A.Vogel Milk Thistle Complex

The festive season is often a time where we overindulge, especially on rich foods and alcohol. Unfortunately doing this puts a lot of pressure on our digestive system and especially our liver. Luckily nature has provided a few good herbs to help us cope and A.Vogel have put them in a bottle.

The A.Vogel Milk Thistle Complex contains the seeds of Milk Thistle are combined with four other important herbs used in healthcare for centuries – fresh extracts of Dandelion, Artichoke, Peppermint and dried Boldo leaves.

Milk Thistle

This herb has been used for centuries as a support for liver detoxification and support. A.Vogel use the seeds of the Milk Thistle, which contain the highest amount of active ingredients. Although Milk Thistle is often used as a hangover cure, Unfortunately, this is not a hangover cure but may reduce the morning after feeling of a big night out as it can support detoxification of toxins that cause hangovers.

Dandelion

This formula uses both the herb and root of the dandelion. The root is used as a liver support to cleanse the liver and digestive system. The herb is traditionally used to help detoxification through the kidneys, as well as reducing water retention. When you’re trying to beat the bloat this is a great herb to support that.

Artichoke

Fatty foods are often eaten this time of year which can make us feel a bit queasy.  The liver produces the bile and if it is under strain this may be the reason you are feeling unwell after eating fatty foods. Artichoke helps with bile flow which is responsible for fat metabolism and for this reason is a great addition to this formula

Peppermint

This herb has a long use of treating many digestive complaints and mostly used to treat symptoms of IBS such as spasms, bloating and cramping.

Boldo

Most commonly, the tea of this plant was used in South America to reduce the symptoms of a hangover, and to promote healthy digestion as well. Today, modern research has shown that Boldo does in fact help promote healthy digestion, and may be used to support bowel health and ease stomach upset.

So if you’re looking for a festive formula to help relieve digestive disturbances such as: heartburn, acid reflux, excess burping, bloating, nausea, feeling of abnormal or slow digestion or early satiety, try the A.Vogel Milk Thistle Complex.

 

Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream

The Dr Hauschka range has always been a favourite and the  Cleansing cream is no exception. Jamila in our Kingston store says: “It is a wonderful cleanser which I use as a make up remover as well, I use it morning and evening as daily ritual and it can be used with other creams and oils”

The Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream offers renewing, refreshing care to the skin. This gentle cleanser exfoliates using Calendula, chamomile, St. John’s wort, anthyllis and sweet almond meal gently cleanse while revitalising skin and minimising the appearance of pores. It supports the skin’s natural protective function, preparing it for a toner and day or night care, suitable for all skin conditions

Dr Hauschka recommend that you cleanse in the morning and evening using gentle movements.

Dr Hauschka focus on quality and abide by the following standards

  • Truly 100% natural and organic cosmetics, certified to NATRUE standards
  • Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives
  • Free from mineral oils, parabens, silicone and PEG
  • Vegan
  • Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
  • Never tested on animals -> learn more
  • Wherever possible, all raw materials come from controlled organic or biodynamic cultivation and are recovered under fair conditions

OM Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder

Chaga mushrooms have only recently started to gain popularity in the western word, but have been used for hundreds of years in Siberia and Asia. These amazing mushrooms grow on hardwood trees, primarily birch, in the forests of northern Europe, Russia, Asia, Canada, and the northeastern United States. They usually grows as a conical or oblong black charcoal looking protrusion from the bark which contributes to its nickname “black gold”

Chaga has a naturally occurring vanillin, the same as found in the vanilla bean. Therefore, it has a slight hint of vanilla flavor when used and doesn’t taste like a regular mushroom. It has long been used as a tea but more recently gaining popularity to make mushroom lattes.

Benefits:

High levels of antioxidants:

Antioxidants are nature’s anti ageing ingredients. Our body ages because of “free radicals” that damage our cells, and antioxidants limit the damage caused (find our more here). Chaga has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity) scores of any food. The higher the ORAC score the better a food’s ability to protect the body.

Immune support:

Aside from the healing antioxidants, Chaga contains Beta-Glucans which help balance the response of the body’s immune system, helping your immunity be ready when needed but not over stimulating it. Chaga is also being researched for it’s antiviral properties.

Natural adaptogen:

Adaptogens are herbal components that control the adrenal system of the body. They manage how the body react to anxiety and stressful situations and although this is not an instant effect, using adaptogenic supplements such as Chaga may help reduce the long term effects of stress and how you cope with these situations .

Chaga Mushroom Latte:

Ingredients:

1 cup milk of choice nut or dairy milk

2 cups water

1 tbsp Chaga Mushroom Powder

1 tsp Yogi Tea Classic or Choco Chai loose tea

1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup to taste

 

Instructions:
  1. Put the water, milk, yogi tea and mushroom into a small pan.
  2. Heat gently for about 10 minutes until hot.
  3. Add honey or syrup
  4. Strain into a favourite mug and enjoy

Recipe adapted from: louiseinnes.com

 

Creative Nature Goji Berries

I just love Goji berries. They are also known as wolfberries and have been used as a medicinal plant since ancient China. They are a good source of vitamins, including vitamins (A and C) essential minerals, and antioxidants such as zeaxanthin.

These berries also contain all 8 essential amino acids providing a surprising amount of protein as for fruit.

The carbohydrates in Goji berries are complex carbs. This means your blood sugar will raise slowly, reducing your risk of a sugar crash afterwards.
Their nutrition value as a low-calorie, low-sugar option makes them a perfect substitute to other dried fruits with higher sugar content. A one ounce serving of goji berries only has 23 calories and the Glycemic Index of Goji Berries is 29.

Goji berries have additional characteristics that help control blood sugar and appetite. They contain 21 percent fibre by weight. High fibre foods are filling and help to moderate blood sugar levels. The berries are a good source of chromium, a mineral that aids in blood sugar control. Chromium may also help to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat, promoting a more efficient metabolism, which makes it easier to prevent weight gain.

Goji berries are rich in several nutrients that help to convert food into energy rather than storing it as fat. Further, a balanced combination of essential minerals is necessary for efficient protein metabolism. In addition to calcium and chromium, Goji berries contain copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Goji berries do not only help in a weight loss programme but they have many other health benefits, such as:

  • supporting immune system
  • supporting eye and skin health
  • promoting lean muscle
  • enhancing energy

Two amino acids (L-Arginine, L-Glutamine) and potassium in Goji berries help our bodies to produce more growth hormone, therefore, they can help to enhance libido and fertility.

These berries are good for overall wellbeing and you don’t need to force yourself to eat them because they are delicious!

Use them like raisins or fresh berries. Mix them into your breakfast cereal or yogurt, add them to trail mix, sprinkle over a salad or drink it as juice that can even be added to tea or smoothies.

Goji berries also taste great cooked, adding a savoury sweetness to hearty dishes. Plus, their vitamin C content also will help your body absorb the iron in your meals

Eating two or more servings of fruit daily is usually recommended for optimum health benefits, so add this berry in for a superfood boost to your 5 a day.

I prefer the Creative Nature Goji Berries as they are sulphite free and softer and tastier than other brands I have tried.

Written by Grazyna from our Putney store.

Antipodes Divine Facial Oil

Antipodes created the Divine oil and it really is exactly that – Divine! This oil is a nutrient-rich face oil using collagen-boosting avocado oil, rosehip oil for it’s high levels of Vitamin A and C and essential fatty acids, both known for their ability to help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles. The Divine oil also harnesses pure plant fragrances of jasmine and sweet orange.

Katherine in our Kingston store says that it is: “A moreish skin oil that is my only facial moisturiser! Antioxidant rich rosehip keeps my skin healthy, while the avocado boosts my omegas and evens my skin tone. I feel nourished and silky with no greasy feel.”

Antipodes encourage you pamper your skin. Making your daily facial routine feel heavenly is part of the experience. Apply the Divine oil in gentle upward strokes to your face and neck. Pay loving attention to blemishes, lines, sun damage and scars. For an enhanced nutrient boost use prior to your favourite moisturiser. Suitable for most skin conditions, especially dry and combination. You may feel that applying oil to already oily skin is unusual, however if your skin is overproducing oil to overcome dryness, this will help reduce that overproduction which is why the Divine oil is suitable for combination and some oily skin types, but have a chat with a member of staff in store to find out more about what product would best suit your skin.

 

Source of Life Garden Bone Support

Yogini from our Edgware Store says that one of her favourite’s is Natures Plus Source of Life Garden Bone Support – ” It is a very good supplement for rebuilding. AlgaeCal, with Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D also helps build, strengthen and repair the bone”

Nature’s Plus Source of Life Bone Support Capsules with AlgaeCal is a certified Organic, Gold Standard Vitamin and Mineral formula to aid those who suffer with, or anyone who is concerned about, bone health issues.

The Bone Support nutritionally supports healthy bones with 1000 mg of the most assimilable plant-based calcium from AlgaeCal, a marine algae carefully and sustainably harvested live from the pristine shores of protected coastline in South America.

For maximum absorption and utilisation, Garden Bone Support also provides 1000IU of vitamin D3 from organic mushrooms, as well as vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, the most bioavailable form of vitamin K, the critical bone-health nutrient.

In a base of more than 20 organic whole fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, algae and other green foods. Adequate calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.

This formula is yeast free, gluten free and vegan and does not contain: Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid,
Titanium Dioxide, Carnauba Wax, Talc, Yeast, Hexane or artificial Flavouring, Sweeteners and Preservatives.

 

Wiley’s Finest Prenatal Omega 3 DHA

Good for Mum and Baby!

Omega 3 DHA is an essential nutrient required during pregnancy.  It is necessary for normal and healthy development of the baby’s brain, eyes, and nerves while in the womb.  Eating foods containing DHA during pregnancy has long-lasting benefits for the child as well as the mum as it has been seen to lower the risk of post natal depression. Omega 3 DHA is found naturally in fatty fish, such as salmon and herring, or in dietary supplements.

Babies only get DHA from their mums

The developing baby is completely dependent on its mother for DHA especially during the last trimester of pregnancy, because the brain and eyes are developing rapidly during this time. The baby’s need for enough DHA is so strong that he or she will deplete their mother’s DHA if the supply is low. This is why women need to consume enough DHA during pregnancy for both of them. In addition, eye development and vision are not completely developed by their birth, so feeding the baby healthy levels of DHA from breast milk or formula helps vision continue to develop. Healthy levels of DHA have also been shown to help improve moods in women before and after birth.

How much do you need?

Neither mom nor baby can make DHA in the body so it must be consumed through the diet or from supplements. Experts recommend getting at least 200 – 300 mg DHA per day, and some recommend up to 900 mg per day to cover the needs for both mother and child

Why Wiley’s Finest?

Wiley’s Finest Prenatal DHA provides a concentrated dose of EPA and DHA essential fatty acids in every serving.
  • Concentrated Wild Alaskan Fish Oil made at their family owned and operated cGMP Refinery
  • Each serving contains 120mg EPA, 600mg DHA for a total of 720mg Omega-3s
  • Take 2 softgels per day; 60 count bottle is a 1 month supply!
  • Sustainable Alaskan Fish caught by American Fishermen

Wiley’s Finest has partnered with national charity Baby Lifeline.

During the months of August and September 2017, Wiley’s Finest will be donating 5% sales of Beginners DHA and Prenatal DHA to Baby Lifeline which supports the care of pregnant women and their unborn and newborn babies, ensuring the best possible outcome from pregnancy and birth.

Sam Wiley, Managing Director of Wiley’s Finest says:
“We are honoured to partner with Baby Lifeline, a charity dedicated to supporting babies during their first precious moments in this world. Our family believes supporting the nutritional care of every mother, both pre and postnatal and her baby is essential. As a father with young children, I am touched to think we can be a part of their mission.”

 

Vitalife Ceremonial Matcha

Bryony in our Watford store recommends Vitalife Ceremonial Matcha – She says :”I love the taste and the energy it gives me. I drink it as a tea and put it in my smoothies every morning”

137x antioxidants of standard green tea as well as being high in L-Theanine (the ‘feel good’ amino acid), matcha improves mental focus and awareness, boosts metabolism and due to the high antioxidant value it is very detoxifying and naturally anti-ageing.

Matcha is a powdered green tea grown in exclusive regions of Japan.

Ceremonial grade matcha, in comparison to lower grades, uses only the smallest, youngest tea leaves on the bush – giving it a distinctly smooth, almost sweet, flavour. It is also stronger in antioxidants

Beginner’s grade, on the other hand, uses more mature leaves from further down the tea bush which may be slightly bitter in taste

Ceremonial grade is perfect for those who have tried beginner’s grade matcha and want to take the next step to an even higher quality cup of matcha green tea.

 

Living Nutrition Your Flora Family

Is there anything better than feeling healthy and protected? Is there anything healthier than organic fermented food? Probably not. Because only correct fermentation creates healthy microorganisms for our digestion, and these are one of the best allies we have in our health naturally.

We need to have symbiosis – harmony with nature. That’s why I’m taking Living Nutrition Your Flora Family a symbiotic, naturally evolved microorganism supplement. It helps keep your digestion in great shape which in turn helps to keep us healthy.

Living Nutrition Your Flora provides 35 different strength probiotics, enzymes and nutrients which helps to create the right environment in the gut. It plays a great role in digestive and immune system,  enhance nutrient absorption and are involved in some vitamin production. Also keeps great balance in terms of yeast overgrowth, helps with skin issues and so much more.

In addition the Living Nutrition Your Flora Family is great for the whole family.

Living Nutrition have a range of sypmbiotics for all digestive complaints. Find out more about the rest of the range here

Written by Joanna Kanownik – Product adviser and dietitian in our Putney Store

Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors

I can’t rave about this product any more. It is fantastic. I have been using the Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors for a few years now and it’s great. I inherited my grandmother’s fair Irish skin and I felt like I would burn just thinking about a beach holiday. I was recommended Astaxanthin, a supplement often derived from krill or algae, to stop this from happening. It acts as a kind of natural sun screen. The SPF Skin Pro-Factors contains a very good amount of Astaxanthin as well as other great skin ingredients so I gave it a go.

The results were incredible. Not only do I no longer burn when out in the sun but I also no longer get a”sun allergy” also known as polymorphic light eruption. This does not mean that I can lie in the sun for hours and not roast. You still need to be responsible and use that hat and sun cream but what once resulted in an angry red and sore complexion, even after slathering on sun cream now leaves me a healthy golden brown. I take the SPF Skin Pro-Factors throughout the summer months or 2 weeks before and throughout any winter sun breaks.

The Viridian SPF Skin Pro-Factors contain:

SOD – Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme found in all living cells. It is used by the body to break down harmful free radicles.  It has also been used in studies of cell repair, beneficial for anti ageing. In additional to sunscreen, protective clothing and good choices, such as not going into the sun when it is most intense, SOD may help with exposure to the sun. There have been several clinical studies that actually show better tolerance to sun exposure, particularly for the sun sensitive.

Astaxanthin – Shown to be more effective than than beta-carotene  and lutein at preventing UV light photo oxidation of lipids

Grape Seed Extract – Protect against free radical damage suggested to be a major cause of aging. The antioxidant effect of this is greater than Vitamin A, C or E. Studies have shown this to be effective in improving vision as well as flexibility of tissue such as joints and cardiovascular system

Beta Carotene mix – Beta carotenes naturally protect the skin from the sun but studies have shown that it is at best around and SPF4. Carotenoids are not meant to be used on their own but along side sun protection creams.

 

Add to cart