Winter Wellness

Vitamin C

WHY? It’s an essential antioxidant for our immune system. Humans cannot make their own vitamin C, so we must obtain it through diet or supplements. Good food sources include Kiwis, Red Peppers, Broccoli and Acerola Cherries. Berries are also rich in vitamin C and other immune boosting antioxidants, particularly Goji berries, Acai berries and Blueberries –  these can be bought fresh but also dried, frozen, powdered  or juiced. Dried berries can be eaten as a snack or sprinkled onto cereals, frozen berries can be blended into smoothies, powdered berries can be added to drinks. Taken daily as a supplement, it may help in the prevention of colds & flu.

Echinacea

WHY? A popular herb known to reduce the symptoms of coughs and colds. It has indeed been shown to increase the number of white blood cells and boost the activity of other immune cells.

Goldenseal

WHY? This herb acts as a natural antibiotic. It contains powerful alkaloids that have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-parasitic activity. A more natural and gentle way to fight infections.

Black elderberry

WHY? Rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that may protect cells from free radicals and support your immune system. Black Elderberries have almost 5 times as many anthocyanins as Blueberries. They also contain antivirins, compounds that fight viral infections.

Manuka honey

WHY? Produced by bees from the flowers of the manuka bush which is indigenous to New Zealand. This special honey possesses anti-bacterial properties. Helpful to fight infections both internally and topically, also aids the healing process. Ideal for sore throats

Natural inhalants

WHY? Eucalyptus oil, poho oil and olbas oil are great natural essential oils. During a cold, these can be inhaled to instantly open up your nasal passages.

Natural cough mixtures & Lozenges

WHY? These contain natural soothing ingredients (such as honey and propolis) that will also actively fight an infection. Also free from artificial colours, flavours and other additives.

Zinc

WHY? It’s an essential mineral and is vital to the body’s resistance to infection. It may decrease the ability of cold viruses to grow on or bind to the lining of the nose. It is also  important for tissue repair and healing. Rich food sources include Oysters, Sesame seeds  (and tahini), Pumpkin seeds & Sunflower seeds. Can be taken as a tablet, capsule, liquid or lozenge.

Omega- 3 (Fish oil)

WHY? Omega- 3 is an essential fatty acid that cannot be made in the body. It is vital for brain and eye development in infants.  Good food sources inlcude oily Fish such as Salmon (ideally twice a week and non-fried), Flax seeds, Walnuts and other raw nut butters. Fish oil supplementation in children has been shown to improve reading, spelling and behaviour.

Natural Head lice remedies

WHY? These are free from toxic chemicals and insecticides that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Made with natural plant extracts but still potent and effective.

Healthy snacks

WHY? Free from additives and colourings that can disrupt behavior. Organic snacks also contain more nutrients. 

5-HTP

WHY? 5-HTP is needed to make serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “happy hormone” responsible for mood, hunger and sleep. Supplementing 5-HTP is safe and may improve mood & sleep.

St John’s Wort

WHY? St. John's wort makes more serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline available to the brain. These are neurotransmitters which help improve mood. St John’s wort is ideal for the treatment of mild depression.

Vitamin D

WHY? Lack of sun exposure in winter means that we do not produce as much vitamin D from sun rays. Supplementing with vitamin D can counteract this. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation may help relieve the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and help beat the winter blues. Good food sources of vitamin D are animal derived foods, especially oily fish, milk & dairy products, organic eggs (yolk) and Liver.

Adaptogenic Herbs

WHY? They have a balancing influence on the body, neither over-stimulating nor inhibiting normal body function. They help the body cope more effectively with stress. Specifically, adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands (stress glands). Good examples of adaptogenic herbs include Siberian Ginseng, Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Rhodiola, Reishi Mushroom.

B Vitamins

WHY? These are essential nutrients for energy production. They are also needed for adrenal gland (stress gland) function, particularly vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Water soluble and safe at high doses.  Good food sources include Wholegrains (including breads, pastas, and cereals that are made with 100% whole grain and not with white processed flours), dark green leafy vegetables (such as rocket and kale) & organic eggs.

Multi-vitamins

WHY? A good daily multi is like a safety net- making sure you get all the nutrients your body needs for health, wellbeing and vitality.

Healing creams

WHY? Steroid-free but packed full of natural plant extracts. In winter, skin conditions such as eczema flair up. Our natural creams don’t just soothe, they actively heal the skin.

Lip balms

WHY? Cold weather and wind cause lips to chap. Our lip balms are petroleum-free but rich in natural plant oils to help soothe and heal the skin but also to act as a barrier to the elements.

Baby Creams

WHY? Baby skin is very delicate so it’s essential that you protect it from the cold wind. Why not try Weleda’s weather protection cream for babies.