An Update from Jo

We hope you have all been enjoying the new format to the monthly instore Community Health Stores newsletter, which has different content to this online one. The 2nd issue of the CHS Newsletter is available in store this week. We would love to hear from you if there is anything you would like to see included in either the instore newsletter, or this online one.

This week, on Wednesday we have Claire with us from ""Hemp NZ" which is a local company based in Tauriko. Claire will have some yummy goodies so you can try their oil, protein powder and hemp hearts. She will also have with her testers for the new Promise Body Oils and will be instore from 9.30am.

This month I wanted to cover a couple of Homeobotanical Formulas for the head and brain.

HB#1 Cerebra - This blend can be indicated for impaired function of the brain and central nervous system and poor memory recall. It is an ideal formula for students and adults wishing to enhance concentration and mental acuity.

HB M - Migraine Formula - This formula is used for headaches and migraines which may be accompanied with sickness and visual disturbances, particularly when the onset arises from emotional stress. It can be a more gentle liver formula to consider when drainage is needed and can also support the gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. As with all homeobotanials it can be blended with others in the range, and is safe to take alongside pharmaceutical medications for migraine relief. More information is available instore.

We wish you all a lovely Easter weekend with your families. We are open as usual on Saturday from 9-3pm, but will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday so that our hard working staff can have some time with their families too. We will also be closed on Tuesday 25th for Anzac Day. Look forward to seeing you again soon.

• Spend $59 or more on Living Nature and get a FREE Hand and Body Cream
• Buy any 2 full size Giovanni Hair Care products and get a FREE 3 piece travel size pack
• Buy any Be Pure Product and go in the draw to win a years supply of Be Pure One (valued at $744)
• The Herb Farm Refining Decollatage Cream - 30% off now $20.90
• Bees Brilliance Healing Hand and Body Lotion 340ml - 20% off now $13.52
• Weleda Arnica Cream, Arnica Massage Oil, Arnica/Symphytum Comp, Heat Rub and Tendonitis Cream - all 15% off
• Solgar VM 2000 90 tabs - was $76.90 now $56.90
• Solgar Vitamin D3 1000iu 250 caps - was $54.90 now $39.90
• Solgar Magnesium Citrate 60's - was $29.90 now $22.90
• Solgar Ultimate Calm Daily 30's - was $74.90 now $56.90
• Absolute Essentials Purify Hand Sanitiser - 40% off now $9.54
• Natures Way Systemwell - 180's 10% and 90's 15% off
• Lazu Keto 21 Day Quickstart kit and chocolate and vanilla keto shakes - 15% off
• Biotrace Fish Oil Omega 3 Plus - now $49.90 save $30

All of the above specials and offers are only valid while stocks last.

• New Natroceutics Range from the UK - recently added Berberine Complex and Curcumin Complex to our original range of Ashwagandha, Fortified Omega 3, Liposomal Quercetin and Magnesium with Trace Minerals 
• Dr Formulated Organic Chewable Kids Probiotics 
• Pukka Breathe Tea which contains Eucalyptus
• Forage Metal Clothes Pegs - 40 pack
• Promise range of Hemp Skincare products - cleanser, serum, healing balm, soap and their new Promise Body Oils in 4 fragrances
• Dolphin Clinic Passive Diffusers - Daisy, Peony and Aroma Tag which can be hung in a cupboard
• The Good Vitamin Company Kids Vitamin C and Multi Lollipops (available in bags of 12 or as singles)
• The Good Vitamin Company - Gummie Pouches - Collagen Beauty, Detox, Stress and Sleep
• Good Health Carb Buster 60 tabs

Note: New products will be added to our website as soon as we can. If you want to purchase these online before we get a chance to do this, please call us to order over the phone instead.

PuroBIO appeared in the beauty marketplace in April 2014 experiencing rapid growth and in less than two years became a notable brand. Natural & certified organic, no silicones, petrolatum, parabens, preservatives and synthetic dyes, synthetic perfumes and gluten. 

PuroBIO Cosmetics is the result of the desire to create products for a natural and organic makeup, made in Italy, without using ingredients harmful to health or tested on animals.  Made with oils and waxes, plant and mineral pigments, simple formulas that are ideal for those who have sensitive skin and allergic reactions.  The natural formulation without synthetic agents allows safe use in pregnancy. 

To ensure the commitment and validity of the company in the sector “bio”, they have the following certifications: CCPB, NATRUE, Vegan Ok and Nickel tested.   Anyone can develop a nickel allergy. Our kidneys can remove most of the nickel absorbed by us during the day, but larger doses or constant exposure may develop nickel allergy with reactions on the skin exposed to it. The Nickel Tested logo certifies traces of nickel analyzed.  

The range includes liquid foundation, concealer, BB Crème, mascara, eye liner pencil and brush pen, brow liner, lip balm, gloss and tint.  We also have in stock the powder, blush and eyeshadows which can be bought individually or if you prefer purchase the magnetic compact to hold your selection of the refills.      

The history of incense itself goes back thousands of years to Egypt in 1530 B.C.E. Israel, in the fifth century B.C.E., devoted separate altars for the offering of incense. Herbal smoke mixtures or incense are burned around the world, from China and Southeast Asia, to India, to Europe and the rest of the Western World. Smudging has been used for thousands of years with a long history in traditional medicine, used by shamans and healers across the world.   Native Americans and other indigenous people have been burning sage (smudging) for a long time as part of their spiritual practices. Often called upon to cleanse spaces, shut out negative energy, and welcome wisdom in.  Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. In fact, before smudging was popularised, it was illegal for Native Americans to practice their religion until 1978 in the U.S., and many were jailed and killed just for keeping their ways alive. (see the link to third reference for more info) 

The Sage (Artemisia tridentia) used in smudge sticks, indigenous to the Americas, is not the same as the European varieties, and is the most common herb burned as a smudge stick.  Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing — everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. For example, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, and rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France in order to clear the air of infection.   

There is no limit on what places or objects (eg cleansing crystals) that may be the subject of smudging, and people often perform smudging on themselves. In addition, various movements have various meanings. One particular method involves blowing on the embers after the smudge stick has been lit, adding the energy of breath to the fire. Moving the stick over the left side of the body represents the female aspect of life, while the right side represents the male aspect. Moving the stick clockwise represents the circle of life. Moving the stick counterclockwise represents undoing or unwinding, especially in reference to tension. 

When sage is burned, it is said to release negative ions which can help elevate a space and put people in a good mood. Positive ions can build up around us and can block our electromagnetic fields. This can happen for a number of reasons including arguments, stress, or anything that brings bad vibes. These positive ions can block our energy and lead us to feel sluggish, drained, and just downright fed up. By burning sage, a glut of negative ions can be released which will neutralize the positive charge and leave us resplendent in our own energy once more. Some promising studies have also shown that sage does have potential cognitive-enhancing properties. 

Scientists have studied the cleansing elements of sage and found that when this herb is burned, it can clear a staggering 94% of bacteria out of the air. That’s huge. By burning sage, you are quite literally disinfecting the air.  

Smudging is by no means an outdated, archaic practice. It is sometimes used by real estate agents to cleanse houses before they are sold. Indeed, modern science has proven that the aroma of sage increases the oxygen supply to the brain, producing a physical relaxation of muscle tension. In addition, the smoke from some herbs actually changes the molecular structure of air and energy, producing a cleansing effect. As the sense of smell is connected very powerfully to instinct and memory, the burning of smudge sticks has been found to be a very effective aromatherapy agent, especially when combating feelings of depression, anger, fear, frustration, resentment, and grief. 

It’s important to be respectful to sacred communities and ancient cultures when burning sage. The best way to do this is to always enter the act with intention, mindfulness, and with purpose and thought. Smudging holds its roots deep in tradition and is an important part of culture and ritual with certain Native American tribes. To honor the sacred nature of this ceremony see the prayer shared below. 

How To Smudge

Light the sage - Hold the sage at an angle and light it with a lighter. It may take a moment to catch. Let it burn for 10-20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame. You should still be able to see embers on the smudge stick and it should also be smoking.  

Smudge the area, yourself, or the place - As the smoke begins to billow you can either walk around the room (if you are smudging a space) and encourage the smoke to flow. If you can - guide the smoke towards the window or the door and show it the way out. Don’t forget to pay extra care to corners, mirrors, and big spaces where negative energy can cling. You can also simply let your smudge stick burn safely by placing it in a smudge bowl or paua shell. Keeping doors and windows open is not only so that the negative energy has someplace to go, but to avoid inhaling smoke!

Ref: 

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Smudge_stick 

https://tinyrituals.co/blogs/tiny-rituals/burning-sage 

https://www.bustle.com/wellness/is-burning-sage-cultural-appropriation-heres-how-to-smoke-cleanse-in-sensitive-ways-18208360

An easy, delicious smoothie, full of antioxidants, protein and plant-based omegas.

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Serve topped with chopped strawberries and a sprinkle of hemp hearts. Enjoy!

To help you get started on adding the above superfoods from Hemp Farm into your daily routine, we have a prize pack for one lucky reader. If you would like to enter the draw to win a 500g bag of Hemp Farm Hemp Hearts and 500g of Hemp Farm Hemp Protein reply to this email with the answer to the following question

Q: Are Hemp Hearts or Hemp Protein higher in Omegas?

We also have a second giveaway this month. One one lucky person will win their choice of a smudge bowl from our stock in store plus a white sage stick.  To enter simply reply to this email with your answer to the following question: 

Q:    To be respectful to sacred communities and ancient cultures when burning sage, what are two practices that should be honoured? 

Please note to enter both giveaways please send separate email replies.

Congratulations to Bronwyn Nilsson who is last months winner of the Ear Candles and the Oku Tea