The Good Earth, Newpark Shopping Centre, Kilkenny
This issue sales assistants Rosanna Purcell, Kathryn Geoghegan and Helen Jackson test hand and face creams, lavender and flaxseed oils, organic tea bags and soy candles.
Store open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-6pm
1. CO Q10
Rosanna says: “My favourite supplement is TerraNova Co Q10 100mg. It gives me sustained energy during the day. It is essential for our mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells.”
2. ROSE CREAM
Kathryn says: “My number one has to be Rose Day Cream by Dr Hauschka. I’ve used it for the past 25 years – it keeps my skin in great condition. It’s perfect for under make-up and goes a really long way. I love the rose scent and the moisturising effect.”
3. HAND CREAM
Helen says: “I have been using hand sanitisers and washing my hands so much lately that the skin on my hands began to crack and bleed. Helios Homeopathy Graphites & Calendula Cream gently soothes sore and cracked skin.”
4. COCONUT SCRUB PADS
Rosanna says: “Sofix Coconut Scrub Pads are brilliant for cleaning pots and pans. They are easy to keep clean and they last a long time. They are made from coconut fibre and are completely compostable.”
5. LAVENDER OIL
Kathryn says: “I’m an aromatherapist and Atlantic Oil AOP lavender is the oil I would recommend for everything. In our house we use it for spots, cuts, headaches and sometimes cleaning. It’s great in a bath too for relaxing and sleeping.”
6. FLAXSEED OIL
Helen says: “Adora Organic Flaxseed Oil is a delicious vegetarian option for boosting your omega intake and is made in Co Laois. Flaxseed oil has a high concentration of the essential fatty acids omegas 3 and 6, which offer many health benefits – from heart health and skin health to hormone and immune support. I enjoy it most spread on local Speltbakers Soda Bread.”
7. SOY CANDLES
Rosanna says: “I love EcoSenz soy candles. The scent is exquisite. They are made with just the right essential oil blends and make lovely gifts.”
8. ORGANIC TEA BAGS
Kathryn says: “I love the fresh taste of tea made from Clipper English Breakfast Organic tea bags. I can put the used bags in my compost bin as they contain no plastic or bleach.”
9. GLUCOSAMINE COMPLEX
Helen says: “My favourite supplement is Terranova’s Glucosamine, Boswellia and MSM Complex. Since taking this for problems I have with my knees, I’ve noticed a definite improvement. The vegetarian glucosamine and MSM offer excellent joint support and the boswellia helps reduce inflammation which really helps with any discomfort.”
This issue team members Mary Wedel, Tania Murphy, Linda Redmond and Danni Dickson test a number of natural beauty products, plus a vitamin C supplement and spice paste.
Store open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
1. FERMENTED FRUITS AND SPICES
Tania says: “Spoonful botanicals has become so popular since it was televised on an RTé programme recently. We’ve been stockists since we first met the charming entrepreneurs and their product is excellent! A fantastic combination of herbs, spices and golden raisins for sweetness, make it very palatable and beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.”
2. NATURAL DEODORANT
Linda says: “The cream deodorants from Warrior Botanicals created with love by Réidin in Clonakilty are a real hit with lots of our customers. Even my active husband is impressed with their effective action.”
3. VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENT
Mary says: “Somega Liposomal Vitamin C is a super product with roots in West Cork. Paula and Mark, brand founders, are nutritionists and food scientists. Their Liposomal Vitamin C is delicious directly from the spoon or as an addition to a morning smoothie, bowl of porridge or yoghurt. It’s a great way to start every day.”
4. SPICE PASTE
Danni says: “Black Bean Rayu made by White Masusu brings me on a journey of flavours. The banging chilli combo can be added to almost anything from eggs to Asian dishes. Wakes up taste buds.”
5. LIPOSOMAL VITAMIN C
Tania says: “Vestra Nutrition is made in Ireland. It's a Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg (a great support for immunity especially as it’s in a fat soluble form), contains quercetin (a flavonoid which prevents infections and is anti-inflammatory) and citrus bioflavonoids. Perfect for good health and easy to take in two vegan capsules.”
6. SEAWEED SHOWER GEL
Linda says: “Seavite Shower Gel smells fab. You only need a small amount, and its nourishing richness will leave your skin feeling smooth and silky.”
7. SHAMPOO BARS
Mary says: “Determined to limit my use of plastics, I’ve been using shampoo bars for the last couple of years. My current favourite is the all natural, all organic PH neutral soap free bars from Organicules in West Cork. Founder Susan’s background as a toxicologist ensures the bars’ safety for humans and the environment. They foam easily, rinse beautifully and last for ages.”
8. NATURAL HAND SOAP
Linda says: “Dr Maher’s Liquid Handsoap is simply the best I’ve ever used. It has an easy lather, is really moisturising, is packed full of minerals from seaweed, plus it smells divine.”
Click here to read other Rude Health Magazine Tried & Tested articles.