Well, here we are and after two consecutive Bank Holiday weekends and an extraordinarily short Weekend Read last Saturday, there is much to do and much to say.  But before anything, I will tell you that my predictions regarding the bestselling products from last weekend were mostly accurate, although it wasn’t too difficult to forecast that HA would be the bestselling product across the board, and Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex was right up there too, which made my head thump, but never mind that, it thumps most weekends for one reason or another.  Nothing is ever straightforward.  But that’s life, it seems.

So, let’s take a moment to talk about Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex.  Launched towards the end of February, Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex was the first new VH formulation we released this year.  Containing a patented curcumin extract encompassing three of the most researched curcumin compounds found in Turmeric, Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), Curcumin C3 Complex also contains BioPerine®, a patented extract derived from black pepper which has been shown to increase the bioavailability of Curcumin compounds by up to 2000%, which is a significant advancement in the efficacy of Turmeric and Curcumin supplementation.

Curcumin C3 Complex has been the subject of numerous trials and, as a ‘Bioprotectant’ antioxidant, it helps to quench damaging radicals to help prevent inflammation in the body, which is at the very core of most diseases and health concerns.  And now the head thump.  I have kept rather quiet about this supplement over the past few weeks because I knew we were headed into famine territory due to raw ingredient and manufacturing issues.  Except I mentioned it on the last Weekend Read, so now my head is thumping even more because I was told it would be back in stock, but it is still two or three days away, at best.  And we have a rather large wait list.

When we launched Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex, I wrote that it would become a legend in its own lifetime, and although those words were somewhat prophetic, I stand by them because it came with a recommendation to take this supplement over and above the Turmeric and Curcumin supplementation which had gone before.  So however much I dislike wait lists, I suppose it stands in testimony to cutting-edge and pioneering products, which are well supported by clinicals.  In recognition of your trust and support, I am dropping the price of Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex from £26 to £23 across the weekend.  If only to help appease the thump.
VH Editorial: Turmeric – The Spice With Health Benefits; Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex £23 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 14 May)

And now for something completely different.  A few months ago, I fell in love with a beach pouch, except you cannot buy this pouch, but take it from me, it is stunning and you could have one too, but I'll get to that later. For now, I will tell you that this D Neoprene pouch has been designed by Darling.  Darling is an Italian beauty brand created from the idea that a suncare product can be a design object, combining simple aesthetics with formulations of the highest quality.  They live up to promise, both in design and efficacy and if ever products were tactile, the Darling products are.  And I think that may become a ‘thing’.

Darling’s philosophy is based on the concept of SPF as an essential element of daily skincare with SPF standing for ‘Stay Pretty Forever’.  Stating that ‘your skin will always be your best dress’, Darling is a representation of innovation, research and attention to detail, which is everything I would expect from an elegant high quality brand, and Darling is high quality.  There is a fragrance-free product within the range, but mostly the products are fragranced with Monoi de Tahiti (Sacred Oil), which comes from Tiare Tahiti flowers obtained by enfleurage in coconut oil. Lara thinks the fragrance is unreal, which translated means that is completely amazing.  And it is.

There are ten products in the range, including some cute hair clips, and although I haven’t got the space to write about all of the products in detail, I will tell you that in Italy the bestselling product is High Protection SPF 50.  This is a face and body sunscreen with high broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and it has strong moisturising, nourishing and anti-ageing actions. If you prefer lower protection, and we are all different, then Medium Protection SPF 20 covers that rather well.  There are two Screen-Me Sprays in the collection, one with SPF 50+ and one with SPF 30, both loaded with active ingredients including Moringa Oil, HA and Squalane.  Let’s roll on.  

Formulated specifically for the face, Fluid Face Cream SPF 50+ is fragrance-free ultra-light fluid face cream with high broad-spectrum protection and I think many of you will like this because its ingredients include HA, Panthenol, Niacinamide and Nasturtium extract.  It is designed for daily use and it is also suitable as a moisturising base for make-up.  Six products down and four to go and these are Darling’s Glowy Face Cream SPF 50+, a divine After Sun Lotion with Chamomile, Mallow and Aloe Vera, a Tan Activator which helps protect against photo-ageing and a Body Wash.  Ten products in two paragraphs, and now we are going to talk about the D Neoprene Pouch.

And it goes like this, if you buy any Darling product, with the exception of the hair clips, we will automatically include the D Neoprene Pouch in your order.  In that pouch you will find a selection of product sachets, each different and I hope you enjoy using them.  I don’t want to make this all about the pouch, but I’ve been dreaming about taking it to the beach for several months, loaded with the Darling products.  I don’t really want people staring at me when I’m on the beach or sitting by the side of a pool, but I absolutely know people will stare at the Darling products.  They stand out in the crowd for so many reasons, not least their efficacy.  And we like it that way.
Darling Products (Vegan) (Limited Edition Offer On The D Neoprene Pouch And Only One Gift Per Customer, whilst stock lasts)

Back to health we go and we do so by talking about the Endocannabinoid System.  The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a biological system that helps maintain balance and order within the body.  It regulates fifteen major functions in the body using cannabinoids to help keep us healthy.  Some of these functions include pain regulation, digestion, inflammatory response, sleep, stress and metabolism.  We can help improve these processes by using plant-based cannabinoids such as Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). 

PEA is a naturally occurring compound produced by the cells of our bodies.  PEA is normally produced as a result of inflammation to try and help the repair processes, unlike CBD which is not produced by the human body. As such PEA may help many bodily functions, which include helping to alleviate chronic pain, pain-relief in headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia and joint pain.  It can also help to improve mood, enhance sleep quality and aid inflammatory skin concerns such as dermatitis. 

Also supporting the immune system, the most important property of this compound is its ability to help reduce inflammation in the body, which often leads to damage of cells, tissues and organs.  Lamberts Neuro-Logical contains PEA as OptiPEA, enhanced with vitamins B1, B6 and B12, all known for their ability to support neurological and psychological functions.  All that is left is for me to tell you that there is an introductory price of £23 for Neuro-Logical across the weekend and I really don’t want to talk about CBD, other than to say that you won’t find CBD products listed on our site, which speaks volumes.  In a very few words.
Neuro-Logical by Lamberts £23 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 14 May)

Right, amongst the midst of two long weekends, several new products launched, so I’m going to run through some of these and I will start with Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder from DIRTEA. The Turkey Tail mushroom gets its name from brown and tan rings which look like the tail feathers of a turkey and as a powerful functional mushroom, it is rich in antioxidants and it has also been found to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, which help prevent and treat infections.  Every time DIRTEA release a new product, Shabir updates his article, linked below, so you can read all about Turkey Tail there, together with some of the other products in this range.
VH Editorial: The Unique Benefits Of Medicinal Mushrooms; Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder 60 grams (Introductory launch price of £45 from £49.99); All DIRTEA Products (with promotional price points)

Candida overgrowth can be problematic and one of the main issues here is that there are approximately 150 known species of Candida, a yeast-like group of fungi that exists in most of us. They usually exist in the genitourinary tracts, respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract, and for the most part they are not harmful, however an abnormal overgrowth of these fungi can cause infection, which is often referred to as Candidiasis.  As you would expect, there are many remedies and recommendations on how to treat Candida overgrowth, but in so many instances these remedies simply do not eradicate this fungus.  So, let’s look at one that does.  And it’s called Candipure.

Candipure contains Clove powder, which naturally contains Clove oil which has been found to have strong anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus and other fungi.  Given that nutrient deficiencies also play a role in Candidiasis, the live probiotic cultures included in this formulation also help to maintain a healthy balance between the good bacteria and pathogens that reside in the gut.  Finally, Black Garlic is also included in this formulation because like Clove powder, it also has powerful antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.  By way of introduction, I am dropping the price of Candipure down from £18.95 to £16.  And please cut out sugar, if you can.
VH Editorial: How To Treat Candida Overgrowth; Candipure £16 for 60 products (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 14 May)

At this time of year, I always write about Lyme Disease because it is important to do so.  Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a specific bacteria, which is transferred into the human body by ticks when they bite into the skin.  I am not an alarmist, but Lyme Disease is really unpleasant and early symptoms can include a rash, flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever and chills, which can lead to further and more serious health concerns in time.  Early removal of tick bites is therefore crucial and we recommend the Tick Remover Card for this purpose and for your safety.
VH Editorial: Lyme Disease And The Tick Remover Card; The Tick Remover Card £4.49

Staying on subject, I have a new product to tell you about.  It’s called Bites Stings Ticks, it’s from Dr Nenninger and these are the drops to take to help promote healing if you have been bitten. These homeopathic drops reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of bites and stings, such as itching redness, swelling and pain.  We all know that insect bites and stings can cause real discomfort, so I think we could say that this is one of those medicine cabinet essentials, most especially at this time of year.  Actually, if you are travelling, you would want to take this with you, so do remember to pack this neat little product, most especially if you are prone to being bitten.
Bites Stings Ticks by Dr Nenninger £22 for 30 ml

More announcements and I’ll start by telling you that Symprove Daily Essential now comes in a new flavour, Strawberry and Raspberry.  Symprove is a four-week programme containing 4 x 500 ml liquid probiotic drink.  Containing the same active ingredients as Symprove Original, it helps support the gut microbiome and this may be of interest to you if you have Diverticular Disease, as Shabir recommends Symprove in his article, linked below.  That’s all I want to say really.  Onwards.
VH Editorial:  What Is Diverticular Disease; Symprove Daily Essential – Strawberry and Raspberry £75 for 4 x 500 ml

Protein is required for the body to grow and repair itself and it is therefore important to ensure that we have sufficient protein in our diets, otherwise we could be compromising muscle strength and energy levels.  Whey protein powders are particularly important to help fuel workouts as they provide good levels of nutrients if you are exercising and Lamberts Whey Protein Powder contains one of the highest-quality whey protein powder isolates, manufactured to exacting quality standards.  Lamberts add whey protein isolates to boost the overall level of protein, so the shakes will contain more protein per portion, which is the ultimate requirement here.

There are three different flavours of Whey Protein Powders, Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla. I am reducing the price of these protein shakes from £39.75 to £36.75 and I’ll hold these prices for the interim. I absolutely know that protein shakes aren’t essential for everybody and I include myself in that.  I think I will refrain from telling you about the three boxing sessions I did recently, other than to say that they very nearly killed me.  I ended up flat on the floor, unable to move.  For hours.
Whey Protein Strawberry by Lamberts £36.75 for 1 kg; Whey Protein Chocolate by Lamberts £36.75 for 1 kg; Whey Protein Vanilla by Lamberts £36.75 for 1 kg

Moving on rapidly, it’s time to announce the product of the month for April, somewhat late, but I couldn’t do it last weekend for obvious reasons, so I’ll do it now and that product is Clinisept+ Podiatry.  It wins because it is an innovative product, as are each of the Clinisept+ products, but it also wins because it is a next-generation pure hypochlorous solution which takes a completely different approach to traditional skin cleansing chemistries, which often use harsh chemicals to clean the skin. Replicating the chemistry of the human immune system, it provides highly effective skin cleaning without leaving any toxicity or leaving any residue or chemical burden.

The combination of hygiene and skin compatibility, including a skin neutral pH, reduces the appearance of redness and swelling in the feet without stinging or causing skin irritation. Clinisept+ Podiatry can be used to cleanse and deodorise feet, but it can also be used to help repair broken skin and to help heal Athlete’s foot, which is such a common concern.  I have always considered it important to recognise those products which come to market after many years of research and development.  Clinisept+ Podiatry is one such product, and to celebrate its product of the month status, I am reducing the price of the two Clinisept+ Podiatry products as below.
Clinisept+ Podiatry £7.95 for 100 ml (drops from £9.95); Clinisept+ Podiatry £10.50 for 250 ml (drops from £12.50) (offers end at midnight BST, Sunday 14 May)

As most of you know, many niche brands are going through torrid times, and every time I write about the death of a brand or a product I always say that I can’t believe I’m writing this.  And I honestly can’t believe that I’m writing this now, but Miracle Lotion is about to ascend to product heaven.  I don’t know what to say, other than we have listed Miracle Lotion since the beginning of time, it has a huge following and we grew to love that dreadful fountain on the front of the packaging because in a weird kind of way it became kitsch.  I really am lost for words because it is just so incredibly sad, but we are in stock, although I doubt it will last the weekend.  Adieu Miracle Lotion.  You were amazing.
Miracle Lotion £16 for 237 ml

And with a lump in my throat, two beauty treats to tell you about before we come to the end of this newsletter and the first is Ameliorate’s Smooth Skin Duo.  Smooth Skin Duo contains Smoothing Body Exfoliant (50 ml) and Nourishing Body Wash (200 ml).  Together they have a value of £22, but that drops to £15 in a limited edition offer, and once they have gone, they really have gone.  Secondly, let’s do a serum, Eye Contour Serum which Shabir formulated for himself.  I promise you that’s true, he has a thing about his eyes, I don’t, but this is one of our bestselling serums and so we go oversize on the Eye Contour Serum meaning that you get 45 ml for the price of 30 ml.
Smooth Skin Duo by Ameliorate £15 (Smoothing Body Exfoliant 50 ml + Nourishing Body Wash (200 ml); Eye Contour Serum £19.50 for 45 ml (whilst stock lasts)

Into the Saturday only treat we go and with every order placed for £30 and above, excluding p&p, we will automatically include Support Breathe Bath & Shower Oil (9 ml)* by Aromatherapy Associates, which I hope you enjoy using, most especially if you have had a difficult day and need a touch of nurturing.  It’s how we roll.

As we come to the end of another Weekend Read, I just want to revert back to the launch of Darling as I tell you that I really, really wanted to list the D Neoprene Pouch as a stand-alone product, but I’m not allowed to do that, so I thought I would just mention it because I know that I will be asked that question.  And with that said, I think we need to dedicate a song to Miracle Lotion and that song is Miracles by Coldplay.  I know I’m emotional, but I am deeply upset at the loss of Miracle Lotion and I’m deeply upset that the conglomerates appear to have an ever-increasing stranglehold across the health and beauty industry.  I detest injustice.  Nothing more to say.  Today.
Miracles by Coldplay; The VH Playlist

With love

Gill x 

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Prices and products advertised at times of sending and publishing are subject to change and availability.

*Free gifts will only be granted if the items purchased are physical products and your total basket value exceeds the required amount noted.  Saturday only treats are subject to change should the specified gift run out prior to your purchase and are only included in orders placed between 7.45am (GMT) and Midnight (GMT) on the Saturday the Weekend Read is sent.  VH Addicts membership is a digital product and therefore will be excluded from the basket value.  Some gifts are blocked from international shipping due to local limitations imposed based on the country destination.  If this is the case, we will replace the gift with one that is able to be shipped to your destination.