEES: Over the past decade or so, the numbers of bees have fallen drastically. About 30 percent of the honeybee population disappeared in the United States between 2007 and 2011. according to USDA surveys, and the trend continues.

Research into Colony Collapse Disorder has allowed us to see underlying causes including increased pesticide use (like Bt-toxin produced in Monsanto's GMO corn), poor nutrition and lack of genetic diversity (which leads to susceptibility to disease). Also to blame is a parasite called the Varroa mite, climate disturbances (droughts and freezing winters), and even cell phone towers. Specifically, the cell phone radiation may compromise the bees ability to navigate back to their hive, and may reduce or stop the Queen bee's egg production.

That kind of loss has a huge economic impact as well, with billions of dollars lost each year.Newsweek reported honeybees are trucked to various regions of the country to pollinate an estimated $40 billion worth of the nation’s agricultural produce each year.

WHAT WE CAN DO: If you can't become a beekeeper yourself, make a bee-friendly backyard or patio. Grow plants and flowers bees love (without chemical pesticides, of course!). There are plenty of resources to get you started. Plus, you can find other people who are all abuzz about bees at the Mid-Michigan Honey Festival coming to Frankenmuth Aug. 1. Bees give us so much, we can do a little for them in return.

HEALTHY BEE PRODUCTS: Among other things, bees provide many nutritional products like honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, royal jelly.

Honey - Not all honies are created equal. They can have a wide range of flavors depending what the bees are eating and how the honey is processed. Local Honey is the most "green" sweetener you can buy, and if you get it raw (unfiltered and unpasteurized), it contains tiny amounts of pollen and other bee by-products that may help de-sensitize seasonal allergy sufferers when taken a little at a time.

As a cough medicine, a 2006 pediatric study found buckwheat honey provided the greatest improvement compared to over-the-counter cough medicine dextromehophan (DM). Note that honey should not be given to children 2 years and younger due to potential complications.

Manuka honey from New Zealand has shown to be especially antibacterial (roughly corresponding to it's "Active UMF Rating" which you can read about here.) Used topically and internally, it is also commonly used for wounds and ulcers not related to diabetes.

We carry local honey from T.M. Klein & Sons, and a variety of flavored, organic, and specialty honies (like Manuka, Tupelo, Buckwheat, etc.)

SAVE 15% on select Raw Single-Blossom and Wildflower Honey by GloryBee! PLUS -
SAVE on Chocolate Honey Patties in 3pk or 12pk by Heavenly Organics all month!

Beeswax - Find it in chunks, bars, or beads in the Honey section of our store - buy as much as you need for to make your own lotions, creams, lipbalms, furniture polish, and more.

Pollen - Bees work hard, and we benefit. It takes one bee working 8 hours a day for one month to collect only 1 TEASPOON of pollen! Pollen collected from flowers is used to feed young bees, and is considered a superfood: containing carbs, fats, and 40% protein, about half of which is free amino acids ready to be used by the body. It's a good source of B-vitamins (how perfect!) and folic acid. So, it is a good energy booster. It has marked effects on the respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems.

Sustainably harvested bee pollen can be found in bulk, or in capsules.

Royal Jelly - Fed to the Queen bee, royal jelly is a complex substance containing a unique combination of proteins (12-15%), sugars (10-12%), lipids (3-7%), amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This allows the Queen to grow, live longer and reproduce effectively. So, Royal Jelly has traditionally been used as a nutritional, anti-aging and fertility supplement. Animal studies have revealed antitumor , anti-oxidant , anti-inflammatory, antibacterial , anti-allergic , anti-aging and antihypertensive properties. Taken orally, it may reduce LDL cholesterol and serum total cholesterol, and help reduce menopausal symptoms when taken with evening primrose oil, damiana, and ginseng.

Used topically, royal jelly is commonly found body care products. Hair cremes utilize it to combat hair loss. Commonly found in Face and Eye Cremes, it is known to be very hydrating, to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and is rich in Biotin, Folic Acid, and Vitamins B, C, and E.

Propolis - Propolis begins as sticky sap seeping from certain evergreen tree buds. The bees gather this ‘bee glue” and mix it with a waxy substance secreted from specialized glands of their abdomen. Used to coat the interior of the egg chambers, it provides a sterile environment and is dense with immune system stimulators. Bees coat the hive entrance with it too, so returning bees can be ‘sanitized’ before entering.

Recording dating back to 350 B.C. show the ancients used propolis for its medicinal properties. Egyptians used it in their mummy embalming process. Assyrians put it on battle wounds. The Greeks used it for tooth abscesses.

Today, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that propolis is commonly used for bacterial infections, balancing the immune system, herpes and cold sores.

Come in Wednesday, Aug. 19 to talk to an expert. Hear all about the benefits of propolis for pain management, infections, and longevity from Jodi Holan of NaturaNectar. She'll be doing an in-store demo from 1-3pm. For more in depth discussion, sign up to learn differences between propolis types, and how to look for a quality source. Scroll below for details under Wellness Center.


WELLNESS CENTER

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS CLASS
Marie Koch
Tues. August 11
10 - 11am (new time)


TOPIC: Essential Oils 101/Business Class
Join us to learn about the many therapeutic and every day uses for Young Living Essential Oils and how to make it pay for itself!
Cost: $5*

*1st time visitors are FREE, Essential Rewards members under HH4L are also FREE



DISCOVER BEE PROPOLIS
Jodi Holan from NaturaNectar
Wed. Aug. 19
1:00-3:00 pm Bee Propolis In-Store Demo (no registration required)
5:30-6:30 pm Discussion: Propolis for Health (please sign up & get a discount!*)
FREE EVENTS

Join Jodi for a fascinating & free educational seminar on the health benefits of Brazilian green and red propolis, as a nutritional supplement for degenerative, infectious, inflammatory issues and more.  Find out why Europeans are taking Red Propolis for breast and prostate cancer, and what the Green Propolis does for viral infections like herpes, HIV and cold sores.

*Pre-register by 8/18 and you are eligible to receive 10% off any NaturaNectar Products!

NaturaNectar is the leading the way in research and production of high quality Brazilian propolis products. You can read about their mission and values here.




DOCUMENTARY VIEWING: VANISHING of the BEES
Saturday August 22
Showing at 1, 3, and 5pm
FREE

Watch the Trailer


"Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.

Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as on their quest to protect their honeybees."90 min http://www.vanishingbees.com/synopsis/



Personal Action Towards Health  (PATH)

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is offering a FREE six-week community workshop that meets 2½ hours once a week. It will benefit adults with long-term health problems including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis and depression. Support persons are encouraged to attend. 

Learn self-management skills, create an action plan, and learn tips on preventing low blood sugar and complications.  Stress management, family communications, fitness, skin and foot care topics are covered.  
• FREE DIABETES workshop
• Discover what works and what doesn’t
• Develop a personal action plan
• Gain confidence in this proactive approach

STARTING EARLY SEPTEMBER.   Exact dates to be determined.

If you are interested in participating in Diabetes and Kidney Care PATH workshop, please contact:    Suzan Moody, Wellness Center Director

CALENDAR
Aug 1   Mid-Michigan Honey Fest at Heritage Park, Kern Pavilion
Aug 11 20% Off Tuesday
Aug 11 Young Living Essential Oils Class @10am
Aug 12 Adelpha Thermography
Aug 19 NaturaNectar Demo & Talk
Aug 22 National Honey Bee Day

July eNews

MICHIGAN INNOVATIONS

During July, this most patriotic of months, you can find many "Made in the USA" items around our store. Even better, we encourage customers buy "Made in Michigan" products too.  We're commited to our local producers and innovators because we believe it makes for a better, stronger Michigan as a whole!  

Two new products have recently hit our shelves that were created by Michigan-based entrepreneurs: Zollipops and Boxed Water Is Better.  

ZOLLIPOPS

Kid-tested and approved - literally!  Created by a young girl (Alina Morse of Warren MI, with the help of her father, Tom) these sugar-free lollipops do more than just satisfy a sweet tooth without adding many calories - they actually are good for your teeth!  The key is in the natural sweeteners: erythritol and xylitol.

Erythritol occurs naturally in low amounts in fruits like grapes and pears, and in some fermented foods.  Because erythritol is similar in taste, sweetness quality, and mouthfeel to sugar, it is used in a wide range of products.

Researchers found that erythritol slowed the development of cavities and reduced the need for dentist intervention as compared to sorbitol and xylitol. Erythritol reduced dental plaque weight by 24% in a 3-year study period, while xylitol and sorbitol caused little to no change. Erythritol also lowered the levels of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria better than xylitol and sorbitol.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.  Regular sugar feeds the bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth, which protects them from tooth decay.

Balance mouth pH:  We know that too much acid in the mouth will dissolve calcium and weaken teeth.  Unlike regular lollipops, the xylitol in Zollipops helps balance mouth pH to actually help fight tooth decay and cavities rather than creating them.  
Repairs damaged enamel:  With a balanced pH, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to move into those parts of enamel that are weak. Therefore, soft, calcium-deficient enamel sites begin to harden again.

Grab a bag for only $5.19 per 5.2oz bag (approx 25 Zollipops).


BOXED WATER IS BETTER

Launched in 2009 by a couple folks from Grand Rapids, the goal was to create a sustainably packaged water, with a lower carbon footprint than traditional bottled water.  Along with this, it was important to give back in the process.  About 76% of the box is made from renewable resource - trees.  So, it was logical to support a project that plants trees.

The water itself is purified by reverse osmosis then carbon filtered, from the municipal source at the location of our filling plant. With expanded growth, theirgoal is to ship filled product the shortest distance possible by establishing multiple filling locations near major metros.  

In line with their mission of sustainability, boxed water has teamed with the National Forest Foundation to plant 1 million trees over the next 5 years.

Help Boxed Water plant 100,000 trees by the end of the year!
Snap a photo with Boxed Water
Post it everywhere with the hashtag #Retree
Boxed Water plants 2 trees per post!

Great for on the go - grab yours for just $1.79 for a 16oz carton

MATCHA MANIA  

You may have heard of this green tea, but what makes it so special?  Unlike regular green tea in which the dried leaves are infused into hot water, matcha is the actual leaves themselves ground into a fine powder and mixed into water.  

The tea leaves themselves are specially prepared as well.  In the weeks prior to harvesting, tea plants for matcha are shaded with cloths in order to improve the flavor and texture, and the youngest, darkest leaves are hand-selected, briefly steamed to stop fermentation, then dried and aged to further improve flavor before stone-grinding into a fine powder.  

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Antioxidants & EGCG -  All teas contain varying degrees of antioxidants called polyphenols which help to slow the aging process by fighting free radical damage.  Green teas have a special kind of antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)  a compound known to speed up metabolism, improve cardiovascular health and have anti-cancer properties. Because matcha uses a high quality whole leaf, it contains higher amounts of these compounds.

L-Theanine - Matcha contains high concentrations of this amino acid known to relax the mind, improve cognition, and reduce stress.  Although a serving typically contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, it results in an "alert calm".  This may explain why matcha has traditionally been used before meditation among Buddhist monks.    

Chlorophyll - Chlorophyll gives matcha and all plants its green color, and has the benefits of trace vitamins and minerals and is an excellent alkalizer and detoxifier.  

LOOK FOR QUALITY

Not all Matcha teas are created equally.  The quality can vary based on the methods of production and growing location.  In any green tea, lead can be a concern, more so if grown in industrial areas of China.   According to Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.com. “The green tea plant is known to absorb lead at a higher rate than other plants from the environment, and lead also can build up on the surface of the leaves.”  Japanese or rural Chinese tea is less likely to have measureable amounts.   
 http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/23/whats-in-your-green-tea/?_r=0  

Currently, you can find these 3 quality Matcha teas in store:

GreenFoods - Ceremonial grade, organically cultivated in Japan with traditional methods used for over 800 years.  Matcha powder is mixed with brown rice flour for smoother consistency, recommended for supplementation prepared as a drink (not in recipes).    $18.49  5.5oz.  

Celebration Herbs - Organically grown in the Japanese style.  No fillers.  Suitable for beverage and recipe preparations.  $15.19 for 1.41oz
http://celebrationherbals.com/green-tea-matcha.html

Metropolitan Tea - Organically grown in the mineral-rich soil of mountainous Jiangxi Province, which has ideal conditions for growing tea.  "Green Pearl" Matcha has been tested for quality (high polyphenol content) and purity (tested for heavy metals).  Suitable for beverages and recipes.  No fillers.  Find it in bulk - buy as much as you want!  $7.99/oz 

HOW TO USE:  

Traditionally, about 1 tsp of matcha is whisked with a special bamboo whisk called a chasen (coming soon) into 1/3 cup hot (not boiling) water.  Another common way to drink it is whipped with milk for a latte or added into smoothies.  More recently, you can find more recipes that incorporate it into unique food experiences.  Get your green tea fix today!  

HERB OF THE MONTH:  PARSLEY

Parsley – It’s not just for your dinner plate any more. It’s the breath, blood, bladder and bloated ankle herb, aka the immune enhancing multivitamin, antioxidant and mineral complex in your dinner garnish plant.

Parsley has twice the iron as spinach and is a great source of vitamin A, manganese, calcium and potassium.

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection):  Parsley, historically, has been used to alleviate bladder infections due to its anti-fungal, antiseptic properties.

Fluid Retention, edema:   Parsley acts like a herbal “water pill”. As a diuretic, parsley helps lose water and flushes the body of bad bacteria. So those swollen summer ankles can be a thing of the past with parsley tea.  Due to its properties parsley may help to improve digestion, increase urine production, reduce spasms, reduce swollen ankles and increase menstrual flow.

Healthy Habitz 4 Life has parsley tea bags, dried parsley in the bulk section, and parsley seeds in the gardening area. 

Need more ideas on how to incorporate this classic garnish?  Check out the best 10 parsley recipes for typical parsley dishes like tabbouleh, pesto, and lamb chop sauce, and adventuresome dishes like lemon curd and parsley meringue pie.

NEW DeVita SKIN CARE LINE MAKES SKIN FEEL DIVINE

Skin renews itself about every 4-6 weeks, so give DeVita a try and see the difference!

DeVita skin care products are 100 percent Vegan and Paraben Free. They are considered Gluten Sensitive Safe and never contain GMO's. DeVita products are never tested on animals (only humans!).  Find everything you need for radiant skin!  

SALE:  Save 15% on ENTIRE DeVita LINE in July!

Aloe Vera Moisture Cleanser

Get squeaky clean without the squeak! Finally a cleanser used with water that leaves the skin feeling hydrated and supple, not stripped or squeaky. This lightweight, refreshing, non-comedogenic, all natural face wash formula contains essential oils of Rose, Geranium, Chamomile, and Lavender, which remove dirt, while dissolving make-up, impurities, and pollutants. It has an invigorating, light, clean scent, not one that is heavy and overpowering like many other natural essential oil formulas can be. A perfect start to your squeaky clean regime!

Cool Cucumber Facial Toner
Cool, green, and serene. Wrap yourself in the calming aroma of fresh cucumbers and chamomile. This uniquely relaxing, yet exhilarating, all-natural skin toner will become an addiction! But why use a toner? Toners remove any residuals left behind after cleansing, they help to normalize hydration levels, and open the skin's receptor sites so that it can receive the full benefit of any treatment products or moisturizers that follow. Our extremely gentle blend of naturally active fruit acids helps to promote the feeling of smoother and fresher-looking skin. Also, soothing Allantoin and Japanese Green Tea help to quell and calm any visible appearance of redness and reactivity. DeVita's crisp, clean toner is for all skin types.

Revitalizing Eye Lift Creme

This product helps to boost new collagen and elastin production and support cellular repair. This soothing, smoothing creme serum will help reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles, while adding needed moisture. Specially formulated to be gentle on the delicate muscles and tissues surrounding your eyes, this is the perfect under eye treatment for those preferring a cream delivery system.  

Perfecting Time Moisturizer

Daytime, nighttime, anytime is Perfecting Time with this feather light and sheer moisturizing lotion - it's even perfect for those usually squeamish about using a moisturizer! Formulated with the power of Argireline (targets on reducing the wrinkle-formation mechanism and the appearance of deeper wrinkles) and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 (mega collagen and elastin booster), together with Hyaluronic Acid (moisture loving molecule), combine to make this amazing age defying, multi-tasking moisturizer feel like liquid silk. It's light enough to wear under your makeup and absorbs quickly, all while leaving the skin nourished and feeling soft and smooth. It's Perfecting Time!

Evening Rich Nutritional Moisturizer

This rich moisturizer replenishes and conditions your skin overnight with a rich and creamy blend of powerful moisturizing liposomes, humectants, Organic Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. Plus powerful humectants (avocado and apricot oil), and super anti-aging Tripeptide technology with nourishing rare essential oils of Frankincense, Sisymbrium and Palmarosa.

Solar Protective Moisturizer

Perfect for summer, DeVita's exclusive formulation is created specifically for those sensitive to breakouts.  This moisturizer is light enough to wear under make-up, and absorbs quickly. Offering broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with a SPF of 30+. Safe for adults and children, plus reef friendly too. Titanium Dioxide Free.

NO NANO TECHNOLOGY! (average particle size is 240 nm).  ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Micronized Zinc Oxide 19%.

WELLNESS CENTER

Young Living Essential Oils Classes

with Marie Koch
Tues. July 14
10am
Cost: $5 *1st time visitors free, or Essential Rewards Members under HH4L are also free.*

During July and August, Marie will be holding one class per month on the 2nd Tuesday at a new time, 10am.

TOPIC: Essential Oils 101 and Business Building

If you love essential oils and want to earn how to make Young Living pay for itself (and maybe more!), don't miss this class. It's a great time to ask your questions about how to use your essential oils and get tips on how to build your Young Living business. Marie is an excellent resource, given her experience using Young Living, and helping others get started!

CALENDER  View Online

July 4 - Independence Day!
July 14 - 20% Off Tuesday
July 28 - Try It Tuesday
Aug 1 - Mid Michigan Honey Festival