Licorice Health Foods in Birr, Co. Offaly
Owner Lorin Taylor and shop floor consultant Caroline Flack test out a magnesium supplement, CBD oil, mushroom powder, Cordyceps mushroom capsules, a rosehip serum and a botanical blend.
Magnesium supplement
Caroline says: “PrizMAG by ITL Health is a is a pure magnesium bisglycinate, and is by far one of the best (if not the best) magnesium supplements out there! Magnesium is needed for approximately 80% of our body’s functions yet it is so hard for us to get it from our food anymore due to chemicals and poor soil quality. Before taking PrizMAG I had unbearable period cramps and my energy levels were totally on the floor. Now I get minimal cramping, my hormones have balanced out and I get a great night’s sleep.”
CBD oil
Caroline says: “Living with anxiety isn’t easy, and it is unfortunately very common. CBD oil has been a game changer for both myself and our customers. Our bodies actually have natural CBD receptors, so CBD oil is a quick and reliable way of calming anxiety, improving mood and also reducing pain. The Hempful CBD oil range is my personal fave.”
Mushroom powder
Caroline says: “Mush Mór mushroom powders are a staple in my house! Both my husband and I add a teaspoon into our morning coffee to boost mood, concentration and energy levels. You can also add Mush Mor to the family dinner (it goes fab in a mushroom risotto!) to give the whole family a brain + immunity boost!”
Cordyceps mushroom capsules
Lorin says: “I highly recommend Irish Botanica Cordyceps. I had trouble recovering from Covid and found that taking these very quickly gave me a boost of energy and my breathing was much improved. I take it periodically now if I need a boost of energy and especially need to keep going strong at work.”
Rosehip serum
Lorin says: “I recently discovered the joy of using Kinvara Rosehip Serum. I know it’s meant to be used in a whole protocol, but I am always in a crazy rush and have found simply using it after washing my face makes me feel smooth and moisturised for the day. It absorbs in beautifully, so for the person on the go who still wants to look after their skin, it’s perfect.”
Botanical blend
Lorin says: “Irish Botanica All Seasons Complex is great. It works as an almost instant decongestant from allergies. I had chronic sinus infections, took it for a month and I am totally clear. It even helped with my snoring problem, as now I can sleep with my mouth closed. I have to admit it doesn’t taste great, but it’s so worth it.”
The Wellness Shop in Sligo
Store manager Ciaron McLoughlin and staff members Ann Gannon, Sarah-Jane Boyton and Alison Delahunty review digestive enzymes, an energy supplement, hawthorn drops, liposomal vitamin C, dandelion herb tincture and an omega-3 supplement.
Digestive enzymes
Ann says: “Polyzyme by BioCare is one of my favourite products to help bring some calmness to the digestion. It contains bromelain, lipase and amylase which help to break down proteins, sugars, starchy carbs and fats. Taken with meals these can be very helpful if you feel you have difficulty digesting certain foods, particularly if you feel quite windy and or bloated after meals.”
Energy supplement
Sarah-Jane says: “BioCare Adreno Complex is my fave. It’s designed to support adrenal health and energy levels. It has a synergistic combination of vitamins, minerals and adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola and ginseng. I have used this supplement throughout hectic periods and found it effective at reducing fatigue and improving stress resistance.”
Hawthorn drops
Alison says: “The humble Irish native hawthorn berry, which grows all around us, is my true favoured herb and vastly underestimated in its power to help people. It is a heart tonic which can strengthen and aid all sorts of heart conditions on the spectrum of mild to severe. (Please note, however, for any person taking prescribed medication, consulting with your doctor before taking is a must). I recommend A. Vogel’s Hawthorn drops.”
Dandelion tincture
Alison says: “Another favourite is our native dandelion herb! Its leaves are tasty in early spring for salads. It can be drunk as loose leaf tea or ingested as herbal medicine. Try Viridian’s Organic Dandelion Tincture. It helps to support the liver, aids digestion and detoxes the body as well as regulating cholesterol, blood sugar and hormone levels, and more.”
Liposomal vitamin C
Ciaron says: “Somega’s Liposomal Vitamin C is a more potent form of Vitamin C specifically designed for optimal absorption. Vitamin C is vital for supporting our immune system, energy levels, and collagen formation. Liposomal vitamin C is scientifically proven to reduce fatigue, increase iron absorption and support our energy, making it my go-to for anyone recovering from an illness to get that bounce back feeling.”
Omega-3 supplement
Alison says: “We also recommend Dr Marilyn Glenville’s NHP Omega-3 Support. They boost cognitive function, aid memory and concentration. Suitable for thinking tasks, intense periods of focus, helpful for academics and anybody who has a heavy mental load as part of their job. Omegas are a must for anybody with arthritis, stiffness and joint pain. And your skin will glow and soften!”
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