French Broad Food Co+Op

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October HBC Update

October HBC Update

What a month! My original article seemed unimportant in the face of what we’ve all experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. I’m still in shock and contemplating… what is the new normal? I have no idea, and I think it will take years to figure out—years to see our beloved local businesses come back and thrive, years to rebuild, years to heal.

With all the trauma our community has endured, it has been heartening to see so many people coming together and doing what needs to be done. You can’t drive down the street without seeing signs for free food, free water, clothes, generators, and more. While many of us now have electricity and even water back, we’ll be hauling drinking and cooking water for months to come.

Some of the work I’ve been focused on in the past few weeks has been collaborating with other herbalists to create pop-up clinics. This coming Saturday, October 26th, we will host a free herbal clinic in the upstairs movement and learning center from 11 to 5. There will be consultations, if needed, along with free herbal blends, teas, nutritional supplements, and topical blends.

What I’ve noticed is a growing need for support with trauma, sleep issues, stress, and more. I’m also seeing a need for help with infections, such as eye infections, cellulitis, and other skin conditions. One of my favorite anti-infection tinctures is from Cascade Anderson Geller, one of my most cherished teachers and herbal elders.

Cascade’s Anti Infection Tincture

  • 1 part echinacea root
  • 1 part goldenseal or oregon grape root
  • 1 part usnea
  • ½ part ginger

This is a great formula for any infection be it a secondary infection from a cold or flu or various skin infections. I would recommend taking it for up to 2 weeks and then taking a break. Continue after 1 week if needed. 

Stress support is something we all need, but most especially during times of trauma. I aim to drink at least one to 3 cups of stress or adaptogenic tea daily. Adaptogens are also easy to add to the daily diet.

Adaptogen Powder

  • 1 part Ashwagandha root powder
  • 1 part Eleuthero root powder
  • 1 part maca root powder
  • ¼ part cinnamon powder

Blend together and add 1-3 tbsp to smoothies, medicine balls, cookies, milk, etc.

Mellow Out Tea

  • 2 part chamomile flowers
  • 2 part skullcap
  • 2 part oatstraw
  • 1 part passionflower
  • 1 part wood betony
  • ½ part cinnamon
  • ½ part orange peel
  • 2 part nettle leaf

We in the health and beauty area have gone through many changes in the past few weeks. We’ve said goodbye to Mary Francis and Britt, who have moved on to different jobs and areas. It’s always hard to say goodbye to beloved coworkers and friends, but we are excited about their new adventures.

We are still gearing up for the holidays and have several new local product lines. Helebron Herbs are on their way in, Sow the Magic bath goodies are on the shelf, and Adiya Tallow Company has become one of our most popular skincare lines. We will continue to support local companies in the months and years ahead.

Sadly, several companies, such as Asheville Tea Company and Spicewalla, suffered significant destruction. Please continue to support them by purchasing their products and/or contributing to their GoFundMe so they can reopen and continue providing the products we know and love.

Another local shout-out: We have expanded Calamus & Honey’s magical oils and candles. One of my favorite products is their Florida Water and Peaceful Home oil. We have them displayed on the endcap with our selection of tarot and oracle sets.

Fat and the Moon is a new line and one of my personal favorites! Women-owned, they create wonderful herbal makeup, skincare products, powders, and bath blends. Very soon, calendars, gifts, alpaca scarves, socks, gloves, and Maggie’s Organics socks will be on the shelves. As cold weather arrives, cozy socks and outerwear are so comforting, and of course, we have our usual selection of elderberry syrups, wellness formulas, and lung support products to help ease colds and flu symptoms.

We are still here, doing what we do. My hope is that our community will continue to work together to support one another. It’s my goal to do what I can to help. May you all be safe and have good people in your life. Thank you for being part of the co-op community.

Melissa