Wild Ideas
Our Seasonal Blog
Staying well in the dark months of January and February
Hello dear friends. Now that the snow has melted and the winds have settled, we are beginning to imagine and even experience the first hints of spring. January and February, however, are still dark months and we know that we can often need a little extra support to stay well and to keep healthy. We wanted to share a little about our natural skincare products and also our range of herbal tinctures - all designed to help you feel empowered and enabled to look after yourself.
At this time of year, cold windy weather outdoors, in conjunction with central heating in the house and office, can increase the need for moisturisation and protection of the skin's natural barrier. It's also easy to find ourselves drawn to eating more carbs and sugar as a source of comfort in the grey winter months, which dermatologists agree is detrimental to the glowing healthy complexion to which we aspire.
A diet focused on high-quality organic proteins, whole grains, healthy cold-pressed oils such as olive oil, fruits, vegetables and spices is best for supporting healthy skin. These foods tend to contain high-quality amino acids, the building blocks for firm skin, plus anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients which promote optimal skin metabolism and defend against environmental stressors. For example, avocados, oily fish such as salmon and sardines, eggs and quinoa are just a few of the foods which can provide important nutrients for the skin and help improve skin barrier function and hydration, as well as aiding collagen formation if eaten regularly. Most importantly, don't forget to drink plenty of water!
The Heavenly Herb Company now offers a great range of natural vegan skincare products, blended from a variety of fabulous certified organic plant oils, which can really help maintain supple, healthy skin and are a pleasure to use.
Facial Cleansing Oils are a great way for all skin types to cleanse deeply without stripping the skin's natural barrier.
Sandalwood, Neroli and Frankincense Face Creams soothe and moisturise with no nasty chemicals to irritate sensitive skins, whilst smelling fabulous too.
Plant Therapy Face Treatment Oil (currently my top favourite product!) can be used on its own or over your usual moisturiser and is a real life-saver for skin in the winter months. If you are reticent to try a face oil, I recommend taking the plunge and think you will rapidly be a convert. Economical to use, as you only need a few drops, this oil really leaves your skin glowing and hydrated. It also makes a fabulous primer for foundation.
Do message us and let us know how you get on with these products - your opinion matters to us and will inform future formulations. I am currently working on an eye cream and a foot cream, so watch this space!
Ross talks about our range of herbal tinctures
As a herbalist, I am passionate about the benefits of plants and medicinal mushrooms, in particular about their ability to help us restore balance in a powerful but gentle way. I also believe in supporting people to feel empowered to look after their own health where this is possible. Of course, sometimes it is necessary to seek the support of a herbalist or other health care professional if self care isn't working.
Our range of organic tinctures are designed to help you stay well and to give you acces to safe, cost effective and high quality herbal medicines. They contains herbs that I have found work extremely effectively and safely with patients in my 25 years of being a herbalist. Having seen just how many poor quality, expensive and mass produced products are available, we wanted to offer an alternative. Our website gives detailed information about each tincture and some helpful suggestions. They are designed to offer support in a range of areas, including immunity, sleep, digestion, chest infections, memory, stress/anxiety, detoxing/cleansing and menopause. These are all based on herbal combinations I have found helpful.
If you do need additional support, I offer in-person, online and phone consultations, after which I can prescribe indivudually blended medicines at higher doses, alongside specific guidance or suggestions to help you respond to the symptoms and imbalances you are experiencing. For more information, please visit my website.
