Winter Wellness: Potter's Herbals Energise Tonic & Echinacea Tincture review

 

Fend off cold and flu symptoms and say goodbye to low energy levels with these two natural tonics and tinctures from Potter's Herbals this Winter.

Potter's Herbals are one of those old-school natural medicine companies that you see in virtually every single health food store. Established back in 1812 by Henry Potter in London, Potter's Herbals have developed into a tried and tested brand of useful natural tonics, supplements and tinctures to help with a wide range of common ailments.

With over 200 years of experience, it's admirable to see many of the original recipes still used in their bestselling products for the modern-day world. It was also high time that I tried some out for myself! 

Here are two of their popular remedies that I've been recently using.

Potter's Herbals Energise Tonic* (250ml, £18.99, link)

The key ingredient in Potter's Herbals Energise Tonic is called G115 which is a standardised extract of Panax Ginseng; a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries in Asian herbal medicine. It's an ingredient that has been widely researched for decades and is scientifically proven to support a healthy metabolism, fight tiredness and fatigue, boost physical performance and support the immune system. I've also found it useful for improving concentration whilst studying and keeping the yawns at bay when the usual tiredness kicks in around 3pm.

How to use: each 15ml daily dose of Energise Tonic contains 140mg of Panax Ginseng and should be taken first thing in the morning with breakfast. It has a pleasant cherry flavour, and as the tonic contains sweeteners, it's important not to exceed the recommended dose as excessive consumption can cause laxative effects.

Potter's Herbals Echinacea Tincture* (100ml, £12.99, link)

Another widely trusted and researched natural ingredient that's hugely popular nowadays is Echinacea. I'm sure you've seen it advertised in every health food shop window since October and I've noticed large displays and posters pop up in most pharmacies too. The success of Echinacea is its natural ability to help relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold and flu based upon traditional usage. Extracted from the root of the Echinacea Purpurea, this tincture is a long-standing natural cold and flu remedy which is used around the world during Winter.

I think it's important to mention that not all Echinacea products are the same and they vary in strength and quality from brand to brand so always check the certification mark and dosage amounts. In my experience, this is a product where it's important to pay a bit more to get the highest quality of organic Echinacea, and I've found Potter's Herbals Echinacea Tincture to be particularly more potent and effective compared to cheaper brands or tablets; each 2.5ml liquid contains 1.7ml of tincture derived from fresh organic Echinacea root.

How to use: Echinacea is best used at the very first sign/symptom of cold or flu. Take half a teaspoon (2.5ml) three times a day, spacing the doses out as much as possible. Due to its potency, it's not recommended for children under the age of 12 years and it should only be used for no more than 10 days at a time. 

Do you take any natural tinctures or tonics?

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Health & Lifestyle: 3 Natural Balms To Help You Through Cold & Flu Season #WinterWellness

Nobody likes having a cold, or worse still, catching the flu, and having spent the last week feeling like death warmed up in, I can certainly sympathise! One thing that always gets me through the rough times is having a pot of natural balm on my bedside table to help alleviate some of the worst symptoms such as blocked sinuses, so here are three of the best that you can try this Winter. 

 Best For Colds: Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm* (30ml, £10.50, link)

This completely plastic-free balm from Herbfarmacy is one of the brand's hidden secrets and something that I feel they should promote more often! Made in small batches on their farm in Herefordshire, the Easy Breathe Balm boasts an-all natural, cruelty-free formula which is also 100% organic (certified by the Soil Association) so it already ticked a lot of boxes for me when I initially picked it up. 

Unscrewing the metal tin, you'll be greeted with a firm and solid balm that has a soothing and moisturising base of Sunflower Oil, Beeswax and Marshmallow Root extract, which is combined with refreshing Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon Tea Tree and Rosemary essential oils and extracts. The balm is easy to warm up between your fingertips and spreads well onto the skin without any stickiness. Apply to the chest and lower throat areas to help clear the airways - this is brilliant for stuffy colds so that you can get on with your day.

Best For Flu: EQ EVOA Siberian Balm* (15ml, £9.95, link)

When flu hits, you need something heavy-duty, and EQ EVOA's Siberian Balm really does pack a punch! It's the smallest of the three balms that I've tried here coming in at just 15ml, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its powerful natural abilities. Created from a unique formula that features 99.5% natural ingredients (42.4% of which are organic), it uses Edwelweiss extract (also known as the Star Of Glaciers) with Tahitian Monoi, Clove, Camphor, Cajeput and Menthol essential oils to quickly decongest and bring instant relief when you're truly suffering from the very worst flu symptoms. 

Although it's technically called a balm, it has a more of a thick and buttery texture which is white in colour, and yet it still retains all of the qualities of a traditional balm as it's easy to use and doesn't feel tacky or sticky. Needless to say, a little goes a long way and be extra careful to make sure this doesn't get anywhere near your eyes! As with all of the balms featured here, please wash your hands thoroughly after use, but especially with this one as it's so potent!

 Best For Families: Silvan Skincare Breathe Balm* (60ml, £14.50, link)

It's quite often the case that when one member of the family comes down with a cold or flu bug, everyone else in the household gets it within a matter of days, so this larger jar is definitely one to keep on standby during the Winter months. Handmade in Wales, Silvan Skincare's Breathe Balm is suitable for the whole family to use and is made with the highest quality natural, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. It's certified by both the Vegan Society and the Leaping Bunny programme, plus it's packaged in a glass jar so ideal for families and consumers who are cutting down on their plastic waste.

With a rich and soft, non-sticky balm texture, Breathe Balm has a gentle but effective blend of ingredients which include fairtrade Organic Shea Butter, Organic Olive and Jojoba Oils, Oat extract, Vitamin E, Eucalyptus, Camphor, Peppermint and Rosemary essential oils. These work hard to soothe and clear blocked sinuses quickly, helping you to breathe easier faster. Rub a small amount onto the temples, chest, thorax and back as often as needed.

All balms featured are available from LoveLula.com

Have you tried any natural balms this Winter?

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Health & Lifestyle: Viridian Aronia & Cacao Frappé review #WellnessWednesday

If you're on the lookout for a healthy way to start your day, why not try swapping your coffee for Viridian's new Aronia & Cacao Frappé? The latest launch from the ethical supplements brand, this vegan-friendly drink is easy to prepare, and full of immune-boosting and fatigue-fighting benefits.

What is it?

Viridian's Aronia & Cacao Frappé is a nutritional supplement that comes in a powder format, which is packaged in a recyclable/reusable glass jar. It contains just two ingredients; Aronia Berry and Raw Cacao, so it's suitable for vegans and is free from gluten, wheat, lactose, dairy, soy, added sugar, salt, yeast, preservatives and artificial colourings. Each jar contains 25 servings and each serving gives you 695mg of Raw Cacao (providing 200mg of flavanols), and 505mg of Aronia Berry (providing 200mg of polyphenols). 

What are the benefits?

Aronia Berry is a less familiar superfood than other berries here in the West, but it's been popular with the Native Americans for centuries, and the Mayans were a fan of them too. More commonly known as the Chokeberry or Wild Gooseberry, Aronia berries are native to North America and have a really vivid, dark purple colour which gives the berries their high anthocyanin and antioxidant properties. Rich in Vitamins B, C, K and minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium and Iron, they help to boost the immune system, protect your vital organs (especially the heart, liver and stomach), and research is currently being carried out on their abilities to reduce blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.

Anyone who is a 'healthy' chocoholic will already know why Raw Cacao is amazing, but to recap, it's the unfermented, non-heat treated form of the cacao seed so it retains all of its wonderful nutrients. Packed full of flavonoids, catechin and epicatechin, Raw Cacao also boasts a high level of antioxidants which protect against cell and tissue damage, and is high in Magnesium, Iron and Calcium.

How do I use it?

To make an Aronia & Cacao Frappé, simply add half a teaspoon to a glass of cold milk or dairy-free milk alternative of your choice. Give it a good stir and enjoy! You can use a frother if you're feeling fancy for an even more indulgent result.

What does it taste like?

I'm used to the flavour of Raw Cacao, but having never tasted Aronia Berry before, I wasn't quite sure what the two combined would taste like. It's definitely more Aronia than Cacao which gives it a somewhat bitter and berry-ish edge, but it's palatable and the more I drink it, the more I've started to like it. I find that it works best with creamier plant milks such as Cashew, Coconut or Macadamia, and you could add a tiny bit of Honey or Agave to sweeten it if necessary.

Overall thoughts?

If you're looking for a new and different healthy start to your day, I think you'll love Viridian's Aronia & Cacao Frappé as it's a nice drink to alternate with the usual Turmeric Lattes and Green Juices to keep things interesting throughout the week. I've noticed that I've been feeling less tired since drinking it which is a massive bonus for a poor sleeper like myself, so if you suffer from fatigue, stress or are feeling run down, you may find this beneficial to your morning routine.

Viridian Aronia & Cacao Frappé* (30g, £30) is available from independent health food stores and online at viridian-nutrition.com

What do you like to drink first thing in the morning?

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Foodie Friday: Fresh Lemon, Ginger Root & Star Anise Tea #WinterWellness

Christmas is perhaps one of the worst times to be struck down with a cold or flu bug, so give your immune system a boost with this antioxidant-rich drink. A great way to energize your morning and a lovely little Winter Warmer at the same time!

Have you ever noticed the abundance of Vitamin C-rich fruits that appear during Winter? Whilst I miss all of the juicy berries of Summer, there are plenty of fruits that are seasonal at this time of the year, and all of them will help to ensure that you're getting your daily dose of Vitamin C from a natural source. From fresh Oranges and stocking-stuffer Clementines, to crisp Apples and zingy Lemons, Mother Nature has got your back when it comes to fighting off those cold and flu bugs.

In addition to Vitamin C, other antioxidants can play an important role in keeping you healthy and on top form this Christmas, and one of the original superfoods is Ginger Root. Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to improve digestion and keep the common cold at bay, thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are found in its main bioactive compound, Gingerol. Best of all, fresh Ginger Root is easy to find at most mainstream supermarkets and even cheaper to buy from a local Asian / world food store. 

Another beneficial spice to look out for is the antioxidant-rich Star Anise which has compounds of Thymol, Terpineol and Anethole, all of which help to ward off the flu and keeps your digestion system working properly.

As Christmas is a time of indulgence, this Fresh Lemon, Ginger Root & Star Anise Tea can soothe an upset stomach, reduce any minor feelings of nausea, prevent constipation as it gets your digestive system going, and it gives your immune system a boost, all at the same time. See why I like it so much?!

Ingredients: (for 1)

• 2 Slices of Fresh Lemon (unwaxed and organic if possible)
• 1 Slice of Fresh Ginger Root
• 1 Star Anise

Method:

• Boil water in a kettle and allow to cool for about 30 seconds.
• Place the ingredients into a heatproof mug or glass, pour over the water and allow to infuse for 5 minutes.
• Drink immediately - enjoy!

What's your favourite Winter Wellness drink?

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