Community Food Co-op

Voted Bellingham's best grocery store. Full-service deli, hot bar, salad bar featuring organic, local, and natural foods. Everyone can shop, anyone can join. Co+op, stronger together.

Welcome! Everyone can shop the Community Food Co-op!
360-734-8158|
  • menu bar three linesMENU
    • Shop Online
    • Hours & Locations
      • Community Food Co-op, Downtown Store, 1220 North Forest Street at Holly StreetDowntown Store
        1220 North Forest Street at Holly Street
        Bellingham, Washington
        7 am - 9 pm
        360-734-8158
      • Cordata Co-Op exteriorCordata Store
        315 Westerly Road at Cordata Parkway
        Bellingham, Washington
        7 am - 9 pm
        360-734-8158
    • In Our Stores
      • Celebrating Our Co-op’s 50th Anniversary
      • Community Rooms
      • Customer Input
      • How to Shop
      • Dirty Dozen / Clean 15
      • Service Desk
      • What’s on Sale?
      • Contact Us
    • Departments
      • Bakery
      • Bulk
      • The Co-op Bakery Cafe
      • Dairy & Refrigerated
      • Deli & Deli To Go
      • Floral & Garden
      • Grocery
      • Meat & Seafood
      • Mercantile
      • Produce
      • Specialty Cheese
      • Wellness
      • Wine, Beer, & Spirits
    • About Us
      • Awards
      • Co-op Blog
      • Magazine & E-news
      • Our History
      • Strategic Plan
      • Sustainability at the Co-op
      • Vision, Mission, and Values
      • Contact Us
    • Community Giving
      • Community Shopping Days
      • Donations & Sponsorships
      • Donate at our Registers
      • Farm Fund
      • The Real Food Show
    • Join Us
      • Become a Co-op Member • Join Today!
      • Board of Directors
      • Employment
      • Local Business Partners
      • Sell to the Co-op
    • Recipes
      • Recipes
      • Cooking Videos
  • What’s on Sale?
  • Bakery Online Orders
  • Shop Online
  • Careers
  • Join Today!
  • Cooking Classes
  • Hours and Locations
You are here: Home / Archives for naturopathic medicine

Try These Fun Summer Mocktails

Summer in Bellingham means it's finally time for Covid-safe backyard BBQs and beach days. Step one of a fun party is refreshments, but many people choose to limit or completely omit alcohol. I don't drink much myself, but I adore cocktails. Fortunately, we have a wide selection of fun alcohol-free mixers and bases to delight everyone in your crowd. Each mocktail recipe will also include a spirits option to turn these into full-fledged cocktails.

Bright & Sunny Mule

This one uses a local favorite, Bright & Sunny Ginger Beer. Very refreshing, great for kids too.

  • 7 oz Bright & Sunny Ginger Beer
  • 3 oz Sparkling Water
  • 1 oz Lime Juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped or torn
  1. Combine Sparkling Water and Lime Juice in a glass or mug
  2. Add most of the mint leaves
  3. Fill cup less than half way with ice
  4. Pour ginger beer over the ice slowly while stirring gently
  5. Top with the remaining mint leaves. Garnish with a lime slice if you're using fresh lime juice

Cocktail: Add Organic Bluewater Vodka

Yakima 75

This take of the French 75 features non-alcoholic Hop Tea, made with Citra hops from Yakima. The white tea gives it a bit of a caffeine kick as well. Be picky with your Elderberry Syrup. Some options include lots of herbal additives that will alter the flavor.

  • 4 oz Hoplark Hop Tea, The Citra Bomb One
  • 0.5 oz Mickelberry Elderberry Honey Tonic or 1 oz Elderberry Syrup
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice (fresh or bottled)
  1. Combine Elderberry Honey Tonic and Lemon Juice in a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled
  2. Pour into champagne flute or wine glass
  3. Top with Hop Tea. Garnish with a lemon slice if you're using fresh lemon juice

Cocktail: Add Geranium London Dry Gin

Cardamom Paloma

Tepache is a probiotic beverage originating from Mexico, and lends quite a bit to this Paloma. This recipe also features Seattle-based Scrappy's Bitters.

  • 6 oz De La Calle Grapefruit Lime Tepache
  • 2 oz Sparkling Water
  • 1-2 dashes Scrappy's Cardamom Bitters (dash to taste)
  • Coarse Sea Salt
  1. Moisten, then salt the rim of a glass, then add ice
  2. Carefully pour Tepache and Sparkling Water into the glass
  3. Dash in Cardamom Bitters, stirring very gently to mix flavors
  4. Garnish with a lime slice or two, if desired

Cocktail: Add La Gritona Tequila Reposado

(Vir)gin and Tonic

This fairly simple recipe produces some incredible flavors, and all the ingredients originate from Whatcom and Skagit county.

  • 1 oz Neverclear Tonic Concentrate (adjust to taste)
  • 1 oz Lime Juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 8 oz Sparkling Water
  • 1-2 dashes Woodcutters Douglas Fir Bitters (dash to taste)
  1. Combine Neverclear Tonic, Lime Juice, and Douglas Fir Bitters in a shaker, and shake with ice
  2. Pour into a glass, and top with Sparkling Water
  3. Garnish with a lime slice if you're using fresh lime juice

Cocktail: Add OOLA Gin

Do It Yourself

Get creative and make your own mocktail using some of these delicious mixers, or mix and match with the above recipes for your own twist

Apple State Vinegar Shrub

Almost a mocktail all its own. This apple cider vinegar-based concentrate just needs a little soda water for a delicious fizzy tonic. You don't need much, it packs a punch! Made locally right here in Bellingham.

Tres Agaves Organic Mixes

The award-winning Tres Agaves Margarita Mix and Bloody Mary Mix are perfectly balanced and can be enjoyed on their own, but a little Tepache added in can go a long way.

De La Calle Tepache

Tepache is a non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented pineapple rind, then sweetened. We carry a wide variety of styles from Mexico-based De La Calle, and we can't get enough of them. Try the OG Pineapple Spice to start, or toss in some of the Chamoy for a spice kick.

HOT OFF THE PRESS| LOCAL| RECIPES| SPECIALITY DIET| WINE, BEER, & SPIRITS catnip| chamomile| dandelion| gardener| gardening| herbal wellness| herbs| homeopathic medicine| naturopathic medicine| plantain| yarrow

Grow and Forage Medicinal Herbs

basket full of foraged medicinal herbs

Despite the recent erratic weather we have been experiencing, Spring has officially sprung. As soil temperatures warm and the daylight hours continue to expand, many eager gardeners are already well into their gardening season. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a novice wanting to flex their green thumb, or simply curious about growing herbs, below are some common medicinal plants that can be easily incorporated into your garden plots, raised beds, soil pots, or even countertop planters.

Many medicinal herbs are easy to grow and do not require a lot of space to produce a decent harvest. If you do not have an existing garden, you can purchase terra cotta pots and other small, mobile planters at most garden supply stores. These can be set outside on a porch or even inside by a window as long as they are able to receive a fair amount of sunlight. If growing herbs is not an option, skip to the weed section to find common weeds that can be used as medicine. As always, talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimens.

a field of bright orange calendula flowers, medicinal herb

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Calendula is a personal favorite of mine. Its bright colored flowers are edible and can be added fresh to summertime salads. The dried flowers make a pleasant tea that helps to lower inflammation, soothe the gastrointestinal tract, and help to promote lymph movement throughout the body. The flowers can also be used to make salves, helping to ease inflammatory conditions of the skin and to help shorten the healing time of shallow wounds or burns.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile’s small white flowers can be dried to make a mild tea that helps to improve digestion, settle an upset stomach, reduce cramping, and ease an unsettled mind.

field of white and yellow chamomile flowers, medicinal herb
close up photo of a lemon balm plant, medicinal herb

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): A common garden favorite, lemon balm leaves have a pleasant citrus taste that makes it perfect for teas or adding directly to smoothies. Lemon balm is a nervine, meaning that it helps to promote a sense of calm and can help reduce feelings of anxiety. It has been shown to improve cognition and to help reduce insomnia. Additionally lemon balm has antiviral properties and can be especially useful topically for cold sores.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Not just for cats! Catnip is a gentle mint that is calming to the nervous mind and can help settle digestive complaints associated with anxious feelings. It can be especially helpful for kids who get upset stomachs when under duress, easing symptoms of loose stools while simultaneously promoting a sense of calm. Catnip is another tasty herb whose leaves make a great tea when dried. If you have a cat at home, it is also fun to watch as they interact with this plant, often rubbing their backs and faces in the fragrant leaves.

close up of catnip plant, medicinal herb
close up of peppermint plant, medicinal herb

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): A common herb, peppermint leaves add flavor to teas while also helping a myriad of complaints. It is especially effective at decreasing nausea and easing abdominal cramping and pains. Caution should be used in people who have heartburn or reflux though as peppermint can worsen these symptoms via its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. In these cases, spearmint make a great substitute (along with calendula and chamomile).

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Like many culinary herbs, thyme is also a potent medicinal. It is a strong antimicrobial and can be added to teas and foods to help fight off infection. Additionally, it is anti-spasmodic and so can be useful for helping to control coughs. For respiratory complaints, its leaves can be added to a hot bath or a simmering pot of water, its fumes gently inhaled to access the lungs and help fight off colds and other infections.

side view of thyme plant, herb
field of medicinal herb yarrow in evening sun

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow’s flowers and feather-like leaves act as a mild bitter, helping to improve digestive function and decrease abdominal cramping when used as a tea. It also has antimicrobial properties and helps to modulate inflammation. Topically it can be added to salves to help fight infection and reduce bleeding.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): Not for the faint of tastebuds as this herb has a potent bitter taste. Its leaves can be eaten fresh or in teas to help with chronic inflammation. It can be especially helpful for headaches and migraines. Use with caution, as sometimes the fresh leaves can cause some people to get canker sores. In these cases, discontinue use.

close up of feverfew flowers, medicinal herb

Forage Medicinal Weeds

Let’s be honest, the definition of a weed versus an herb is more of a matter of opinion rather than a key distinguishing feature. Indeed, many of the weeds growing in our lawns, along sidewalks, or at the edges of walking paths have a multitude of medicinal benefits and would fit right at home in a cultivated medicinal garden. Below are some common “weeds” that can be found locally. Be careful before harvesting to make sure they are not in an area sprayed with chemicals. And be sure to leave some behind for the bees and other wildlife.

grass with dandelions

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis): all parts of this plant are medicinal and edible. This time of year, the leaves are at their most palatable. Slightly bitter, they make a great addition to salads or steamed greens. In the colder months of the fall and winter, their roots can be harvested, chopped up, and dried (or lightly roasted) to make a tea with a pleasant nutty aroma. Dandelions are helpful for digestive complaints, especially slow digestion and constipation. The inulin contained in the plant acts as a prebiotic, meaning it helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. Its roots and leaves help support gallbladder and liver health, can help ease skin conditions like acne and eczema, and its leaves act as a mild diuretic.

Plantains (Plantago spp): The leaves of plantain are great at healing superficial wounds. They can be applied directly onto intact skin or used in salves for more topical uses. They work well for mild burns, insect bites, bee stings, skin abrasions, and rashes.

close up of broadleaf plantain plant
close up of red clover flowers in field, medicinal herb

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Taken internally as a tea, the red-purple flowers of this common plant have many uses. They act as a sedative, helping to support a sense of calm and relaxation. The flowers also help support liver function and thus can be useful in chronic skin conditions such as eczema and acne. They are a potent phytoestrogen and can be helpful for those experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Cleavers (Galium aparine): Also known as bed straw this sticky plant is fun to play with as it’ll attach to clothes and hair easily. The leaves of cleavers help aid the lymphatic system, especially of the head and neck and so can be useful for congestion issues. Pairs especially well with calendula.

close up of sticky cleaver plant, medicinal herb
Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

FLORAL & GARDEN| HOT OFF THE PRESS| NUTRITION| WELLNESS catnip| chamomile| dandelion| gardener| gardening| herbal wellness| herbs| homeopathic medicine| naturopathic medicine| plantain| yarrow

Natural Strategies for Seasonal Allergies

sign next to blooming branches reads "allergy season ahead"

You may have noticed the first signs of spring as Indian Plums break from their buds, nettles emerge from the damp ground, and daffodils and crocuses brighten the landscape. Although always a welcome sight, this time of year also harkens the beginning of the sneezes, itchy eyes, and stuffed noses of allergy season.

If you are looking for natural support when it comes to mitigating seasonal allergies, the most important thing to remember is to start early. The most common mistake people make during allergy season is waiting for their symptoms to arrive before starting natural treatments. Although they can be very effective, many herbs and nutrients used for allergy support take time to work.

For best results, I recommend starting an allergy protocol at least one month before allergy onset.

Unsure of where to start? Below are some common strategies for alleviating allergies.

person changing pillowcase in bedroom

Healthy Habits

Often overlooked, simple hygiene measures can make a big impact when it comes to reducing unwanted allergy symptoms. Pollen very efficiently travels long distances via air streams and animal fur to find new homes in which to flourish. Although we lack the dense fur of our animal counterparts, our clothes and hair offer welcome spots to catch a ride for the innumerable pollen grains that we encounter during a short stroll outside. We end up inadvertently bringing these pollen grains into our homes and onto our sofas, pillows, blankets, and sheets. Luckily, there are some simple steps to decrease this load:

  • Change out of your clothes and shower as soon as you get home. Make sure to put your clothes away in a hamper or closet to prevent pollen recirculation. Showering helps to remove pollen embedded in your hair or on the surface of your skin.
  • Change your sheets and pillowcases often. Since we spend a lot of time with our heads against a pillow, we want to make sure that pillow is as free as possible of pollen. Switch out pillowcases twice weekly and wash sheets weekly if you are able.
  • Vacuum, dust, and mop often. If you have rugs or carpeting, vacuuming at least weekly or multiple times a week is critical. If time is limited, focus on the rooms you spend most of your time in, such as the bedroom and living room. Use a damp cloth to wipe down hard surfaces, such as tables and shelves.
  • Use HEPA air filters to filter pollen out of circulation. Start with the room you spend the most time in, such as the bedroom or a home office.
white neti pot with towel and salt on display

Nasal Rinses

In addition to cleaning around the house and improving the quality of the air you breath, you can also take steps to clear your sinuses.

  • Neti pots and nasal lavages help to clean the nasal passages of pollen as well as to lubricate the nose and throat. If used regularly, they have the added benefit of preventing mucus in the sinuses from building up and causing sinus infections.
  • Inhaling steam produced by a hot shower or a pot of water on a rolling boil can help to break up mucus and clear out the sinuses. Take care to position yourself far enough from the source to prevent getting burned by the steam. Consider adding fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, to the water for their soothing volatile oils.
variety of colorful and fresh apples in a wooden box

Nutrients & Foods

Eating foods that are natural sources of antihistamines and antioxidants will help you combat seasonal allergy symptoms.

  • Luteolin is a common constituent of many fruits and vegetables, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. Common sources of luteolin include carrots, olive oil, peppermint, thyme, oregano, and celery.
  • Quercetin, like luteolin, is a powerful antioxidant that has antihistamine properties. It can be found in common foods such as onions, citrus fruits, buckwheat, green leafy vegetables, and apples.
  • Apples not only contain quercetin, they are also a rich source of allergy fighting polyphenols and antioxidant proanthocyanins.
Nettles: leaves, supplements, tincture, and tea

Herbs

Support a nutrient-rich diet with herbal supplements.

  • Nettles have natural antihistamine properties, with the highest concentrations in freeze dried preparations. Since nettles are abundant this time of year, enjoying them as food or tea can also be helpful.
  • Butterbur is shown to be effective against allergic rhinitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that acts to inhibit inflammatory leukotrienes and histamine-releasing mast cells.

Start now for a more enjoyable allergy season. And, as always, remember to consult your health care provider before starting any herbal or supplement protocol.

Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

NUTRITION| SALES| WELLNESS allergies| herbs| naturopathic medicine| spring| wellness

Herbal Adaptogens for Stress Support

silver spoons with brightly colored superfood powders in them

The past few years have brought about unexpected and unprecedented change. As a consequence, it has also burdened us with significant stress: stress at the workplace, stress in relationships, stress about the future, financial stress, and burnout. For many of us stress has permeated our lives, becoming a daily and constant unwelcome companion. It is important to note that not all stress is bad. In healthy amounts, stress can be a source of motivation, it can help us endure discomfort in the short term for long term gains, it can help keep us safe by cueing us into danger. When stress becomes prolonged and overwhelming, however, it stops being beneficial and instead becomes disruptive, burdensome, and even detrimental to our health. Excessive stress can cause fatigue, disrupt our sleep, make us more irritable and on edge, and lead to or exacerbate chronic conditions like IBS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Luckily, there is a group of herbal allies that can help us bear the weight of stress so that it does not feel so heavy. These allies are called adaptogens. Adaptogens are uniquely well suited to help our bodies adapt to stress on a physiological level. When taken regularly, adaptogens can help decrease fatigue, improve attention and endurance, and blunt the detrimental effects that chronic stress can have on our hormones, immune system, and nervous system.  

Let’s take a closer look at four common adaptogens.

Rhodiola plant pictured with root on wooden spoon

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a short, fleshy perennial herb with a fragrant rhizome that is abundant in the Arctic and originates in Siberia and the mountains of northwest China. Just as the plant itself is able to withstand and even flourish in these harsh habitats, rhodiola as an adaptogen helps to increase endurance, combat fatigue, and enhance physical and mental performance. It is ideal for those who are experiencing prolonged periods of heightened stress leading to fatigue, burnout, and difficulty focusing. Think of this plant for those who are burning the candle at both ends, such as college students, exhausted parents, and overworked individuals. Because of its energy boosting properties, it is best taken earlier in the day.

Find rhodiola in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Astragalus roots slices in front of black tea pot

Astragalus

Astragalus is widely used in Chinese medicine as an adaptogen with cooling and calming effects. In addition to being an adaptogen, astragalus is inflammation-modulating. It does it all. Astragalus protects the kidneys and liver, supports a healthy heart, breaks down scar tissue, and fights against viral infections. It is best used on a regular basis for general stress support, especially when stress leads to frequent illness, anger and irritability, and chronic fatigue.

Find astragalus in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Ashwagandha plant, root, powder, and capsule on cutting board

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition as an herb that helps to replenish us when we feel our vitality is depleted. Not only a powerful adaptogen, ashwagandha is also anti-inflammatory and anxiety reducing. It helps to nourish and protect the brain. Ashwagandha is ideal for those experiencing stress-related insomnia, as it can help increase sleep latency times, allowing us to sleep longer and more fully. Think of this plant for when you are feeling “wired and tired,” exhausted and unable to cope with stress with excessive worry and thoughts.

Find ashwagandha in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Bacopa herb and powder in bowl

Bacopa

Bacopa is the go-to adaptogen when stress is starting to affect brain health. Bacopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective agent. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain, increases GABA (an anti-anxiety neurotransmitter), and helps to repair damaged neurons. Bacopa is helpful in improving cognition, focus, memory retention, and concentration. Because of these qualities, it can be a powerful adaptogen for the aging, the overworked, and those with ADHD.

Find bacopa in the Co-op's wellness department here.

Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

HOT OFF THE PRESS| NUTRITION| WELLNESS adaptogens| herbs| naturopathic medicine| stress| supplements| wellness

Categories

  • BAKERY
  • BULK
  • DELI & CATERING
  • EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
  • FARM FUND
  • FLORAL & GARDEN
  • GROCERY
  • HOLIDAY
  • HOT OFF THE PRESS
  • LOCAL
  • MEAT & SEAFOOD
  • NUTRITION
  • PRODUCE
  • RECIPES
  • SALES
  • SPECIALITY DIET
  • SPECIALTY CHEESE
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • THE CO-OP DIFFERENCE
  • UNCATEGORIZED
  • WELLNESS
  • WINE, BEER, & SPIRITS
A bottle of rose sits next to a heart shaped candle, two bottles of nail polish, and two mineral bath packets.

Valentine’s Gifts for You and Yours

Show your Valentine, your Galentine, and yourself some love this Valentine’s Day with unique gifts, wine, flowers, chocolate, and more from the Community Food Co-op. We’ve curated some loving inspiration to make your Valentine’s Day special.  Heart Pillar from Big Dipper Wax Works Bask in the warm glow of this [...]
We stand with the AAPI community

Standing with Our AAPI Community

The Community Food Co-op is saddened by the continued violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and condemns all hate crimes. The Co-op has zero tolerance for racism, and we continue to work to transform our organization and community for racial equity. Racial equity work is a […]

Woman athlete takes a break, drinking water from a reusable water bottle on a hot summers day

Optimal Hydration

Addressing Optimal Hydration Although everyone knows that water is essential for life, most don’t understand why drinking enough water is so important. Without water, humans can only survive for a matter of days. To prevent dehydration all land animals (us humans included) have evolved very sensitive physiological controls to maintain […]

enews-sign-up-image

get connected and save - click here to sign up for our e-news

DOWNTOWN STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 7 am – 9 pm
meat and deli counter: 7 am – 7 pm
made-to-order counter: 7 am – 6 pm
salad/hot bar: 7 am – 6 pm

CORDATA STORE & DELI • map • 360-734-8158 • 7 am – 9 pm
meat and deli counter: 7 am – 7 pm
made-to-order counter: 7 am – 6 pm
salad/hot bar: 7 am – 7 pm

Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

Machine Readable Files

Copyright © 2023 Community Food Co-op

0