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Food for Life in Callan and Kilkenny City, Co Kilkenny

This issue Abbas Ghadimi and his wife Carmel Rose, and sales assistant Maria Watkins review a sleep support, night cream, aloe vera gel and magnesium supplement.

1. SLEEP SUPPORT

Carmel Rose says: “Melissa Dream for restful sleep contains all natural ingredients including magnesium for normal muscle function and the nervous system, chamomile for relaxation and healthy sleep and l-theanine stimulates the creation of alpha waves in the brain which aids relaxation. Vitamins B2 and B6 assist normal function of the nervous system and B12 contributes to reduction of stress and fatigue.”

2. DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

Abbas says: “I have been using Udo’s Choice Super 8 Gold daily for the past five years. I use it for the prevention of getting colds and flus, and its 102 billion ‘good’ bacteria in every capsule supports my digestive system.”

3. NIGHT CREAM

Maria says: “Having used other night creams over the years I have found that Dublin Herbalists Night Cream is creamy but not heavy and really suits my skin. On waking my skin feels soft and smooth. Ingredients are high in vitamin C and E and I like the scent.”

4. RESCUE REMEDY

Carmel Rose says: “Bach Rescue Remedy is a handy way to keep stress at bay throughout a busy day. A few drops in a glass of water or in a bottle of water to sip throughout the day can keep me calm and alert. I also love the Rescue Night, ideal if you are a light sleeper and wake during the night – one or two sprays and back to sleep with ease.”

5. SUPER SUPPLEMENT

Abbas says: “When Revive Active first launched I was offered a free sample, and I haven’t stopped taking it since. I find it great for energy in the morning with 26 active ingredients specially formulated to support your immune and nervous system, heart, circulatory system and thyroid function. Each sachet is enriched with 150mg CoQ10 and 3,000mg L-Arginine. Just add to water.”

6. ALOE VERA GEL

Maria says: “Aloe Pura Organic Aloe Vera Gel with Tea Tree is my go-to remedy when I’m gardening and get bitten by insects. This wonderful gel eases the burning sensation, reduces the swelling and takes away the itch.”

7. MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENT

Carmel Rose says: “PrizMAG Magnesium supports a normal nervous system and muscle function. When our body is lacking enough of this mineral, we may experience muscle cramps or restless leg syndrome, poor sleep or irritability. I like it as it offers the benefit of fast absorption without causing bowel intolerance.”

The Health Connection in Ennis, Co Clare

This issue, nutritional therapist and owner Olivia Cahalane, along with her staff, nutrition and wellness coach Gráinne O’Beirne, nutritional and lifestyle coach Gillian Shannon, and health advisor Ava Glynn review an immune-boosting super tonic, a sleep support supplement, an organic facial balm, and artisan chocolate treats. The Health Connection is proud of shopping locally and has recently been awarded Local Food Champion by Health Stores Ireland.

1. SLEEP SUPPORT

Gráinne says: “We stock Marilyn Glenville’s NHP supplement range in store. I personally can vouch for Advance Sleep Support. Two capsules an hour before bed can really help with winding down and gently stimulates a natural sleep cycle. The blend contains valerian, passion flower, lemon balm, and chamomile alongside magnesium, theanine, cherry powder and glycine.”

2. CHOCOLATE COVERED DATES

Olivia says: “As local food champion winner in the Health Foods Ireland awards we have a real focus on local Irish producers. Our personal favourite for sweet treats is the Hungry Crow. Made in Clonakilty, Co Cork, their dairy-free chocolates are a fab favourite with our customers. I particularly love their chocolate covered Palestinian medjoull dates. They use single origin Peruvian chocolate, making it perfect for a sweet treat year round.”

3. FACIAL BALM

Ava says: “My personal favourite for skincare is the Mervue range, particularly the organic Super Fruit Facial Balm. It’s so smooth on the skin and leaves a lasting, hydrating effect. I love that it’s a Co Clare woman who created the brand. The blend of broccoli and borage oils mixed with beeswax creates an anti-inflammatory effect and has a super softening feel, great for sensitive skin.”

4. IMMUNE TONIC

Gráinne says: “Moss Boss Immune Tonic is a delicious powerful immune-boosting elixir created and formulated by our very own ex member of staff and Oirtonics founder, Edel Breslin. Moss Boss is a delicious blend of local Carrageen Moss from the shores of West Clare, local raw organic honey, apple cider vinegar and fresh ginger, all blended into a delicious freshly squeezed clementine juice. It helps digestion and keeps sore throats and chest issues at bay.”

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