Before anything, you will have received this Weekend Read far earlier than usual because of essential work being carried out on our mailing platform, which is outside of our control.  On from that, what it is to be human.  And that’s the thing really, we all make mistakes and my head nearly split open last Saturday morning when the wrong Weekend Read was sent out in error.  Although we sent out the correct version within a few minutes, bedlam descended and we were bombarded with emails because many of you were confused. 

I am so sorry, but there are two things here.  The first is that legions of you were awake and aware early last Saturday morning, which always makes me smile, mostly because so many of us have coffee (or tea) together, but the second thing is that I fail to understand why some felt the need to send abusive emails, berating us to high heaven. 

I honestly don’t want to dwell too much, but I will just say that this speaks volumes about the societal changes I have been writing about over the recent past.  Attempting to undermine another human being, by being told they are no longer trusted because of a genuine mistake, is beyond the pale and tantamount to bullying.  I will not keep quiet on these issues because it affects so many of us and it is important to know that we are not alone.  We are never alone.  Even though it may feel that way at times.   

There is no immunity against cruelty, and we cannot protect ourselves against the lack of humility, omnipresent in our society, but I believe, and have always believed, in the governance of universal law.  And having a rock-solid belief in the balancing of the scales of justice, however long it takes, the Karma Café is a pretty crowded place.  And its doors are always open.  

With that said, my rock-solid belief system extends of course to the products we recommend and so I want to begin this section of the Weekend Read by talking about Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (HA).  As I thought, and as I wrote last weekend, we hit famine territory because our consignment did not arrive before the weekend.  All I really want to say on this is that I give thanks that the delay was everything to do with logistical issues, which are ongoing across many products, and not a raw ingredient issue.  If it was the latter, I would want to run away.  Seriously.

I’m not sure where I would run to, but I know that if I didn’t take HA, I wouldn’t be able to run very far because my joints would start creaking and aching, which always happens if I stop taking this supplement.  I think most of you know this because I’ve mentioned this before, but the other important factor is that I totally rely on HA to uphold the integrity, and plumpness, of my skin.  I honestly don’t think I need to write anything else, other than to say that it is now back in stock, Shabir has written four articles on HA, which you can find on the product page, and I’m taking the price down from £35 to £30 across the weekend, with grateful thanks for its very existence.
Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £30 for 30 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 31 July)

Despite the blips in our lives, we really do have so much to be grateful for and that includes ongoing research and development, which enables us to continue making informed and authentic decisions about the supplements we choose to take.  So from one authentic supplement, HA, to another authentic supplement, Stomach Support.

We are nearly reaching overload on the word ‘authentic’, but if we are talking about experts in the field, then Ross J. Barr has a halo of authenticity hovering over him.  And I am very careful about using the word ‘expert’, because more often than not I can see straight the way through those who are portrayed as such.

So let’s talk about Stomach Support and the first thing that needs to be said is that in Chinese medicine the stomach is considered to be the engine room of the body, powering all our functions.  This makes total sense to me and what also makes total sense is that we are living in a world which is not always conducive to a healthy gut. So we have to address issues such as a diet that is too acidic, an excessive intake of sugar or alcohol, the use of antibiotics and of course stress, all of which can disturb the microflora that ensures the optimum running of our engine, as it were.

The other thing to say here is that when stress levels peak, for whatever reason, we often say that we feel we have been kicked in the stomach, and I’m sure that many can relate to that.   Personally, I always feel incredibly nauseous in such circumstances, so Stomach Support, containing eleven beneficial ingredients, serves to address that particular issue, alongside each of the issues mentioned above. 

It is important to note that Stomach Support differs from probiotics, and as such you may wish to take it just for a month or two to help balance your equilibrium if you are going through a seismic experience, but of course long-term use will help ensure stability of the stomach, most especially if you are sensitive to the adversities of life itself.  And because so many of us are, I am taking the price of Stomach Support down from £32 to £28 across the weekend.  With ‘support’ being the operative word here.
Stomach Support by Ross J. Barr £28 for 60 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 31 July)

A few words here about a wonderful little product, which Shabir and I both use and recommend.  Shabir tends to use this in the shower by dispensing a few drops on the floor of his shower as he breathes in its healing and clearing vapours courtesy of the fragranced steam manifested.  As such, it is great for helping to clear sinus congestion.  Conversely, I keep a bottle of this on my desk and use it as an inhalation essence to help calm me down in times of need.  The product is of course Breath of Life by Temple Spa.  Because we all need to breathe.  In, one, two, three, four.  And out, one, two, three, four.  Repeat as required.  Quite often, I would guess. 
Breath of Life – Aromatherapy Inhalation Essence by Temple Spa £12 for 10 ml   

As we continue to address health concerns, let’s take a look at what it means to have an underactive thyroid.  The thyroid gland is one of the largest hormonal glands in the body and it manufactures, stores and releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.  An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, affects people in a number of ways, but primarily it occurs as a result of a decrease in the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. 

The two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) regulate many bodily functions and, like all other hormones, are kept at finite levels.  Any reduction in hormones, including the thyroid hormones, invariably has a detrimental impact on the functions carried out within our bodies.  Of course there are many supplements that can help support the thyroid, which is where we are going here, but in most instances you do need to take prescribed thyroid medication, but only at the correct dosage since an excess can lead to some uncomfortable side effects.  Shabir does the lowdown in his article linked below, and I take the price of Thyroid Complex down from £24.10 to £21.  For the interim.
VH Editorial: How An Underactive Thyroid Affects You; Thyroid Complex by Viridian Nutrition £21 for 60 Capsules

I have always believed that if we are to understand the complexity and intricacy of any given health concern, then we must have a basic understanding of why we are experiencing any given concern.  So I would just like to throw the focus on our lymphatic system for a moment or two, which is the largest circulatory system within the body.  The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, glands, spleen, thymus gland and tonsils, which carry a clear fluid, named lymph.  Our organs, ducts and lymph nodes act as filters for the removal of toxins, so in short, the lymphatic system is a detox system and a nutrient delivery system.  It is also the home of the immune system.

Crucially, life could not exist without the lymphatic system, but in contrast to the circulatory system which has the heart as a pump, the lymphatic system does not have a pump, yet it has to deal with three times the amount of fluid than blood, flowing against gravity.  The importance of keeping lymph moving cannot be under-estimated, and Shabir explains this in some detail in his article, linked below, which includes a recommendation to drink plenty of water, because without adequate water, lymph fluid is unable to flow efficiently. 

Many of us have a sluggish lymphatic system, which can be addressed with supplementation.  Cleavers has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is often used as a detoxifying agent.  Also known as ‘sticky weed’, Cleavers will help move, drain and filter cellular waste outside of the body and it is also thought that it helps to stimulate killer cells, which are specialised white blood cells that engulf bacteria and viruses, helping to support immune health.  It is also an excellent diuretic and can also be used to help alleviate inflammatory skin concerns, such as psoriasis and eczema. 

Once again, Cleavers is a supplement that can be used periodically, say once or twice a year, to help kickstart the lymphatic system.  I’m not quite finished, because the first thing I am going to do is drop the price of Cleavers from £18.15 to £15 for the interim.  The second thing to say is that dry skin brushing really, really works for lymphatic drainage, but always brush in the same direction as your lymph flows, which is towards the heart.  And thirdly, you may wish to investigate Temple Spa’s Sugar Buff, a scrub that will help invigorate the skin to help improve lymphatic flow.  It also dissolves in water, so you don’t get that horrid grainy feeling after you have had a bath, or shower.
VH Editorial: The Lymphatic System; Cleavers by Viridian Nutrition £15 for 90 Capsules; Giving It The Brush Off by Temple Spa £18; Sugar Buff Mediterranean Body Scrub £25 for 185 grams

Following through, in this week's Health Notes, Sarah explains the vital role of water in health and beauty and how being just a little hydrated can affect mental and physical performance.  Sipping H2O could be the coolest thing you do this week.
Drink Water Please by Sarah Stacey

Time for a new product launch, and this is from Coola, a brand that I deeply respect.  Dew Good Illuminating Serum SPF 30 is a silky serum that instantly illuminates your skin, giving a dewy, hydrated look while providing weightless SPF 30 protection.  It actually goes beyond SPF as it has been formulated with Blue-Screen Digital De-Stress technology to help mitigate the effects of blue light, pollution and other environmental stressors.  Additionally it is powered by probiotic technology, which helps improve moisture retention.  Each to their own, but if you do wish to try this new serum, then you will be happy to read that I am dropping the price for launch from £44 to £40.  Also for the interim.
Dew Good Illuminating Serum SPF 30 by Coola £40 for 35 ml

Every so often I write about some hidden gems that are listed on our site.  Heroic in their own way, these are the products that excel for several different reasons, so please allow me to talk about Peri-Gum Mouthwash Concentrate, which has been specifically formulated to help improve gum disorders such as bleeding gums, swollen and infected gums as well as helping to prevent mouth ulcers.  I have used this in the past to alleviate chronic gum pain and it worked like a dream.  I don’t often refer to reviews on our site, but one customer writes that she used it over fifty years ago in America.  So it’s another one of those nostalgic, epic products that I love so much.
VH Editorial: Preventing and Treating Gum Disease; Peri-Gum Mouthwash Concentrate by Peri-Gum £20 for 29 ml

Can we talk about acids please.  It is no secret that I very rarely use acids on my skin.  Yes, I have sensitive skin, but more than that I honestly believe that in the long-term acids are detrimental to the health of our skin.  This is of course my own personal opinion, and as I’ve often written, I know that most wouldn’t agree with me, but chemical exfoliants are often so harsh that they often cause irritation and in many instances they also cause skin to dry out, which is why I would never recommend an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) for sensitive skin, or skin prone to inflammation.

AHA’s work to exfoliate the uppermost layers of skin, and I completely understand that many are hooked on the immediacy of smoother skin, but there is an alternative to AHA’s and they perform the same role.  Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA’s) are the next generation of AHA’s, but are far gentler on the skin and they actually work to strengthen the skin barrier function, which helps prevent dehydration, whilst removing dead skin cells.  But that’s not all, Shabir does chapter and verse on PHA’s in his article linked below, well he would really bearing in mind he formulated PHA Plus Serum.  And having told you that, I am dropping the price of PHA Plus Serum from £14 to £11.
VH Editorial: What Are Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA’s); PHA Plus Serum by Garden of Wisdom for VH £11 for 30 ml (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 31 July)

An update.  We are being told that Mrs White's Unstung Hero should arrive with us within the next few days, all things being equal.  As soon as we receive our delivery we will clear the wait list, but I need to report that having written about the travel size version last week, demand has dictated that we keep this listed on our site as an alternative to the larger size, which is in a glass bottle.  And there isn't a wait list for the travel size, which is just as well if you are travelling imminently.   
Mrs White’s Unstung Hero Mosquito Repellent Travel Size £15 for 100 ml; Mrs White’s Unstung Hero Mosquito Repellent (wait list) £20 for 250 ml

Whenever it gets to this point of the Weekend Read, you absolutely know that I am about to do some beauty treats and I will begin with Thyme Out Face & Body Wash.  It feels like only yesterday that Shabir and I found this brand hiding in a corner of a very large exhibition in America.  It didn’t have a proper stand, just a tiny kiosk loaded with product.  That was, in fact, several years ago and Thyme Out has gone on to become one of our most trusted and popular brands.  In continuation of its success, I am dropping the price of Thyme Out Face & Body Wash from £18 to £13, whilst stock lasts.  All information on the product page.  I’m in serious danger of over-writing.
Thyme Out Face & Body Wash £13 for 210 ml (whilst stock lasts)

I have done this treat before, but I honestly can’t remember when I did it, but what I do know is that we received many requests to do it again.  And so, with a limited volume of stock, I am taking the price of Aurelia’s Repair & Brighten Hand Cream down from £28 to £18.  It is formulated with Sea Daffodil, an ingredient which helps reduce the density of pigmentation, over time.  With a scent of Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli, it can also be used to moisturise dry elbows, knees and heels, as it is also loaded with omega-rich Baobab.  And into the Saturday only treat we go.
Aromatic Repair & Brighten Hand Cream by Aurelia London £18 for 75 ml (whilst stocks last)

Last week, I did something slightly different with the Saturday only treat and I am going to follow through with doing something similar this week.  So having mentioned some Temple Spa products above, with every order placed for £30 and above, excluding p&p, we will automatically include a free gift from Temple Spa*.  As per last week, I cannot tell you what the product will be, because these gifts are computer generated, but it could be one of several.  And whilst I’m on the subject of Temple Spa, I’m sure that many of you appreciated the benefit of AAAHHH Instant Cooling Balm in the recent heat.  I’ve listed it below in case you want, or need, more.
AAAHHH Instant Cooling Balm by Temple Spa £20 for 150 ml

And as we come to the end of another Weekend Read, I just want to say that it remains of the utmost importance that we stay transparent in our communication in order to stay real.  I cannot, and will not, pretend to be something that I am not and I will not roll over when it comes to being attacked, which, unfortunately happens to so many of us.  However raw our emotions are, it is really important not to be vindictive, because you will only hurt yourself more.  There is a great power in silence, and the perpetrators of abuse and cruelty are often narcissistic, and crave attention.  Silence is their enemy.  And so is the Karma Café.

Right, that’s enough, but I will leave you with a song that was sent to me earlier this week.  As ever, it is all in the words, but on from that, if you are affected by any of the words I have written today, then please reach out.  Our health and wellbeing extends beyond the products we recommend.  Way beyond.
Reach Out And Touch by Heather Headley; 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.