Our Blog - Support your wellbeing naturally this winter
Staying well in winter can feel like an uphill struggle. Cold, wet and windy weather, not to mention limited sunlight and the proliferation of seasonal coughs and colds can leave you feeling under the weather to say the least. That’s why we’ve put together our top recommendations to support your winter wellbeing whatever the weather – a few small changes here and there really can make all the difference to how you feel in the colder months of the year.
Supporting your wellbeing from the outside
We all know the old adage “prevention is better than cure”, never is this truer than when it comes to winter wellbeing. Whether we’re talking about regular coughs and colds or more severe illnesses such as flu or COVID, these bugs spread more easily in winter and good hygiene is key to protecting yourself from them.
Our Defend & Protect collection is expertly formulated with our Organic Defence blend of purifying niaouli, zesty lemongrass and witch hazel to help keep the whole family clean, fresh and protected. This natural and organic collection is your go-to when it comes to supporting your family’s winter wellbeing at home. Our five star rated Defend & Protect Hand Wash is gently foaming and non-drying – perfect for dry and chapped winter hands - while our Defend & Protect Hand Lotion conditions and protects for beautifully soft skin. For a feeling of all-over-clean, try our certified organic and gently foaming Defend & Protect Body Wash. Suitable for the whole family, it’s the ideal choice for the family bathroom in winter.
As well as good hygiene at home, you can stay protected while out and about with our Natural Defence Hand Rub. Containing 70% alcohol and delicately fragranced with our purifying Organic Defence blend of essential oils, this all-natural and non-sticky rub kills 99.9% of bacteria for hygienic hands on the go. In a convenient travel size bottle and refillable with our Natural Defence Hand Spray Refill, it’s perfect to keep close to hand in your bag along with a tube of our Defend & Protect Hand Cream to keep your hands soft and moisturised.
Supporting your wellbeing from the inside
Vitamins and supplements can support your body to feel its best in cold weather and keep your mood on an even keel during the shorter days of winter. Here’s our run down of the key vitamins to support winter wellbeing and how they can help…
Vitamin C
This powerhouse antioxidant needs no introduction, as far as winter wellbeing goes, vitamin C is your best friend. Found in many fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, berries and broccoli, vitamin C is a key nutrient for your immune system, helping to encourage white blood cell production and protect cells from damage by free radicals. It also forms part of the skin’s defence by acting as an antioxidant and helping to strengthen the skin barrier.
Top up your vitamin C levels with our Vitamin C Boost supplement. This vegan approved supplement is expertly formulated with vitamin C and wild rosehip to support normal immune function. You can also find high levels of vitamin C in our Organic Elderberry Syrup, a delicious herbal cordial which can be enjoyed diluted with water or drizzled over porridge or cereal for a fruity winter wellbeing boost. Try our Organic Elderberry & Propolis Throat Spray for a vitamin C boost and a seasonal throat soother in one! Suitable for adults and children over 6 years, it’s a delicious traditional recipe made with soothing honey and propolis.
Vitamin D
Also known as the “sunshine vitamin” as your body makes it under the skin when you’re outside in the sun, vitamin D has a multitude of uses within the body. From bone and immune system health, to metabolism and mood, vitamin D is truly important for helping to keep you feeling fit and well. During the winter it’s difficult for the body to make enough vitamin D which is why it’s recommended that you take a supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day between October and March.
You can find vitamin D in our Super Antioxidant Boost and our Multi Vitamin & Mineral Boost at a daily dose of 20 micrograms.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important to help keep the nervous system healthy and for energy release from food. While all the B vitamins help with energy levels, it can be difficult to get the right amount of B12 from food, particularly if you are vegetarian or vegan. Taking a good all-round vitamin B complex such as our Vitamin B Supplement will ensure you’re getting enough vitamin B12 and keep you firing on all cylinders during the winter.
Seasonal herbal helpers
These herbal heroes are your go-to remedies for seasonal sniffles:
Echinacea
Traditionally used for hundreds of years by Native Americans for fevers and poorly healing wounds, echinacea is loaded with antioxidants and is known to support the normal functioning of the immune system, making it excellent for seasonal health support. Take 15-30 drops of our Organic Echinacea Tincture up to 3 times daily.
Yarrow
Native to Europe and western Asia, yarrow was traditionally used to treat wounds. Today it is valued for its astringent properties. Try up to 5ml of our Yarrow Herb Tincture in water 2-3 times per day or try a steam inhalation with our Yarrow Dried Herb.
Thyme
Thyme is widely used as a culinary herb, but did you know it also has antiseptic and decongestant properties? Try our delicious and soothing Organic Honey & Thyme Syrup which is suitable for adults and children over 12 months.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is commonly found in over the counter medicines for coughs and colds because of its powerful decongestant properties. Try diffusing some of our Eucalyptus Globulus Organic Essential Oil to clear a stuffy head or take one of our soothing Eucalyptus Pastilles, made with honey and propolis.
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