Open Sesame in Gort, Co Galway
This issue owner Leroy Smith, shop assistant Tara Collins and managers Elaine Melican and Rhys Phillips review elderberry syrup, a spicy condiment, cough remedy and apple cider
1. SUSTAINABLE CUPS
Leroy says: “There’s a lot of choice these days when it comes to reusable mugs, but Huski has to be the best. Huski are a family run company making sustainable, non-toxic, BPA free travel cups from rice husks. The lid is nice and tight, and unlike some they won’t burn your hand off!”
2. ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Elaine says: “Pukka Elderberry Syrup is great for adults and kids alike, with instructions on guide dosages included in the packaging. This time of year elderberry is badly needed due to its anti-viral anti-bacterial properties and this gives a well needed immune system boost.”
3. APPLE CIDER
Tara says: “I recommend Highbank Apple Cider for balancing blood sugars, aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. I love the fact it is tested for antioxidant levels, it's 100% Irish and the founders of the company are a gas pair!”
4. COUGH REMEDY
Elaine says: “Viridian Horseradish and Garlic Complex has natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and really packs a punch. I've recommended this to customers who have been amazed at how fast it can work in helping clear coughs.”
5. PEANUT CONDIMENT
Rhys says: “I would happily eat a rock provided it was smothered in White Mausu Peanut Rayu! I'm going through jars like mad. It fuses Japanese and Chinese flavours beautifully. I won't list what foods it goes well with because there will probably not be enough space in this magazine!”
6. IRON COMPLEX
Elaine says: “Viridian Balanced Iron Complex is non-constipating and has all your B-vitamins for blood production in a simple one-a-day capsule. Great during pregnancy and when you need an iron supplement.”
7. MAGNESIUM SUPPORT
Rhys says: “Terranova Smooth Magnesium Complex Powder contains avena sativa to aid relaxation and stress, montmorency cherries for a source of melatonin and P5P to help support the adrenal glands. My go-to pick for sleep disturbance, and the sachets are real handy for on-the-go, especially if you are someone sleeping away from your own bed a lot.”
Here's Health in Patrick Street, Cork city
Store manager Conor Philpott, sales assistants Darragh Kennedy, Petra Efendic and Claire Swift, online store manager Orla Crowley and sales assistant/acupuncturist Sinead Casey review magnesium powder, liquid soap, chia seeds and omega oils
1. OMEGA 3 AND 6 OIL BLEND
Conor says: “I have been taking Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Blend for years and when I stop I notice a real difference. My hair is supple and shiny and my skin feels more hydrated and healthy when taking this oil! It is a really rich source of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.”
2. IMMUNE BOOSTER
Darragh says: “This time last year I was getting colds and flus quite often and my energy levels were really low so I started taking Source of Life Gold to boost my immune system and energy levels. I started to notice results after just taking it for a week. Great product, would highly recommend.”
3. CHIA SEEDS
Petra says: “I mix a table spoon of Salba Chia Seeds into my porridge in the morning or yogurt as my afternoon snack. They make me feel fuller for longer and reduce my sugar cravings. My hair seems to have become more shiny since I started eating them, which is a bonus! I love them.”
4. MAGNESIUM POWDER
Clare says: “I lead a very active and energetic lifestyle and need to take magnesium every day to avoid muscle cramps and help me relax into sleep. I find One Nutrition Ocean Mag powder extracted from pristine seawater very clean and effective. Just 1/4tsp mixed in a glass of water every morning gives me relaxed muscles and aids a good night's sleep.”
5. NATURAL LIQUID SOAP
Orla says: “Having tried numerous alternatives to shampoo and body washes over the years, I found one I was completely happy with. Dr Bronners Pure Castile Liquid Soap is amazing – just a drop is enough and the oils in the product leave my skin clean and soft. It does not cause any irritation to my scalp or skin and has transformed my hair. The whole range is amazing!”
6. L-THEANINE FOR STRESS
Sinead says: “Viridian L-Theanine and Lemon Balm capsules are a great defence and support for stress. I particularly love the lemon balm in this brand. It is fast acting, calming and non-drowsy. I sometimes use it during the day or for a good night’s sleep. It’s an easy and efficient way to generate a feeling of calm.”
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