There can be no doubt that nostalgia brings a sense of warmth and comfort to so many of us and although we cannot live in the past, there are any number of parallels which can be determined between the past and the present, enabling us to embrace constancy.  In and of itself, constancy brings its own innate sense of warmth, together with the familiarity of a dialogue shared across the decades, a dialogue which supports and nurtures our health and wellbeing on many different levels.

As I wrote last weekend, DoSe is a statement of intent and purpose, bringing the past, present and future together.  The exploration of parallels is interesting and so, on a journey of discovery, I went back to the beginning to where it all began, on the pages of The Sunday Times in the What’s The Alternative column.  I have been writing about this for the past two or three weeks, but I would like to take a moment to reflect upon the products we were recommending at that time, which will culminate in a celebration of a molecule.

And if we are reflecting, then let me say that so many of those products have become the foundation upon which much of the research, studies and clinicals is based today.  Many of those products, such as Manpower, MicroLactin and Meno-Herbs are residing in product heaven, but their pioneering spirit lives on in the form of a retrospective acknowledgement of excellence.  DoSe is that acknowledgement.  And HA is a celebration of that acknowledgement.

I want to celebrate Hyaluronic Acid for any number of reasons, but primarily I want to celebrate HA today because it made several appearances on the pages of The Sunday Times back in the day, which means we have been writing about and recommending HA for more than two decades.  Embracing that constancy, HA remains our bestselling supplement, but of course ongoing research has dictated and necessitated changes to the original formulation, the most important of which was the inclusion of BioPerine®, a patented extract which supercharges the absorption and bioavailability of HA by approximately 200%. 

In line with each of our supplements, HA will of course carry the DoSe branding in the fullness of time.  In a way, I really wanted HA to be the first supplement to carry the DoSe branding, but logistics have determined otherwise, it’s not just about sticking a new label on the product, if only it was that easy.  Nevertheless, this is a celebration of an amazing natural molecule which I would not want to live without, so if you order Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (30 capsules) across this weekend, we will automatically include the travel size (15 capsules) free, which is worth £17.50.
VH Editorial: Benefits Of Hyaluronic Supplements; Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £35 for 30 Capsules + Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (15 Capsules) Free (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 21 January or whilst stock lasts)

And on from that a few more things to say and I will start by saying that in so many instances, the impact of any given supplement is only truly realised if you stop taking that supplement and HA is a prime example of this, which I discovered to my detriment when I was testing its efficacy.  HA is often described as ‘the fountain of youth’, but far from being just a supplement to help to maintain the integrity of our skin by plumping and hydrating our skin cells, HA plays a major role in the cushioning of our joints and it is especially effective in helping to alleviate dry eye syndrome, as discussed in Shabir’s article linked below.
VH Editorial: Tackling Dry Eye Syndrome

Referencing the above article, Shabir also recommends Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil for dry eye syndrome, which works really well when taken in conjunction with HA.  Omega 7 supplementation has been the subject of eleven clinicals, and in a study carried by out 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 mucous membranes, including where vaginal dryness occurs.  So, this is where we are going next.

It is estimated that one in four women experience vaginal dryness, which can lead to painful intercourse, itchiness and urinary discomfort.  Glands located near the neck of the womb are responsible for producing a fluid that helps keep the skin and tissues in the vagina moist and supple.  The production of this fluid is directly dependent upon the levels of oestrogen within the body and declining levels of oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause, can lead to vaginal dryness.

Declining oestrogen levels are also responsible for the thinning and inflammation of the walls lining the vagina, making them weak and vulnerable to both bacterial and fungal infections.  Additionally, some women may also experience pain in the pelvic region as blood circulation decreases with declining oestrogen levels and the weakness in the walls of the vagina and the muscles surrounding it may also result in a problem of incontinence, which is extraordinarily common.  It needs to be said that vaginal dryness can occur before the onset of menopause and well beyond menopause and it also needs to be said that Omega 7 can offer an effective solution to these concerns.
VH Editorial: Overcoming Menopausal Vaginal Dryness; Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil by Sibu £21 for 60 Softgels

Staying on subject, I mentioned three products above which are residing in product heaven and Meno-Herbs was one of those products.  Meno-Herbs was an outstanding formulation which helped alleviate most menopausal concerns, including hot flushes and night sweats, it also happened to be one of our bestselling supplements, but it went to product heaven because a certain pharmaceutical company decided that they wanted to use the name Meno-Herbs in an attempt to emulate its success and efficacy.  Imagine my face.

Meno-Herbs reincarnated itself as Sage Complex, using the same formulation, a formulation which belonged to us. The original formulation has of course been tweaked several times over the years, but Sage Complex remains an exacting solution, a solution which still carries the pioneering energy and efficacy from another era.  Working on the premise that nobody puts baby in a corner, Sage Complex has risen from the ashes of Meno-Herbs to become a bestselling product in its own right. And in its own right, Sage Complex also supports the rite of passage that we, as women, experience, because menopause isn’t going to put us in a corner either.
VH Editorial: Sage Complex: The Hormone Mimicking Supplement; Sage Complex £28 for 90 Capsules

Before we move on, just a note here to say that Trinny invited Shabir to talk about the many aspects of menopause in the latest episode of the Trinny & Shabir Live series, all of which are archived on our site.  Many of you may have already seen this discussion which took place on Wednesday, but if you missed it, then I am linking that discussion below.  My thanks to Trinny who continues to support and acknowledge the issues which are so relevant in an ever-changing world.
Trinny & Shabir Live: Menopause 2024; Trinny & Shabir: The Lives

And as we move on, let’s take a look at brain fog.  Although incidences of brain fog can occur during the menopausal years, it is a far wider issue as cognitive function and memory retention declines as the brain ages.  Symptoms of an ageing brain include the inability to recall information and the lack of concentration and focus, which can lead to the progression of age-related diseases.

In Autumn 2014, the Alzheimer’s Society published a major study on the social and economic impact of dementia in the UK, which is an ongoing and important study.  It is estimated that there are currently around 900,000 people in the UK with dementia and this is projected to reach 1.6 million people by 2040.  This sharp rise is due mainly to accelerated population ageing, but nevertheless this latest report, which was commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society from the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), is concerning.

Research is of course ongoing and there have been numerous studies indicating that specific ingredients may help to support and slow down the progression of age-related diseases in brain health.  Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), also known as the herb of grace, has featured in Ayurvedic traditions to naturally help improve concentration and memory.  Contributing to the maintenance of good cognitive function and memory retention, it has been shown to support blood circulation associated with brain performance.

A natural nootropic, Brahmi Extract is a standardised form of this adaptogenic herb, featuring phytonutrients, known as bacosides, which are the key active compounds.  Containing 100% pure standardised Brahmi herb, each capsule provides a therapeutic dose based on human clinical research.  Viridian Nutrition have announced that Brahmi is their ingredient of the year essentially because it provides and offers researched support for the challenges of a generational concern.  In celebrating Viridian’s celebration, I am dropping the price of Brahmi Extract from £22.50 to £20 across the weekend.
Brahmi Extract by Viridian Nutrition £20 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 21 January)

Last weekend I wrote about the number of viruses which are floating around and there are several, so I just want to say that after lowering the price of Triple Flu Defense+ last weekend from £30 to £25, I am retaining that price decrease because in each and every moment, a new virus strain makes an appearance.  If your virus is accompanied by a sore throat, we recommend Viridian’s Organic Elderberry Throat Spray and we recommend it because Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is joined by soothing Manuka Honey and Marshmallow to help relieve the symptoms associated with throat infections.
Triple Flu Defense+ (2023-2024) £25 for 30 ml; Organic Elderberry Throat Spray by Viridian Nutrition £16 for 50 ml (drops from £18.95 across the weekend; offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 21 January)

Earlier in this newsletter I was talking about the efficacy of products, in that we often don’t appreciate the impact a supplement has until we stop taking it and the same can be said about topical products.  I am going to reference Fulvic here and most specifically the Fulvic haircare products.  I have written this often, but I will only ever use Fulvic haircare products because my hair has a sulk if I use anything else, and of course I have used other products, mostly because I was testing them, but I’ve given up doing that because having bad hair makes me miserable.

Before I write anything else, I will just say that Fulvic has totally transformed my hair, but I have been using Fulvic haircare for almost twenty years, so it really does have a cumulative effect.  Ioniplex, which is the patented humic-free Fulvic Acid compound found in each of the Fulvic products, has been shown in studies to increase hair thickness by 14% within six weeks, but we are all different and it may take far longer to notice that difference.  The absolute in all of this is that the products work hard to calm down underlying inflammation of the scalp and enhances keratin production in the hair follicles.

As so many of you know, there are three products in the Fulvic haircare range, Fulvic Shampoo, Fulvic Conditioner and Fulvic Mist, the latter of which is a potent and invigorating treatment for scalp health, hair loss and thinning hair.  Together they become the Fulvic Hair Trio and the price of that trio is £75, except it isn’t £75 across the weekend because I am dropping that price to £50 as a treat for those who are with me and having been using these products for rather a long time, but also as an introduction to the Fulvic haircare protocol.
Fulvic Hair Trio (Fulvic Shampoo 240 ml; Fulvic Conditioner 240 ml; Fulvic Mist 120 ml) £50 (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 21 January)

I have a thing about many things and one of those things is about looking after your feet throughout the year, not just when they come out to play in the warmer months.  I am a huge fan of Margaret Dabbs and her products, which is why I often write about the products which have continually evolved over the years.  Bringing that all together, if you buy any of the Margaret Dabbs products to the value of £15 or above on one order, we will send you her Crystal Nail File as a gift which is worth £16.  And just to say, it is my favourite nail file in case anybody needs to know.  Only one gift per customer in order to be equitable.
Margaret Dabbs Products (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 21 January)

And whilst I am on the subject of our feet, another mention here for Silversocks, the brilliant socks which help keep our feet warm in the cold winter months.  They also keep our feet cool in the summer months, but we can talk about that another time because if you suffer from cold feet, poor circulation and chilblains, these socks may be the answer to all of your foot prayers.  And a price drop here, as the price drops from £12.50 to £11.  For the interim.
Silversocks (Size 3-7) £11; Silversocks (Size 6-11) £11

One more thing before we head into the Saturday only treat and it’s all about eye products.  I have written rather a lot about eye products recently, mostly because I don’t like them, but Shabir does and in fact he doesn’t only like them, he loves them.  He formulated Eye Contour Serum because he is rather obsessed with eye products and it is a long-held obsession.  So, if you are in the Shabir camp, this is just to say that we are offering you the oversized Eye Contour Serum, which means that you will receive 45 ml for the price of 30 ml.  This is a limited edition, whilst stock lasts.  And over is over.  Amen.
Eye Contour Serum by Garden of Wisdom for VH £20 for 45 ml

And into the Saturday only treat we go and with every order placed for £35 and above, excluding p&p, we will automatically send you Fulvic Body Lotion (60 ml).  All I am going to say here is that Fulvic Body Lotion is a dream realised.  And Shabir formulated that dream not only for me, but for each of us.  Product details below.
Fulvic Body Lotion

A few more words.  If we are to realise our dreams, and it really doesn’t matter what those dreams are, we have to trust and we have to believe.  That can be extraordinarily difficult at times, I know that only too well, but what I also know is that we must hold tight to our dreams because even in our darkest moments, we must always seek the light, even if it appears to be hidden from us.  And as we seek that light, let it also be said that those who attempt to undermine us are ultimately undermining themselves.  Let’s sing.
I Just Can’t Help Believin’ by Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; The VH Playlist

With love

Gill x

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*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.