Especially Health

27/09/2025

We’re proud to sponsor this great upcoming event at Sevenoaks School on November 6th, whereby Lucinda Miller will be joining for an inspiring talk on raising neurodivergent children.

If you’d like to attend, tickets are £15 (or £13 for early bird) and available here: https://buytickets.at/stlawrencepta

24/09/2025

Everyone’s been talking about Creatine, but do you really know what it is and what it does? 🤔

Well, let us explain…

Creatine is a compound that comes from three amino acids: glycine, arginine, and methionine.

Through a two-step, two-enzyme process done in the liver and kidneys, these amino acids are combined to form Creatine, which is then transported into the body’s tissues - predominantly the muscles and brain - where it is stored as phosphocreatine (phosphoric acid + Creatine) and used to rapidly regenerate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - cellular energy.

As such, research has shown that Creatine can:

🏃🏽Increase performance for athletes and those looking to gain muscle mass

🦵🏽Reduce the frequency of dehydration, muscle cramping, and injuries to the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves

💪🏼Speed up muscle recovery

📈Increase anabolic hormones, such as insulin, human growth hormone (hGH), estrogen, and testosterone, contributing to growth and tissue repair

👩🏻‍🦰Support women with muscle and strength loss during and after menopause

🧠Improve cognitive function and brain health, whilst reducing mental fatigue

🦴Counteract age-related declines in skeletal muscle and bone mineral density

Whilst Creatine is naturally synthesised, it is also found in foods such as red meat and fish, as well as being available through supplementation.

For those on plant-based diets - who may have a reduced Creatine intake in their diet - or who have conditions which affect the metabolism of Creatine, supplementation may be especially beneficial.

01/08/2025

Originally launched in the United States back in 2018 by Philip Bromley and Nick Huang, O3Omega Smoothies made its way to the UK only recently, in 2023, thanks to academic CEO Sara Fenn.

Focused on neurological health, with a background in ketogenic research for epilepsy, Sara discovered that combining Omega-3 DHA with MCT oil creates not only the brain’s building blocks but also its fuel. 🧠⛽️

Thus, the O3Omega Smoothies range was born.

Naturally flavoured and packed full of 3000mg MCT and 400mg DHA per sachet, a single serving provides all the essential fatty acid required to support normal functioning and development of the brain, heart, and eyes, whilst also reducing inflammation.

And, with the Omega-3 being derived purely from Algal Oil, the range is suitable for vegans and vegetarians 🌱, with natural lipids used to protect and support absorption.

Flavours include:

😋Vanilla Fudge

😋Not Peanut Butter & Jelly

😋Cinnamon Bun

Additionally, they offer a Custard Tart O3Omega Skin, Hair & Immunity Smoothie Supplement, which contains 30mg Ceramosides, 2000IU Vitamin D3, and 320mg Omega-3 ALA per sachet, meaning a single serving can contribute to the normal function of your immune system, help improve skin and hair health, protect cells from oxidative stress, and support healthy bones and teeth.

All O3Omega Smoothie Supplements are made with natural almond butter and can be consumed directly, or added to a smoothie, shake, porridge, yoghurt, or coffee. Or why not pour over pancakes or spread it on toast.

And if you’re not plant-based…

Their Cherry Chocolate O3Omega Hawaiian Astaxanthin + Bovine Collagen Peptides is packed full with 3000mg Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen Peptides, 1000mg Omega-3 ALA, and 6mg Astaxanthin in an almond butter and avocado oil base.

A single serving can help support the normal functioning of skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, cartilage, gums, and teeth, whilst also contributing to the protection of cells from DNA and oxidative stress.

Blend with warm nut milk to make into a delicious hot chocolate that can help you wind down before bed. ☕️🍫🍒

Which would you try?

25/07/2025

Do you love the finish of gel nails but hate the expense and the damage it does to your nails?

Well, then you may be delighted to know that French brand Manucurist offers a totally clean gel polish range that doesn’t just look great, but actually works to strengthen and protect your nails!

They offer a 3-step routine that’s as easy to apply as it is to remove!

💅🏽Step One - Vitaminised Base Coat

Their Green Flash™ treatment base coat keeps your nails strong and well protected thanks to their patented KeraHCE+ technology, an innovative molecular complex with three active ingredients - Hexanal, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E - that restructure keratin, creating a protective shield, and enhancing wear.

💅🏽Step Two - LED Gel Polish

Most traditional gel polishes contain an ingredient known as HEMA, a methacrylate monomer that penetrates the skin and can cause severe allergies. Whilst it’s prohibited in Europe, other monomers are often still used, however, Manucurist’s Green Flash™ gel polish is entirely HEMA-free, having been formulated without any methacrylate monomers.

Its 84% plant-based formula is therefore free of any nasty chemicals, or endocrine disruptors, whilst still offering rich pigmentation that creates bold, vibrant nails for long-lasting wear.

💅🏽Step Three - Top Coat

Protect your manicure with a layer of top coat for incredible staying power and a 12-day shine with this 62.5% bio-sourced, vegan formula.

If you make a little mistake…

Fear not, as their Nail Polish Corrector Pen gently and accurately corrects any mishaps. Simply press the tip onto any unwanted traces of polish and voila! Your perfect manicure guaranteed!

And for removal…

Rather than damaging your nails through drill removal, leaving them fragile and brittle, the Green Flash™ range can be removed in just one minute using their acetone-free LED Polish Remover, which soothes and moisturises, leaving them strong, shiny, and hydrated.

*Note, an LED lamp is required for use in conjunction with the Green Flash™ range.

Would you choose an at-home natural gel manicure over a salon treatment?

18/07/2025

Known to be the most expensive spice in the world, with 1 kilogram costing anywhere between £1,000 and over £4,000, due to the labour-intensive harvesting method required for its production, Saffron has been used for nearly 4,000 years for its medicinal properties.

Here are just some of its known benefits:

👁️Eye Health
Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds which act as antioxidants - molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Those antioxidants include: crocin (responsible for Saffron’s vibrant red colour), crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and kaempferol.

These antioxidants can help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), whilst also improving vision for those affected.

🧠Brain Health
In addition, those same antioxidants also play a role in protecting brain cells from progressive damage and can help improve cognitive function, potentially benefiting those with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

🫁Immune Support
Antioxidant kaempferol, which is found specifically in Saffron flower petals, can help boost your immune system and protect your body against several viruses, including: hepatitis B, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus.

😊Mood & Mental Health
Thanks to the presence of antioxidant crocin, Saffron offers mood-boosting effects, meaning it can help reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and even PMS, by promoting feelings of relaxation and emotional balance.

🔬Cancer-Fighting Properties
Due to the high levels of antioxidants found in Saffron, studies have shown that the spice and its compounds can selectively kill cancer cells or suppress tumour growth whilst leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Research suggested this effect applied to several types of cancer, including: colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, cervical, and brain cancer, as well as leukaemia.

In addition, the antioxidant crocin may also make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.

😴Sleep Quality
Some studies have shown that supplementation of Saffron can help improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals suffering from sleep issues.

11/07/2025

Did you know that the four most common ways you’re exposed to environmental toxins are through air, water, food, and skin.

And whilst your body is incredibly resilient and has a tremendous ability to detoxify you from almost anything, when the level of accumulation occurs faster than the rate of detoxification, those toxins can end end up in your plasma, bloodstream, and eventually deposit into other organs.

Some of the symptoms of toxin accumulation include: brain fog, allergy symptoms, eczema, fatigue, and sleep issues.

By the time you begin to suffer from symptoms, you’re usually late in the process of accumulation, so why wait to start making changes to decrease your exposure!

If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve curated a simple guide of small, incremental changes, you can make to help ensure you stay healthy for the long-term.

What other ways do you reduce your exposure to environmental toxins? Let us know in the comments below - maybe they’ll help someone else on their journey to detoxification!

07/07/2025

04/07/2025

What happens when you bring together two women (one French, one English) with a love of Ayurveda, yoga, herbalism, holistic medicine, and most importantly, indulgence?

Cosmic Dealer - A sustainable and ethical brand which focuses on creating functional products that cater to your ever-evolving holistic needs.

By using low-intervention and raw production methods, they’ve found a way to integrate Eastern botanicals into Western habits, delivering deliciousness in the form of things such as nut butter squares dipped in raw dark chocolate and natural coffee alternatives with zero sugar.

Helping caffiene- and sugar-addicted people find natural alternatives that don’t require compromising on taste and quality.

In choosing to come back to short, natural ingredients lists, with high quality organic plants and artisanal production methods, they are creating new-age alchemy.

Their range, which is entirely vegan friendly, includes:

🍫Their nut butter squares dipped in raw dark chocolate, in flavours such as Peanut Butter with Smoked Salt, Raspberry & Buckwheat, and Black Sesame with Chai.

☕️Natural coffee alternatives, such as their Chai Coffee, an instant chicory blend with mushroom extracts & chai spices.

🍫Drinking Chocolates, such as their Chilli Cacao and Chai Cacao, both enhanced with mushroom extracts & lucuma.

☕️Ayurvedic teas & infusions, like their Genmaicha Green Tea and Cacao & Double Rose Infusion.

We can confirm, we have indulged and it was indulgently delicious! 🤤🤌🏼

What would you like to try?

27/06/2025

As the weather finally begins to warm up and you find yourself immersing more in nature or taking vacations to far off lands, one issue slowly emerges, that of BUGS. 🦟

Whether it’s mosquitos, horseflies, gnats, midges, sandflies, or ticks, there’s little more distracting than the threat of an itchy insect bite when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. 🪰🦟🐜😫

But fear not, as we have a plethora of natural, effective insect repellents at hand, all suitable for at home, or abroad.

🌿Incognito
This UK based company offers a DEET free insect repellent in the form of both a spray and a roll on, which are suitable for ages 6 months+. Utilising a 100% botanical active ingredient known as PMD, derived from the Citronella Winterianus plant, they are tropical strength, offering protection for up to seven hours!

In addition, they offer a natural hair + body wash, infused with Java Citronella, Tea Tree, and Neem, suitable for ages 36 months+, as well as their Zap-Ease, which can stop itching and reduce swelling from mosquito bites, jelly fish stings, and nettle stings.

🌿MooGoo
This Australian brand offers a light cream formula roll-on, suitable for both newborn babies and adults, which is made from all natural ingredients. It works by changing your body’s personal scent, so as to deter biting insects.

It can be applied on both the face and body and is suitable for those with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or who have sensitive or hypo-allergenic skin.

🌿Weleda
If it’s already too late for prevention, then this Swiss brand’s Anthroposophic medicine, comprised of Urtica and Arnica, can help relieve the agitation left by insect bites.

🌿Camo
This UK based brand offers a range of DEET free, all natural insect repellents, made using Citriodol, an extract from the Eucalyptus citrodora tree.

Their Anti-Insect Patches and Insect Repellent bracelet are suitable for both adults and children and offer long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.

🌿Mosquitan
This Italian brand offers a wristband which acts as wearable diffuser infused with Citronella and Eucalyptus Citriodora essential oils. Suitable for ages 3+.

20/06/2025

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate anti-ageing regime, then Caudalie’s Premier Cru collection may just be it!

Expertly crafted for mature skin, it aims to reverse signs of ageing through the power of science, by fusing state-of-the-art technology with premium grape-derived components.

Utilising a sophisticated mix of natural ingredients, these products will boost your skin’s resilience and vibrancy, whilst reducing the visibility of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

Meticulously blended, these mixtures have antioxidant-rich qualities thanks to the inclusion of grapevine extracts, such as resveratrol, and polyphenols, which help to fight free radicals - a major cause of ageing.

Whilst ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides work together to help keep skin hydrated and full, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

MEET THE PREMIER CRU RANGE

The Cream

For the ultimate anti-ageing, this formula aims to correct all signs of ageing: wrinkles, dark spots, and volume. Boosted by an exclusive longevity patent, along with a natural plumping filler, it reactivates youth mechanisms and enhances your skin’s cellular performance.

Use morning and night after your serum.

The Rich Cream

If you’re looking for a richer formula, then this blend offers additional bio-ceramides, which help to repair the skin’s barrier, whilst still promising all the benefits of The Cream.

Use morning and night after your serum.

The Serum

Offering the skin immediate and intense hydration, thanks to its high concentration of hyaluronic acids, this formula is enriched with firming sugars that provide immediate effect, visible after just three minutes and for up to six hours.

Use morning and night before your cream.

The Eye Cream

A luxurious anti-ageing and instant brightening eye cream powered by a longevity patent and enriched with a new natural skin filler extract, that helps open the eye contour. This formula corrects all types of wrinkles around the eyes, reduces dark circles and puffiness, whilst providing an instant illuminating effect.

Use morning and evening.

The entire range vegan, scores highly on the Yuka app, and offers refills for the creams.

13/06/2025

Whilst there are various stages to pregnancy, over the course of nine months, your body will experience huge changes as it grows and nurtures your baby. Thus, providing an optimum supply of nutrients is paramount for promoting healthy foetal development as well as maternal health.

Whether through supplementation or diet, consuming the following vitamins, minerals, and omega oils, can help offer the required range of nutrients to support the growth and development of your baby:

Methyfolate
Omega-3 Fats
Iron
Choline
Iodine
Vitamin D

In addition, probiotics (friendly bacteria found in your gut) are also an important consideration during pregnancy, as they help support your baby’s immune system, digestion, and development. Studies have also shown that probiotic bacteria consumed during pregnancy can reduce the rates of eczema and allergies in babies.

Supplementing with probiotics that are suitable during pregnancy, whilst also increasing your intake of fibre-rich foods (vegetables, fruit, lentils, pulses, nuts, and seeds) and fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh), can help support your microbiome and ensure that your baby benefits from your beneficial bacteria during birth and if you choose to breastfeed.

Whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester, growing a baby takes a huge amount of energy. So whilst optimising your diet is vitally important for the health of your baby, taking time to rest and relax is also essential for your own health and wellbeing. Gentle daily exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming can support circulation and boost mood, whilst practices like journaling, meditation, or breathing exercises can help reduce stress.

And most importantly, finding connection within your community - whether through friends, family, or groups - can help reduce feelings of anxiety, allowing your to share your experience with others.

06/06/2025

This week we decided to try out Gaz Oakley’s take on Snack Bars and it turns out, they are equally as delicious, if not more so, than our original recipe.

Packed with nutrients and super easy to make, they are a simple way to add extra goodness into your diet or those of your children!

INGREDIENTS

Dates - Rich in magnesium and fibre, they’re great for muscle and nerve function, as well as bowel health.

Apricots - A good source of beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and antioxidants, they’re great for both the health of your skin and eyes.

Pumpkin Seeds - High in zinc, magnesium, copper, beta-carotene, selenium, and L-tryptophan, they’re a super food that can support immunity, testosterone levels, skin health, and even sleep quality.

Mixed Nuts - Packed full of protein, vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats, they can help improve brain health, promote healthy skin, and keep you satiated.

H**p Seeds - Containing all 10 essential amino acids, they’re a great source of protein whilst also being rich in vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 and omega-6.

Chia Seeds - An excellent source of protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, they help improve digestion, control blood sugar levels, and improve heart health.

Rolled Oats - Rich in B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and zinc, as well as soluble fibre, they can help lower cholesterol, maintain blood sugar balance, and support the immune system.

Celtic Sea Salt - One of the most mineral rich forms of salt, it can help maintain electrolyte balance, support hydration, muscle function and nutrient absorption.

Cinnamon - With both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help regulate blood sugar levels, protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Dark Chocolate - Packed with antioxidants, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper, it can help support cognitive function, heart health, and bodily functions.