the goods - cosmetics, cutlery, natural medicine - Brief Article

Vegetarian Times, Nov, 2000 by Abigail Chipley

Here's the Rub

Now you can get relief from a stuffy head and cough without smearing a petroleum-based product all over your neck and chest. Natural Cough & Cold Rub from Tom's of Maine ($6 to $9) is made entirely of beeswax and medicinal plants like eucalyptus and peppermint. To soothe the rest of your wintertime ailments, try Tom's new nasal decongestant, echinacea tonic and muscle balm. (800) 775-2388; www.tomsofmaine.com

Hip Hemp Hurray

OK, once and for all: Hemp is not marijuana. This buzz-free cousin of the infamous weed contains a hefty dose of protein and is one of the best vegetarian sources of essential fatty acids. But that's not why we love the new Hemp Bars from Govinda's Fitness Foods ($1.65). These tasty all-natural bars, which come in four flavors, are a cut above other energy bars (which shall remain nameless). The favorite around here is the Carob-Nut. A portion of the proceeds are donated to URGE, a nonprofit group founded by singer Ziggy Marley that helps underprivileged people around the world. (800) 900-0108; www.govinda-foods.com

Tools of the Trade

Oxo's Steel Peeler/Parer set ($19.99) blends a sleek new look with the comfortable grip the company is famous for.

The 3 1/2-inch stainless steel paring knife features a professional-quality blade and superior balance. Thanks to its pressure-absorbing grip, even repetitive tasks like paring potatoes won't cramp your hand. And to tackle carrots, nothing beats the razor-sharp Steel Swivel Peeler. (800) 545-4411; www.oxo.com

Gone to Seed

Birds may not want to fly south anymore once they spot this enticing culinary cottage ($34). Made from assorted birdseeds, including milo and black sorghum, the edible house is irresistible to our feathered friends. It is so adorable, in fact, you may not want to let anything near it. Kids will love watching the birds tear the place down. (888) 357-7427; www.garden.com

Fill `er Up

The Body Shop's new Skin and Body Mechanics for Men could make even guys who won't change their own oil feel like donning coveralls and a tool belt. Yet these cruelty-free products contain only the most gentle ingredients for sensitive guys' skin and hair. Our favorite: the Cooling Shampoo ($9), with menthol and panthenol to keep a man's hair in mint condition. But don't miss out on the deep cleansing body wash, face protector and the full line of new shaving products. Available only at The Body Shop. (800) Body-Shop; www.usa.the-body-shop.com

Plantasia

Warning: The combo of lavender and gardenia in Pure & Basics' new line of body care products is so heady, it could actually send you into a swoon. And these flowers are just two of the seven botanicals in the all-natural products. Drawn from hot mineral springs, the bath salts ($8.49) are infused with chamomile, comfrey and clover blossom to soothe and relax tired muscles. The Foaming Body Scrub ($6.49) exfoliates and cleanses your skin from head to toe with walnut oil, apricothydroxy acids and green tea. (800) 432-3787; www.pureandbasic.com

Basket Case

These traditional decorative baskets are made of a most untraditional material: recycled vinyl telephone wire. Each one, woven by a South African Zulu craftsperson, is utterly unique, varying in color and size ($80 for a 7-inch, $100 for a 9-inch, $120 for an 11-inch). For these and other environmentally friendly gifts, including tableware made from old lighting fixtures and bookends crafted from recycled bike parts, call (877) 326-2781 or visit www.eco-artware.com

Toasty Toes

Banish the chill of those raw November nights with Earth Therapeutics' Herba-Gel Foot Warmers ($15). These plush cotton socks come with microwavable inserts that fit into specially designed pockets to heat your soles (and soul). And since the green tea-- and aloe-infused Herba-Gel formula retains heat six times longer than grain- or water-based inserts, your tootsies will stay toasty the whole night. (800) 789-3580; www.earththerapeutics.com