Maple Leaf Natural Health Store

02/14/2026

02/14/2026

Only 1 Gram of sugar per bar and 12 grams of protein, plus Brain Nutrients, how much better can you get.

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

Here's why you should include berries in your daily meals, especially on days you exercise.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness is the discomfort that starts the day after a particularly grueling workout. This pain is thought to be due to inflammation caused by muscle cell damage, little micro-tears in the muscle.

If it’s an inflammatory reaction, might anti-inflammatory phytonutrients help? Ramping up our diet with phytonutrients, such as anthocyanin flavonoids found in berries, may help with the inflammation.

To study effects on exercise-induced muscle damage, a randomized crossover study compared a blueberry smoothie and an antioxidant-matched placebo smoothie 5 and 10 hours prior to exercise, then 12 and 36 hours afterwards. The blueberry smoothie was about a cup and a half of frozen blueberries, a banana, and apple juice; the placebo smoothie was made without berries but had dextrose and vitamin C added to match it for calories and antioxidant power. What were the results?

The blueberries worked better at mopping up damaging free radicals. Without blueberries, oxidative stress went up and stayed up, but with blueberries, it went down and stayed down. A day later, there was significantly faster restoration of peak muscle strength, demonstrating that blueberries can accelerate recovery—something that may be especially relevant to athletes who compete over successive days.

Interestingly, while the absorption of these phytonutrients can help with exercise, exercise may also help with the absorption of these phytonutrients. The thought is that intense physical activity may change the activity of the good bacteria in our gut, which then boosts the bioavailability of these phytonutrients.

Other foods that may be helpful for muscle soreness after an intense workout include watermelon, cherries, spinach, and ginger.

Learn more on NutritionFacts.org:
"Watermelon for Sore Muscle Relief" at see.nf/watermelonmuscles
"Berries for Inflammation and Osteoarthritis Treatment" at see.nf/berriesforinflammation
"Reducing Muscle Soreness with Berries" at see.nf/soreness
"Ground Ginger to Reduce Muscle Pain" at see.nf/gingerforathletes
"Foods to Improve Athletic Performance and Recovery" at see.nf/foodsforathletes
"Whole Beets vs. Juice for Improving Athletic Performance" at see.nf/nitrates
PMIDs: 22111516, 22341015, 2072832, 26016863, 21776454, 22564864, 22980781, 27455316, 24921623, 26200194, 23862566

02/01/2026

In a recent study from the Middle East, adults eating one daily portion of dates had a remarkable 52% less risk for colorectal cancer. Dates are one of the richest sources of cancer-fighting polyphenols in our diet, boasting 2,100 mg in a single serving (25 grams dried ). But that serving comes from 100 grams of fresh which have an incredible 2,540 mg of polyphenols if consumed as (they’re now in season). Researchers tested this amazing fruit’s anticancer properties by putting digested extracts in a test tube with colon cells, and it slowed their growth by up to 90%.
Sources: Pubmed IDs 25310217, 15670984, 26101614 +comments

02/01/2026

Which G-BOMBS are your favorite? Share your favorites in the comments!

02/01/2026

Such an amazing herb, i always have it on hand. Wonderful for ANY lung issue!

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein is a tall, biennial herb recognized by its soft, velvety leaves and towering flower stalk. It has a long history of traditional herbal use and has been commonly included in gentle, supportive wellness routines across cultures.

🌿 Native Range

Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia

Naturalized throughout North America

Commonly found along roadsides, fields, disturbed soils, and open landscapes

🌿 Parts Used

Leaves:
•Traditionally used to support respiratory comfort
•Commonly prepared as teas or infusions for soothing purposes
•Historically included in herbal smoke blends
•Typically dried before use and carefully strained when prepared as tea due to fine leaf hairs

Flowers:
•Traditionally infused into oil for external use
•Often used fresh or dried
•Valued in folk practices for gentle, supportive applications
•Bright yellow flowers bloom along tall stalks in the plant’s second year

Root:
•Less commonly used than leaves or flowers
•Historically included in specific folk and traditional practices
•Typically harvested in the first year before flowering happens the following year.

Common Forms:
Dried leaves
Loose-leaf teas
Flower-infused oils
Tinctures
Traditional herbal smoke blends

🌿 Preparation Notes

Leaves are usually dried prior to use

Teas are strained thoroughly to remove fine hairs

Flowers are infused slowly into oil and stored away from light

Preparations are traditionally simple and used in moderation

🌿 Fun Facts

The soft leaves were once used as natural lamp wicks and candle substitutes

Commonly nicknamed “cowboy toilet paper” because of its texture

Mullein thrives in poor soil and often appears after land disturbance or fires

Flower stalks can reach over 6 feet tall

Bees are especially drawn to mullein flowers

Has been used in traditional European, Asian, and North American herbal practices

⚠️Disclaimer
Mullein is generally considered gentle, but it’s not for everyone. Like any plant or herb introduced into a daily routine, it should be approached with caution. Those with underlying health conditions (including kidney concerns), who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have plant allergies, or are taking medications should use caution. Always do your research, be mindful of possible interactions, and consider consulting a medical professional or someone knowledgeable before use.

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

We've got it!

Consuming a quarter teaspoon of ground black cumin a day is one of my 21 Tweaks for accelerating weight loss.https://bit.ly/2RfnHZM.

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

To cold to walk or workout in the cold garage! 😂

Start your day with a smile on your face and by putting your health first! This will set the tone for your day and you will get your workout done first thing...

01/26/2026

Due to the current road conditions we well be closed today, January 26th, 2025. Thank you for your understanding.