Want to Live a Long Life? The Key is Exercise

Staying physically fit is a year-round lifestyle choice. Regardless of the season, it takes commitment and resolve to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen. The payoff for such perseverance, however, is huge. Recent studies from the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise journal indicate that exercise along with a diet that is low in sugar and high in nutrients including vitamin D3 and omega-3 EFAs may play a big role in one's longevity and quality of life.

You could start slowly by walking around the block with a friend – it's a great habit to get into. Don't put it off any longer. Likewise, all of you need to make a conscious effort to dramatically cut back on your sugar intake. Instead of reaching for a can of soda, have a glass of water or some unsweetened green tea. There are some very safe and natural sweeteners that use stevia, which I highly recommend for those requiring a sweet taste.

Aging products at deep discounts.

Are you turning 40 like our friend Marinela? Try our anti-aging products at the best pricing on the Internet!

Best Bug Relief

Thanks Natural Health magazine! Aura Cacia Peppermint essential oil is highlighted in the July/ August issue of Natural Health as part of the "Best Bug Relief" feature. Enjoy fall evenings pest-free with Aura Cacia!

The Next Food Network Star Uses Simply Organic and Frontier Spices

We’re thrilled to report that our spices and seasonings have made a guest appearance on the Food Network! The network has a reality show competition called “The Next Food Network Star” in which competing chefs try to wow the judges enough to earn their own show on the network. It’s one of the highest-rated shows on the network. To have our product recognized and used by this media outlet is one of the best product mentions we could ask for. Find Frontier Bulk Spices and Simply Organic Spices at Discount Prices at EdibleNature, of course!

Little Changes Make A Big Difference

Eco Friendly Reusable Bags have seen their popularity surge in the past few years. They have a dramatically reduced environmental impact. So far this year nearly 318 billion disposable paper and plastic bags have been wasted and are piling up in landfills. Many countries across the globe are passing laws to tax or ban plastic bag usage and thankfully people are starting to act on the Earth's behalf. Communities need to continue to strive towards a solution and be proactive about setting an example for others.If you're a small business (or large business) but you're not in the business of utilizing reusable bags, then consider getting some eco-friendly eco wear with your company logo and Go Green!

Additionally, with the world's awareness of global warming and mankind's ever-growing carbon footprint, it has become clear our negative impact on the earth isn't just going to go away unless we make a proactive change on a mass scale. Seed paper products are a perfect solution for any company to convey they are making strides for eco-friendly business practices. From business cards to invitations, handouts to holiday cards, from packaging to bookmarks, and hangtags to calendars, when you're done with it, plant it!

Great News for High Cholesterol Sufferers!

What if you recently were told you need to lower your cholesterol or face going on expensive medication? Many high cholesterol sufferers have tough decisions to make and if you already limit your meat consumption (and other high cholesterol foods), then how do you go about lowering it more? Red Yeast and COQ10! Can it really be as simple as supplementation of a inexpensive herbal combination-yes! We have heard time and again from people who have lowered their overall cholesterol more than 40 points in a 2 month period with Red Yeast and COQ10 (along with diet and exercise of course).... so if you're looking for an alternative to expensive prescriptions, give Red Yeast and COQ10 a try.

How to Make Herbal Tinctures

A customer recently asked how to prepare herbal tinctures using dried herbs so I thought I would share with you all about how to prepare quality herbal tinctures at home.

Herbal tinctures are potent, spirit based, liquid extracts. They are made using fresh plant material and liquid base such as vodka, brandy, vegetable glycerin, or even apple cider vinegar

Selecting Your Spirit
Most commercial preparations are made with 198 proof grain alcohol.A simple and very effective choice is 100 proof vodka. It's clear, affordable and easy to obtain. 100 proof means it is exactly half water and half alcohol.this makes figuring dosages easy as most dosages recommended by herbalists are based on the assumption that a tincture was made at 50% - 1/2 water, 1/2 alcohol. If you are concerned about ingesting the alcohol, place the bottle of tincture in boiling water for 1-2 minutes which will remove about 1/2 the alcohol.You may also use glycerin or cider vinegar. These won't be as strong as alcohol based ones, but they will still be effective and are often a good choice for children's remedies.*note: If using vinegar heat it slightly before pouring. It should be warm, not hot.
How To Make Herbal Tinctures

~ After getting your herbs, pick through them and remove any damaged parts but don't wash them.

~ Coarsely chop stems, leaves and roots. You can leave flowers whole.

~ Put your herbs in a clean & dry glass jar and fill with the liquid of your choice. The herbs need to be completely immersed in liquid.

~ Cap the jar tightly with an airtight lid.

~ Label your creation with the ingredients and date and store for 6-8 weeks, shaking occasionally.

~ Strain out the herbs and pour tincture into clean, dry bottles. Label with the date and ingredients used.


TIP:save the empty bottles to refill with your own tinctures!

Can a Cup of Tea Really Help Your Stress?

Regular tea drinking has been shown to benefit immune, cardio and cellular health, and more. This is because tea contains potent antioxidant compounds, the most notable being EGCG. But did you know that a cup of tea can also calm the mind and soothe the soul? New studies have found that this powerful brew may provide calming effects and promote a healthy mood. Welcome news, particularly during these stressful times.

Maegan S. Feels Great Since She Started Taking B Vitamins!

Maegan S. had low energy, mood swings, and some PMS related symptoms - she had read about taking B complex supplements and also a B-12 vitamin supplement to help alleviate symptoms. She thought that would be a very inexperience remedy that was well-worth trying so she went to EdibleNature.com to purchase her vitamins and now is a very happy camper! She told me yesterday that in addition to having more energy and alleviating her PMS symptoms, her skin has cleared up at well. Made me want to go home and take my B Complex right away...thanks for sharing Maegan!

Do you fancy yourself a tea connoisseur?

If you are a tea connoisseur, then you probably know that experts recommend using loose teas for the best flavor, since loose teas are consistently higher-grade than those used in prepackaged tea bags. Loose leaves unfurl in the cup and release the full flavor of the tea, so when filling your own tea bags or using tea balls, be careful to not overfill.

At EdibleNature we have a taste for tea. And nothing tastes better than teas that are sustainably farmed and socially beneficially. That's why we're committed to offering a large selection of organic Fair Trade Certified teas. Purchasing Fair Trade teas benefits farmers committed to sustainable practices and provides support to their communities.

Yeah Aura Cacia!

Is it wrong to get excited about something so simple and silly as the new Aura Cacia essential oils diffusers? I have to tell you, they are simply the best thing since sliced bread. And now Drugstore News just rated it Editors Top Pick for 2009!

Traditional plug in air fresheners purchased in the drug store are basically just infusing synthetic toxic poisons in to your air. Certainly not a good thing for those with asthma or respiratory problems. And wouldn’t you rather just use some pure essential oils to scent your home instead?

These aromatherapy diffusers by Aura Cacia are great for traveling (there's a diffuser for your car too-good bye road rage!), office, placing by your entry way so your guests feel properly welcomed, or you can place a little of your favorite blend on your nightstand to set a romantic mood. These are non-toxic scents at their finest!

Have Post WorkOut Muscle Soreness?

I know the burn is suppose to be good, but often times the post workout pain just doesn't feel good! And if you're like me, I don't like taking ibuprofen or traditional medications much at all... but I have a solution for you - it's called Arnica.

I first took Arnica after surgery because my doctor recommended it for decreased swelling and bruising - sure enough, worked great. Arnica montana is a homeopathic that works by simply letting small pustules dissolve under your tongue - no pills to swallow.

Recently I overheared a trainer at the gym recommending Arnica to their client for muscle soreness and low and behold, it works! I have the pustules but there is also topical cream formulations of Arnica as well (good for arthritis too from what I hear from other customers). So if you're on the search for relief from muscle soreness, Arnica to the rescue!

Are Your Skin Care Products Making You Sick?

If you don't know the answer, then maybe it's time you found out. The Skin Deep Report, a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), found that most common cosmetics -- including lotions, foundations and lip balms -- contained known or probable carcinogens.

Most people use these products without a second thought, and believe that the government must be policing the safety of the ingredients in these commonly used items. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The government does not require health studies or pre-market testing for these products before they are sold. According to the agency that regulates cosmetics, the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, "...a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA" (FDA 1995). And as people apply an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily, these chemicals, whether they seep through the skin, rinse down the drain, or flush down the toilet in human excretions, are causing concerns for human health, and for the impacts they may have to wildlife, rivers and streams.

Rather than blame the big names who refused to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics (you know who you are L'Oreal and Revlon), enjoy the quality products from these fine companies who have signed the Compact: Jason Natural Products, Reviva Skincare, Honeybee Gardens Skin Care, Burt's Bees Body Care, derma e Natural Bodycare, Ecco Bella Botanicals, Nature’s Gate, Bonnica Spa products, Weleda.

The Compact for Safe Cosmetics is a pledge to not use chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects in their products and to implement substitution plans that replace hazardous materials with safer alternatives in every market they serve.

Great cosmetics don’t have to come with a hefty price tag and loads of chemicals - try Reviva and Suncoat which users also give rave reviews. So do something good for your body and the environment, support these companies and buy safe, natural skincare and cosmetics.


Reference: Environmental Working Group & Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Green Health News: Kid’s Safe Chemicals Act

The human race is now polluted with hundreds of industrial chemicals - with little or no understanding of the consequences. Babies are born pre-polluted, with as many as 300 industrial chemicals in their bodies when they enter the world.

We are at a tipping point, where the pollution in people is increasingly associated with a range of serious diseases and conditions from childhood cancer, to autism, ADHD, learning deficits, infertility, and birth defects. Yet even as our knowledge about the link between chemical exposure and human disease grows, the government has almost no authority to protect people from even the most hazardous chemicals on the market.

If you want to do something to protect our kids, go here for a letter to send your congressperson re: Kid’s Safe Chemical Act and a list of organizations that signed on. Also, convert all your own toxic cleaners to natural cleaners (they actually clean and work-really!) and don't use pesticides around your house - this includes ant spray!

(Reprinted from Green Profit Solutions)

Farmers Market is not just good food but family fun!

When we go to our local farmer's market, we not only expect to get good, locally grown organic food but good value too. We found even more at the Leucadia/Encinitas Farmers' Market - entertainment (local acoustical guitar artists) and people truly interested in putting out quality prepared products and foods as well. One such individual is Pete Katolick of Pete's Cakes and sauces. Pete has a passion about the fruit toppings he prepares with only the best quality berries and all natural ingredients - he'll happily give you samples of his toppings to prove they have superior flavor and taste - Pete sold me!

What else did I happen upon? Fabulous cheeses (I bought a goat jack cheese and a Greek sheep cheese), wonderful smoked albacore tuna, and freshly picked passion fruit to name a few of the local delicacies that made it home with me. Find the local Farmer's Market near you and enjoy the bounty your local community has to offer!

Hyaluronic Acid has been helping customer relieve his arthritis pain

Since Mike H. let us know the Hyaluronic Acid has been helping relieve his joint range of motion in his hands, I have been wondering if anyone else has been having great benefits to this often not heard about supplement?

Hyaluronic Acid maintains the lubrication of joints and allows them to preserve water for other tissues. By retaining an adequate amount of water, our joints are less likely to turn out to be fragile and weak. HA also aids in the restoration of skin by maintaining its elastin and collagen, encouraging a healthy appearance (look younger AND feel younger!).

Some of the best advice I get is from our customers,friends and family...and what better way to connect then through the EdibleNature Today Blog? So please let us know (customerservice@ediblenature.com) if Hyaluronic Acid (or any other supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies or homeopathic remedies) have helped you in your quest for optimum health.