With ilapothecary’s commitment to using 100% natural ingredients in our skincare products, it’s important to understand why natural ingredients matter when it comes to caring for your skin. We use a wide variety of potent and effective natural ingredients in all our products such as healing plants, remedial flowers, powerful gemstones, plant-based stem cells, precious homeopathic filaments, and more.
For lightweight spring skincare formulations, we love using the powerful plant-based ingredient Moringa, and here is why. Vitamin-rich and antibacterial, Moringa is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect and repair the skin. High in Vitamin A, B3, C, and E, it nourishes and helps rejuvenate the skin.
Vitamin A: A natural retinol, the Vitamin A in Moringa helps to improve skin elasticity, speed up healing, prevent breakouts, and support the skin's immune system.
Vitamin B3: Moringa is a natural source of Niacin (Vitamin B3), which is key for a healthy skin barrier protection, keeping moisture in and irritants out.
Vitamin C: The natural vitamin C in Moringa boosts collagen, helping reduce fine lines and even skin tone.
Vitamin E: The high content of Vitamin E provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to clearer skin and reducing UV-induced skin swelling and general inflammation, such as breakouts.
(They all include Moringa in their lightweight and powerful formulas)
Silk amino acids help to hydrate the skin and remove all pollutants without leaving your skin feeling irritated or tight. Other ingredients such as pomegranate, grapefruit, and vetiver help to fight against bacteria, reduce cellular damage, and decrease inflammation.
This regenerating serum is enriched with a unique blend of gemstones, stem cells, and hyaluronic acid. The lightweight formula helps with detoxification while reducing skin puffiness with its anti-inflammatory properties.
This daily face cream leaves skin smooth and hydrated, while helping to provide high anti–pollution, environmental, and digital stress protection. A unique plant active derived from organic soybeans is known to protect the skin from UV-induced energy loss and to help skin regeneration
This vitamin-rich, yet ultra-lightweight Hyaluronic Eye Serum visibly soothes, calms, and hydrates the delicate eye area. Loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants. Hyaluronic is known to stimulate collagen production and regeneration.
Reset Vitamin A Serum, is the perfect natural retinol, thanks to ingredients such as moringa and rosehip seed oil, which are rich in plant-based vitamin A. This intense repair balancing oil serum is designed to recover and restore skin balance, moisture, and vitality.
Refreshing your skincare routine for spring is essential to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant. Whether you’re looking to soothe, hydrate, regenerate, or protect your skin, our top 5 spring skincare essentials have you covered. Get ready to embrace the season of renewal with ilāpothecary’s powerful and natural skincare formulas and ingredients.
Discover the benefits of 100% natural skincare. Nourishing antioxidant natural face care to protect, regenerate and revitalize the skin here.
]]>Sleep is a fundamental aspect of human biology, and the amount and quality of sleep we get, can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many adults worldwide struggle to get enough restful sleep. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, approximately 65% of adults worldwide feel that they do not sleep well. So, if you find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, you are not alone. Whether you are struggling with stress, insomnia, or just sleep disturbances, there are a variety of ways to improve the quality and duration of your rest naturally, by entering a state of deep sleep. Say good-bye to restless nights and hello to sweet dreams with our 5 tips for deep sleep.
Sleep is a complex physiological process that is divided into different stages. One of the most important stages is deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep. During this stage of sleep, the body undergoes a series of important restorative processes, including tissue repair and the production of hormones that help regulate a lot of our bodily functions. Research has shown that deep sleep can help improve memory consolidation, cognitive function, and help reduce the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night which of 25% of total sleep time in deep sleep for optimal health. So, by incorporating the following sleep hygiene tips, you can enhance the quality of your deep sleep, leading to a more restful and rejuvenating night’s rest.
The environment you sleep in can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. To create a sleep-conducive environment, consider investing in comfortable bedding, including a supportive mattress and pillows. Make sure your room is dark, quiet, and cool, as these conditions promote relaxation and can help you fall asleep faster.
Another way to enhance your sleep environment is by using natural remedies, such as ilapothecary’s new Dream Space Room Spray. This all-natural ‘earthy’ room spray is designed to promote relaxation and calmness, creating the perfect atmosphere for deep sleep.
Launched on World Sleep Day, this unique, transformative, and naturally grounding scent is a potent blend of essential oils, without the traditional sole reliance of lavender to help promote sleep. Instead, active sleep-inducing key ingredients include midnight Jasmine which is known to have a soothing and relaxing effect on the mind, making it an effective sleep-aid. A study published in the Journal of Health Research found that inhaling Jasmine oil improved sleep quality and reduced sleep-related anxiety in participants. While the oil of tranquility, Vetiver, is known to help balance and ground, promoting a peaceful sleep. In addition, Spikenard and Patchouli’s sedative properties and sleep-inducing scent that are known to be helpful for people with insomnia, helping feelings of restlessness and anxiety to fade away into deep serene sleep. By incorporating natural remedies such as this, you can help create a peaceful and relaxing environment conductive to deep and restful sleep.
Establishing a regular sleep schedule is essential for achieving deep, restful sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. This rhythm influences various physiological process, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and temperature regulation.
Research suggests that individuals who follow a regular sleep schedule are more likely to experience better sleep quality and have fewer sleep-related problems. Furthermore, adhering to a consistent sleep schedule can help improve overall sleep hygiene and many even reduce the risk of developing sleep disorders.
To establish a regular sleep schedule, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency will help regulate your circadian rhythm and promote deep sleep. And, if you need help getting into a regular sleep routine, try to take a bath before bed to help your mind and body get into a relaxed sate. Our Magnesium & Amethyst Deep Relax Bath Soak, is a powerful mix of magnesium, crushed amethyst, and mineral rich salts which are known to relax muscles, help ease nervous tension and help promote deep sleep. This powerful mix combines to create a supportive and peaceful bath soak that help one feel calm and nurtured; promote deep sleep.
Practicing relaxation techniques can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. There are many relaxation techniques to choose from, including deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, ultimately leading to a better night’s sleep.
One study found that practicing relaxation techniques significantly improved sleep quality and reduced the time it took participants to fall asleep. Another study showed that individuals who practiced mediation regularly experiences improvements in sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
Before practicing breathwork or meditation, you could help clear your mind, with a modern-day rescue remedy, such as the SOS Peal Drops. Combining homeopathy, flower essences, herbs, and gems, this remedy is both a preparation and solution. Simply place a few drops under your tongue, and reap the benefits of soothing and calming Pearl, Poppy, Amethyst, and Passiflora.
Adopting healthy sleep habits is essential for achieving deep, restful sleep. These habits include things like avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and especially avoiding electronics in the bedroom.
Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycles. Research has shown that even moderate amounts of caffeine consumed up to six hours before bedtime can lead to sleep disturbances. Similarly, while alcohol may initially make you feel drowsy, it can actually disrupt the second half of your sleep cycle, leading to less restorative sleep.
Electronics can have a significant impact on your sleep quality as well, particularly when it comes to the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle, and its production can be disrupted by the blue light emitted by electronic devices such as your phone, computer, tablets, and even tv. This is supported by a study in The Journal of Sleep Medicine Reviews, where they concluded that exposure to electronic devices before bedtime can lead to a reduction in melatonin levels, delays in the onset sleep, and poorer overall sleep quality. To minimize the negative effects of electronics on your sleep, it’s recommended to avoid using them for at least an hour before bedtime and to use apps or features that filter out blue light, such as Apple’s ‘Night Shift’ or Android’s ‘Night Light’.
What you do during the day can have a big impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Engaging in physical activity during the day can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Additionally, exposure to natural light during the day can help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of movement. This could be as simple as taking a short walk-in fresh air during your break, or doing other forms of exercise. Moving your body during the day has been shown to help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, both of which can lead to better sleep. However, it is important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as this can interfere with your body’s ability to wind down and fall asleep.
In conclusion, achieving deep, restful sleep is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. By following these five tips, you can create a sleep-conducive environment, establish a regular sleep schedule, practice relaxation techniques, adopt healthy sleep habits, and be mindful of what you do during the day. At ilāpothecary, we offer a range of natural remedies to support healthy sleep habits. We believe that a holistic approach to wellness, including proper sleep habits, can lead to a happier and healthier life. Discover our sleep and stress relief range here.
]]>Skincare is an essential part of our daily routine, and with the growing trend of veganism, many of us are looking for skincare products that are not only natural but also vegan. Vegan skincare refers to products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. However vegan skincare does not always mean that the products you are using are chemical or synthetic free. Combining natural skincare and vegan skincare can help not only benefit the environment and animals but also your skin. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of natural and vegan skincare, what makes skincare vegan, and the benefits of using these types of products.
Vegan skincare refers to the use of skincare products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, such as beeswax, honey, lanolin, collagen, gelatin, lactic-acid, and keratin. However, it is important to note that just because a product is vegan, it does not necessarily mean that it is natural, synthetic-free, or cruelty-free (tested on animals).
Ingredients like beeswax, honey, and lanolin, are often used in skincare products as emulsifiers, thickeners, and moisturizers. Collagen and gelatin, on the other hand, are proteins found in the connective tissue of animals and are commonly used in skincare products for their anti-aging and skin-firming properties. These ingredients are not considered vegan as they are derived from animals.
Instead, vegan skincare products use plant-based alternatives, minerals, or synthetic compounds to provide the same benefits to the skin. For example, plant-based oils such as borage, and sea buckthorn can be used as moisturizers, while providing anti-aging benefits thanks to their anti-inflammatory, vitamin rich, and healing qualities. While plant-stem cells such as ginseng stem-cells and tuberose stem-cells provide firming, brightening, and moisturizing benefits to promote skin detoxification and rejuvenation. These ingredients are derived from plants therefore they are natural, however not all compounds included in vegan skincare are natural.
Vegan Skincare: The term “vegan” only refers to the absence of animal-derived ingredients and does not indicate whether the product contains natural ingredients or that it is free from potentially harmful chemicals. Much like someone who follows a vegan diet can eat Doritos, a vegan beauty product could very well be full of synthetic chemicals. In addition, a product can be vegan, but still tested on animals.
Natural Skincare: This term refers to products that are made with ingredients that come from nature. This can include ingredients such as herbs, fruits, plants, minerals, and other natural sources. While this term is not heavily regulated, beware to make sure that your products are composed of 100% natural ingredients, elements, and compounds. Making them free from harmful ingredients and chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Cruelty-Free Skincare: refers to personal care products that have not been tested on animals. This can include both in the ingredients and the finished product.
It’s worth noting that these terms can overlap. For example, a product can be all three: vegan, natural, and cruelty-free, or some products may be vegan but not necessarily natural. It’s important to read the ingredient list and packaging to understand the product’s characteristics.
Don’t worry! You can have it all. Using vegan skincare products that are also natural can provide a wide range of benefits for the skin and is considered the best option for several reasons. Here are a few examples:
First, natural skincare products contain ingredients that are derived from plants and other natural sources, rather than harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients. These ingredients are often gentler on the skin and can provide a range of benefits. Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, many plant-based ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and calm irritated skin.
Second, vegan skincare and cruelty free products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This means that they do not use ingredients that affect the welfare of animals and the ethical concerns associated with the use of animal-derived ingredients.
Third, using a combination of natural and vegan ingredients can be a more sustainable choice. As they won’t involve the use of synthetic or chemical ingredients which can be harmful to the environment. Also leaving a smaller environmental footprint as they do not use animals in the production of their products.
By using vegan skincare that is also natural, you can enjoy the benefits of plant-based ingredients while also supporting the environment, animal welfare and your skin. Keep in mind that not all natural skincare products are vegan and not all vegan skincare products are natural, so be sure to read ingredient labels and product description to ensure that you are selecting a product that meets your specific skincare needs.
]]>Something to remember is that the smallest things can make the biggest difference. “To improve is to change” (Winston Churchill, 1925). The new year should be all about making small improvements to your daily routine that can help you achieve big positive changes for your overall mental health and in turn physical health.
Here are some doable yet meaningful new year’s resolutions for your mental health and overall wellbeing that can help you start and continue into the new year on a positive note.
Good quality sleep and sufficient sleep is one of the most important daily human processes. We must prioritize our sleep to function optimally. Sleep has a huge impact on our mental health, as sleep helps to repair and restore our brains, not just our bodies. Poor sleep habits have been linked to a variety of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and memory loss. Poor sleep can also physically compromise our immune system, cause weight gain, and even increase risk of heart disease and cancer.
Our New Year’s Resolution tip is to try to go to sleep a little bit earlier every night. This could be as simple as setting an alarm to wrap up what you are doing and to go to bed, or perhaps create an evening ritual. Evening rituals can help your body and mind decompress from a busy long day and help ease yourself into bedtime.
Our recommended product to help induce sleep is the Magnesium and Amethyst Deep Relax Bath Soak. This bath soak is blended with powerfully reparative and relaxing oils and gems. Including crushed Amethyst, which is believed to help provide relief from stress and anxiety, by relaxing the nerves and allowing your body to restore and rebalance. In addition, to Magnesium, an essential mineral for many bodily functions, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the hormone melatonin, which guides sleep wake cycles in your body).
Screens are everywhere, whether they are in our homes, bedrooms, offices, vehicles, pockets, and/or purses. It can sometimes feel impossible to avoid digital use and endless hours online, in the name of connecting, entertaining, and working. The amount of time we spend in front of a screen however can have detrimental effects to our mental health. In fact, research has shown that adults who use engage with screens for more than 6 hours per day were more likely to experience moderate to severe depression.
Our New Year’s Resolution tip is to be mindful of your screen time. Set some guides and rules for how you would like your relationship with technology to look. Although we can’t completely stop or reduce our screen time during work hours, be sure to emphasize the importance of digital breaks. These breaks could be getting up to pour yourself some water, doing a stretch, or our favourite taking a few minutes to do a simple meditation such as breathwork. We often forget the importance of being in the present in the moment and focusing on something as simple as our breathing. Breathwork helps reduce stress by invoking the body’s relaxation response and reducing blood pressure.
Our recommended product to help you digitally detox is the Digital Face Mist. Simply spritz onto face to help refresh, recharge, and rebalance your skin and mind during a busy day at work. This face mist is high in antioxidant and free radical scavengers, known to help stimulate cellular detoxification protecting from inflammation, and helping to prevent photo-ageing. Ingredients such as Soy Bean extract are believed to help protect against the negative effects of digital devices and their blue light. Whilst Buddleja is known to prevent the breakdown of collagen and protect the skin against ultraviolet skin damage.
The importance of self-care extends beyond physical by helping with your emotional and mental health as well. Self-care is part of the answer to how we can all better cope with daily stressors, and comes in a variety of forms. The first step to self-care is to be kind to yourself. Emotional self-care could be as simple as taking time to see a friend or lathering your skin in nourishing essential oils. Physical self-care could be choosing healthy and nourishing foods, and spiritual self-care could be spending time in nature. Did you know that being in Nature can improve your mental health? Most of us spend most of us spend our time at home or indoors that can perpetuate feelings of social isolation and leave you feeling down. Whereas being in nature has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and improve your overall wellbeing.
Our New Year’s Resolution tip is to go outside for at least 15 minutes a day. Even if you have no green space around you, going outside, getting some fresh air can sometimes be more important for your mental health, than even the physical. Another great self-care practice for your body is to take better care of your skin. A skincare routine can help provide stability to your day and is a nice act of kindness to one of the largest organs on your body. In addition, to tigering a cascade of chemicals in your brain to boost your mood.
Our recommended product to help with your self-care journey is the Feminine Happy Oil. This mood-balancing blend of fragrant essential oils helps with all-over body nourishment and your hormones. Adaptogen herbs such as Maca and Pfaffia Paniculata have been used for centuries to help regulate hormonal imbalances, relive stress, and control moodiness. Hormonal balance is especially important for women in the quest to better our overall mental health.
Discover our full range of 100% natural products with solutions for Sleep, Stress Relief, Hormonal Balance, Digital Detox, Beat the Blues and more. We are proudly a British brand, here to heal and help beat modern stressors with powerful remedial ingredients.
]]>Choose to Gift ‘Care’ This Year! With uplifting holiday gifts for all your loved ones under £100
This Christmas and Holiday season, express how deeply you care for your loved ones with meaningful gifts that not only nourish and relieve, but also help uplift mood and boost emotional wellbeing.
Our British, award-winning, and functional beauty products are 100% natural (with undiluted and pioneering blends of Powerful Remedial Ingredients), that help support the busy person from urban stressors by creating a transformative healing sanctuary.
Discover the festive collection of curated premium gift boxes, pouches, and stocking stuffers for all those special people in your life, including yourself. Let’s start the New Year uplifted and happy with the power of nature.
A lot of us struggle with sleep, as it is sometimes neglected. In fact, getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining your wellbeing, as much as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. A good night’s sleep helps support brain function, as well as improve physical health.
Show how much you care with this relaxing and indulgent gift set containing everything needed to ease nervous tension and help promote the deepest sleep.
Magnesium & Amethyst Deep Relax Bath Soak unwinds and relaxes tired muscles, whilst SOS Pearl Drops under the tongue will help to ease anxiety and calm the mind, and Calm Butterfly Soothing Balm helps ease headaches and nourish skin.
Give your skin some tender love and care with this hormonal balancing, anti-inflammatory and nourishing skin set, because skincare is self-care. This is a great gift for anyone who just wants to pamper their skin after a long day at work, teenagers struggling with their skin due to changing hormones, or even a great starter kit to get your boyfriend into a daily skincare routine.
A powerful detoxing duo of Fresh Mud Cleanser combines vitamin-rich mud, healing amethyst and adaptogens while Save Face Serum, a wonder blend of stem cells, hyaluronic acid and gemstones deeply hydrate and radiate inflamed skin.
Being a woman means being able to be powerful and assertive, being strong-willed, compassionate, fragile, and fierce. As women and during all stages of life, we experience hormonal changes constantly. Whether that special lady is a teen who just got their period, someone dealing with monthly menstrual cycles, a new mother, or going through menopause; this hormonal balancing and luxuriously pampering gift will be greatly appreciated.
This set is full of feminine goodness including our best-selling Feminine Happy Oil, a hormone and mood-balancing blend of essential oils and adaptogen herbs Maca and Pfaffia Paniculata (Brazilian Ginseng). Warming Anti-Breakout Face Mask, a rejuvenating black mud blend to help promote healthy and vibrant skin, and lastly our Speak Your Truth Aroma Roller. This is a pulse point that helps ground and center oneself thanks to the combination of the mothers of aromatherapy Rose and Sandalwood.
We all have a person in our lives, even if it is ourselves, that is a workaholic. Help combat stress and promote feelings of happiness with the iconic, therapeutic, and uplifting Beat the Blues range. Blended with transformative remedial ingredients such as Clary Sage, which is known as one of nature’s ‘happiness inducing’ oils that helps boost self-esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength. Petitgrain, known to be releasing and self-accepting...and perfectly combined with heart opening and uplifting Tuberose and balancing Geranium. This is also a great gift for anyone who loves aromatherapy to bring on all the good vibes and positive energy!
Enjoy this deliciously uplifting collection to clear an atmosphere with the Beat the Blues Room Spray, boost self-esteem and bathing experience with the Shower and Bath Oil, and ease frustration with a mood enhancing ‘on the go’ Pulse Point.
A peaceful home setting can create a greater sense of wellbeing. Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years, with proven physical and psychological benefits. Discover the benefits of aromatic essential oils in our famous Beat the Blues range. This is a perfect gift for all your loved ones at any age, turns every home office and living space into an uplifting sanctuary of calm.
The sheer act of lighting a candle, its lovely flicker, and the gentle glow it creates all help to ease and soothe the mind. Light the Beat the Blues Candle, spritz Beat the Blues Room Spray in the air and allow the uplifting aroma to fill your space and help vanquish negative and stressful energy.
During the holiday’s we have shorter days, cooler weather, and longer nights which are fantastic conditions for someone who loves to decompress from a long day in a relaxing bath time ritual. Wait until they get their hands on this set combining our two best selling products. This is the ultimate relaxing experience to gift someone special in your life.
All you need is to draw a warm bath and let our Magnesium and Amethyst Deep Relax Bath Soak do the rest of the work with the help of crushed gemstones such as Amethyst, Magnesium, and Benzoin oil which helps targets your adrenal functions and washes away anxiety. After your peaceful soak, lather your body in our award-winning SOS Body Balm, a true miracle herbal balm. This balm helps with all forms of inflammation from sore muscles to sprains, bruises, and dry skin; thanks to herbal anti-inflammatories such as Arnica, Blue Chamomile, Calendula, and Boswellia.
They may be small, but their worth is mighty. Our most celebrated items are ideal for stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifting, in the perfectly wrapped and luxurious gift boxes.
A delightful pulse point, Speak your Truth aroma roller has a rich, grounding scent which combines the 'Mothers of Aromatherapy' – Rose and Sandalwood with a hint of sweet, uplifting Vanilla - the resulting scent is harmonising and sensuous.
A welcome addition to any stocking, beautifully fragrant and soothing, Smelling of Roses hand cream is lightweight and ultra-nourishing with hyaluronic acid.
Packed full of clever nutrient rich oils such as Arnica, Rosehip and Blue Chamomile, Vitamin A,C,D, & E Rich Face Oil feeds, nourishes and balances dry and dull winter skin.
Discover the full holiday range of gift sets here.
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Cleansers and moisturizers can highly affect the skin’s protective barrier, according to MD J. Peter Rubin. Just like we change our wardrobe according to different weather conditions, our skincare routine also needs to change seasonally. During cooler months our skin may need richer and more heavy-duty care, due to lower and drier temperatures causing our skin to become more irritated and sensitive. Whereas in summer our skin can tend to be oilier due to humidity, resulting in a higher production of sebum and lipids. Here are our summer skin and self-care recommendations to help heal and rebalance your skin according to its needs.
The sun can dry out the skin and deplete its levels of essential fatty acids and natural lubricating oils. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin from the sun. This helps avoid sun damage which can slow down the rate of skin cell renewal, causing a build-up of dead skin cells, resulting in dull, flaky, or irritated skin. We recommend opting for a lightweight cleanser which helps purify and regenerate skin, while removing debris from any sweat or dirt your skin may have encountered during your busy day. Silk amino acids in our Soothing Silk Cleanser, can help calm and nourish your skin while restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. If your body is also feeling lackluster and dry, we recommend an exfoliant that helps regenerate and nurture skin with Himalayan salts and precious ingredients like Pearl Quite Start Body Scrub.
As explained before, heat can cause the skin to dry up, however, depending on your skin type and DNA, your skin may react differently. Sweat and oil is a natural way your body helps keep its temperature under control. However, sebaceous glands may go into emergency mode and overproduce oils. If this is the case for you, the last thing you want is for your skin to feel sticky with heavy formulations. Do not go into a manic state by over-washing your face as this may cause even further imbalance. Instead, choose nourishing and lightweight products such as serums. With a smaller molecular size, serums can be deeply absorbed into the inner layers of the skin. Our Save Face Serum has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with skin regeneration. This is thanks to a unique wonder blend of cutting-edge remedial ingredients such as gemstones, stem cells, and hyaluronic acid. In addition, to protect the delicate eye area we recommend a Hyaluronic Eye Serum.
When it comes to protecting your skin from the summer elements and to soothing summer skin conditions, the SOS Body Balm is our summer essential! Award-winning and powerful, this divine-smelling herbal balm helps not only hydrate and nourish your skin. Powerful remedial ingredients and anti-inflammatories such as Arnica, Blue Chamomile and Boswellia help to soothe sunburns, provide mosquito bite relief, reduce swelling caused by sprains or injuries, soothe aching muscles, and help reduce the appearance of bruises.
Enjoy a summer filled of skin-loving ingredients for all skin conditions with our 100% natural functional skincare products.
]]>These days, skincare for men and women offers so much more thanks to opportunities to choose individual products, which address a variety of needs. This growing trend, AKA functional skincare, may cover a single cleanser with multiple features, which work together simultaneously. This provides a cost and time-effective skincare solution for you and, therefore, means you will require fewer individual, specific-use products in your beauty routine.
With our everyday lives becoming busier, it’s never been more important to take time out and dedicate it to your wellbeing. And an easy way to embrace skincare for men and women is with natural functional products that help soothe both your mind and body. Super-effective, quick, and easy to use, you will be left with problem-free, radiant skin, that simultaneously helps calm and balances your mind.
Functional skincare is not restricted to any particular sex. Consider your cleansing routine for example. The principles tend to be the same for both. Whatever your age or gender, a great cleanser is the foundation of a healthy skincare routine. This step preps the skin to absorb serums and creams better, removes toxins and build-up, and helps to provide a solid base for your next skincare steps.
For example, both men and women may suffer with inflamed or irritated skin, and ultimately what is needed to soothe troubled skin is the same for both. Our Fresh Faced Mud Cleanser will energise tired and dehydrated skin while helping to balance oil production. Vitamin-rich with medicinal and rejuvenating ingredients. This cleanser is 100% natural with an indulgent blend of highly effective ‘adaptogenic herbs’, that helps both the mind and skin combat stress, due to its powerful remedial ingredients, such as Amethyst, Moringa, and Rose Geranium. Or, if you’re looking for a cleanser, which will hydrate and soothe, preventing tissue degeneration and improving skin tone, our Soothing Silk Cleanser, may be perfect. Powerful remedial ingredient Silk active amino acids, are known to help nourish, hydrate, and restore skin balance, while Grapefruit, Pomegranate, and Vetiver help balance the mood and ground, thanks to their calming properties.
A moisturiser really is worth its weight in gold. In fact, everyone, regardless of age, sex or gender, should moisturise twice a day. After all, this vital component in your beauty routine features a multitude of benefits. These range from rehydrating and slowing down the aging process to relieving shaving trauma and creating an even skin tone.
Whether you choose a serum, Save Face Serum, and/or moisturiser, Protective Aura Day Cream, each will be beneficial in a variety of ways. The former, for example, will target specific skin concerns; reducing skin puffiness with anti-inflammatory properties, and protecting from free radicals and tissue damage. With a unique blend of cutting-edge, remedial gemstone ingredients, these, together, produce a powerful formulation to hydrate, regenerate and detoxify. Malachite in our Save Face Serum helps not only with skin regeneration, but from a holistic perspective, it is believed to clear obstacles and promote positivity, and Sandalwood in our Protective Aura Day Cream, is rich in antioxidants but is also believed to help create a sense of peace.
For high-quality shaving and beard care, you’ll need specialised products, which will keep your facial hair and complexion in check. Experience our Beardy Balm, for example, which will nourish unruly beards. It will also soften stubble and condition, heal and soothe skin with the most desirable scent. This balm features Blue Chamomile, which cools and clears skin while easing tension, redness, and heat from the mind and body. For the ultimate skincare for men shaving solution, try our rich, indulgent Mud Shave. This provides precision and deep skin nourishment for a detoxifying and relaxing experience. Active ingredients Amethyst and Vetiver, help to soothe skin, while from an energetic perspective, these ingredients are believed to relax and balance the nerves and help heal the aura.
You too can enjoy a solid, functional skincare regime with minimal products, where you can benefit from maximum results.
]]>Mental wellbeing doesn’t have one set meaning and it represents different things to different people. But, we like to think of it as feeling good about yourself and the world around you. Good mental well-being allows us to flourish in all areas of our life and, importantly, respond well to life’s stresses and challenges. Therefore, devoting time and effort to supporting your mental well-being has never been more important. Complementary therapies can provide a great way to enhance your self-care game. And aromatherapy is an accessible, affordable, and effective option you can achieve through your dedicated beauty rituals.
Practiced for centuries, aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses concentrated essential oils extracted from herbs and flowers. In fact, used correctly, these aromatic oils can improve both physical health and mental wellbeing. You can inhale essential oils through the nose, or absorb them via the skin. So, you can use them during a massage treatment, and incorporate them into your bathing regime. Ultimately, these scents can help to transform your mental state with more elements of positivity.
Did you know that 75% of our emotions are generated by the aromas we inhale? Aromatherapy works by activating the scent receptors in your nasal passages. As a result, these send messages to your brain, via your nervous system. Certain essential oils tap into our limbic system, which deals with emotions. So, when inhaled, aromatherapy oils can stimulate moods, memories, and feelings. However, different essential oils achieve different results. Lavender, for example, is known for its relaxing properties, whereas rosemary is stimulating. Therefore, combining different essential oils can fortify the effects, for more synergistic results.
If you’re keen to explore how aromatherapy can help your mental wellbeing, choose your brand wisely. Not all aromatherapy products are created equal – or achieve the same results. Our core mission is to help you overcome modern stressors, mental stress, hormonal imbalances, and fatigue. And we know how to harness the power of aromatherapy to do this. Our pioneering formulations feature potent remedial ingredients which we design to reconnect and rebalance both body and mind. We combine the best of aromatherapy, naturopathy, herbology, and gemstones to create products that support physical and mental wellbeing.
Our aromatherapy portfolio offers solutions to a wide range of different problems. But it’s important to use the right ingredients to target your personal concerns. Don’t be tempted to simply choose the scents you love. For example, if you’re having trouble sleeping, look out for calming, relaxing ingredients such as Benzoin oil and Cedarwood. Benzoin can help to calm an over-anxious or over-thinking type of mind. So, it’s an ideal choice to counter nervous tension and exhaustion. Meanwhile, Cedarwood helps to stimulate the release of melatonin and deeply relax the body. Do you need something more uplifting to boost your mood and leave you feeling energised? Choose aromatherapy products that feature feel-good blends such as uplifting Clary Sage known from the Hippocrates times as the ‘happiness-inducing oil’ and revitalising Rose Geranium.
Click here to explore our full collection of natural ingredients and their properties.
We make our aromatherapy products by hand in the UK and blend them in small batches to ensure quality and authenticity
]]>Natural skincare has never been in bigger demand. As a society, we are becoming more aware of what we are putting onto and into our bodies. Our skin in fact absorbs more than half of the ingredients found in our daily skincare products, therefore switching to natural products means no unwanted chemicals and toxins which can affect your liver, hormones & fertility.
The term can mean different things to different people, and unfortunately, within the beauty business, “natural” is not a protected term. There’s a lot of debate in the industry about what you should and shouldn’t consider being natural.
The term natural should refer to what you actually find within a product. Natural ingredients should come from natural sources and should not be artificial, i.e ingredients found in nature, extracted from plants, minerals, flowers, or even precious gemstones. Natural can also refer to what isn’t present within a formulation. Typical examples could include products free from synthetic chemicals that may be linked to health problems, or that may irritate the body such as artificial fragrances, dyes, and certain preservatives such as parabens or sulfates. But how exactly do they benefit our skin, and how do you choose the best ones to answer your specific skincare needs?
All of our products are 100% natural and uniquely formulated with powerful remedial ingredients that help with functional and holistic wellness for both the body and mind. None of our products contain mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol, ethanolamine, parabens or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). And none of our products, or any of the ingredients we use, are tested on animals.
Wonder ingredient Moringa is a plant native to North India. Also known as the ‘miracle tree’, it has a long history of use in systems of traditional medicine and is a hugely versatile skincare ingredient, a powerful antioxidant.
Consumer awareness is important when buying skincare because not all-natural skincare – or even natural ingredients – are created equal. The lack of any official regulation means that almost any product can claim to be clean, green, or natural – even if only a tiny percentage of its ingredients come from natural sources.
When natural ingredients are pure, potent, and undilutedly natural skincare products can be highly effective. Did you know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ? And its function isn’t just aesthetic. The skin is an organ linked to emotional activities as well as its physical purpose of being a protective shield against light, heat, injury, and infection. When you apply anything to your skin, your skin can absorb its nutrients. Unfortunately, it can absorb toxins too. So it’s important to use skincare and natural ingredients with proven healing and remedial properties. Swapping unnecessary synthetics for natural ingredients can significantly lower the body’s overall toxic load, affecting your overall health and mood.
Inflammation is responsible for a wide variety of skin issues, including redness, sensitivity, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. You can counteract this skin condition with our soothing, regenerating live silk amino acids.
Natural skincare offers a wide range of solutions, for every different skin type, and every common skin concern. The ingredients supplied by Mother Earth are varied and versatile. So whatever you’re hoping to achieve, there’s bound to be a natural option to suit. To ensure that the natural products you buy are going to be effective choose 100% natural formulations with active and powerful remedial ingredients that have multifaceted benefits for your skin, body, and mind. We select and blend only the most powerful and unique natural ingredients that have been proven over centuries and in modern practices to benefit your overall wellbeing. In addition, our packaging not only ensures that products naturally preserve their quality for longer, but also helps reduce our carbon footprint. Helping you be kind not only to your skin but also to our environment, animals & the planet.
Everyone’s skin is unique, but there are six main skin types: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Mature and Sensitive. Each has very distinct characteristics and needs, all of which can be addressed by the right natural ingredients.
Dry skin, for example, is caused by a lack of oil. It often looks rough and flaky, and frequently feels itchy, tight and uncomfortable, with noticeable lines and wrinkles. Skincare products that feature Moringa are ideal for rejuvenating dull, dry, skin. Moringa Oil features antioxidants and nutrients which can defend against free radicals which cause skin tissue damage and the formation of wrinkles. High in Vitamin C, it also helps to stimulate the production of collagen, the key structural protein that keeps our skin looking plump, supple and youthful.
Mature skin usually has significantly more visible lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation than its younger counterparts, together with a reduction in volume, elasticity, radiance and smoothness. Fortunately, there are many natural ingredients that can effectively address all of these issues. Rose Geranium, for example, is one of the most potent anti-aging oils. It promotes cell renewal and blood circulation, offers advanced antioxidant protection, and can even improve the appearance of age spots and dark marks.
Sensitive skin is another very common condition, which seems to be on the increase. This is also reactive skin, prone to redness, irritation, flaking, stinging, burning, and itching. Synthetic fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and man-made preservatives are among some of the most triggering ingredients – especially for products that stay in contact with the skin for a long time, such as moisturizers. Using natural alternatives instead can make a huge difference; they have a natural affinity with the skin and are easily recognized and absorbed.
Certain man-made ingredients (especially in cleansers) can ‘strip’ the skin and disrupt the acid mantle. Look out for natural anti-inflammatories such as Arnica and Calendula, which counter all kinds of inflammation. Calming Borage is another excellent natural ingredient that restores moisture and smoothness to damaged skin and effectively treats eczema and dermatitis.
The benefits of natural skincare extend beyond the mere physical. Many natural ingredients can effectively alleviate mental stress and significantly improve emotional well-being too. Nurturing the mind and soul is just as important as caring for the skin and the body. That’s why we infuse our products with powerful remedial and homeopathic natural ingredients, to deliver a holistic experience that uplifts, nurtures, balances, and heals. For example, Malachite is a powerfully protective gemstone that blocks negative energies and promotes positivity, in addition to providing cooling and anti-inflammatory properties for the skin.
Browse our full collection of natural ingredients to find out more.
]]>What differentiates serums from moisturisers or other products, is the high concentration of potent active ingredients that help prevent different skin concerns like ageing, puffiness, dehydration, or acne. Serums have a hybrid definition and there are different types. For this reason, googling things like ‘Best serum for face’ or ‘What serum is best for the face’ is not going to be very helpful. What makes a serum good is the quality of its ingredients and, as such, we would like to share some more information about the amazing combination of gemstones, plant actives, stem cells and essential oils, that form our new and unique Save-Face Serum.
Save-Face Serum is a fantastic daily essential remedy, that can be used before your moisturiser or simply on its own, great for all types of skin and highly recommended for troubled or dehydrated skin. It can also be applied as a face mask in the evening by leaving on, a thicker layer of the product, to absorb into the skin. This miracle face serum helps nourish, balance, and rejuvenate the skin thanks to the formula of potent active ingredients like detoxifying Malachite, anti-ageing Ginseng, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and protective Moringa.
It is never too early or too late, to start incorporating an anti-ageing serum into your routine, especially since prevention is better than cure. The Save-Face Serum contains Ginseng Stem Cells, an adaptogen herb known to rejuvenate the skin and improve the epidermis. In fact, several studies show how this potent anti-ageing ingredient has helped improve facial lines/ wrinkles. It also helps protect the skin from free radicals, balance the hormones, and relieve stress while boosting vitality and energy in our mind and body. From a holistic perspective, Ginseng brings strength and clarity. Malachite, Hyaluronic Acid and Moringa also have anti-ageing properties, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin detoxification helps stimulate blood circulation and reduce symptoms like puffiness and bloating. Malachite is a protective stone known for its cooling, cleansing, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to detoxify congested skin. From a holistic perspective, Malachite is known to activate the chakras, enhance willpower, and aid imagination, intuition, and creativity.
A well-hydrated skin brings many benefits like greater plumpness, smoother texture, and less dull and tired appearance. It certainly helps to get rid of all the unnecessary toxins, which helps to prevent skin ageing. Hyaluronic Acid is a water-holding molecule that helps our skin retain moisture while revitalising its outer surface layers to look softer, firmer, and radiantly hydrated.
As we mentioned, our face is the most exposed organ to urban stressors. We wear make-up, walk around busy polluted streets, spend a great deal of time in front of digital devices, and rarely stop to give ourselves a break. For this reason, it is crucial to apply daily protection to the skin of our face. Vitamin-rich Moringa is a healing plant full of antioxidants and important nutrients that help protect the skin from free radicals, skin tissue damage, and harmful ultraviolet rays. It is known to be particularly high in vitamin A and C, which are fundamental for healthy and nourished skin. From a holistic perspective, Moringa is known as the miracle tree for its deep healing properties.
]]>If using water in skincare is not ideal, then why do some many skincare brands formulate their products with very high amounts of water? The reasons are several, but the main one is probably cost-related.
Formulating a skincare product only by using a combination of natural, active ingredients without — or with minimal amounts of — water can, in fact, end up being very expensive. It’s also very difficult to fill an entire pot, bottle, or tube of product just by using pure ingredients and maintaining an accessible price point.
Water is added to the main formula in order to dilute the product and fill its packaging, which in turn becomes a much cheaper approach — both for skincare brands and for consumers.
At the same time, you are also going to need to use larger amounts of a water-based product to achieve the desired effect. The potency of the active ingredients is diluted and, therefore, diminished.
This is probably why you find yourself having to purchase water-rich products very often – and, actually, spending more money than you thought.
Switching to waterless skincare formulations can yield many benefits. Let’s take a look at the three most impressive ones.
Using less water in skincare products is incredibly advantageous for the planet. This is because water is one of Mother Nature’s most precious and valuable resources, and using less of it can highly benefit both humans and the environment.
Similarly, products with lower water content are also easier, lighter, and more compact to transport, which translates into better, more sustainable, and more efficient shipping and delivery practices.
Skincare products that are formulated with minimal amounts of water are also believed to be more effective. This is because less water means more room for other active ingredients, which in turn contributes to creating a product that delivers better, longer-lasting results.
Also, and more importantly, water-based skincare was found to dry out the skin, as opposed to attracting and retaining moisture and all the healthy, natural oils that your skin contains. In the long run, then, water-rich products can end up stripping your skin of its healthy glow.
As you might know, bacteria thrive in stagnant water. For this reason, skincare brands that over-use water in their products are forced to include chemicals such as parabens and other preservatives in order to minimize the growth of bacteria.
On the other hand, undiluted products are cleaner and more hygienic as bacteria can’t grow as easily in those waterless environments. This means that water-free products are also often free from artificial preservatives or other harmful substances that are used to extend their shelf-life.
One of the reasons why we are such big fans of formulating exceptional skincare products with minimal use of water is because this is in line with our sustainability policy. At ilapothecary, in fact, we are committed to drastically reducing our carbon footprint by crafting products that are 100% recyclable, undiluted, and thoughtfully produced thus minimizing waste.
Another important reason why you’ll find a lot of undiluted skincare products in our range is because we love how potent, clean, and effective they are on a variety of skin types. Take face mists, for example.
Most mists are just water with the addition of essential oils, whereas our formulations feature a potent combination of remedial ingredients such as Amethyst, Buddleja, Soy Bean Extract, and Vitamin B12.
From oils to body balms and candles, the ilapothecary range of waterless skincare products is masterfully crafted to deliver exceptional results while being gentle on the skin and respectful towards the environment.
Discover exceptional, effective, and gentle waterless skincare products from our ever-growing collection.
Would you like to read more tips on how to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life? Explore our blog for ideas and inspiration.
]]>Read on to explore what sleep quality is and how to improve it so that you can wake up refreshed and ready for the day!
You probably know that, as an adult, the amount of sleep you need every night should be around seven to nine hours. This is what we refer to when we talk about “sleep quantity”, but what about sleep quality?
Generally speaking, good sleep is defined by the ability to fall asleep within 30 minutes of getting into bed, sleeping through the night with no or minimal wakes, and falling asleep within 20 minutes, if you wake up in the night.
All this, in turn, ensures that you wake up refreshed and restored in the morning.
Achieving and maintaining optimal sleep quality is essential for a number of reasons. Sleep contributes to strengthening our immune system, enhancing our cognitive functions, and renewing our cell production, which contributes to faster healing processes.
Good sleep quality also helps us to stabilise our blood sugar levels, thus curbing any extreme sugary cravings that we might experience during the day.
Often, there are some specific reasons why you can’t achieve optimal sleep quality. The most common include:
There are three main areas that poor sleep quality impacts — and each one of them can create specific signs and symptoms to watch out for:
Implement these easy tips for enjoying better, more consistent sleep quality.
As counterintuitive as it may seem, leading an active life is vital when it comes to enhancing your sleep. During regular exercise and movement, our body releases hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which are very important to uplift our moods, stabilise our emotions, and help us feel better and happier.
Allowing your body and mind enough time to wind down before bed is essential to good sleep quality. For example, you could have either a relaxing shower or an indulgent bath every evening, followed by some gentle yoga stretches, a meditation session, or a few minutes of reading or journaling.
Similarly, you should make it a priority to go to bed at the same time every night, as well as stop using all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
If you suffer from stress and anxiety, or any other mental health disorder, to improve your sleep, try finding a way to reduce these stresses. You might try different approaches, such as meditation and mindfulness, yoga, journaling, or you could consider embarking on a psychotherapy journey.
The rituals you forge around caring for your body and mind have a significant influence, too. That’s why ilapothecary was created. We believe in nature’s power to heal physical and emotional issues and mitigate modern stressors. Good sleep rituals start with good self-care rituals, so invest in yourself today.
If you want to live a better, more balanced life, getting good quality sleep is paramount.
Treat yourself to some of our favourite sleep-boosting products, and create a bedtime routine for sweet dreams — every night! And if poor sleep is affecting your mood, read our blog here and learn easy, natural ways to fight this.
]]>Today, our hero ingredient spotlight is on Maca.
Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a plant found in the Andes, a mountainous range in Peru. Traditionally, the Andean people consumed ‘maca’ as a cruciferous vegetable, however due to its array of benefits, it was also used as a natural medicine to treat various health conditions.
Today the root of the Maca plant is still being consumed by means of adding it into our foods, such as smoothies or other meals. But besides giving foods an earthy, rich flavour, it boasts some truly impressive health benefits. Keep reading to discover the five most important and surprising ones.
Women who have reached or are about to reach menopause can benefit from incorporating Maca in their weekly routine. This is because Maca is meant to help to increase the production of hormones such as progesterone, oestradiol, and luteinising hormone, whilst at the same time decreasing the level of stress-boosting hormones like cortisol.
But the hormonal effects of Maca also extend to women who experience long, painful, and irregular menstrual cycles. Maca is known to help balance out the sudden drops and rises of oestrogen and progesterone, which are often to blame for the most common PMS symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, headaches, and breast tenderness.
As Mother’s Day is coming up, why not gift that special woman in your life – or yourself — a wonderful, natural way to achieve that all-important hormonal balance that she needs and deserves?
Whether she loves taking a relaxing, nourishing bath, is looking for easy and natural ways to recharge throughout the day, or needs to feel more at peace with her surroundings, at ilapothecary we have a range of products that can help her regain optimal hormonal equilibrium.
As we mentioned earlier, Maca is a cruciferous vegetable of the same family as kale, cabbage, and broccoli, which makes it incredibly nutritious.
Packed with vitamins C, A, B2, and B6, as well as niacin and minerals like iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, Maca can help support healthy heart function, balanced blood sugar levels, and reduced inflammation throughout the body.
One of the most popular, and widely appreciated, benefits of Maca is its potential ability to boost libido. Several scientific studies were able to support this claim, including studies on erectile dysfunction in men and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women.
Another physical benefit of Maca is its capacity to increase energy levels. For this reason, Maca is used by many athletes and bodybuilders as a natural way to supplement their athletic performance.
Lastly, Maca is also thought to help people who often feel anxious or on edge, thanks to its “herbal adaptogen” capability. This is a feature that only a handful of plants around the world have, and it is associated with the ability to rebalance the hormones that help you better cope with stress and illnesses.
Although the evidence around this claim is not as strong as in the previous instances, some research has shown that Maca can help to improve certain cognitive functions — namely, learning and memory function.
This has led some experts to suggest that Maca might be helpful in the treatment of certain memory-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Studies around this topic have been conducted on mice and other animals, but there is still very little proof that the same, positive results can be expected in humans, too.
Because of the high amount of vitamins and minerals that it contains, Maca is also believed to enable a faster, more consistent production of natural antioxidant in the body and the skin.
As you might know, antioxidants are incredibly powerful at fighting free radicals, which, in turn, can contribute to healing and protecting damaged and ageing skin cells.
Maca is a wonderfully powerful, all-natural ingredient that boasts many benefits, both for the body and mind.
Start incorporating this hero ingredient in your routine, and enjoy its amazing effects.
For more tips, help, and inspiration on how to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life, read this insightful blog post.
]]>The feeling of relief that comes with having your partner give you a massage is unparalleled. Taking turns in giving a massage to each other is a heartfelt gesture, a profoundly personal way for each person in the relationship to take some time out from your busy lives, take a relaxing break from everyday stressors and relax with your partner. Together. After all, it’s not uncommon for couples to start their own intimate rituals, and it’s easy to see why!
Keep reading and discover a step-by-step guide to our Couple’s Massage Ritual. We guarantee it will feel great!
Create a peaceful and loving environment. Prepare the room nicely and maybe add some cosy touches. Dim or switch off the lights and rely on candle lighting wherever possible. You might consider using aromatherapy spray or massage oil to help your partner relax. One final touch to set the mood is using soft music in the background. You can try searching your streaming service for ‘spa’ or ‘massage’.
Clear your mind and be present to the moment. Focus on providing your partner with relaxation is essential to help them relax.
To start the massage at home, have your partner lay down on their stomach. Start massaging at the top of the body; begin with the neck and the shoulders, slowly working down over the shoulders, lats, and lower back.
The treatment should be relaxing and enjoyable for both of you. You can use long slow strokes along the body (effleurage) or deep, kneading strokes, where you slowly lift the tissue and squeeze it from hand to hand (petrissage).
Ask your partner where they feel more stress and spend longer on those areas. Alternatively, try to feel it intuitively and spend more time on the areas where you feel more tension and adhesion.
Find your rhythm and breath, put all your focus into trying to relax your partner.
Once you have massaged their back and legs, ask your partner to lie on their back. Again, start at the shoulders and work your way down to the feet.
Don’t forget to massage your partner’s head and feet- it feels divine and is so relaxing – it feels divine.
To finish the massage at home, you can place one palm gently on their head and one on their chest around the heart. You can ask your partner to take a few deep breaths. Try to stay bonded with them and tuned into their breath.
After finishing the massage, let your partner lay for a few minutes in silence. The time after a massage should be enjoyed together for at least as long as the massage itself. This period allows for a deeper connection with your partner.
Tip of the day: Turn off all electronic devices. Leaving them on, even if silent, can create a distraction.
Keen to find out more about our therapies and rituals? Check out our London Store treatments!
]]>Are you ready to take a well-deserved break from screens, apps, and blue lights and reap the wonderful benefits?
It’s no secret that digital addiction is real — and it affects an increasingly high number of people.
As with all addictions, this comes with its own set of issues; poor sleep quality, relationship problems, a breakdown of the skin’s collagen supply, unbalanced mental and physical wellbeing, to name just a few.
This is exactly why we should all allow ourselves to go screen-free for a period of time, every day: a daily digital detox. The benefits that you’ll experience are virtually endless, but let’s take a look at some of the most significant.
Disconnect from the online world just for a few minutes every day, and see how your quality of life improves.
Sleep is one of the first aspects of your life to quickly benefit from a digital detox. As you might know, the blue lights emitted by digital screens can wreak havoc on your sleeping patterns; interfering with the natural, healthy production of sleep-inducing hormones such as melatonin.
By going screen-free, especially in the evening, you will be able to create a more relaxing atmosphere that is conducive to better, healthier sleep.
Sleeping better also means enjoying better health — both physical and mental. Spending less time in front of a screen can make you feel calmer, more content, and even more productive. And since you are no longer stuck to a screen, you’ll have more time to invest in your health and wellbeing, whether that’s going for a jog, calling your best friend, or cooking a delicious meal.
Sounds good? We’re sure. Sounds impossible, though? We understand. Keep reading to discover our top tips for escaping digital reality and grounding yourself in the “here and now”.
Banish all electronics until after breakfast: this is recommendation number one in our digital detox workshop!
Then, try to embrace mindful movements as you prepare for the day. There’s a great deal of calm to be found in the simplest of morning routines: brushing your hair, cleaning your teeth, choosing an outfit, sipping your tea. Even if your mornings are more of a sprint start than a gentle preamble, not having your screen (and its inherent distractions!) will deliver heightened peace of mind.
Every day, establish a no-screen time zone. This works best in the evenings when our bodies are naturally prone to winding down.
Put your phone out of reach for at least one hour before bedtime. During this time, take care of your body with an evening skincare routine, a few minutes of meditation and some nourishing yoga stretches.
Pampering skincare rituals are especially powerful in your digital detox, as they enable you to get back in touch — quite literally — with your body, skin and your very own needs.
Select natural, gentle skincare products that feature remedial ingredients known for their healing and rebalancing properties, and apply them with the care you would use with a much-loved friend.
Switching off at work might sometimes feel out of reach, with all those deadlines looming and your to-do list growing ever longer.
However, we invite you to take some time, every day, to disconnect from work and leave your desk for walk. Experience the elements, whether the weather is good or bad, and reconnect with Mother Nature in all her forms.
If the weather’s not inviting, keep taking regular breaks from your screen and spritz a little face mist to refresh your skin, heal your aura and relax your and mind.
Before laptops, smartphones, TVs and all other digital touchpoints, one device ruled the roost: your body. It’s up to all of us to reconnect with ourselves, put external stimuli down and try to be more present with mood, body and surroundings throughout your day.
For more self-care and self-love inspiration, read: ‘Inspirational 2022 – How to live your life to the fullest’.
]]>Fancy discovering more about Amethyst and what it can do for your holistic wellbeing (including tired, dull, irritated skin)? Our guide right here has got you covered.
Let’s begin with the name itself. “Amethyst” comes from the Greek term “amethystos”, meaning “remedy against intoxication”. And yet, in early Greek mythology, Amethyst was often connected with Bacchus, the god of wine. It seems unusual pairing: a remedy against intoxication or with an intoxicating drink. So, what’s the historic link?
Aside from Amethyst’s purple hue — much like the colour of gorgeous, deep Shiraz — the ancient Greeks believed that drinking wine from goblets decorated with Amethyst studs would keep the excesses and sickness associated with drunkenness at bay.
Amethyst’s calming, sobering influence has continued to be a popular belief throughout the centuries, while the stunning beauty of this crystal has attracted countless generations of royals.
Soldiers have even been known to wear Amethyst in battle; to help them stay focused, feel brave and remain powerful!
But Amethyst is also the stone that symbolises pure, stable, everlasting love and affection — which explains why it later became associated with Valentine’s Day, and the month of February in general.
From a more metaphysical point of view, Amethyst is thought to help people open their third eye, which is regarded as the ultimate way to access inner power and wisdom. For this reason, people have been using Amethyst for centuries to boost their spirituality and work towards enlightenment.
Placing Amethyst crystals around the house, for example, is considered to be an effective way to absorb all the negative energy in the air and contribute to the creation of a tranquil, positive and serene atmosphere.
And if you thought that the impressive properties of Amethyst ended here, then you might need to think again. This gorgeous crystal, in fact, is also one of your skin’s best friends — keep reading to find out why.
Does your skin need some extra TLC, particularly in the chilly winter months? Amethyst can come to the rescue.
This crystal’s calming, healing and empowering properties, in fact, are believed to transfer from the mind to the body, and specifically the skin, when Amethyst is used topically as part of a daily skincare routine.
By using it regularly, you could see soothed, brightened and oxygenated skin, thanks to the crystal’s reputation for boosting collagen production, reducing puffiness, redness, and swelling, and diminishing stress and tension.
You might wonder, though: “How exactly do I incorporate a gemstone into my skincare regime? And how should I use it?”
Amethyst can feature in your daily skincare habits at any time of day, dawn until dusk! That said, it is widely believed that the Amethyst crystal is best used during evening hours, and especially at the end of a busy, stressful day.
That’s because the stone is known to restore your body and rebalance your aura — two elements that are believed to be negatively affected by the screens that we use throughout the day.
If you have no trouble falling asleep, but tend to dip in energy during the day, then keep your Amethyst products always close to hand. You might benefit from a spritz of Amethyst face mist while sat at your desk, to encourage a much-needed regenerating and detoxifying effect. Not only this, but your skin will feel uplifted too: an Amethyst-based face mist is believed to soothe inflamed skin by reducing puffiness while stimulating regeneration, helping to brighten your complexion.
As you can see, adding it to your daily skincare and wellness rituals is an incredibly easy thing to do — but one that could have truly transformative results on your body and your mind.
At ilapothecary, we care about your holistic wellbeing, and we are passionate about respectfully and sustainably harnessing what Mother Nature has to offer to live a happier, healthier life.
Would you like to discover more all-natural tips on how to bring joy, love, and wellness into your everyday life? Our blog is packed with articles to help you achieve exactly that.
]]>Few things say “Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you” like a delicious homemade breakfast. The options are virtually endless, but at ilapothecary we do love taking old breakfast favourites and giving them a healthy spin.
For example, why not swap those super-sugary pancakes for wholesome oat and banana ones? They are so simple to make, and so absolutely yummy, that it’s almost a shame to share.
Serve with a side of maple syrup or organic honey and add a dollop of Greek yogurt for some more guilt-free sweetness.
Prefer a savoury breakfast? A fantastic option for a healthy and scrumptious brunch in bed could be poached eggs on toasted sourdough bread, with a side of salmon and avocado salad. Remember to prepare cups of tea or coffee, too, or a tasty coconut milk smoothie.
Yes, we are talking about massages! Couple’s massages are romantic and sensual; perfect for a memorable Valentine’s Day at home. You’ll simply need to take turns with your partner in giving each other a luxurious, relaxing massage, perhaps before taking a bath together.
To create a really dreamy atmosphere, light up a fragrant candle, play some soft music, and soak some magnesium salts in a warm bath.
Now, close your eyes and invite your partner to do the same. Doesn’t it feel like you are both treating yourselves to a glorious spa day, away from all the stressors of everyday life?
If there’s any day in the year where heartfelt gestures matter most, it’s Valentine’s Day. So let go of the need to spend lots of money, because the gifts that say how you really feel can’t be valued by the price tag alone.
Ask yourself: what would your loved one really benefit from? A way to recover from the stressors of modern life. The opportunity to totally unwind in a steaming hot bath, while you tidy up the house. An extra hour or two in bed, wrapped in fresh bedsheets, and essential oils filling the air in a way that aids their slumber?
The fact that you’ve taken their needs into consideration — and found a gift with purpose — will mean so much more than you can imagine.
The days are getting longer and lighter, but the sun still sets quite early, which means you can head out for a romantic, moonlit walk just before dinner.
It doesn’t need to be anywhere far or fancy — a simple stroll around your neighbourhood, hand in hand, has the power to make you both feel as connected and in love as you were when you first met.
Valentine’s Day can, and should, still be a day worth celebrating even if you are currently not in a relationship. There is so much you can do to show yourself some love — you deserve it!
Start the day with a nourishing, comforting breakfast, followed by an invigorating walk in the great outdoors. Stop for lunch at your favourite café and get your favourite drink. Today is all about feeling good.
Once back home, it’s time to engage in something creative, whatever that may be. Take this moment to unleash your imagination and tap into your creative side by drawing, writing, painting, playing an instrument or simply reading a book.
Finish this day of self-care with a warm, bubbly bath, some sleep-friendly yoga stretches and a lo-fi playlist gently lulling you to sleep.
At ilapothecary, we care about your holistic wellbeing every single day of the year.
Our self-care products feature all-natural ingredients; the most powerful of Mother Nature’s essential oils and plants to make you feel every inch as special as you are. Follow us on Instagram for a (nearly) daily dose of affirmation and the ilapothecary blog is always available to you, 24 hours a day.
]]>Keep reading to discover six easy, yet effective, ways in which you can incorporate self-healing practices into your daily life, and restore your heart and soul back to health.
Have you ever heard the Latin expression “mens sana in corpore sano”? Essentially, it means that in order to enjoy good mental health, you should take good care of your body.
And what better way to care for your body than by starting from the largest organ of the body: your skin?
Build your own skincare routine and incorporate only products that are gentle to your skin and formulated using natural, organic ingredients.
If the word “ritual” sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t be alarmed — a relaxing ritual can be as simple as a long, indulgent shower or cocooning in a bubble bath fragranced with oils.
Similarly, you might want to create a soothing, sleep-conducive bedtime routine by switching off all your electronic devices, lighting a mood-enhancing candle, practicing a few minutes of meditation and finishing with a slow yoga flow.
Self-healing isn’t a passive activity; exercise can be equally as important as rest and relaxation.
If you can, try and go for a walk every day to a nearby park, and take a moment to soak in all the beautiful, peaceful sights and sounds.
For those living in inner cities, this could even be just opening your window in the morning, connecting yourself with the outside world while sipping your cup of tea, or going for a walk to your nearest park. Feel the crisp winter air, delicate raindrops, or sunshine on your skin and imagine its healing qualities permeating your being. Watch the sky, the trees, the flowers and just… breathe.
Massages are a fantastic way to promote self-healing processes.
Make sure that you have some good quality massage oil, some aromatherapy candles or self-healing plant essences, and a few, uninterrupted minutes of spare time.
Pull your hair up and start by applying your massage oil to the back of your neck and your upper back and shoulders. With your hands, perform circular movements back and forth to release any tension. For added benefits, try to visualise pain and tension soaking away.
Creativity is a great tool to use in self-healing practices.
To many people, creativity is a form of therapy. By unlocking our creative side, we can express our emotions in a way that other life situations simply won’t allow us to do. This can be particularly helpful when recovering from a loss or traumatic event.
If you decide to engage in a creative activity, there are two simple things to bear in mind.
First of all, you can do anything you fancy. Playing an instrument, writing a poem or a journal entry, painting or drawing, making a collage — it’s all valid and it’s all incredibly powerful.
Second, the result of your creative endeavours doesn’t matter, so don’t focus too much on being perfect! What really matters is that by letting your imagination and creativity take the lead, you will foster your self-healing in a very meaningful way.
Is there anything more healing than voicing your truth? Try to avoid negative thoughts sitting and lingering in your mind; instead, speak to a friend, family member or therapist. This still counts as ‘self-healing’ because you are purposefully taking steps to lighten your emotional load.
A problem shared is a problem halved, as they say, so don’t feel you have to go it alone.
We’re here for you on your self-healing journey
At ilapothecary, we are always by your side when it comes to holistic well-being. For more mood-boosting insights, visit our blog: ‘Tips and techniques to uplift your mood and fight depression’.
]]>When we talk about “aromatherapy”, we refer to the ancient practice, used for thousands of years by many cultures, of using natural plant oils and extracts to enhance our physical and emotional wellbeing.
A fusion of ancient practice, art, and science art and science, aromatherapy has gained increasingly greater recognition from experts within the medical and scientific worlds. This is because its life-improving effects have been identified and confirmed time and time again through many peer-reviewed studies.
Aromatherapy massage is performed by blending essential oils and plant extracts with traditional massage oils to balance, harmonise and promote higher-quality and positive health for positive benefits, improving both your physical and mental well-being.
This creates a powerful combination that is smelt and absorbed by the skin during the massage, while releasing all the powers of natural essences to benefit both the body and the mind.
Treating yourself to an aromatherapy massage is a safe, natural and wonderful way to look after yourself — particularly during periods of high stress, anxiety or tension.
Some of the most acclaimed aromatherapy massage benefits include:
There are several different ways to harness the healing power of aromatherapy during a massage.
Some massage therapists choose essential oils, others opt for pure plant extracts or aromatherapy herbs, while others swear by diffuser oils. All these methods are effective when it comes to releasing the natural benefits of aromatherapy, but at ilapothecary we are particularly fond of diffuser essential oils.
With a diffuser, the essential oils are placed inside the diffusing device. This breaks them down into minuscule molecules and gently and gradually disperses them into the air.
Diffusing aromatherapy oils doesn’t just create a lovely scent in the room where the diffuser is located, but it also generates all the wonderful benefits of aromatherapy.
When it comes to choosing a diffuser for your aromatherapy experience, you have three main options:
Harnessing all the natural, wonderfully-scented powers of essential oils and plant extracts, aromatherapy massage benefits are many and wide-ranging. Pain reduction, stress and anxiety relief and sleep improvement are just a few of the things you stand to gain.
And if you would like to bring some of these fantastic benefits straight into your home, then why not opt for one of our essential oil diffusers? That way, you will be able to recreate the relaxing, healing and invigorating atmosphere that you felt during your aromatherapy massage.
For even more tips and advice on all things wellness, make sure to check out the rest of our blog posts today.
]]>Generally speaking, the expression “winter blues” refers to feelings of sadness, nostalgia, or sometimes even depression that affect many people during the colder months of the year.
The decrease of sunlight and the chillier temperatures are often considered to be strong triggers.
Similarly, winter is also the season when nature is taking a bit of a breath, allowing itself the time and space to reorganise and regenerate in preparation for spring — the time when everything blooms and starts afresh.
Whatever the underlying reason for your winter blues, it’s important to know that you don’t need to passively surrender to it: you can, and should, take some easy yet important steps towards beating the January blues.
Let’s get straight into how you can banish those winter blues this year and in the winters to follow; here are some of our favourite recommendations.
Wrap up nice and warm
As obvious as it might sound, the simplest things are often the most effective.
One of our best tips on how to survive the January blues would be to keep yourself as warm as possible. This means wearing cosy, comfy, and warm clothes, treating yourself to a bubble bath, sipping on a hot cuppa, and cuddling up on the sofa with your best blanket. Also, ensure that you wear your warmest socks, as warming your feet before going to bed gives your brain a signal that it’s bedtime and helps you feel more grounded and relaxed.
Feeling the winter… bliss already? We kind of do!
Fuel your body…
Another great way to beat that winter slump is by filling your plate — and your glass — with the right foods to fuel and nourish your body.
Now that the festive period has come to an end ensure that you are incorporating plenty of antioxidant-rich greens, skin-loving super-seeds, gut-friendly oats, and sustainable plant-based proteins to help your body feel better from the inside out.
Try to also reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption and, of course, drink as much water as you can —you could also add a few drops of Beat the Blues Drops of Gold to help support your mind, reconnect with joy and inner balance.
On the journey to thriving this month, make sure to take good care of both your body and mind!
There are lots of great ways to do so, from meditation and mindfulness all the way to yoga and mindfulness. Be present, optimistic, and practice gratitude for positive vibrations to fill your life.
It’s time to become a little bit self-centred! We aren’t suggesting you do anything selfish, but that you take some time just for yourself every single day.
What you do with that time is entirely up to you. You could dedicate yourself to a creative activity, listen to music, read a book, or even just rest on the sofa with your eyes closed as your favourite essential oils flavour the air.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Exercising is another fantastic way to release those all-important endorphins and give your mood a boost.
Working up a sweat in nature is even better. By doing so, you will combine the stress-relieving power of fitness with the relaxing effects of the great outdoors. Start by going for regular morning walks to your nearest park and, if you like, try something more structured like an outdoor fitness class.
Sleep sweet dreams
Sleep is the best medicine and form of meditation. Sleeping better can help you achieve the positive mindset required to beat the winter blues, as well as reinforce your immune system and your body’s natural healing processes.
Try to establish a healthy and realistic sleep routine and stick with it. Aim to have a regular bedtime, switch off all electronics, set your room to the optimal temperature, and sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress.
After a good night’s sleep, everything will look so much brighter — dull January skies included!
Advocate for your body and mind all year round.
When times get tough during winter, remember that brighter skies and longer days are just around the corner. Never a morning person, no matter the time of year? Take a read of our blog, ‘Beat the Blues Ritual: start your morning with the right mood in 5 simple steps‘ to put good habits in place now to carry through the months ahead.
]]>Mind and body wellness may sound like an unrealistic ideal, but it’s not. Daily commitments to nourishing your soul and rebalancing your life will take you a long way. For example:
Looking after your body is one of the most important ways to achieve — and maintain — harmony and balance in life.
Even the simplest of habits can have a significant impact, too. You can start by selecting the right skincare products for your skin type or concern, and ensure that you apply them every day in a calm and mindful indulging way — even when you’re feeling rushed! Time spent taking care of yourself is always time well spent.
Then, remember to nourish your body with wholesome, highly-nutritional foods while responsibly consuming caffeine and alcohol, which can hamper your overall wellbeing.
You could also add an evening bubble bath to your wellness routine, complete with fragrant candles or bath oils and relaxing music in the background.
Finally, try to wind down before you go to sleep — switch off your electronics, read a good book, or stretch out with some gentle evening yoga.
A person who lives life to the fullest is someone who’s able to identify, appreciate, and celebrate all the small things that make life so worth living. Practicing gratitude is a wonderful habit to implement, and one that will keep strengthening your inner balance as well as grounding your body and mind.
One of the best things about practicing gratitude is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You could, for example, write a letter (or email) to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, and tell them how important they are to you and how much you miss them.
Similarly, you might want to take the opportunity to remind your partner, children, or other family members and friends that you love them by saying it to them, every day.
But you can show gratitude to strangers, too, by thanking them for holding the door of a shop open for you, helping you carry those heavy bags to the top of a staircase, or simply letting you cross the street first.
Lastly, don’t forget to show gratitude to yourself. That inner voice we all have can be critical at times; we either nit-pick or neglect the beautiful body we’ve been given and it’s all too easy to downplay our achievements. But self-love is the important kind of love there is — so what can you do in 2022 to show up for yourself?
Meditation and mindfulness also help you live life to the fullest.
Through these ancient practices, you will be able to reconnect with the deepest and most significant parts of your inner self. At the same time, you will reduce stress and anxiety and feel blissful and at peace with the outside world.
Spending time in nature is another fantastic idea if you want to reinforce the connection between your inner world and the outside one. This can be as simple as taking a walk in a nearby park.
Here, you can let yourself enjoy all the sights and sounds that you might not normally acknowledge — a butterfly flying by, a squirrel munching on some seeds, the calm ripples of a pond. Welcome all the feelings of peacefulness, happiness, and gratitude that this experience can generate.
Whatever you choose to do in order to create happier, healthier, and longer-lasting habits in the New Year, ilapothecary will be right by your side.
We are committed to helping you achieve positive, sustainable change through nurturing and rebalancing both your physical and your emotional self. If you’d like to read more wellness tips and advice, check out our blog today.
]]>Is there anything Mother Nature can’t do? No matter what stress is brewing inside the home or at work, a quick (or long!) stroll outside is always a miraculous fix. A local park, nearby woodland or even your back garden can offer ways to relax and settle your energy.
With colder weather and the absence of leaves and flowers, some people shy away from winter walks. Yet nature still thrives this season, so look for wildlife and winter flowering plants. Walking without the distraction of cars and concrete is a great way to re-organise your mind and reduce stress.
If you’ve got even one minute going spare, then you’ve got time for a relaxing ritual. For rapid rebalancing, try aromatherapy rollers or even just lighting a candle and taking a deep breath. When you’ve got a little longer to invest, drizzle some essential oils into a hot bath and allow yourself to really unwind.
To bring re-balancing into your every day, create a face-care routine with nourishing rosehip- and sea buckthorn-based products. And to ease brain stress over the festive period, look to soothing scents like jasmine, vetiver and lavender.
“A problem shared is a problem halved”. So when the Christmas stress is really mounting up, reach out to someone you love — and offer to be there for them, too.
Speaking your worries out loud is often an instant stress reliever, as you talk through solutions and share the burden together.
Are you yearning for escapism and a break from the norm? With limited travel options this winter, instead of stepping onto a plane, consider stepping into the kitchen. Arm yourself with recipes from your favourite countries or cultures — and don’t cut corners… make your own bread, whip up your own sauces, and savour the creativity.
If cooking is not your preferred pastime, then dive into documentaries from National Geographic or David Attenborough and immerse yourself in a colourful coral reef or glistening arctic forest. There’s nothing like the dulcet tones of David Attenborough to calm the mind!
Exercise doesn’t have to be excessive or forceful. Tai Chi, yoga and even a simple stretching routine will nourish your body and mind — increasing blood flow and improving physical/mental flexibility.
Consider creating a special place for you to practice these exercises. Place candles, pillows and plants nearby to help ease your mind even more.
Remember when you weren’t overwhelmed? Tap back into your childhood interests — rediscover an old hobby, dress up, sing, doodle. Allow your unedited creativity to run wild and your inner mind will thank you for it.
Christmas is always a time of indulgence, there’s just no hiding from it. So why not hide the scales, instead? True, overdoing it on unhealthy food will leave you feeling sluggish, but if you’re taking regular walks and dancing in the kitchen while you bake, you’ll be burning off those extra calories anyway!
Promote your well-being over weight-watching, all year round.
It can be difficult to ‘switch off’ after being ‘on’ for so long, but with your email inbox closed and your phone on silent mode, sit down to reflect on how far you’ve come this year.
It won’t always have been easy — 2021’s thrown its own set of challenges our way — but you deserve some serious self-gratitude, and as 2021 turns into 2022, it’s the best time to give it yourself.
Knowing how to manage stress is one of the best ways to care for your well-being — and, hopefully, this article helps. But if you still find yourself battling changeable emotions this winter, take a look at our guide: 5 natural remedies for mood swings in women.
]]>Keep it clean Leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to boost your immune system. But basic good hygiene also plays a key role – and it’s so easy to practise! Frequent, thorough hand washing is one of the best preventative steps to avoid infection in the first place. Cold and flu viruses are tenacious, and can survive for some time outside the human body. High traffic surfaces such as door handles, fridges, light switches and handrails on public transport are common sources of infection. So do take the time and effort to wash your hands regularly (and correctly) – paying close attention to the areas around your fingernails, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands. And freshly washed or not, try not to touch your face. Most of us do it without even noticing – on average, around 23 times per hour! Breaking this habit can really limit your exposure to, and transfer of, harmful cold and flu germs.
According to the famous saying, we are what we eat. Both our physical and mental wellbeing is directly linked to the food and drink we consume. There’s no shortage of research to suggest that following a healthy diet can strengthen your innate immune system. But when the days are cold and dark, it’s tempting to reach for stodgy carbs and sugary treats. Try to resist, and instead fill your plate with lean protein, fibre, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants is a great strategy for boosting immunity all year round. In the winter, consider adding plenty of ginger too. It’s warming, tastes great, and may even help to counter harmful inflammation. A low immune system is often linked to poor gut health. Fermented foods, such as kimchi and kefir, are rich in probiotics – ‘good’ bacteria that are widely considered to improve digestion, boost the immune system and help us maintain a healthy weight. Lastly, what you don’t eat and drink is just as important as the things you do. Avoid processed foods, excess sugar and too much alcohol; all of which can directly suppress certain immune system responses.
Another way to bolster your innate immune system is with exercise. But you don’t need to run marathons or take part in triathlons to try to fend off colds and flu. Your starting point should be the idea that ‘something is better than nothing’. Over time, even a moderate 30-minute walk each lunchtime can make a big difference to your health and fitness. Finding an activity you enjoy is key, whether it’s swimming, running, yoga, Pilates, dancing or weight-training. Exactly what you do matters less than how often you do it, and how much effort you put in.
The really good news is that exercise can contribute to boosting immunity in lots of different ways. For example, it helps to increase blood and lymph flow as your muscles contract, and reducesstress and inflammation. More specifically, it’s thought that exercise improves the surveillance activity of the immune system – when immune cells are in the bloodstream are actively looking for infection. It may even reduce mortality rates from serious respiratory illness.
If you’re able to take some of your regular exercise outdoors, that’s even better. Our bodies create vitamin D – needed to absorb calcium and keep our immune systems functioning – from direct sunlight on the skin. Less natural sunlight means that our vitamin D levels are lowest in the winter months, but every little helps! Sunlight and fresh air are also natural mood-boosters. Exercising outside releases happy chemicals like dopamine and endorphins into our brain. These don’t just give us a natural high – endorphins are also necessary for proper immune function.
In addition to sunlight, Vitamin D is found in a selection of foods, such as oily fish, red meat and egg yolks, but it’s difficult to get enough from diet alone. That’s why the NHS recommends that most people (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily 10-microgram Vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter, to compensate for the lack of sunlight.
Getting plenty of sleep is another great answer on how to boost your immune system.. So if you’re keen to avoid succumbing to winter colds and flu, get yourself to bed nice and early. Sleep is an essential function that allows both your body and your mind to recharge. Most adults need between seven to nine hours’ sleep a night. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that sleep quality is just as important as sleep quantity.
There are three key sleep stages: light, deep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement). It’s the deep sleep stage that facilitates cell regeneration, when tissue growth and repair takes place. More specifically, recent research suggests that sound sleep improves immune cells known as T cells. These fight against intracellular pathogens: for example, virus-infected cells like flu. When cells in the body recognise a virally infected cell, they activate integrins – a sticky sort of protein – that allows them to attach to, and kill, infected cells. Studies show that getting sufficient sleep boosts integrin activation. So prioritising a regular, sensible bedtime really can help to keep you happy and healthy.
We offer plenty of modern remedies designed to help counter urban stressors, environmental and digital pollution, stress and fatigue. We also offer therapy as remedy. Our SOS Immune System Restore is the perfect treatment for boosting immunity. It can help to combat viral illnesses, coughs, colds, respiratory allergies, and post-illness exhaustion.
This unique treatment, which we customise for each individual client, combines a range of elements including steam inhalation, sinus decongestion, foot reflexology and lymphatic drainage massage. Follow us on Instagram (@ilāpothecary) to learn more about our award-winning formulations and treatments.
]]>Cultivate the ability to emotionally cope with changes imposed due to the pandemic.
For the past two (2) years, the whole world has experienced unprecedented conditions which have “violently” changed our lives: lockdowns that seemed never-ending, social distancing, fear of getting infected, isolation and feelings of hopelessness. It was that moment when people forgot how to be kind to themselves and others. The inability to cope emotionally with the changes imposed due to the pandemic resulted in lonely people being overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness, fear and uncertainty for the next day.
As the pandemic seems to be ending, it’s about time to cultivate the ability to cope with any existing or upcoming changes. It’s about time to start being kinder to ourselves, finding balance, releasing pressure, and embracing positive feelings of gratitude, acceptance, and self-love.
At ilapothecary we are here to help you with a list of practices to boost self-kindness, while protecting and nourishing your mental and emotional health from stressors and anxiety. World Kindness Day 2021 is the perfect day to start pampering yourself, don’t you think?
The practice of meditation goes beyond helping you manage stress and anxiety. Through meditation, you learn to focus on your breathing and body while training your mind to redirect negative thoughts and stay present at the moment.
A good night sleep is of utmost importance. It is therefore essential, if not imperative, to establish a relaxing night-time routine. Let’s see the three (3) steps to a powerfully relaxing night-time routine.
Aren’t you curious how your life would be if you abstain a bit from any digital device? Do you remember the time when life didn’t revolve around screens? Digital Detox, as strange as it may sound, can happen. And it will do you good. Instead of spending another hour in front of your mobile, scrolling down for news, ads, or stories, get out to the world, take a short walk, or even practice breathing exercises. Your body, face and mind would appreciate this short break.
You may also enjoy small Digital Detox moments at work. Just keep our Digital Face Mist handy and protect your skin from photoaging and inflammation caused by digital pollution. Spritz yourself 2-3 times from a comfortable distance. You will immediately feel your skin and mind rebooted.
“Alternate Nostril Breathing”, otherwise known as Nadi Shodhana, is a simple yet powerful breathing technique to relax your body and mind. Practising “Alternate Nostril Breathing” provides you with comfort in moments of stress, anxiety or trouble falling asleep.
Aromatherapy, the power of scent, will help you ease the racing thoughts and find your balance during the day. Beat your Blues and soothe your daily stressors with our alchemical blend of essential oils. Beat the Blues Pulse Point has powerful essential oils that are known to help to uplift the mood, ease frustration, and boost your self-esteem. Trust the power of scent, and let it soothe your tension and comfort your soul.
When we heal ourselves we feel grounded, well, balanced and offer kindness effortlessly all around us. And isn’t this what life is all about? Love, compassion and kindness always. Happy World Kindness Day 2021!
If you are looking for a natural way to Beat everyday stressors. Take a look at how to Beat anxiety in 5 Natural Remedies.
]]>Will you be a tricker or a treater? Let’s be a treater this Halloween for a change!
What’s a Halloween Sleepover without some all-time classic Halloween movies? Horror or not, scary or fan-scary Halloween movies are the soul of the party on a day like this. So, turn off the lights, settle down, pick a bowl of savoury or sweet treats, your Halloween “adult” punch, and prep yourself and your guests for a Halloween movie marathon. Take a peek at this year’s Halloween movies:
The first movie on the list is “Adams Family” (1991). How can anyone ever forget about Morticia? Not scary at all, great jokes, gothic atmosphere. It’s the perfect warm-up.
The second one on the list is “Hocus Pocus” (1993). What will happen when three (3) Salem witches return to the world of the Living on Halloween night? Bet this resurrection will cause a lot of mess. Oh yes, you can never go wrong with “Hocus Pocus.”
This is an excellent time to raise the fear factor a bit higher with another all-time classic: “The Shining” (1980). Take a bow to Jack Nicholson and Stanley Kubrick.
While it’s going to be pretty late, there is one movie that you cannot miss: “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968). It’s the absolute horror movie, if not THE horror movie of its genre. Can you take it?
Can’t think of anyone who believes sleeping on makeup will be a good site the morning after. It doesn’t matter how tired you are, how sleepy you are, or how bored you are at the end of the party. Before falling asleep, don’t forget to do one more thing:
Remove your makeup. Follow your regular skincare routine. After all, who wants to look like a panda in the morning?
Truth be told, sometimes, especially in times like these, we get a bit lazy and neglect taking care of our face. However, deep down, we all know that this is not good for your skin and we have a super-fast solution to help you out!
So, let’s make a pact: To never, ever sleep again with our makeup on. To never skip our night-time skincare routine.
All in all, it doesn’t matter if you believe in fairies or spirits, nor does it matter if you like to dress up during Halloween. What really matters is to treat yourself and others with respect and kindness. If you want to be a “legit” tricker, you have only one day. Halloween. Booo!
]]>First honoured in 1992, World Mental Health Day is quickly approaching its 20th anniversary. The purpose of this day was, and still is, to raise awareness of mental health issues and improve mental health services around the world. The theme of World Mental Health Day 2021 is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. Mental health equality is a key contemporary issue as mental illness impacts people of all incomes, but access to mental health services is far from equitable.
Nowadays, promoting an idea or getting a message out is as simple as clicking a button. With the help of online platforms, we can share our thoughts and feelings around the world, reaching, educating, and why not influencing an incredible volume of people we have never even met. With power like this, why not use it to raise awareness about mental health, and further break the social stigma, and spread the message to a broader audience? Let World Mental Health Day 2021 be the stepping stone and the beginning of a conversation about mental health and how it should be equal for all. It does not have to be complicated. Simple actions such as sharing a story, creating a dialogue, or posting information about mental health, would suffice and can help create awareness for someone struggling.
Have you noticed that the older we get, the more rewarding it is to give than to receive? Studies show that the act of giving can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Sometimes people fail to realise, although not intentionally, that time spent with others is the greatest gift, especially when it comes to mental health. According to Age UK, over a million people over the age of 75 go approximately a month without seeing a friend, neighbour or family member. And all that, just in the “normal” days where the excuse behind that was lack of time. Hectic as your everyday life can be, make a difference by visiting your grandparents, your parents, your elderly friend or neighbour. A friendly pat on the shoulder, a warm hello will be of much importance to them. Give back all the love and caring they gave you as a child. On a community level, engage in your local community activities or signup for a “befriending” scheme offered by various organisations, and rest assured that your presence there will be more than welcomed and valued.
One of the biggest obstacles to overcoming personal hardship and mental stressors is the fear or unwillingness to share the battles out of fear of being stigmatised or alienated. As much as modern technology has given us powerful tools of conversation, communication and connectivity through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, the less likely it is to touch sensitive areas like mental health, and all aspects around it. More specifically, while most people are happy to share their thoughts and feelings about a topic, they seem to struggle and be reluctant to voice their feelings when that topic has to do with their mental health or the mental health of their loved ones.
But this does not have to be the case.
Grasp the best you can get of this tremendously worldwide communication channel and voice your feelings, become an active member and be as helpful as you can be: to yourself or others. Be part of this global effort to promote awareness for equal mental health from your walk of life, you as a person.
Join an established community, organisation or forum that focus on facilitating personal conversation and providing a safe space, a haven, where people can be themselves, express their thoughts, fears and feelings and find support. But most importantly, realise that they are not the only ones facing similar challenges and there is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, there is no shame when it comes to health.
Be kind to oneself is the first step to be kind to others
All in all, these tips fit well under one fundamental word: ‘kindness’. We believe that at the core of all these actions is the pursuit of kindness and the mission to share it with others. But above all, we must remember first to be kind to ourselves and focus on appreciating the present moment rather than worrying about the future. Discover more ways to be kind to yourself in our blog, where we unpack practical tips on how you can show yourself, and others small acts of kindness and love.
]]>Being constant in your night time skincare routine is even more important than the number or quality of treatments you use. There is no magic product or formulation that can make your skin look firm and plump if applied sporadically. Consistency is key when it comes to skincare, so being realistic when planning a night time skincare routine is essential. Based on the time you are willing to allocate and skin concerns be precise and selective with the products you use for your night time skincare routine.
Here are our essential steps to include in your night time skincare routine, helping your skin feel healthy and nourished.
During the day, our skin accumulates a lot of gunk and impurities from pollution, cosmetic products, sweat, and more. Especially, when wearing makeup your skin is exposed to more dirt and germs, that we certainly do not want to go to bed with! Properly removing your makeup at the end of the day is the first step to cleansing in every night time skincare routine. There are so many different ways to remove your makeup, from wipes and cream cleansers to more sustainable options such as reusable cloths.
Once you have removed your makeup, it’s time for your good old cleanse! Wash your face with water and a good quality cleanser to provide ideal protection and hydration. Look for products with natural and active ingredients such as silk. The two key proteins in silk, sericin and fibroin, provide a perfect lather to repair skin cells, while protecting and nourishing.
After a good double-cleanse, apply toner to rebalance the PH levels of the skin and remove excess impurities. Toner is an important step you must not skip when preparing your skin to absorb all the goodness of your following products. Cooling, protective, and antioxidant ingredients are what to look for when choosing a toner to help prevent skin cell damage and support their regeneration.
Now that your skin is completely clean, it’s time to absorb all of the nutrients, and there is nothing better than a nutrient-rich serum. Face serum is thin in consistency but highly-concentrated. Formulated to be nutrient dense, serum help provide deep nourishment to all skin layers due to its thin consistency and ingredients.
For this product really pay attention to the ingredients of your selection, as you want to give your skin good ‘food’ and targeted treatment depending on your skin’s needs. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and make it look firmer, Vitamin A, C, and E for a boost of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Some healing plants and active stem cells like ginseng, echinacea, and gardenia are also great natural ingredients to stimulate collagen and help treat skin concerns such as anti-aging or acne prevention.
Especially for evening skincare, moisturizing the skin is a key step to glowing skin texture and hydration. Thicker in consistency, moisturizer helps create a physical barrier to the top layer of the skin locking in hydration and preventing skin from drying out through the night. Don’t worry about the extra thick layer of cream as it will be fully absorbed by the morning leaving your skin looking fresh, smooth, and hydrated; ready to face a new day! We recommend opting for moisturisers with restorative, soothing, and nourishing ingredients like cocoa or shae butter, wild indigo, azelaic, and moringa.
A simple 5 step night time skincare routine may look like a long process, but it should take less than 10 minutes and is a skin essential. The ingredients of your skincare products will perform best while absorbing, restoring, and nourishing all night, every night. Therefore, being consistent in your night time skincare routine is key, as well as selecting good quality products with active ingredients to benefit the health of your skin. That being said we must not forget to protect our skin during the day against natural factors such as the sun, wind, pollution, and stress. Discover how ilapothecary products can help.
So…are you still sure that you want to skip out on your night time skincare routine?
]]>First and foremost, creating an ergonomic home office will be vital, regardless of whether you’re already experiencing pain or discomfort from having bad posture or a poorly designed workspace. Keep these tips in mind as you set up an ergonomic workspace at home:
Certain yoga poses can improve posture, and now that you’re working from home, it’s easier than ever to roll out your mat for a few early morning or mid-afternoon yoga poses. Try incorporating mountain pose, standing forward bend, cat-cow stretches, and bridge pose into your daily yoga routine.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain as a result of working from home, collagen supplements could help to alleviate it. According to Penn Medicine, collagen eases lower back discomfort and knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and it builds muscle mass while preventing bone loss.
When collagen production decreases in the body, the skin may sag and wrinkle and muscles may weaken and waste away. By supplementing with collagen, however, you’ll stay strong, lean, healthy, and pain-free and rebuild joint cartilage while preventing further damage from occurring in the body.
If you’re over 60 years of age and working from home, there are some additional steps you’ll need to take to protect your physical health. As one example, regular exercise will reduce your risk of injury and disability as you age, keep your brain healthy, and improve your balance and flexibility. Plus, some exercises can even help to reduce back pain and improve posture! However, it’s important to engage in physical activities that work for you and your specific needs.
If you’re looking for some age-friendly indoor exercises to try at home, here are a few low-impact recommendations that will help protect your spine:
If you’ve been experiencing pain in your back, neck, or shoulders while working from home during the pandemic, be sure to schedule an appointment with a chiropractic professional. Regular chiropractic adjustments support musculoskeletal and nervous system health, but other benefits may include improved digestive system function and easier breathing. With corrective chiropractic care services, you’ll decrease aches, pains, and poor posture while improving your immune system and overall health.
By improving your posture and keeping your spine healthy as you work from home, you’ll protect your body from years of back, neck, and shoulder pain and other painful conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Working from home may be your new normal, but chronic musculoskeletal or nervous system pain shouldn’t be. That being said, be sure to take regular breaks, we suggest 10 minutes every 2-3 hours of work. During this period, take some time to do a little stretch, drink a full glass of water and switch off from electronic devices.
You can also check out our Digital Detox range for an extra boost that will help cleanse and recharge your mind and space from negative digital effects; perfect for when spending long hours in front of a screen!
]]>Who doesn’t love a natural healthy glow all year round?
The good news is we don’t need to wear a lot of make-up or apply heavy duty oils to maintain our summer glow during autumn. It’s all about maintaining clean, fresh and natural skin that shines. As you transition from skincare that works for indoor and colder environments, these are our recommendations while seasons change, to prepare for an autumn-ready skin!
During the transition phase, our skin can become dry and flaky, so regular exfoliation is essential for achieving a gorgeous glow during colder seasons. We recommend you keep a bottle of ilapothecary’s ‘No. 13 Face-the-Day Exfoliating Body Wash’ in the shower that you can easily apply every morning. The light gel texture gently cleanses and exfoliates at the same time without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Its invigorating scent will send you off to a dynamic great morning
Cleansing, Protecting, Uplifting
An invigorating and energising exfoliating body wash which both cleanses and exfoliates at the same time – two jobs in one, perfect for multi-taskers.
It goes without saying that inner and outer hydration is essential to glowing skin. The change is weather from summer to autumn can also change your skin. The cold, dry air that autumn and winter bring can cause the water in your skin to evaporate faster which can make your skin feel dry and tight. The ilapothecary’s ‘No 23 Reset Vitamin A Face Serum’ is an intense repair balancing serum oil that is vitamin A rich and nourishing. Allows your skin time to rest, recover and restore its balance, moisture and vitality. This serum is essential for use after travelling and for sensitive skin.
Softening, Moisturising, Rejuvenating
An intense repair balancing serum oil that is vitamin A rich and nourishing. Allows your skin time to rest, recover and restore its balance, moisture and vitality. Essential after travelling, use during pregnancy and for sensitive skin.
There are parts of our body that show up the effects of the change in weather more than others. ilapothecary’s ‘No. 88 Keep Calm Hand & Body Lotion’ is light cream that can be applied throughout the day. If your feet are feeling particularly dry then apply the ‘No.101 SOS Body Balm’ overnight. This herbal healing balm infused with arnica works well for nourishing dehydrated skin. Another recommendation is the ‘No. 0 Express Lip Balm’ for protecting and nourishing your lips 24/7.
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