Healthy Lifestyle: Comvita Olive Leaf Extract Immune Support & Vision Maintenance supplements review

Looking for some new supplements to add to your daily routine to give your health a boost? These two from Comvita will help to support your immune system and keep your eyes in tip-top condition.

 Comvita Olive Leaf Extract Immune Support* (60 capsules, £24.98, link)

Usually, you'd start to see immune supplements popping up on blogs before Winter, but for me, there's nothing worse than suffering from a Summer cold! Who wants to have a fever when it's boiling hot outside?! Keep those pesky colds and flu at bay with a daily high strength dose of Olive Leaf Extract, Copper and Zinc. Each soft gel capsule contains 66mg of Oleuropein (derived from Olive Leaf which is picked and harvested on Comvita's own farms in Queensland, Australia), plus 11 other naturally occurring polyphenols that creates a synergistic action that's more powerful than taking Oleuropein alone.

Olive Leaf Extract has been proven to be effective in helping to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels, as well as lowering blood pressure, which in turns lowers your risk of cardiovascular problems and boosts your overall health. In addition to the Olive Leaf Extract, these supplements also contain Copper and Zinc which are essential for maintaining a healthy, functioning immune system. I've been taking one a day since the start of June and so far haven't had any of the colds that have been going around, so I feel like this may be a long-term daily supplement for me. I'm curious to see if it will continue to work come Autumn/Winter - let me know if you take anything similar?

Comvita Vision Maintenance* (30 capsules, £34.99, link)

Most of us take our eyesight for granted, but it's such a special part of our everyday experience with how we interact with the world, that I feel we should all be putting in a lot more effort than we do to protect our peepers. I've always had good eyesight until I hit my late 20s, and then I started to need glasses as I was struggling to see signs and objects in the distance. Although it's very common, it did make me realise how grateful I am to be able to see so I've been looking into what I can do to protect the health of my eyes for the years to come.

These Vision Maintenance supplements from Comvita tick all the boxes for me as I wanted something that was one-a-day and easy to swallow. They contain 50mg of Anthocyanins which are derived from New Zealand Blackcurrants, 10mg of Lutein and 2mg of Zeaxanthin that are extracted from Wild Marigolds, and 4.8mg of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), all in one vegetarian capsule.

The combined natural formula helps to protect the delicate eye cells from oxidative stress which can damage their health in the long term, whilst in nature, Lutein and Zeaxanthin appear to absorb excess light energy to prevent damage to plants, particularly from high-energy light rays called blue light. These two substances are found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye and there's been a lot of research into their benefits. Vitamin B2 is also an important component as it's an essential vitamin that the body needs every day as it helps to maintain normal vision.

On top of taking these supplements, I also make sure that I wear sunglasses in Summer (and on those cold but sunny days for the rest of the year) that have proper UV protection lenses as our eyes are ten times more sensitive to UV damage than our skin, so every little preventative measure helps!

What daily supplements do you take?

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Summer Holidays Edit: Practical Essentials for Festivals & Weekend Trips

With the Summer holidays officially off to a roaring start, make sure to pack some of these practical essentials before you head off on your next weekend away. Let the good times roll!

Always Pack Sunscreen First

I'm sure you don't need another beauty blogger to tell you to slap on the sunscreen before you go outside, but judging by the amount of painfully sunburnt people that I've seen recently, the message is still not getting through to some members of the public (sigh). So don't be an idiot - protect yourself and your family with a good quality sunscreen and reapply it every two hours. One of my faves is Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF 30* (200ml, £22, link) which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Samples Save Loads Of Space

If you're a skincare or beauty fan, chances are you'll already have a stash of samples hiding away at the back of a drawer somewhere. You know the ones - they pop up in beauty boxes, GWPs and are often added to your online orders, but are easily forgotten about. Dig them out and take them with you! You'll save loads of space in your travel bag and have more room for the important stuff like duty-free bottles of booze ;) Don't have any samples? Check out LoveLula's sample selection here. 

The Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Saviour

One holiday essential that I always pack is a multi-purpose wound gel which is basically like a natural first aid assistant in a tube. Comvita Antibacterial Wound Gel* (25g, £9.98, link) can be used on minor burns, cuts, grazes, insect bites and ulcers, as it contains sterilised medical grade Manuka Honey which promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. You can also use it on eczema and scratch wounds to prevent them from getting worse.

Say Farewell To B.O

Keep yourself smelling sweet and fresh all Summer long with a natural deodorant like Native Unearthed Coconut & Vanilla Natural Deodorant Balm* (60ml, £6.99, link). This concentrated formula has a blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Arrowroot and Vanilla to neutralize underarm odour, without blocking your pores with nasty chemicals.

Don't Forget Toothpaste!

It might just be me, but I've lost count of the number of times that I've remembered to pack my toothbrush but forgotten the toothpaste, so take this as your reminder to pack a tube. I'm enjoying using Lavera Basis Sensitiv Toothpaste* (75ml, £4.95, link) which has been specially developed for sensitive teeth and is ultra-gentle, plus it's minty fresh!

Tell Insects To Buzz Off

A lot of mainstream insect repellents contain deet which is an ingredient that some people, especially children and babies, can have allergic reactions to, as well as other undesirable side effects. Eco By Sonya Organic Personal Outdoor Spray* (100ml, £14.04, link) is 100% deet-free and instead is made with only organic and natural ingredients. It utilises the properties of several essential oils such as Citronella, Basil, Lemon and Eucalyptus that have all been proven to repel biting insects, and it smells lovely and fresh which is a pleasant added bonus.

Keep The Conversation Going

Holidays and festivals are often the best times to catch up with friends and family that you haven't seen in a while, so make sure that you keep those conversations going long into the night by packing some soothing throat sweets. These ones from Grether's Pastilles* (110g, £7.49, link) are made to an original recipe that's over 150 years old and features a unique formula which coats your throat with a protective layer, keeping your voice strong and preventing a dry mouth. They're available in a range of flavours, and I can vouch that the Blackcurrant ones pictured above are particularly yummy.

What are your practical travel essentials?

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Foodie Friday: Top 5 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar + Comvita Manuka Honey Apple Cider Drinking Vinegars review

Apple Cider Vinegar has been a staple in my kitchen for a few years now after I first started looking into it as a way to help some of my IBS symptoms, and I'm still in awe of the many benefits that this popular natural superstar has to offer.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar is traditionally made from a blend of apples, yeast and a little sugar. The yeast helps to kickstart the fermentation process, and it's this stage which ensures a final result that is high in a number of minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as producing levels of healthy bacteria.

Not All Apple Cider Vinegars Are Equal Though...

Although ACV has been used as a common remedy for various ailments over the centuries, it was the '70s that saw ACV have its moment in the mainstream that helped to solidify its status as a health product. Since then, the quality of some Apple Cider Vinegars has dropped to meet the increase in consumer demand, so it's important to pick one that's unpasteurised, GM-free, and with 'The Mother'.

What's 'The Mother'?

'The Mother' is a strange sounding term that sounds like something from a horror film, but it's actually just all the good stuff that should be in your ACV. It's easy to spot because it gives a naturally cloudy appearance to the vinegar in the bottle (if you see an ACV that is crystal clear it's been filtered and pasteurised so it won't have 'The Mother'). 'The Mother' basically holds together all of the proteins, healthy bacteria, beneficial nutrients and acetic acid, and without it, you won't get anywhere near the number of proper benefits that ACV has to offer. 

Due to Apple Cider Vinegar being used so widely by so many people over the centuries, its name has become attached to virtually everything - from curing hiccups to fighting off certain types of cancer. Some of these claims have absolutely no substantial medical evidence to back them up, so I wanted to focus purely on the areas where ACV has helped me personally and what most people use ACV for. Here are my Top 5 Apple Cider Vinegar benefits!

1. Helps IBS & Digestion

Thanks to the gut-friendly, healthy bacteria in ACV, it can help with things like indigestion and heartburn, as well as minor tummy upsets and some IBS symptoms like bloating, due to neutralising stomach acid. I find that it really helps to reduce the bloating aspect if I consume a teaspoon in a glass of water before having a meal.

2. Sore Throat Soother

If you feel a sore throat coming on, mix a little ACV with warm water and gargle it. This seems to work as many of the germs causing the sore throat can't tolerate or survive after being dowsed with the acidic vinegar.

3. Supporting Your Immune System

The combination of healthy bacteria and acetic acid in ACV can help to stave off mild colds, and whenever your gut is in a healthy working state, your body as a whole can usually recover quicker from minor infections. 

4. Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

If you eat a lot of carb-heavy meals, drinking a glass of water with 2-4 teaspoons of ACV helps to prevent blood sugar crashes and spikes, keeping your levels better balanced.

5. Boosting Skin Health

It's not just internal benefits that you can reap from ACV. You can use ACV topically as it's naturally high in antibacterial and antifungal properties. I've used it as a facial toner before (diluted with water in a spritzer bottle) to fight off blemish breakouts during Summer, and it can keep your skin look clearer and smoother thanks to its natural exfoliating action.

How To Take It?

Due to its acidic potency, you must always, always, ALWAYS dilute your Apple Cider Vinegar. A good way to enjoy many of its benefits is to stir a teaspoon or two into a glass of water and drink it. It does have an acquired taste though, so if you prefer something a little sweeter to take the sour edge of it slightly, you can try Comvita Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey* (750ml, £7.99, link). This one is a lot more palatable and makes a delicious salad dressing when mixed with a little olive oil!

Comvita Manuka Honey Apple Cider Drinking Vinegars* (250ml, £2.99, link)

Whilst I was trying out the Comvita Apple Cider Vinegar, I also came across their Drinking Vinegars which are ready-to drink infusions of New Zealand Manuka Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar (with The Mother), and purified water. Each bottle contains two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and Manuka Honey, and it's still only 26 calories per drink. I tried two of the flavours, Natural and Golden Kiwifruit. Both of these are surprisingly refreshing, especially when they're ice cold, but they do have a light vinegary taste so they're a little tangy! Something to try out if you're looking for an all-natural drink with a difference though?

Are you a fan of Apple Cider Vinegar?

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Healthy Living: Natural Products To Make Hayfever Season Easier

Don't let your hayfever ruin your Summer plans! Here's my edit of natural products which can help to alleviate your symptoms and help you look your best, so you can go outside and enjoy the glorious weather.

Summer is without a doubt my favourite time of the year, but it's also a pain-in-the-ass because I have hayfever. For me, it starts around early May and continues until late September. My eyes stream, I'm constantly sniffling, my sinuses feel blocked, and I basically feel like I have some kind of mild Flu that just won't shift. Not fun :(

Luckily, I've found some natural products which help to take my hayfever symptoms from severe, down to a much milder level. I still have to take anti-histamines every day (I sadly haven't found anything natural-based yet that replaces those), but the rest of my symptoms are much more manageable now, so I hope some of these products and tips can help out my fellow hayfever sufferers this Summer!

(1) Try Out Homeopathic Formulas from Weleda - Hayfever Relief Oral Spray (20ml, £10.95, link) & Rhinodoron Nasal Spray* (20ml, £9.95, link)

One of the most popular natural hayfever products on the market is Weleda's Hayfever Relief Oral Spray. This homeopathic medicinal product contains a unique blend of Allium Cepa 6X, Euphrasia officinalis 6X and Gelsemium sempervirens 6X, and provides much-needed relief from all the main hayfever symptoms, as well as other types of allergic rhinitis. The vegan-friendly formula is easy and convenient to use; simply spray directly into the mouth up to three times a day, and it can be used by adults, the elderly and children over the age of 12. It does have a slightly bitter alcoholic taste as it contains ethanol, but it's not too bad. When I first tried this, I found that I needed to use it every day for about two weeks before I started to see some benefits from it, so I'd recommend sticking with it to see if it works for you.

Another very useful product from Weleda is their Rhinodoron Spray which is a godsend for when the pollen count starts to climb and it's dry outside. This clever nasal spray is formulated with Aloe Vera which helps to clear congested nasal passages, but also keeps it moisturised at the same time. I always find that hayfever severely affects my sinuses, especially when the air is really dry, so this has been an amazing find! I've personally found it a lot more helpful than the nasal sprays that my GP has prescribed in the past so I can't recommend this enough!

(2) Put Some Balm Up Your Nose - Balm Balm Beauty Balm* (60ml, £16.50, link)

Did you know that most multi-purpose balms can help with your hayfever? By applying a small amount of balm to the inside base of your nostrils, you can trap some of the pollen and stop it from entering the nasal passage, thus reducing the level and severity of the allergic reaction and its related symptoms. Pretty clever huh? I find that this helps me a lot and I always notice a difference when I forget or don't use it. Multi-purpose balms like Balm Balm Beauty Balm are also brilliant for their intended use and that's for moisturising any dry and cracked skin areas, so if your nose feels sore after sneezing, rub a little of this on it to instantly soothe and hydrate.

(3) Wash Your Face - Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser* (200ml, £24.99, link)

If you've been outside, make sure to wash your face when you get in to remove traces of pollen from your skin and eyes. A gentle cleanser like Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser will do this perfectly (as well as removing pollution and daily grime), or opt for a cream cleanser if you have dry skin. Just ensure that it's a cleanser that you're happy to use over and around your eyes!

(4) Soothe A Sore Throat - Comvita Pure Manuka Honey Lozenges Extra Strength 10+ (pack of 8, £8.99, link)

Tickly sore throats are no fun, so I always have a pack of these Comvita Pure Manuka Honey Lozenges in my bag. Made from 100% pure UMF certified 10+ Manuka Honey from New Zealand, these are the best throat soothers that I've ever used.

(5) Depuff & Brighten Your Eyes - Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Eye Revitalising Duo* (Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew 10ml & Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream, £90, link)

My eyes are the biggest giveaway that I'm suffering from hayfever because they get SO puffy which is not a good look for me as it's something that really affects my confidence and makes me incredibly self-conscious. If you're the same, investing in some high-quality skincare that specifically targets the eyes will make a huge difference. I've been enjoying using the amazing Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Eye Revitalising Duo over the past month and it's a game changer for sure!

Aurelia are famed for their probiotic ingredients which are found throughout their skincare range, as they help to protect, restore and balance the skin from within, whilst also reducing the ageing damage from free radicals, pollution and stress. Couple that with some innovative anti-ageing formulas and you have an eye care duo that you're going to see some results from.

The duo consists of two products which work in synergy with each other so you layer the cream over the serum. There's the Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew which comes in a cooling rollerball applicator that gently gives the delicate undereye area a lymphatic massage that feels so lovely to apply. This serum contains a unique eye complex formula which includes Jujube and Olive extract which has been scientifically proven to show an age correction improvement of 5 years in just 28 days of use. It really does give you a noticeable difference and my fine lines look virtually diminished since I started to use this! After applying the serum, there's the Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream which feels rich and very hydrating, yet light and is easily absorbed at the same time. Packed full of Probiotics, and BioOrganic botanicals such as Arnica, Centella Asiatica and Butcher's Broom, this powerhouse of an eye treatment reduces the appearance of wrinkles, blitzes puffiness and brightens dark circles. If you have the budget available to try this duo - do it!

Do you use any natural products for hayfever?

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