Buti Yoga in Sarasota

Buti Yoga is officially in Sarasota at Wild Ginger Apothecary with instructor Leila Carlson.

Buti Yoga workouts transform your BODY + SOUL with cardio-intensive bursts of tribal dance, primal movement + conditioning woven into a dynamic yoga practice. 

Buti is an Indian Marathi word that means "a cure that has been hidden or kept secret." We believe EVERY woman has the power to transform and heal her body from within. Buti Yoga focuses on activating the Spiral Structure of the core to engage the deep abdominal muscles and stimulate the endocrine system.

We're thrilled to welcome Leila and Buti Yoga to Wild Ginger.  Join her for weekly Buti Yoga classes - including Mommy & Me offerings!  Class schedule available below. 

CBD Arrives at Wild Ginger Apothecary

Wild Ginger Apothecary has recently started carrying Sarasota-based Mindful Medicinals products!  Stop by to try for yourself or join for a CBD information class in the lounge monthly.

The following information is from MM:

Our most frequently asked question is, “What is CBD?” Simply put, CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid naturally found in cannabis. What does that mean? Quite a lot actually.

Recently people have begun to discover the seemingly miraculous benefits of cannabis, specifically CBD. Unfortunately, too many people still believe cannabis, in all its forms, is illegal. Propaganda perpetrated by the US government along with major players in pharmaceuticals and commodities industries in the early twentieth century successfully fooled the status quo into believing cannabis was a dangerous drug. Nearly a century later, peer-reviewed science has proven that notion utterly and patently false.

The human body has an intricate endocannabinoid system (ECS) built with receptors throughout the brain, central nervous and circulatory systems as well as the gut, heart, kidneys, spleen, liver, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells and even the reproductive system. CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid accounting for up to 40% of the typical cannabis sativa plant. The last two decades have delivered countless studies showing the benefits of CBD in the limbic system (affecting memory, cognition and psychomotor performance) and the mesolimbic pathway directly relating to pain perception.

CBD is one of more than 100 active cannabinoid chemicals in the marijuana plant. Unlike the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce euphoria or intoxication. Cannabinoids have their effect mainly by interacting with specific receptors on cells in the brain and body: the CB1 receptor, found on neurons and glial cells in various parts of the brain, and the CB2 receptor, found mainly in the body’s immune system. The euphoric effects of THC are caused by its activation of CB1 receptors. CBD has a very low affinity for these receptors (100 fold less than THC) and when it binds it produces little to no effect. There is also growing evidence that CBD acts on other brain signaling systems, and that these actions may be important contributors to its therapeutic effects. […]

CBD has several benefits including but not limited to

• Anti-Depressant

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antipsychotic

• Anti-Anxiety

• Anti-Seizure

• Neuroprotective Properties

• Analgesic Effects

• Nausea Relief

• Anticonvulsant

• Antitumoral

• Antioxidant

• Cardiovascular Health

An Open Letter to Acure Moroccan Argan Stem Cell + Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner…

Dearest New Love,

I have searched far and wide to find the “right one”; the right product to cleanse and condition my coarse, naturally wavy, color treated (read: dry as dust/damaged) hair. I have been infatuated with others in the past (who shall remain nameless), but they were either chemical laden or simply couldn’t live up to my expectations. Inevitably, each would break my heart and leave my hair unchanged or worse, in shoddier shape.

That all changed when I met you, Acure Moroccan Argan Stem Cell + Argan Oil

Shampoo & Conditioner! Your scent, with a subtle hint of almond, is enthralling without being overpowering. The lather of your shampoo is in that sweet spot between gratifying and “how will I ever rinse all of this foam out of my hair”. Happily, this is not due to sulfates or other chemicals; your heart is pure. The silky caress of your conditioner, infused with CoQ10 and Omega 7, feels velvety and stands up to blow-drying with ease. My hair was so much softer after just two uses that I simply cannot wait to see what our future holds! I find myself making excuses to spend time with you as often as I can.

Most importantly, you are FREE of those dreadful qualities I’ve found in other hair care products such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrance. You wont fade or brass my color and, as if you weren’t ideal enough, you are also vegan and cruelty free.

I admit it; I am simply hair over heels in love with you, Acure Moroccan Argan Stem Cell + Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner and am looking forward to a long, devoted relationship. I also look forward to meeting the rest of your Acure Organics family.

Lots of Love,
JJ

Guest post by Joelle Johns, former Wild Ginger Apothecary Yoga Instructor + regular Wild Ginger Apothecary Product Tester.

Go Green: MacroGreens Superfood

The first big learning experience in my early days of "natural retail" was greens powder.  Oh, it was nasty at first - even when prepared it for customers in the easiest-to-drink way, with organic unfiltered apple juice.  It was still all grassy in taste.  I knew why it was so great for me, but it was a big adjustment in the journey of getting healthier, as I certainly wasn't in "alkaline" balance.  Yet I powered through, and learned to love what greens could do for me within months.

Now "super greens" powders are a mandatory part of my day, sometimes 2 or 3 times.  It's energy and detoxification in the easiest way; the perfect alternative to coffee or those horrific energy shots for those in need of a pick-me-up.  And my days of forcing down grassy unpleasant powders are over.  The Macro Greens powder is the most delicious tasting variety I've encountered for the nutrient powerhouse they contain.  It's equivalent in antioxidants to 5 servings of vegetables, and though certainly not designed to replace eating your produce, is a wonderful way to increase your vitamins.  (For me, it's a miracle worker amidst busy work days and eating erratically while working at Wild Ginger Apothecary.  If you've been in, chances are I've sampled them to you midday!)

MacroLife shares a detox (and weight loss) trick that I love as well: one serving of their tasty greens 30 minutes before each meal to curb your appetite and detoxify.  Adding probiotics, adaptogenic herbs, and other superfoods really does curb your sugar cravings, ease digestion, boost your immune system, and increase brain function.  Once, twice, or even three times will leave you feeling better than ever in no time.  Plus it's Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free, and Non-GMO!

Skeptic of the green taste?  Start with using the organic unfiltered apple juice, or even half with water.  You'll ease into "greens on the rocks" before you know it. 

Cheers!

xx
Nicole

Day at the beach: Solar Recover

I'll save the facts about the harsh UV rays from Florida's intense sunshine, but we've all experienced it first hand.  These beautiful beaches and salty waters of ours aren't easy on your skin or hair, and even a brief day trip can leave you over-sunned and parched. 

Solar Recover Save Your Skin is a best seller at Wild Ginger Apothecary for good reason:  it's easy to use, powerful yet light, and refreshing.  Even in a hurry, it's my go-to hydration.  It's a favorite trick to touch up when my arms and legs are dry throughout the day, I can spray easily without a greasy residue potentially trashing my outfit.  You can't spray it too much, and trust me, I've tried.

The Save Your Hair spray is the equivalent in a hair rescue.  Spray post sun-scorched beach day and your hair won't feel like straw for long.  You can spray out of the shower as a light de-tangler, too - a favorite solution for my thin straight hair in lieu of a heavier conditioner.  

There's not much you need on a beautiful day besides a beach towel, swimsuit, and SPF... but you'll be grateful once you add this duo to that mix. 

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

Sweet Dreams: Nighty Night Pillow Mist + Dream Pillows

Lack of deep sleep: likely the biggest cause of stress and anxiety in my customers.  And let's be honest, it's my biggest cause of stress and anxiety somedays too!  I've tried all sorts of vitamins and supplements (and had good, bad, and horrible results) - but there had to be a less invasive way for regular use.  We're all over the sleep-remedy hangover, or better yet, sleeping through our alarms.

The first to arrive to Wild Ginger Apothecary was BotanicalMe Nighty Night Pillow Mist.  It's not just the usual lavender: this dreamy, relaxing blend has 20 essential oils that work as a calming sedative.  Notes of Valerian (in the first pleasant combo I'd encountered), Chamomile, and Ylang-Ylang leave your pillows, sheets, and entire bedroom with a heavenly aroma that really does calm you the heck down.  In minutes you're more relaxed, and you'll soon look forward to this bedroom ritual just like I do.  Spray throughout your home anytime you need to chill out. (Try with your kids, if you have them, parents swear by this stuff!)

Sprays or aromatherapy not your thing?  Not a lavender fan (in any combination)?  There's another secret weapon... Long Creek Herb's Sleep Pillow.  It's a tiny pillow you slide into your existing pillowcase, and as crazy at it sounds, works like magic.  

I was a skeptic, so I put my friend with the worst sleeping challenges I'd ever seen to the test.  And just like that, they slept better than in 10 years.  Another friend and customer's four year old is able to sleep through the night for the first time ever... and if the pillow is missing, they notice a huge difference.  Pro parent tip:  keep an extra one handy.  No placebo effect here: the creator swears by "hiding" these miniature pillows for your sleep deprived loved ones.  (These "magic pillows" are particularly helpful with easing nightmares, for sufferers of PTSD, and to quiet stressful sleep.)

Note: the "Restful" pillow is for a quiet calm sleep.  There is also a "Pleasant" pillow to enhance dreams and help you dream in color.  If you're lucky enough to sleep easy already, the latter can still apply to you!

Sweet dreams!

xx
Nicole

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

WGA Local Love Guest Spot {f. Kalyn of The Workbook Project}

Wild Ginger Apothecary is passionate about health + wellness. But we also have a thing for Local Love! 

When we're not busy working on Green Beauty awesomeness, we love to team up with fellow Sarasota small businesses and locals. We're lucky to have a network of so many amazing, energetic, dynamic, creative, and inspired individuals. 

Our first "Wild Ginger Apothecary: Local Love Guest Spot" features Kalyn Mould, of the epically awesome company The Workbook Project. We were lucky enough to have her fill in at the store for a few days and share her exuberance with us. It'll make you smile, which is exactly what we love to see happen at WGA!

Stay tuned for more videos soon!

Learn more about Kalyn and The Workbook Project at:
http://www.theworkbookproject.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theworkbookproject

Learn more about Wild Ginger Apothecary at:
http://www.wildgingerapothecary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wildgingerapothecary

PRESS: SarasotaDay's "5 Essential Oils for Every Home"

Essential Oils are all the rage.  Did you know that Wild Ginger Apothecary offers Certified Organic, Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils by Simplers? Their oils are sourced all over the world to ensure they are 100% pure, genuine, species specific, and expertly distilled.  And no, you don't need to join a multi-level-marketing team to purchase them.

SarasotaDay recently featured some of our must-have essential oils (Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus).  They also mentioned a few of our ready-to-go blends that take the guesswork out of aromatherapy.  Check it out!

As seen in SarasotaDay: 

5 Essential Oils for Every Home

"Everyone’s digging on the essential oils these days, and who can blame them? They’re a safe and simple way to take care of your body and your home. Still, the lists of all the EOs and their many uses can be a bit daunting to anyone who is unfamiliar with this wonderful and mysterious world."

Get dirty to get clean: tooth powder hits the spot.

Sometimes you have to get dirty to get clean.  (Think face masks, body scrubs, the previous post on mud hair wash...)  Getting hooked on Holistic Heights Tooth Powder - or "tooth dirt" as I lovingly describe it - is a prime example. 

Who knew it was so hard to find a completely clean toothpaste that was more than just baking soda or coconut oil?  I even read blogs about using activated charcoal to whiten (with a mouthful of black powder) and that didn't fit into my daily routine.   I searched high and low, and even the "nontoxic" options had fillers like glycerin.  Less is more in natural beauty, so this Tooth Powder hit the spot. It indeed whitens, while giving you the cleanest, freshest mouth ever.

Your basic oral care needs are met: tartar and plaque fighting, less bacteria, no more bad breath, healthier gums.  But using a holistic, Ayurvedic blend of medicinal herbs - like Neem, Myrrh, and Clove - takes it even further by healing at the same time.  My life-long teeth sensitivity has decreased to almost nothing, my teeth feel cleaner than I could have imagined, and the "tooth dirt" has become a novelty among roommates and houseguests.  Together with oil-pulling, my teeth have never been happier.

This remains my favorite item to sample to customers at Wild Ginger Apothecary - try it once, and you'll never go back to the tube of toothpaste!

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Store hours are 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

Smooth Like Butter Elixir

How to relax in one step: the heavenly seductive scent of BUTTERelixir.  It's impressive when a company begins with just one exceptional item - and even more impressive when just two drops of this "magic oil" are all it takes to be hooked. 

BUTTER is a blend of just four oils: sweet almond, argan, lavender, and chamomile.  But it's not a simple scent: the notes are complex, rich, calming, and mysterious all at once.  This tiny bottle of oil is unlike any scent or blend I've seen in decades of nonstop beauty product use.  The Wild Ginger Apothecary lineup wouldn't be the same without this liquid gold.  Designed by yogis, your yoga practice likely won't be the same without it either.

The scent and hydration aside, BUTTER goes the extra mile in keeping green by using recycled bottles, mixing their formula by hand in small batches, and creating a product that can be used for most anything.  Body, hair, perfume.  You'll want this scent to surround you, I promise.  And the deep hydration of argan and almond are the perfect counterpart to dryness or sun damage. 

Add this must-have to your beauty arsenal and you, too, can be smooth like BUTTER. 

xx
Nicole

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

Powerful Duo: Acure's Brightening Scrub + Argan Oil

There's best-sellers that are hard to understand, and then there are two of Acure's biggest hits: Brightening Facial Scrub and Argan Oil.  Yet another family-owned vendor, Acure remains firm in their commitment to use sustainable and pure ingredients, despite the growth of their brand.  It's hard not to love them.

Maybe there's something about using a seaweed scrub when I live near the beach, but I can't get enough of this brightening scrub.  It's not too harsh to use a few times a week, and it really works as described: leaving your face with an extra-clean, dewy glow. Plus, Acure's exclusive "Chlorella Growth Factor" is amazing for regenerating skin cells.  After so much time in the sun and sea, that's a welcome addition.  It's bright sea-monster green, too, which makes it a lot more exciting to use.  You're never too old to be entertained by the simple things!

Then there is Argan Oil.  You've used it by now, right?  It's appearing in everything - and for good reason.  Harvested by women's cooperatives in Morocco, it's called "liquid gold" because of it's super-healing capabilities.  It's perfect for sensitive facial skin, dry spots on your body, hands and feet, and even dry hair. Argan Oil is my must-have for travel: one little bottle does basically everything I need from removing makeup, to taming my hair, to hydrating my face.  It belongs in every green beauty toolkit. 

As always, I love providing customers at Wild Ginger Apothecary samples of any products they are interested in.  Just be prepared: once you bring either of these items home, you'll be hooked!

xx
Nicole

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

I Love Kombucha (and why you will too)!

I remember my first experience with Kombucha a decade ago.  Kind of like your first beer, you have a hard time determining just what you think about it: is it too tart, too sweet, too fizzy, too acidic? But then you realize it's the perfect combination of all those things, and you wonder why you haven't known about it years earlier.  The 2-for-1 sales on 'booch became my best friend, and I'd pack my refrigerator full every chance I got.  I've been addicted ever since.

What is Kombucha? It's a fermented tea that been revered as an "elixir of life" for 3000 years.  It helps your immune and digestive systems, detoxifies, and gives you energy.  This I can personally vouch for! Plus it's full of probiotics, amino acids, B vitamins and more.  (And did I mention it's the best hangover remedy out there? You're welcome.)

Lucky for those of us in Sarasota, we have an amazing local brand: Kombucha 221BC.  Aneta + Eric make some of the most creative 'booch flavors I've had.  (Lemon Lime Cayenne might even beat out Ginger for my absolute favorite.)  They've been a great friend to Wild Ginger Apothecary, and we've been proud to sample their delicious tea at both our Grand Opening as well as our monthly First Friday parties.  Stop by and see us for a Kombucha Cocktail: they are really fantastic! They are available to buy throughout town and right here at WGA!

Drinking so much 'booch you want to venture making your own? I've got the answer for you for that, too.  I postponed brewing my own for years because I thought it'd be impossible to get a Scoby.  When I came across this super-easy Kombucha Starter Kit, it was the perfect solution.  Easy to follow directions and less than $1 a serving for your first batch: well worth trying it!  We have numerous herbal teas you can infuse your batch with at Wild Ginger Apothecary; one personal favorite was the Evening Spa for a calming, lavender flavored tea.  I have to admit, though, original black tea is my go-to.  It's a crowd favorite with it's cider-like finish. 
If you're looking for an energizing and refreshing beverage that's far healthier than soda, give Kombucha a try!  You can impress your friends with what Scoby means (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) and feel good about indulging. Cheers!
 

xx
Nicole

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

Fresh as a Daisy with Schmidt's Deodorant

There were two items I waited until the very end to go natural for: eyeliner and aluminum-free deodorant.  I was convinced there were just some items that couldn't compare on the chemical-free circuit!  During the last decade of natural retail I have tried dozens of natural deodorants, and never once did I find one that actually worked for longer than a few hours.  The thought of using one once I moved back to the tropical, steamy south during the middle of summer was sheer horror.

I had to believe the massive buzz for Schmidt's Deodorant, so it became one of the very first products I evaluated in the months before Wild Ginger Apothecary opened.  Trust me: if this all-natural, nontoxic, aluminum-free deodorant kept me odor-free during 95 degree days (and the chaos of setting up a store), it works.  Who knew The Today Show would be so spot-on with the natural market?

It is an adjustment to apply a paste deodorant, and that's the initial shock.  But beyond that, it's amazingly effective.  I love to sample it out to customers (and friends) so they'll be equally impressed.  Every customer that drives an hour or two to purchase it confirms that this really is the best all-natural deodorant available on the market (and certainly in Sarasota).

With 5 scent options to choose from (Cedarwood + Juniper, Calendula + Ylang Ylang, Bergamot + Lime, Fragrance-Free, and Lavender + Sage) you'll have a hard time choosing one.  But you'll smell so fresh that you won't mind keeping a variety around!

xx
Nicole

Schmidt's all-natural aluminum-free deodorant is available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

Skinny & Co. Coconut Love and a Brighter Smile

Anyone who knows me can vouch for my love of coconut - especially coconut oil.  For face, body, hair, cooking.  Coconut scented lotions, potions, and everything in between.  So you can imagine my excitement finding one of the purest coconut oils on the planet!

Skinny & Co. has a patented process for their ultra-smooth coconut oil that allows it to remain 100% raw!  It was a unpleasant adjustment at first: I love the intense coconut flavor of the "Extra Virgin Organic" brands I'd used before and the Skinny doesn't have that.  But then research confirmed: the more heat the oil is exposed to, the stronger the coconut taste.  Now I have a logical explanation for the taste of the fresh, raw coconut oil I was shocked by living in Costa Rica.

By now, you've likely heard thousands of testimonials on the wonders of coconut oil.  It's the natural health + beauty favorite across the board.  You've probably heard it helps with metabolism, strengthening your immune system, and even balancing your blood sugar.

But have you heard about oil pulling?  Swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes a day can result in AMAZING oral health benefits.  I have at least a customer a day ask how my teeth got so white - and it's thanks to oil pulling. (Definitely not the red wine, coffee, or dark chocolate I still indulge in occasionally.)  Your teeth and gums will never feel better - especially if you follow with a tooth powder instead of a chemical-filled toothpaste.  The combination is by far the best thing I've ever done for my teeth.  Stay tuned for more on our tooth powder soon!

Set your timer, start with 5 minutes, and watch for the results.  At the very least you'll be amazed with a fresher-than-ever mouth.  Here's to a brighter smile!

xx
Nicole

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.  Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY! 

New blog, new favorite items! Meet Kensington Apothecary!

 I'm long overdue to create a Wild Ginger Apothecary blog, so better late than never!  Now to just catch up on the last 5 months of excitement...

There are hundreds of items I love in the store, with new and exciting products arriving weekly.  Yet there is one particular new line that deserves extra press: Kensington Apothecary.  At first I was simply excited to find a skincare product including my beloved Kombucha.  But there's so much more!  So many of my absolute favorite ingredients for food come through in a facial care line so complete I wonder how I lived without it.  Coconut, Blackcurrant, Pumpkin, Sake, and so many more.  (And 'booch.  Seriously, how perfect for Wild Ginger?)

 One big goal at Wild Ginger Apothecary is to have amazingly effective products that everyone can afford.  I have many skincare items that will blow your mind and not your wallet (and will give noticeable results, I promise).  This product line does the same, but has specific items available for 4 major skin type/lifestyle categories:  Blemish Prone, Graceful Aging, The Cocktail Circuit, and Surf/Ski/Sun.  You can mix-and-match any of the four steps: Cleanser, Tonic, Serum, and Facial Oil.  I like to get really crafty and mix my cocktail-recovery with my post-sun treatment.  Find what works for you, and you'll be hooked in no time too.   

At first I was sad I missed out on this amazing line during my indulgent 20's... but then I realized there's not a better place or time for antioxidant sun-damage support.  Welcome to Sarasota, Kensington.  We're so happy you're here.

xx
Nicole

Available online at www.wildgingerapothecary.com or in-store at 6557 Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate Shopping Village.   Feel free to email or call anytime at 941.312.5630.  ENJOY!