Hello November, a new month and as the evenings draw in, we are going to take a look at winter bathing and the therapeutic benefits of soaking in a hot, deep bath and we are also going to talk about some of the most common seasonal health concerns which can affect many of us throughout the colder months, but before any of that I am taking a moment to share some words and thoughts about perimenopause and menopause.

October was Menopause Awareness Month, and most specifically 18 October was World Menopause Day. Given that we are now in November, I have chosen to stand outside of the designated awareness campaign for several reasons, but primarily because with the marketing of menopausal products projected to grow to $24 billion by 2030, there is a distinct blurring between supporting an educated awareness campaign and supporting the exploitative nature of many ‘menopausal’ products and I didn’t want to join in.

I suppose that someone, somewhere will shoot me down in flames, but seriously why would any of us need branded menopausal skincare, menopausal shampoo or, if you can believe, menopausal knickers. I want to be very clear on my positioning here because awareness of any given health issue is crucially important and with menopause being every woman’s rite of passage, we have come a very long way in the understanding of both perimenopause and menopause, but we need to stay real and we need to stay with evidenced research.

The experience of menopause varies greatly, with some women experiencing severe symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes and vaginal dryness, while others have few or no symptoms. In all of this, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an effective option for treating many menopausal symptoms and it can also help protect against long-term health risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, but it is a considered choice, a choice which should be discussed with medical professionals.

I have always believed in integrated medicine and it is important to acknowledge the role of allopathic medicine, but it is also important to acknowledge the role of clinically researched natural compounds as an alternative to prescribed medication. In and of that acknowledgement, Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine and there have been many studies supporting its role for helping to ease menopausal symptoms, some of which are outlined and referenced in Shabir’s editorials, linked below.

Given that oestrogen levels decline through perimenopause and menopause, herbal extracts such as Sage Leaf, Dong Quai, Red Clover and Hops contain plant oestrogens, known as phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body in order to help achieve hormonal balance, without side effects. Oestrogen displays anti-inflammatory properties, so it is important to increase oestrogen levels to help achieve hormonal balance without side effects and Sage Complex contains each of these herbal extracts together with vitamin B6 which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.

For the record, Sage Complex is Meno-Herbs reincarnated and we launched Meno-Herbs almost three decades ago, so in many ways we were ahead of the curve in recognising the importance of phytoestrogens in helping to support and address the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. The formulation has of course changed since those early days as ongoing research has determined increased efficacy, yet the fundamental foundation of the formulation remains as it ever was.

With all of that said, I am declaring November as our own Menopause Awareness Month and as such Sage Complex drops in price by 15% until midnight GMT, Monday 1 December. There can be no doubt that hormonal changes do affect our skin and hair because as oestrogen levels decline, the production of collagen, elastin and natural oils also decline and together with the shift in the balance of hormones, skin can become sensitive and thinning hair can also be a concern, so across the weekend and ending at midnight GMT on Monday 3 November, we will automatically send you Fulvic Shampoo (60 ml) with every Sage Complex bought.
VH Editorials: Managing The Symptoms Of Perimenopause; How Sage Can Alleviate Menopause Symptoms Naturally; DoSe Sage Complex; Fulvic Shampoo (for information)

Following through, and having referenced vaginal dryness, it is estimated that one in four women experience vaginal dryness during menopause and typical symptoms include itching and painful intercourse, although it should be noted that vaginal dryness can occur several years before the onset of menopause and for many well beyond menopause.

It has long been established that declining oestrogen levels are responsible for vaginal dryness and in a study conducted by The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Finland, it was concluded that Sea Buckthorn Oil was a natural and effective solution contributing to the health of the mucous membranes, including the membranes where vaginal dryness occurs. Omega 7 is a specific essential fatty acid derived from Sea Buckthorn Oil and Omega 7 essential fatty acids are important structural components of mucus membranes which form the protective lining of internal organs, including the vaginal lining.

In recommending Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil Softgels, it should also be noted that Omega 7 also helps protect the digestive and respiratory tracts as well as the surface of our eyes, most specifically helping to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. The single biggest causal factor for dry eye syndrome are the hormonal changes which occur as women approach menopause and although it is still not fully understood, there is a definite connection between tears and hormonal imbalances, which Shabir explains in his article, linked below.

Aligning with my declaration above, I am also dropping the price of Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil Softgels by 15% until midnight GMT, 1 December and to complete this section Sylk Bliss and Prescriptive Intimate Wash also drop in price by 15% for the month. Sylk Bliss is a gentle, water-based lubricant formulated to help relieve dryness and is pH balanced to match the body and Prescriptive Intimate Wash is a gynaecologist-approved feminine intimate wash which contributes to supporting vaginal dryness without stripping the delicate skin of its natural oils.
VH Editorials: Menopause And Vaginal Dryness; Tackling Dry Eyes Syndrome; Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil Softgels; Sylk Bliss; Prescriptive Intimate Wash (all offers end at midnight GMT, Monday 1 December)

Right, some common seasonal health concerns and the best-in-class products to support those concerns and I will begin with the excellent Lysine Lip Balm for cold sores, which we always recommend using alongside L-Lysine. Numerous studies have indicated that Lysine can help speed the recovery from and prevent recurrences of cold sores as it has anti-viral properties, but it also blocks the uptake of arginine, an amino acid that promotes viral growth. Shabir does the cold sore lowdown and just to say that the Lysine Lip Balm works wonders, if not miracles, on dry, chapped lips and angular cheilitis, the cracked corners of mouths.
VH Editorials: Prevention & Treatment Of Cold Sores; Cracked Corners Of Mouth; Lysine Lip Balm by Good Health Naturally £5.95 for 5 grams; L-Lysine HCI by Lamberts £14.95 for 120 Tablets

As ever at this time of year, viral infections are peaking and so, it would seem, is the ‘100-day cough’ which is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, so called because of its signature symptom, prolonged, severe coughing fits that can last for several weeks. We’ll begin with Triple Flu Defense, the homeopathic remedy which helps to reduce the severity and support the symptoms of infection, including sore throat, cough, congestion and respiratory issues. The recommendation here is to begin taking this remedy at the first sign of feeling unwell for optimal effectiveness, following through with a maintenance dose throughout the season.
Triple Flu Defense (2025-2026 Season) by Dr Nenninger £30 for 30 ml

In the realms of excellent products, Viridian’s Organic Elderberry Throat Spray really is excellent and it offers a natural and convenient remedy to help relieve the symptoms associated with throat infections. Formulated with Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Manuka Honey and Marshmallow, Elderberries have been studied extensively and they are a great source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, while Marshmallow root is soothing for the throat. Delivering relief straight where it is needed, Organic Elderberry Throat Spray drops in price from £20.15 to £17 across the weekend.
Organic Elderberry Throat Spray by Viridian Nutrition £17 for 50 ml (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 2 November)

On subject, 10 Day Get Well, Stay Well strengthens and supports the immune system during and after bacterial and viral infection. Recovering from infections can take time and this formulation helps to shorten the duration of recovery using therapeutic strengths of key compounds such as Echinacea, Astragalus and Elderberry, together with vitamin C and Zinc. 10 Day Get Well, Stay Well also drops in price, from £27 to £24, across the weekend and if I had stickers which read ‘medicine cabinet essential’, I would stick them on Triple Flu Defense, Organic Elderberry Throat Spray and 10 Day Get Well, Stay Well. But I don’t.
10 Day Get Well, Stay Well by 10 Day Results £24 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 2 November)

I cannot end this section without writing about Breath Of Life Aromatherapy Inhalation Essence and I think I have probably written about it at least once or twice a year for the past ten years. Breath Of Life is a breath of aromatic fresh air in a bottle and its antibacterial and anti-viral properties really do help to ease breathing, clearing sinuses most especially when you are suffering from a cold.

Formulated with Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender and Menthol it can be sniffed directly from the bottle, or you can add a little to a tissue if you prefer, but you can also sprinkle a few drops onto the floor of your shower, turn up the temperature of the water and step into a therapeutic experience. There are those products which are timeless gems, and Breath Of Life is one of those products. Such is its brilliance it also helps to relieve headaches and comes into its own when travelling, most specifically on long-haul flights. And breathe.
Breath Of Life Aromatherapy Inhalation Essence by TEMPLESPA £14 for 10 ml

Winter Bathing And Seasonal Products

The therapeutic benefits of warm, deep baths are well documented and soaking in warm water can have a relaxing and restorative effect, rooted in different physiological responses, including muscle relaxation, stress reduction, improved sleep and of course respiratory relief as mentioned above. A warm bath can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and relaxation, helping to lower cortisol levels.

Taking a warm bath before bed can help improve sleep by creating a rapid drop in body temperature after bathing, which signals to the brain that it is time to sleep. Extensive research has shown that this drop mimics the natural decline in core body temperature which occurs as part of the sleep-wake cycle, but this temperature drop can also signal our bodies to start producing melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.

So, an edit of some exceptional bathing products and keeping it neat, each of these products are featured in our seasonal gifting category and I’ll begin with two from TEMPLESPA, the first being Gratitude Bath Soak & Body Cleanser, a luxurious creamy foam bath which transforms into soft, cloud-like bubbles releasing a delicate fragrance of Rose, Pink Pepper, Blackcurrant, Vetiver and Creamy Woods, enriched with soothing rose water. Gratitude is a limited-edition product, as is Restitude Relax & Unwind Shower & Bath Luxe which is loaded with soothing Mediterranean essential oils, including Patchouli, Geranium, Sweet Orange and Vetiver.
Gratitude Bath Soak & Body Cleanser by TEMPLESPA £25 for 300 ml; Restitude Relax & Unwind Shower & Bath Luxe by TEMPLESPA £25 for 300 ml

Japanese bathing is a deeply rooted cultural practice that emphasises purification, relaxation and wellness and a pre-bath cleansing ritual involves thoroughly washing the body before immersion into the bath. Traditionally, the bath is a place of rest and the water is kept very hot, to promote deep muscle relaxation and to help reduce tension in the body.

Bathing is considered to be a meditative and spiritual act, so an invitation to relax with some Japanese Bathing Powders, and there are four powders in the range. I have written about these bathing powders before and I use each of them, separately of course, and I think they are amazing.

They each have individual properties and I tend to use Yunohana Bath Powder more frequently than the others, but if you are recovering from illness, I really recommend the healing properties of the Japanese Bath Powder with Koyamaki, Sugi & Hinoki. So, with the products linked below, the price of each of the Japanese Bathing Powders drop from £20 to £17, across the weekend.
Japanese Bathing Powders by Tribe Skincare (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 2 November)

I honestly can’t write this section without mentioning the epic, award-winning Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil from Aromatherapy Associates. Deep Relax is formulated with Vetiver, Chamomile, Patchouli and Sandalwood oils and this naturally soothing blend eases tension, calms the mind and encourages a deeply restorative night’s sleep. Deep Relax really is a legend in its own lifetime, and upholding its legendary status, Aromatherapy Associates have released the Deep Relax Hero (9 ml), which is a fabulous introduction to the product if you have never used it before, but on from that, I believe that Deep Relax Hero truly demonstrates the art of thoughtful gifting.
Deep Relax Hero by Aromatherapy Associates £14 for 9 ml

We are heading into the Saturday only treat in a moment, but before that I cannot write about winter bathing without mentioning candles which set the scene for ritualistic bathing and I’ll begin with Neom’s Winter Wellbeing Candle Trio, which includes Christmas Wish Travel Candle, Perfect Peace Travel Candle and Cosy Nights Travel Candle. The Winter Wellbeing Candle Trio is £48 and it has a value of £63, but on from that, Neom’s Sparkling Joy Travel Candle is a zingy, spicy fragrance that has been blended for the festive season and as such, it is a limited edition.
Seasonal Gifts; Winter Wellbeing Candle Trio by Neom Wellbeing £48; Sparkling Joy Travel Candle by Neom Wellbeing £21

So, the Saturday only treat and with every order placed for £35 or above, excluding p&p, we will automatically include Pure Repairing Hand Cream (45 ml)* by Margaret Dabbs. Pure Repairing Hand Cream is an intensive repairing hand cream fragranced with Rose and Lemon scent. Product details linked below.
Pure Repairing Hand Cream

Going Back

A slightly different stance this weekend but having written about the therapeutic benefits of winter bathing, listening to music in the bath can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, as mentioned above, but music can also help shift brainwaves from the active ‘beta’ state to the slower, more relaxed, ‘alpha’, ‘theta’ or ‘delta’ states which are associated with calmness and meditation. So, Enya.

Although subjective, Enya’s music is widely considered to be calming for the soul and is often described as peaceful, relaxing and meditative, offering a sense of solace and escape and so just one link this weekend, and it is a link to ‘The Very Best Of Enya’. Featuring some of her most-loved songs, the play time is just under two hours, so it’s not only music for the bath, it’s also music to fall asleep to. Perfect.
The VH Playlist; The Very Best Of Enya

I just want to end this Weekend Read by thanking you for your loyalty and support as I wish each of you a restful weekend.

With love

Gill x