Watch What Your Kids Collect This Halloween

Studies show that food dyes may cause harmful reactions in children with ADD and other problem behaviors.

 

You won’t need a decoder ring or a biochemist to help you read the ingredients lists for J.R. Watkins products.
Back in 2008, the company pledged its commitment to the J.R. Watkins Freedom Code. “We constantly evaluate our formulas and products to make sure they are at the very highest standard, and are as natural as they can be, according to Marc Jacobs, president and chief executive officer. “We’re sure you can find the petrochemicals, bleaches, synthetic dyes and colors elsewhere if you really want them. With our products, though, you’re free to enjoy things the natural way.”

This is particularly important to know at Halloween when young children are ringing doorbells and chiming, “Trick or Treat?”  You can be certain that attractive-to-look-at treats like candy corn and multi-colored M&Ms contain food coloring dyes that make them look very tasty to youngsters. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been looking into the effect that food colorings may have on certain susceptible children such as those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and other problem disorders. The data suggests such conditions may be exacerbated by artificial food colors.

“There are thousands and thousands of foods that use artificial coloring,” according to Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science and the Public Interest. “That makes it very difficult to avoid them.” It all comes down to profit, believes Jacobson. “Dyes are cheaper than natural coloring, and that’s why they are used,” he said.                                              

Makers of “colorful” candies disagree, stating that the results of these preliminary studies are not conclusive. However, so many individual cases of heightened childhood disorders have been reported to the FDA that officials state further tests are underway. The agency expects that new findings will be issued by the beginning of next year.

Until that time, high volumes of those colorful Halloween treats might be curtailed. No one doubts that excessive consumption contributes to child obesity in this country. At the same time, you can be sure that all 350+ Watkins products in all four product lines contain no artificial color dyes. You can scan the entire Watkins product line by going to our website: www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com.

National Study Points Out Billions Spent on Back Pain Treatments

Pain management was the basis on which J.R. Watkins founded his company back in 1868.

A recent study by the National Institute of Medicine revealed that $560 billion dollars are spent annually for back pain relief. That equates to $2,000 for every person living in the United States. The study also pointed out that employers pay $7.4 billion dollars each year to help their employees age 40 to 65 manage their back pain.

“I am amazed by the number of customers stopping by our Watkins booth, who ask if the company has a product that can help relieve their lower back pain,” said Alan Lukes, co-manager of the All Natural Country Store. "I love to tell them that the first product introduced by J.R. and concocted in his kitchen sink was created to relieve chronic pain. Today it remains one of Watkins top-selling products because individuals learn about the Watkins Pain Liniment from their parents and grandparents.

Adding to the long-standing history of the liniment is the labeling that appears on the bottle. It has not changed much from the original label that appeared on the Pain Liniment bottles J.R. Watkins sold from the back of his horse-drawn buggy.  “This is part of the Watkins long-standing tradition of offering its customers the most natural of products at a fair price,” according to Alan. “The bottle also carries J.R.’s money-back guarantee Trial Mark a few inches down from the cap. Customers are asked to use the liniment for 30 days, and if they don’t experience any relief from their pain, they can return the bottle to our booth, and we will give them a full refund,” said Alan. “It’s extremely rare that we have refunded money, not only for the Pain Liniment, but for the hundreds of other products we sell directly to our customers.”

The 11-ounce bottle of the Watkins Pain Liniment sells for $12.99. The formula contains camphor spruce oil and capsicum red pepper extract, which gives the liniment its natural red color. Combined with other ingredients, the product is 96.5 percent all natural. 

Later introduced to the Watkins apothecary line was a white pain lotion designed to reduce swelling as well as relieve pain. Whereas the red liniment is to be dabbed on lightly, the white lotion is to be gently rubbed into sore muscles. It also comes in 11-ounce bottle that sells for $14.99, and contains the active ingredients camphor and turpentine oil.

Because customers reported difficulty in dabbing on the red liniment in the proper amount, Watkins introduced a 4-ounce spray bottle that is available for $9.99. The fine mist covers a wider area, with less of a tendency to drip. The spray is more expensive per ounce than the original bottle, yet customers like its convenience, as well as being the perfect size for traveling.  Alan pointed out that when flying, travelers need to put the spray bottle in their luggage since it is more than 3 ounces, and could be confiscated if discovered at airport security check points.

To order any of these products, go to www.AllNaturalCountryStore.com.