Made in Vermont: Organic Joy Tonic by Urban Moonshine

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get the benefits of herbs is through tonics and bitters. Urban Moonshine handcrafts this historical practice of herbal supplementation organically in Vermont. We were sent a new blend to try:

Urban Moonshine Joy Tonic

Our Certified Organic Joy Tonic is a carefully formulated blend of aromatic herbs and flowers that help to support you through life's transitions (big and small) with grace and ease. We know stress is inevitable, and rather than trying to stimulate our way through it, or sedate our way out of it, we do best when we relax, focus, and engage the stressor. Our Joy Tonic adjusts the level of tension in our nervous systems, internal organs, and blood vessels. Its volatile components can reawaken us when we feel sad, uninspired or withdrawn and relax us when we feel stressed, anxious, frazzled, and overwhelmed. Feedback between body and mind moves towards synchrony and we feel peaceful. From this place we make better decisions and become more inspired and creative. Stress becomes a tool for positive change rather than a source of anxiety.

This product uses the power of organic motherwort, organic linden, organic rose, organic lemon balm, organic lemongrass, and organic mugwort. It is very convenient to keep in your purse or backpack for a little spritz when needed.

Who doesn't need a little more joy in their life?

disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: LifeSpice Essential Herbal Spice Supplements

A few years go, I attended a workshop on neuroscience and language developmental disorders. One of the presenters mentioned how beneficial turmeric was for our brain. According to the Brain Research Institute at UCLA:

Modern medicine is starting to sit up and pay attention. Scientists are taking a closer look at this Asian wonder spice, teasing out active ingredients and testing its age-old cultural and medicinal uses in 21st century laboratories. The National Institutes of Health has funded at least eight studies investigating turmeric. The spice and a chemical it contains -- curcumin -- are being probed for their potential to prevent and treat a broad range of diseases: cancer, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's and arthritis.

LifeSpice Essentials supplement combines the beneficial properties of over 20 spices and 100 antioxidants and phytonutrients. It is 100% natural and free of gluten, animal products, dairy, or yeast.

LifeSpice Essentials is a premium nutrition supplement that harnesses the scientifically proven healing power of herbs and spices. With its range of powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients, it can help protect your body against stress, toxins and disease.*

This is a great blend of spices that would be impossible to get through cooking everyday.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review would be positive or negative.

Fight Allergies Naturally: Herbally Enhanced Nasal Cleansing Spray

I am personally not a fan of nasal sprays, but for some people, they can offer relief from  dryness and swelling due to allergies and/or the environment.

Dr. Neuzil's Irrigator Herbal Nasal Spray Herbal uses the power of essential oils to offer relief from dryness.

Dr. Neuzil's Irrigator is an herbal enhanced, saline based formula that cleanses the nasal passages of dust, pollen, pet dander and other irritants that cause discomfort. Its essential oils, which include eucalyptol, pine, menthol, wintergreen and cinnamon, moisturize sinuses while leaving the user feeling refreshed...

Developed by a Central Florida allergy and sinus medical practitioner, Dr. Neuzil's Irrigator nasal cleansing spray provides fast and easy-to-use relief for sinus irritation caused by various factors. An alternative to common nasal therapies such as a neti pot or simple saline rinse, the herbal enhanced spray is pleasant to use and not as messy as other sinus solutions.

I could have really used this product during a recent trip skiing in Colorado. The cold, dry air, high altitude, and a cold made my sinuses and nasal passages unbearable at times.

100% Organic, Truly Natural, Sport Salve Prevents Chaffing and Blisters

It is such a breath of fresh air to read an ingredient list you understand! 100% organic and natural, and a zero hazard score from the Environmental Working Group...WOOT!

Naturity FrictionFree Sports Balm is truly natural!

"We do not know of any other performance balm on the market for athletes that is comprised of 100% certified organic ingredients, 100% natural, and rated zero toxicity," said Anysia Kiel, Naturity's managing member. FrictionFree™creates a chemical-free defensive skin barrier that helps eliminate chafe and blisters. It's also non-staining, waterproof, wetsuit, and chamois-safe. "This athlete-tested balm is a necessity for runners, triathletes, and cyclists. We're sure it will meet the needs of competitive athletes," said Kiel.

The Naturity website was not functional when I wrote this review, so I hope the company is still in business. I sure hope they are, as really natural companies are rare in this day of "natural" and "organic" marketing.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

Natural Energy From Essential Oils

Need energy? Boom.Boom gives you "energy you inhale". Just shake, then inhale the essential oils. Each inhaler lasts two weeks after opening.

Product Features

• Energy inhaler works fast


• Blast of intense refreshment


• Boosts energy & improves focus


• All-natural & non-addictive

We were sent the following flavors of Boom.Boom to try:

• Boom.Boom Cinnamint Energy Inhaler


• Boom.Boom Berry Breeze Energy Inhaler


• Boom.Boom Tropical Rush Energy Inhaler

I don't know how I feel about using an energy inhaler, as I am pretty particular about scents. It is a convenient little package to keep in your purse or pocket, but I prefer Emergen-C when I need a little pick me up.

Convenience of a Travel Mug for Loose Leaf Tea Drinkers (and it's GLASS)

It's pretty rare I get to review a product I have purchased, as we get so many samples for product reviews.

Libre Thermal Double Walled Glass Water Bottle w/ Steel Filter is a unique product for those who prefer loose leaf tea, like me.

Each Libre glass 'n poly Original has a health-conscious glass interior for fresh taste and a durable polycarbonate exterior for 'on the go' durability. The stainless steel tea filter is surrounded by BPA free polypropylene as is the lid interior.

I really like this bottle, and the poly outside keeps your tea warm, the glass safe, and your hands cool. You can take it with the loose leaf tea packed in it and add water later, or toss it in your pack with the tea all made. I love the convenience and aesthetics!

Joulebody Detoxifying Bars: A Whole Meal; A Whole Cleanse

Need to detox? The truth is, we all do. Joulebody makes it easy with their detoxifying bars.

Joulebody Detoxifying Bar - Brownie
Joulebody Detoxifying Blondie - Ginger
Joulebody Detoxifying Bar-Cacao Mint

We set out to provide our clients with a convenient, nourishing cleanse program that is portable and not just juices. That is why we worked for three years to make a bar that was both delicious and nutritious offering detoxifying ingredients.

BENEFITS

All bars offer ingredients that have been scientifically studied to help heal our main digestive organs. By adding our very own JOULECLEANSE Mix, your body receives valuable nutrients from ingredients that are plant based, gluten, wheat, nut, and dairy free.

These bars are not organic, but they are all natural. Considering the expensive ingredients they contain, they are realistically priced at $4.50.

The detox ingredients in these bars are cayenne, dandelion, tumeric, and fennel. Each bar contains:

• 8-9 grams of plant-based protein


• 7-9 grams of fiber


• 4 grams of omega 3 and omega 6

I don't know if I can be satisfied eating just a bar for a meal, but these are definitely healthy snacks!

Zarbees All Natural Childrens Cough Syrup

Honey is very soothing on sore or scratchy throats. Zarbees Childrens Cough Syrup is designed for children over 12 months because of the honey factor.

As a pediatrician and a father, Dr. Zak Zarbock found it frustrating when he wasn't able to offer any relief for his young patients with a cough. So, he set out to create a safe, effective and natural remedy that he could feel good about recommending. Dr. Zarbock's research led him to the amazing benefits of honey with its natural cough suppressing and immune boosting power.

 Made with a unique blend of antioxidant-rich dark honeys, and fortified with Vitamin C and Zinc, ZarBee's Cough Syrup is a proven and safe solution to naturally soothe your child's cough.

Why Honey?
Honey has been used as a safe remedy for ages. With its special blend of antioxidant-rich dark honeys (buckwheat & wildflower), Vitamin C and other unique all-natural ingredients, ZarBee's Cough Syrup is an effective remedy to calm coughs and take the sting out of sore throats.

Our All-Natural Formula is:
Gluten, dye & preservative-free
Safe and natural - contains no drugs or alcohol

My daughter tried this cough syrup and said it was good but a little bit bitter. She said it worked immediately and soothed her scratchy throat. My son tried it and did not like it.

It pleases me to see a pediatrician developing and recommending honey-based products for sore throats.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

BugBand Insect Repelling Band: Naturally Derived Ingredients

Well it's too frosty here for annoying insects, but the BugBand looks promising.

BugBand insect repellent products provide protection from biting insects while avoiding the risk associated with irritating pesticides. It is safe for children and pets, and can be used around food. BugBand also doesn't eat away at equipment like repellents can.
The naturally derived insect repellent has been proven to be an effective alternative to traditional pesticides such as DEET. According to laboratory and field studies by the University of Florida, Geraniol, the plant-based active ingredient in BugBand, has been proven effective in repelling a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, gnats, no-see-ums and fleas. BugBand's sprays and towelettes are effective against ticks, as well...

Geraniol is a naturally occurring repellent that can be extracted from geranium oil through a unique refining process. For years, people have planted geraniums on their porches or in window boxes, believing that the flowers helped deter mosquitoes. Today, scientific data supports that belief. Geraniol, a natural oil derived from geranium plants, has been proven to be an effective means of repelling many blood-feeding insects.

Bugband also makes Natural Insect Repelling Towelettes.

I will have to wait until spring to see how effective this product is.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.

Aroma Naturals: Holiday Candles Made From 100% Pure Plant Scents and Natural Vegetable Waxes

People love to give scented candles as gifts, especially to hosts and hostess. I always view such gifts with trepidation, as I don't trust the candles synthetic, chemical fragrances. A natural alternative exists, thanks to Aroma Naturals:

While most other candle companies are still adding synthetic fragrances to their candles and claiming to be natural, Aroma Naturals® candles are made from 100% pure plant aromas and natural vegetable waxes (VegePure®) that are as good for the environment as they are for you. The pure plant aromas and essential oils are harvested at their peak to ensure freshness. Aroma Naturals® uses environmentally kind, lead-free wicks, and soy and vegetable waxes that burn clean and true.

Aroma Naturals® candles are presented by aroma: each scent evokes a particular mood based on the essential oil combination used. Essential oils are the very heart of every flower, fruit, herb, resin, tree and spice on earth. Highly concentrated and extraordinarily fragrant, they are extracted from the cells of the plants through a process known as steam distillation.

Essential oils register scent in the limbic system-the part of the brain where memories are stored, emotions are processed and moods are stimulated. The fragrances of certain essential oils can automatically encourage relaxation, energy or a calming and comforting effect. Best of all, essential oils have antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial qualities that make them as good for our bodies as they are for our spirits.

"We believe in total transparency - no artificial ingredients and no sneaky marketing jargon to make our candles seem more natural than they really are," says Jeffrey Light, President of Aroma Naturals®. "Each candle is hand-crafted in small batches and we are so proud of the purity of our product that I invite anyone interested in learning more to come make a candle with me at our factory in Irvine!"

We were sent the following holiday scents to try:

• Aroma Naturals - Wish Holiday Naturally Blended Pillar Eco-Candle 2.75" x 5" Peppermint & Vanilla
• Santa Spice Lights - Holiday Blend of Ginger, Nutmeg & Spices

I love these products!  They smell beautiful and would make a very nice gift.  The aromas will give your home the holiday spirit!

Really Natural Health: Himalayan Salt Air Inhaler

Himalayan salt is the rage in gourmet and health food; however, it also has beneficial properties beyond food, especially when suffering from respiratory illness.

Squip Himalayan Salt Air Inhaler:

Indications
How does it work? Rock salt crystals are placed between the filters inside a refillable inhaler. As you inhale through the mouthpiece, the moisture of the passing air absorbs microscopic salt particles which permeate through your respiratory system. The humidity in the air is sufficient to enrich the air with minute salt particles when the air passes the salt crystals. Hence a micro-climate of the curative salt caves has been created. Salitair contains the finest pure Himalayan salt crystals rich in minerals and trace elements. What makes Salitair unique? Salitair consists of a salt chamber, upper and lower filter, mouthpiece and cap. The mouthpiece, which contains the upper filter, is bayonet-fixed to the salt chamber so that it can be removed for cleaning and refilling. Unlike many other "salt pipes" in the marketplace, Salitair is reusable and does not have to be discarded after a certain period of time.

My daughter tried this product when she was recently ill. She didn't notice anything after using it, but she was able to return to school the next day. The next day, she fell ill again. I am not sure if the salt inhaler helped her rebound for a day or not.  She did not use it consistently.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

Curamin Natural Pain Relief Giveaway!

Would you like to win some all natural pain reliever? We have partnered with EuroPharma to giveaway one full size bottle of Curamin.

Terry Naturally Curamin is a natural, alternative pain relief supplement.

Experience relief from pain like never before with Curamin! Curamin is an all-natural formula that enhances the body's natural defense mechanism for the relief of occasional pain. The synergistic blend of BCM-95 curcumin, boswellia and other herbs in Curamin is 20X more powerful than using just plain curcumin. This fast-acting formula combines ingredients with multiple mechanisms of action to support the body's natural anti-inflammatory response and relieve occasional muscle pain due to exercise and overuse.

To enter, there are THREE things to do:

1. Like Really Natural on Facebook or follow us on Twiter
   
2. Like Europharma on Facebook or follow Terry Lemerond on Twitter or sign up for the Terry Talks Nutrition newsletter.
3. Leave a comment to this post with your favorite natural pain remedy.

This contest will close on Monday, October 31, 2011 at midnight PST. Good luck!

Really Natural Health: Curamin 100% Natural Pain Relief

I can't take ibuprofen or other standard pain medications, as my stomach is very sensitive. I am also a firm believer that when you feel pain, it is your body's reminder to slow down and take it easy; however, sometimes relief is needed in order to rest and relax.

Terry Naturally Curamin is a natural, alternative pain relief supplement.

Experience relief from pain like never before with Curamin! Curamin is an all-natural formula that enhances the body's natural defense mechanism for the relief of occasional pain. The synergistic blend of BCM-95 curcumin, boswellia and other herbs in Curamin is 20X more powerful than using just plain curcumin. This fast-acting formula combines ingredients with multiple mechanisms of action to support the body's natural anti-inflammatory response and relieve occasional muscle pain due to exercise and overuse.

I will definitely try this next time my carpal tunnel flares up.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

Really Natural Books: Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health the Wise Woman Way (Wise Woman Herbal) by Susan Weed

Susan Weed is a rock star in the herbal world. Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year (Wise Woman Herbal Series, Book 1) was like a Bible to me when I was pregnant for the first time. Weed continues the Wise Woman Herbal Series with Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health the Wise Woman Way (Wise Woman Herbal).

Herbal medicine pioneer and author, Susun Weed, says there are proactive measures that both genders can take to prevent cancer, keep their libido humming, and treat common maladies such as enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, and incontinence.

This book discusses:

• Foods to eat and foods to avoid for maximum reproductive health
• How to make and use herbal medicines that are safe and effective
• Things to try at home for common ailments "down there"--before going to the doctor
• Top strategies for avoiding two common surgeries: prostatectomy and hysterectomy

Although it is part of the Wise Women Herbal series, Down There addresses for everyone, women, and men.  It is a great resource, but sometimes I feel like Weed simplifies herbal medicine a little too much.