Dr Clare Apothecary in Galway
This issue herb dispenser and store assistant Iris Merz, nutritional therapist Michelle Hanley, functional nutritionist Tara Canning, medical herbalist Lara Jonasdottir, store assistants Annie Dillon and Amy Lee and herbal medicine student Jackie Maurer from Dr Clare Apothecary in Galway test seaweed salad, mastic gum, a skin blend and high strength vitamin D
1. RUDE MULTIVITAMIN SACHETS
Iris says: "Oxylent Multivitamin sachets are great for anyone who doesn't like taking pills or tablets or isn't able to. You just add a sachet (in blueberry, berries or mandarin) to a glass of water and you have a refreshing, sparkling drink that delivers vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, CoQ10 and electrolytes with easy absorption. My energy levels have improved since taking it."
2. SKIN BLEND
Michelle says: "Dr Clare Apothecary Skincore blend is fantastic for anyone with problematic skin like acne or blemishes. It is great as a blood cleanser to help detoxify the system. Also brilliant for any congestion, especially combined with the Derma tea bags and a good wholesome diet."
3. HIGH STRENGTH VITAMIN D
Annie says: "I recommend Macanta Vitamin D it is high strength (2500iu) vitamin D3, natural and vegan too. It is an Irish-made product that has kept our immune systems strong and supported for the past few years."
4. SEAWEED SALAD
Tara says: "A sprinkle a day of Sea Salad Sprinkle by Wild Irish Seaweed contains all 50 minerals, some vitamins and protein. Harvested sustainably off the Clare coast, without the fishy taste, it suits all palates."
5. MASTIC GUM
Amy says: "I have seen many customers improve their acid reflux, h pylori infections and general stomach discomfort by taking Mastika Mastic Gum over two months. It can be very helpful for digestive issues."
6. ANTIOXIDANT MUSHROOM
Lara says: "Reishi AntiOx by Hifas da Terra is a relaxing, immune-boosting antioxidant mushroom that's a great winter booster to have in the cupboard. It also acts like an anti-inflammatory for aches and pains. Take 1-2 tablespoons in your smoothie, yogurt, soups or stews."
7. PARACAN BLEND
Jackie says: "Dr Clare Apothecary Paracan Blend is a lovely blend to help create harmony in the gut area. The herbs are very gentle and create a symbiotic balance between the good and bad bacteria in the gut. With the paracan blend I also am taking a probiotic and drinking the dandelion and cacao coffee to help aid with the elimination process."
Aquarian in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
This issue owner-manager Suzan Turan, registered homeopath Birgit Buschmann and team member Julie Holstead review natural toiletries, vitamin D, sleep tea, a magnesium powder and digestive support.
1. DIGESTIVE SUPPORT
Suzan says: "I often compare Nature's Plus GI Nutra Total Digestive Wellness in powder form to a 'ctrl alt del' reboot of your computer as it seems to give a right kickstart to our digestive system. With l-glutamine amongst many other fab ingredients, I can really feel the gut-healing support."
2. MAGNESIUM POWDER
Julie says: "My daily dose of MAG365 magnesium powder is a must. Being diabetic, it helps with the maintenance of my blood sugar and also blood pressure. Also it's a great all-rounder for the maintenance of muscle."
3. NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
Birgit says: "I like the Kingfisher range of natural, fluoride-free toothpastes. My favourite is definitively the Fennel toothpaste with its refreshing smell and taste."
4. SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Suzan says: "My haircare favourite is Sea Magik Mineral Shampoo and Conditioner. It really gives great strength, shine and growth to my quite long hair."
5. TURMERIC
Julie says: "Part of my daily routine is to take Solgar Turmeric, as my younger days of sport have left me with bad knees. Its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants help me with the pain and stiffness in my knees."
6. JOJOBA FACE/BODY OIL
Birgit says: "Atlantic Aromatics Organic Jojoba Oil is an excellent facial and body oil and I use it daily at least once, but mostly in the morning and in the evening. It does not have to be diluted and can be used as a cleanser and moisturiser."
7. COFFEE
Suzan says: "I love Sonnentor Coffee. I'm not too picky about whether it's the Viennese Melange or the Espresso type. As a coffee lover, that's my all-time favourite. It's a morning ritual."
8. VITAMIN D SPRAY
Julie says: "Better You Vitamin D Daily Spray makes a change from taking tablets and is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It has a lovely taste of peppermint and I like it because of that."
9. HERBAL TEA FOR SLEEP
Birgit says: "Drinking a cup of Clipper's Organic Sleep Easy Infusion has become my nightly routine before going to bed. It is very calming and soothing and has a pleasant herbal and spicy taste with a hint of orange."
10. CREAM CLEANER
Suzan says: "A bit of an exotic choice of mine is the Sonett Cream Cleaner. It smells divine and does a great job. The company story is worth a read too."
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