The Quay Coop, Carrigaline, Co Cork
This issue store manager Con Murphy, co-manager Joe Glennon and beauty, health and nutrition advisor Aimee Spillane review echinacea tea, an ashwagandha supplement, pomegranate molasses and a natural throat spray.
1. NATURAL SOAP
Con says: “Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap comes in both liquid and soap bar form. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and Dr Bronner’s have listed 18 different uses, so it can replace some if not all of the cleaning products in your home. Great.”
2. ASHWAGANDHA SUPPLEMENT
Con says: “Wild Nutrition Ashwagandha Plus Capsules are a great adaptogen – they can help in stressful situations and can help reduce anxiety. They may also help with immune support and with sports endurance and recovery.”
3. POMEGRANATE MOLASSES
Joe says: “I love Marigold Pomegranate Molasses - it is a great flavour-enhancing ingredient. I like to think of it as the soy sauce of middle eastern food. It has a thick texture and a sweet and sour taste that is great mixed with tomatoes, garlic, cumin and fresh coriander. Stir it into some bulgur or couscous for a simple quick meal alive with a unique flavour.”
4. ORAL SPRAY
Joe says: “Irish Botanicals Throat Coat Oral Spray is essential for the colder months. It is an easily applied spray that has an instant soothing effect and a pleasant flavour of cinnamon and liquorice. It comes in a handy little bottle so it’s portable. It is popular with singers and won best new herbal product at the 2015 Natural Health Expo.”
5. GREEN BLEND
Aimee says: “Before I found Nuzest Good Green Stuff I found it difficult to incorporate all the most beneficial greens into my diet in an enjoyable way. Good Green Stuff is a complete nutritional support in one single serving. I think this product is amazing! It can be mixed with water, having a slight pineapple taste, or added to a smoothie. It has 77 concentrated all-natural ingredients. It is gluten-, soya- and dairy-free.”
6. ECHINACEA TEA
Aimee says: “This time of the year I sip on a large warm mug of Dr Stuarts Echinacea Plus Tea to help strengthen my immunity. It’s full of rosehip shells, hibiscus flowers, peppermint, echinacea and blackberry leaves, making it the perfect comforting immune-boosting cuppa. If you’re new to herbal teas I would definitely recommend trying this one, perfect in the summer brewed and poured over ice as well.”
The Health Store, Whitewater Shopping Centre, Newbridge, Co Kildare
This issue store manager Christina Farry, supervisor Karen Whelan and sales assistants Aoife Scanlon and Jennifer Halloran review a multivitamin drink, natural beauty balm, throat gel sachets and paw paw ointment
1. HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS FORMULA
Karen says: “I’ve been using GNC Hair, Skin and Nails Formula for over a year now and have found a huge difference in my hair growth and condition. My nails have gone from being weak and brittle to strong and long. I also feel it has made a huge difference in my skin’s texture and tone.”
2. COLLAPSIBLE CUP
Jennifer says: “I love my Stojo Collapsible Pocket Cup, it has become my daily companion. It’s fully collapsible so when I’m not using it I can tuck it into my bag. It’s great to be able to re-use it on a daily basis for my coffee. Stojo cups are BPA-free, made from recyclable materials, leak proof and suitable for hot and cold drinks, so no more disposable cups for me!”
3. THROAT GEL SACHETS
Christina says: “Otosan Throat Gel Forte are handy sachets that offer speedy relief from throat irritations, they contain eucalyptus and lemon and taste yummy! I’ve used these on many occasions for myself and my kids for anything from a sore throat to a chesty cough. A firm favourite in my house!”
4. PAW PAW OINTMENT
Aoife says: “Sukin Natural Paw Paw Ointment is a handbag staple for me. It’s a luscious balm containing dry skin loving ingredients, can be used on just about any area of the body from lips to feet, providing natural relief to dry areas. Perfect for any handbag.”
5. MULTIVITAMIN DRINK
Karen says: “I take Natures Plus Source of Life Drink Mix every morning. It has a delicious tropical fruit flavour and is the ultimate multivitamin food supplement. I mix it with water and sometimes with juice, I feel it sets me up with energy for the day ahead and has strengthened my immune system.”
6. NATURAL BEAUTY BALM
Christina says: “Dead Sea Magik Beauty Balm is my everyday go-to make-up. It gives a naturally hydrated tinted coverage, which adapts to each skin tone, with SPF15. For me it’s light and natural and gives my skin a nice glow ready for the day.”
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