I recently visited Mexico to meet up with my plant spirit medicine teacher. We were camping in bug-infested forests and cooking our own food, much of which we’d purchased from local sources. There were two products I found enormously helpful:

1. Uncle Harry’s “Go-Away Mosquito” kept away most of the pesky biting insects, for which I was grateful. It was not active, unfortunately, against ticks and chiggers. (Does anyone know what is?)

2. Nutribiotic’s “Traveler’s Friend” and “Grapefruit Seed Extract” — Having before incurred the wrath of Montezuma, I try never to go south of the border without these helpful preventatives. “Traveler’s Friend” is a more-liquified version of the ever popular grapefruit seed extract and it comes in a tiny easy to pack dropper bottle. You add 20-30 drops per gallon of water. I also use the tablets for those moments when I think maybe I’ve eaten something that’s not sitting right in my stomach.

While recently traveling in Turkey, where EVERYONE (Literally EVERYONE) smokes tobacco - I found the Essential Oil Inhalation tubes  an in valuable addition to my medicine bag.  I traveled with the “Flu Away” Inhaler  formulated with eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils, in addition to the “Immune Boost” Inhaler formulated with thyme, lemon, tea tree, niaouli, eucalyptus, and clove essential oils.  These travel size inhalers came in handy over the course of our 18 hour flight as well as combating all the second hand smoke that one could not avoid while out sight seeing.  The Essential Oil Inhalers help to clear the mind, the air and overall lift the spirits - don’t leave home without them!

We’ve probably all heard about essential fatty acids, those omega oils that lubricate and condition our skin, joints, hearts, brains, and immune systems. Well, someone got smart and started putting them in chocolate truffles (they must have been taking their fish oils). And they’re GOOD! My favorite is the Bija hazelnut truffles, they are soft and chocolatey and delicious, you’d never know there was something healthy in there! There are also great chocolate orange truffles by local Mega-O, that come 7 pretty and tasty little truffles to a box (great for gifts). I love them all, but when chocolate gets good for you, whats not to love?

Then may we suggest something from ida j designs? This Seattle company, owned by two good friends, makes hand sewn, organic cotton kids clothing. Something special and very practical for the holiday gift giving.

You can find Dr. Anastasia on the floor at Rainbow Remedies during these hours:

Tuesdays 1-6pm, Wednesdays 2-7pm, and Thursdays 1-6pm.  All clinic hours are made by appointment only.  It’s great to have you here.

Since Rainbow Natural Remedies opened it’s doors in 1996 Dr. John Sherman has been dispensing natropathic information and helping customers with their selections. He recently decided to close his Seattle practice, pack up his belongings and move to Cleveland, Ohio to begin anew in a clinic closer to his Western Pennsalvanyia roots. He is very missed by all!