Tried & Tested - July/August 2015
How Irish Association of Health Stores staff rate what they sell...
Alive and Well, Carlow
This issue shop manager Trudy Collier and sales assistants Sam Moore and Dee Kelly review spirulina tablets, an eye spray, sleep aid, roll-on deodorant, omega and B complex supplements:
1. NATURAL EYE SPRAY
Dee says: “Eye Logic Dry Eye Spray is brilliant, especially when I’m wearing contact lenses. Because it is a spray it can be used on the go which is really convenient.”
2. ROLL-ON DEODORANT
Trudy says: “Urtekram Deo Crystal lime roll-on deodorant ticks all the boxes. It is natural, certified organic, vegan, reasonably priced and it works. I find it gentle, effective and the scent is energising and fresh.”
3. OMEGA SOFTGELS
Sam says: “Not always being able to get my daily dose of omegas, I have found Solgar Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum Omega to be a great support for both my joints and hormone balance. The fact the salmon is sustainably caught is another factor in my choice.”
4. SPIRULINA TABLETS
Trudy says: “I find spirulina great for a daily energy boost. I take three Nua Naturals Organic Spirulina Tablets (500s) per day and really feel the difference. It is high in iron, protein and calcium, safe for pregnancy and breast feeding. This product is produced by an Irish company and is great value for money.”
5. SLEEP AID
Dee says: “New Nordic Melissa Dream is a great natural sleep remedy. I get a really restful night’s sleep when I take this and the magnesium in it also helps with leg cramps – an added bonus.”
6. B COMPLEX
Sam says: “At times when my energy levels are low and I’m feeling a little frazzled I take Solgar Vitamin-B Complex vegetable capsules which seem to do the job for me.”
Simple Simons, Donegal
This issue staff test a peppermint oil, joint gel, almond butter, eye support and artisan honey:
1. GREEN CLEANING
Toni says: “I absolutely hate animal testing; it can be hard to find truly ethical products eg. some companies test on water fleas and rabbit blood to get around the restrictions. You don’t have to worry about any sneakiness like that with Method Home Cleaners, which are 100% green and ethical from the inside out plus they work and smell amazing.”
2. PEPPERMINT OIL
Solenn says: “I’m a huge fan of Atlantic Aromatics Peppermint Oil and always keep a bottle handy. It’s very relaxing for your mood but also has lots of practical uses, relaxes sore muscles, relieves headaches and soothes rashes. Best of all? Spiders hate it! Spray in corners of a room to deter them.”
3. ARTISAN HONEY
Finbar says: “I love our local range of artisan honey from Philip Sherridan. His Wildwood Honeys are site- and source-specific to Sligo, Cavan and Roscommon. We are going to site six hives on our small farm in the Bluestack Mountains so will have some of our own crop available in store.”
4. EYE SUPPORT
Brian says: “I recommend Vitabiotics Visionace. It promotes eye health and maintains normal vision. It also helps protect your eyes from everyday wear and tear such as exposure to sunlight, smoke and pollution. It also includes a good general range of multi vitamins. Definitely a product I am always happy to recommend.”
5. ALMOND BUTTER
Angela says: “My favourite product is Keen Almond Vanilla Butter. This is made simply with roasted almonds and vanilla pod, so it’s a very clean product, contains no nasty additives or chemicals, with no added sugar. Great to bake with, add to porridge or simply spread on toast.”
6. NATURAL YOGURT
Kelly says: “My favourite product is Fage Total 0% Plain Greek Yogurt. Fat-free but high in protein, it is hands down the best yogurt I’ve had. I have it with granola and fresh fruit or as a healthy alternative to cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese. I think it’s delicious.”
7. JOINT GEL
Lee says: “My favourite product is Optima Glucosamine Joint complex gel. It provides a cooling sensation when applied, gradually changing to a pleasant warming sensation. Perfect for reducing pain in the joints. This has helped me deal with joint pain from an active lifestyle and is a product I would strongly recommend.”
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