There are also a lot of great herbal remedies to help fight a cold once you feel one coming on, or to lessen the severity and duration of symptoms.  I always reach for some herbal anti-virals, such as oregano oil, goldenseal, garlic, olive leaf or grapefruit seed extract.  There are some wonderful formulas that combine herbal anti-virals and other supportive herbs which act directly to lessen symptoms.  What I love about the natural approach is that these remedies don’t work against your bodies natural disease fighting mechanisms, they work WITH them.

If you’re looking for a little winter immunity boost, stop by the shop and we’ll help you find what you need!

Did you know that everything on our menu can be made gluten free?

We are not a gluten free facility but make products with no gluten containing ingredients.

Growing animals in these unnatural conditions can lead to a myriad of illnesses which commercial growers try to prevent by feeding the turkey “medicated” feed.  Medicated can mean different things but almost always entails ANTIBIOTICS.  We’re learning more and more of the ill health effects of eating meat that was raised with antibiotics.  Eating “medicated” meat introduces those same antibiotics into our own systems.  Even at low doses, this repeated exposure can wreak havoc with the friendly bacteria in our system, leading to gut dysbiosis and a host of digestive issues.  We’re becoming more aware of how integral digestive wellness is to our overall health.  It’s virtually imposssible to be a healthy individual without a healthy digestive system.  Digestive disease can lead to inflammation, food senstivities, immune issues, and a host of other health problems.

Also, did you know that most commercial birds, because of their living conditions and the food they are fed, end up being tasteless and dry, so often they are injected with saline solution and vegetable oils to improve texture and taste.  A host of other flavorings and additives are also used, depending on the brand.

Do something good for yourself and your family this year and buy a naturally and humanely raised turkey.  You’ll  feel good about your purchase AND taste the difference!

If you’re going to be in the Mount Washington Valley for Thanksgiving and are interested in reserving a fresh, naturally and humanely raised Stonewood Farm Turkey,  stop by The Local Grocer, or call us at 603-356-6068.   A deposit is required to reserve your bird.

Happy and Healthy Holidays from The Local Grocer!

Let’s start with the obvious.  Did you know that the U.S generates 5 million extra tons of trash during the holidays? Four million tons of that is in the form of wrapping paper and shopping bags!  Many of us are using reusable shopping bags for our groceries, so why not bring those along this year for our holiday shopping trips?  Did you know that traditional wrapping paper is made with many toxic chemicals and that much of it comes from China?  Burning this paper spews toxic fumes into your home and into the environment.  To cut down on waste and to avoid these toxic chemicals, use un-dyed kraft tissue paper, or even reused paper bags.  Get creative and decorate these with colored pencils or other art supplies you may have on hand, or use evergreen tips, pine cones or other natural materials you can find out your back door.  If you’re pressed for time choose to buy non-toxic tissue or wrapping paper this year and finish it off with paper or fiber ribbon.  These are all much greener ideas and much better for the health of your family and the planet.

So, the wrapping paper issue is an easy one to solve.  Now what about what’s inside the wrapping paper?

Making your own gifts is one great idea, but let’s face it,  not everyone has the time to make that happen.   The next best thing would be to buy locally sourced gifts made from materials and processes that are not harmful to the planet, from local businesses which support your community.  In our community we are gifted with so many talented artists and entrepeneurs.   It would be SO EASY  to buy local AND give creative, unique and meaningful presents.  Choose from beautiful art, pottery, jewelry, wine, mead, body care products, books, beautiful hats and scarves, clothing, herbal products, baked goods and so much more.  Another way to purchase gifts that are both useful AND locally sourced is to purchase gift certificates or gift cards from local businesses.  Are they organic food lovers (I hope so!).  At the Local Grocer we sell gift cards year round and they are always a big hit with our customers and a perfect gift for the organic foodie in your life.  If you know your friend loves their lattes then purchase them a coffee card from one of the local coffee shops in the village.    Do they love to be pampered?   All Natural Skin Care in North Conway and Debony in Jackson both offer organic products and services using all natural face and body care products that truly nurture body, mind and soul.   Or buy a gift certificate directly from your favorite masseuse, reiki master, numerologist,  or yoga instructor.  How about a month’s membership at the gym or your local pilates studio?  Far from being impersonal, gift certificates can be a great way to show your loved ones that you know their “likes” and that you really care about their wellbeing.   

Of course, you might not be able to find everything you’re looking for locally, and there are some great companies out there selling eco products online that are good for people and good for the planet.  

So…. the notepad or ipod on your shopping list  doesn’t feel like the most eco-friendly gift in the world?  Instead, maybe think of WHERE YOU BUY that ipod.  Is it from your locally owned retailer or from a big box store?  Try to make at least ONE element of the purchase be something you can feel good about.  Do you want to support local families or the global corporate greed that is destroying our planet, the integrity of our government and local economies?

The previous statement may seem a little intense to you, but the holidays are the perfect time of year to think about where and how we spend our money.  The majority of retail profits are made between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we know that LOTS of money is being spent this time of year. Frustration with our country’s present economic and political situation is at an all-time high right now.  People from all over the political spectrum are getting fed up with Wall Street making more and more money while the majority of us are feeling the recession pressure.   But I think that the most powerful vote that we have as a people is how we SPEND OUR MONEY.  The more money we give to the large corporations, the more power the special interests have.   Instead of blindly spending money in a hurried rush to complete the shopping list this year, stop and think about what YOU want to support.  How do you want to vote with your money this holiday season?  My wish is that we choose to VOTE LOCAL.

• Freebird Chicken Pot Pie
• Grass Fed Shephard’s Pie
• Pineland Farm Mac n’ Cheese
• Organic Veggie Lasagna
• Check back to see new additions!

Spring is a time of rebirth, growth and rejuvenation, and after a long winter many of us could use a little of that!  Spring is also the season to think of the health of your liver, be thankful for all that it does for you, and nourish it with liver supporting herbs so that it works optimally for you the rest of the year.

One of the ways in which nourishing the liver can benefit you is by reducing springtime allergy symptoms.  A good springtime cleanse, even a modified version of one, can go a long way in helping to reduce allergy symptoms.

A spring cleanse can take many forms, depending on your own personal health issues and needs, and doesn’t necessarily have to be a fast.  One of the most important things to keep in mind however, is to make sure the bowels are moving regularly during any type of cleanse.  Though not always necessary, it’s a great time to do a bowel cleanse as well.   If you suspect a candida or digestive issue, now is the perfect time to address it, as digestive health is often linked with seasonal allergy issues.  I would recommend talking to a qualified alternative health practitioner to figure out the best program for your specific needs.

For those plagued by seasonal allergies, I recommend trying to avoid gluten, unfermented soy, dairy (though kefir and yogurt are tolerated by most people), corn, flour and sugar for these spring months.  Gluten and dairy are common food intolerances often linked with seasonal allergies.  Replace these with lots of vegetables (raw and cooked), fruits, whole grains (if tolerated), nuts and seeds, eggs, probiotic foods (cultured vegetables, miso, kefir and yogurt) and quality anti-inflammatory oils with a good omega 3:6 ratio (coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, clarified butter). For most people, some lean “clean” meats (naturally raised without antibiotics or hormones – organic or grass fed is best) are also beneficial.  Another great healing food to incorporate is bone broth, made with naturally raised meat bones.  Boiled for a few hours with a couple of tablespoons of vinegar, it makes an incredibly healing broth rich in protein, immune-enhancing properties and minerals. Bone broths are especially beneficial for those dealing with digestive issues as they are very healing to the gut lining.  Broth can be used to make quick soups, stir fries or enjoyed on its own, simply seasoned.

Fresh squeezed vegetable and fruit juices made with organic produce are key to an effective cleanse (avoid fruit juices if you’re working with a candida issue).  They are living food, filled with vitamin C, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and other body building substances.

Smoothies are a great way to get a lot of superfoods into one glass for an incredibly healthy meal on the go.  Here are some smoothie ideas:  yogurt, kefir, rice or hemp protein, chia seeds, goji berries, greens, fresh or frozen berries and fruits, lemon juice, maca root, raw cacao powder, cinnamon, coconut oil, spirulina, chlorella, or other green powders.

In the spring, the more green foods the better, and it’s hard to get any greener than nettle.

NETTLE (Urtica dioica) is one of my favorite cleansing and nutritive herbs to use this time of year.  Not only is it nourishing to the liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and adrenals, it’s also PACKED with easily assimilated minerals, vitamins, proteins, hormonal precursors and chlorophyll.  It’s also an antihistamine!  While it does have some immediate anti-histamine effect, it is much more effective if taken over time.  NOW is the perfect time to start.  Nettle also helps improve energy levels, making it a perfect herb for a whole body cleanse.

The best way to take Nettle leaf is as an infusion.  Place 1 oz. of herb in a French press (easiest), cover with 1 qt of boiling water and let sit 4-8 hours.  Strain and drink 2-4 cups a day.  Whatever you don’t drink immediately should be refrigerated.  Feel free to dilute or add a little lemon balm or peppermint to taste.  Use within two days, then feed to your plants.  You can also make a cold infusion by placing 1 oz. of herb in a French press, pouring 1 qt. of cold water over it and letting it steep for 8 hours.  It’s especially easy if you get in the habit of doing it before you go to bed at night and straining it in the morning.  Use within two days, then feed to your plants.

BEE POLLEN is one of my favorite remedies when working with issues of pollen allergies. Bee Pollen is one of the superfoods, high in antioxidants, enzymes, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, bioflavanoids and other immune-enhancing substances.  Begin by taking a very small amount, 1/4 tsp. and slowly work up to 1-2 Tbsp. each day.  Though extremely rare, bee pollen allergies (like many others) can be potentially life threatening.  Take 1-2 Tbsp. per day for 2-3 months prior to your allergy season.

QUERCETIN (400mg 2-3x/day) and VITAMIN C (a whole food form being best) are also beneficial in reducing seasonal allergies.

ECHINACEA (angustifolia root or purpurea seed head and arial parts) is another wonderful immune enhancing and anti-inflammatory herb that is often used to minimize seasonal allergy symptoms.  A fresh plant tincture is the easiest way to take echinacea, it being a high dose herb.   Half of one’s body weight, in drops, 3x/day is the recommended dose.  As with any herb, start with a small dose and work your way up to ensure that you have no allergic reactions.

LIVER HERBS such as dandelion root, yellow dock root, burdock root, oregon grape root, artichoke and milk thistle, taken in formula or alone as tinctures are specifics for this time of year when we’re working with the liver.  A great time to take these bitter liver herbs is a half an hour before a meal to help stimulate digestion.

PROBIOTICS are also an essential part of any cleanse.  Make sure that you are getting a high quality allergen-free, multi-strain probiotic with a minimum of 5 billion CFU’s .

Don’t forget to drink lots of WATER.  Two to three quarts a day is ideal, depending on activity level.

Above all, be kind to yourself.   Feed yourself well, move your body, engage the wisdom of the plant world and let the rejuvenation begin.

Heather Chase is a Clinical Herbalist, Holistic Nutritional Consultant and owner of The Local Grocer, a natural food store and café in North Conway.  She is available for consults by appointment and can be reached through email at info@nhLocalGrocer.com