Monday, May 1, 2017

May News: Make a Global Difference, Locally

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Refreshment from the forest: maple and birch waters make a splash!  Stop the seasonal allergy sneezes with stinging nettle.  New dog treats are not "ruff" on your pup's tummy nor your wallet!  Food and fashion favorites on sale during Fair Trade Week!  
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Make a Global difference, Locally.
This month, we are highlighting companies who value transparency and accountability in their supply chain, to improve the lives of the small producers across the globe whose labor provides some of our favorite commodities.
So, what does Fair Trade mean?
Here in the USA, it is easy to take for granted the coffee, chocolate, sugar, cotton, rubber, and other commodities that we consume every day. The highly labor-intensive process of growing and harvesting, traveling across continents, to arrive in grocery stores is largely invisible to us. Too often, the workers who do the physical growing and harvesting are working under harsh conditions for little pay.  So that's why several Fair Trade organizations were established, all with the common goals of:
  • Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
  • Transparency and Accountability
  • Payment of a Fair Price
  • Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
  • Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
  • Good Working Conditions
  • Respect for the Environment
Fair Trade Jewelry makes a great gift for MOM!
~

Mothers Day is May 14th 
May 7-13    Save 15% on select
Fair Trade Fashions & Food 

African Market Baskets  from Ghana
Alter Eco Chocolate Truffle Bags from S. America
Equal Exchange Chocolate & Cocoa powder from S. America
Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oils from Sri Lanka
Guayaki  Yerba Mate Drinks from S. America
Maggie's Organics Socks & Leggings from the Americas
Higher Grounds Coffee  from sustainable plantations worldwide
Bead for Life  Jewelry from Uganda
Terra Natural Designs  Jewelry & Accessories from S. America *NEW*

 
Ditch the Rawhide: Non-Toxic DOGGIE TREATS
If you are a pet owner, you may be aware of the influx of contaminated pet treats in the past 10 years.  It is frightening to think of the industrial chemicals, preservatives and dyes that are used in processing many commercial treats, including so-called rawhide (not really raw).  To top it off, there is a risk of rawhide treats containing traces of toxic chemicals, or potential contamination with E.Coli or Salmonella.

Be on the safe side with natural pet treats which have simple, straightforward ingredients from known sources.   Introducing the new line of natural dog treats from Himalayan Corp and Distinctive Dog!

Congruent with our Fair Trade theme, the Himalayan Dog Chew brand is contributing to the economic development of farmers in Nepal, helping them earn 5x more per year than they would otherwise by selling the chews.  The cows and yaks are raised well, as they are considered sacred life-givers and often the main source of family income.  They are allowed to graze or given fresh grass, never introduced to hormones, antibiotics or harsh chemicals.

YakyYUM sticks boast "Best in Show" at the Global Pet Expo 2016.   Re-purposing what would otherwise be a waste product, the Water Buffalo Horn treats are meant for heavy-chewing dogs, filled with a cheesy center.
 Himalayan Dog Treats were born from an ancient recipe for a hard cheese snack chewed by the people of the Himalayas.  Depending on the size and eating habits of the dog, this can be a very long-lasting dog chew.  Whereas normal dog chew ends are thrown away as a choking hazard when they are shortened to a nub, these treats can be popped in the microwave to soften and then eaten!  So if you are coming to town to see the Dog Bowl later this month, be sure to stop in and grab some grain-free, allergy-friendly treats for your furry friends!

HERB OF THE MONTH - Stinging Nettle

Watch out for this herb that pops up in May!
History and Botany
Stinging Nettle has been widely used for centuries, with a rich folklore surrounding it stretching from the Americas to Asia.
When found in the wild, it must be delicately harvested due to its hollow spines that cover the stem and leaves.  In fact, nettle's botanical name, Urtica, is Latin for "sting."   The full latin name Urtica Dioica is an umbrella that covers many subspecies like is Urtica Urens, traditionally used medicinally in Europe and N. America for anemia, gout, painful muscles and joints.  Despite its harsh exterior, stinging nettle is a favorite among herbalists.
Uses
The entire plant may be used, depending on which part of the body you're targeting.  Different parts of the plant require varying preparations.  The leaves and stems are more often used for eating, pain relief and hay fever, while the roots are more pharmacologically active on the urinary system.

In many cultures past and present, nettle is eaten as a leafy vegetable.  After washing and blanching to deactivate the irritating compounds, it is still quite nutritive.  One study found a serving can provide up to 90-100% of your Vitamin A (including Beta Carotene), and a good source of calcium, iron, and protein.

Today, scientists are exploring how nettle root can be used for urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), as well as fighting urinary tract infections (UTIs).  While the exact mechanism is not yet completely understood, studies have found that root preparations of stinging nettle (often combined with saw palmetto) helped relieve symptoms like frequent urge to urinate, incomplete emptying of bladder, and reduced urine flow.  Initial studies suggest that nettle can also help slow growth of certain prostate cells, though it does not decrease prostate size.  


While it seems like an oxymoron, the stings which irritate skin can actually relieve pain, similar to acupuncture.  Tiny hollow hairs that cover the plant contain chemicals like formic acid (also found in bee venom), serotonin, histamine, and acetylcholine.  While this can cause irritation at the site of contact, it appears to inhibit inflammatory pathways, thereby reducing musculoskeletal pain.  Though the studies are limited, there is evidence suggesting oral consumption of nettle extracts can work alongside NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), to reduce the pain of arthritis and reduce NSAID dependence.
SAVE on Nettle in May!
Frontier Organic Nettle Root, cut -  NOW $2.03/oz.  Reg. $2.25/oz (approx.)
Frontier Organic Nettle Leaf, cut -  NOW $1.40/oz.  Reg. $1.56/oz.(approx.)
Nature's Sunshine Histablock  -  NOW $22.99  Reg. $28.99
Especially useful during this spring allergy season, nettles are also found in preparations for hayfever, like Nature's Sunshine's Histablock.  As mentioned earlier, the spines themselves contain histamine; however, this does not preclude its effectiveness in combating allergic reactions.  Nettle extracts can actually help inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways and enzymes that are part of allergic rhinitis. 

Safety & Side Effects:
Always talk to your health care professional before introducing any new herb into your regimen.  If using stinging nettle for prostate issues, be sure to have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.  Nettles may interact with blood thinning medications, drugs for high blood pressure, diuretics (water pills), drugs for diabetes, NSAIDs, and Lithium.  Pregnant and nursing women should avoid nettles.  Read more about these potential interactions here.
Check out our In Store FLYER
See the full size version in PDF here

Refreshment from the Forest

Popular in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, birch sap water has been one of the most authentic and traditional indulgences for centuries.  Currently sourced in the Carpathian mountains of Ukraine, in some of the most pristine forests, Säpp is also working on pioneering birch tree tapping in the US. The taste is pure, awakening, and refreshing. It is organic, thirst-quenching, and never watered down.  With only 3g of naturally occurring sugar, try the Rosehip herbal infusion variety for just $3.49
Sustainably harvested from maple trees of the Catskill Mountains, Happy Tree Maple Water has also found it's way to our shelves.  With a different mineral profile than birch water, and naturally a tad more sweet (still no sugars added), it is just as refreshing!  Find Happy Tree Original and Pomegranate flavors for just $3.39 each. 
FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY!

Fair Trade Gift Basket will be given away later month, with a retail value of over $50! Be sure to like and follow us so you don't miss it!
Go to  facebook.com/HealthyHabitz4Life

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30   Intro/Oral Care Naturally
ADELPHA Thermography
UPCOMING DATES :
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Infrared Thermography has redefined early detection for Breast Cancer by providing the earliest and most sensitive means of screening.
This simple procedure of taking digital computerized pictures with a specialized Thermography camera is safe, non toxic, highly accurate and an inexpensive form of diagnostic imaging used by progressive physicians in the US and Europe since 1952.
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*Disclaimer: Statements made on this newsletter, have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.