Rolling into May and I nearly had a sense of humour failure last weekend because of the cold, wet and miserable weather, basically because it felt like winter and I had led the Weekend Read with the launch of a product which has been formulated to help soothe sunburn and compromised skin conditions.  That product was TermaBurn Aloe Wrap and notwithstanding the fact that I went out wearing two jumpers and probably should have been writing about anything but sunburn, a launch is a launch and you can’t keep a great product down, whatever the weather.

Anyway, just to say that TermaBurn Aloe Wrap is an amazing ‘medicine cabinet’ product, offering a simple healing solution to common skincare issues, and with this being the first long weekend of the month, let us hope that it doesn’t rain the entire weekend, but even if it does, it won’t stop me writing about summer products because just thinking about warmer moments is a good thing.  And energy follows thought.
TermaBurn Organic Aloe Wrap £19.95 For One 52 Inch Roll

I will write more about energy following thought towards the end of this newsletter, but I am going to begin by talking about inflammaging, which I have written about before, but it is such an important concern, I want to take another look with a specific focus on Turmeric supplementation.  The term ‘inflammaging’ has been coined by scientists working on studies showing that the ageing process is usually accompanied by constant low-grade inflammation, which is believed to significantly contribute to chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, cell mutation, the narrowing of our arteries and arthritis.

It is a given that most of us will develop some form of low-grade inflammation basically because as we age, the systems in the body age with us and interestingly, although not surprisingly, stress is one of the biggest causes of inflammaging.  There are several ways in which stress triggers inflammation, but the most common reason is that it disrupts the body’s hormonal systems, essentially turning on the inflammation.  Additionally, some of the stress hormones, such as cortisol, are inflammatory in nature, compounding this issue.

Although many herbs display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Turmeric is considered to be the most powerful due to its content of curcuminoids, of which Curcumin is the most clinically studied ingredient.  Curcumin is a potent antioxidant which neutralises damaging free radicals, working very much like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. The issue with Ibuprofen is that it blocks an enzyme called COX-2 which sends signals of pain and inflammation, but it also blocks COX-1, which helps protect the stomach from acids and digestive enzymes, which can be problematic.

The difference with Curcumin is that it does not totally block the inflammatory enzyme COX-2, but works to inhibit its formation, gently and effectively. Additionally it doesn’t block the COX-1 enzyme, thus helping to reduce inflammation and inflammatory chemicals in the body without causing stomach discomfort or gastric upset, which are common side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Writing about the attributes of Curcumin is one thing, but its benefits are only truly applicable if the correct form of supplementation is taken, and we believe that it has to be a clinically evaluated form of Turmeric, delivering therapeutic and active strengths for efficacy.

Curcumin C3 Complex contains a patented Curcumin extract containing three of the most researched Curcumin compounds found in Turmeric, Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) and it is the absorption of these compounds which ensures that our bodies receive those therapeutic levels of active compounds.  Curcumin C3 Complex has been the subject of numerous trials where it has been shown that as a ‘Bioprotectant’ antioxidant, it helps to quench damaging radicals to help prevent inflammation in the body. 

Conforming to research and clinicals is so incredibly important, so with a strict adherence to ongoing research, 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%.  I will conclude this section by saying that it is one thing to write ad infinitum about the benefits of Turmeric, as people do, but it means very little unless those words are backed up with pioneering and cutting-edge supplementation, and because Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex is that supplement, I am dropping its price from £26 to £23, across the long weekend.
VH Editorial: Inflammaging; Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex £23 for 60 Capsules (Two months supply) (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 6 May)

A word, if I may, about BioPerine®.  There is no doubt that this is an extraordinary patented extract, but it is crucially important that the correct amount of this black pepper extract is used in any given supplementation, since too much black pepper can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of medications.  It is an exacting science and conforming to that exacting science, BioPerine® is of course included in our HA formulation.  Make that DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules and because HA now carries the DoSe branding and because we believe it to be best-in-class, I feel the need to celebrate both statements by dropping the price of HA from £35 to £30.
DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £30 for 30 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 6 May)

I often have HA moments, so I am about to have another one and this moment is all about DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Serum.  You really don’t need me to tell you that there are thousands of HA serums on the market, but of course they are all different, so it was really important to me that our formulation made a point of difference, and I honestly believe it does, because if it didn’t, we wouldn’t have bought it to market and I promise you, I wouldn’t waste my time, or your money, on a product which was swimming in an ocean of HA mediocrity.

As with most of the DoSe serums, HA is not a single-ingredient product, each of the serums have been formulated to deliver active ingredients as solutions to various skin concerns, with HA primarily targeting dehydration, but also helping to protect the skin against oxidative stress and pollution.  In order to help counter oxidative stress, Ergothioneine is included in this formulation together with Betaine, a highly purified short and long-term moisturiser which helps balance water levels in skin.  Biosaccharide Gum-1, a soothing and moisturising active is also included for its ability to help increase skin elasticity.

With all that said, we are almost complete as I drop the price of Hyaluronic Acid Serum from £15 to £13 with a suggestion that you may wish to add a drop or two into your foundation, because that’s what I do, so I am sharing that with you.  Staying on subject, I drop Ergothioneine Serum into my SPF, not only because Ergothioneine protects against oxidative stress, but because the formulation also includes Superoxide Dismutase, which helps target skin concerns caused from urban pollutants and Squalane to help prevent trans-epidermal water loss. And as I drop the price of Ergothioneine Serum from £26 to £23, we are totally complete.  For now.
DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Serum £13 for 30 ml; DoSe Ergothioneine Serum £23 for 30 ml (offers end at midnight BST, Monday 6 May)

Right, let’s go back to supplementation and periodically I write about Cleavers, which we recommend to help support the lymphatic system, which can often be rather sluggish.  But before I write about Cleavers, let’s take a look at the lymphatic system which is the largest circulatory system in the body being a network of vessels, glands, spleen, thymus gland and tonsils which carry a clear fluid called Lymph. The lymphatic system is a detoxification system, a nutrient delivery system, it is also the home of the immune system and the composition of Lymph is similar to blood except it doesn’t contain haemoglobin or any blood proteins.

I think it is important to say here that unlike the circulatory system which has the heart as a pump, the lymphatic system does not have a circulatory pump, yet it has to deal with approximately three times the volume of fluid than blood and it also has to flow against gravity.  Exercise is important as it helps to keep lymph moving and some of the notable effects of a sluggish lymphatic system include weight gain, tiredness and fatigue, susceptibility to infection, fluid retention and dry skin, so with exercise being an important factor, supplementation can also help to support the lymphatic system.

Cleavers has a long history of traditional medicinal use and it is often used as detoxifying agent, but it is also an excellent diuretic and is often used to help alleviate inflammatory skin concerns.  Also known as ‘sticky weed’, Cleavers is thought to move, drain and filter cellular waste out of the body, whilst helping to stimulate killer cells, which are specialised white blood cells that engulf bacteria and viruses, thus supporting immune health.  I wrote above that I mention Cleavers periodically and it should be taken periodically too, so a one-month course two or three times a year is our recommendation here as Cleavers drops in price from £19.15 to £16.
VH Editorial: The Lymphatic System; Cleavers by Viridian Nutrition £16 for 90 Capsules (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 6 May)

Following through, I am a huge fan of dry skin brushing and dry skin brushing really helps with lymphatic drainage, so although it doesn’t necessarily have to be a daily ritual if you haven’t got the time, I would recommend dry skin brushing at least three times a week before showering.  The important factor here is that you must always brush in the same direction as your lymph flows, which is towards the heart.  Many of you may already have a dry brush, but if you don’t then I recommend TEMPLESPA’s Giving It The Brush Off, which works really well for me.  The other reason I like dry skin brushing is because it gets rid of horrid dead skin cells.  Rather well.
Giving It The Brush Off by TEMPLESPA £19

Continuing through from this, I mentioned above that Cleavers can help alleviate inflammatory skin concerns and I certainly know that inflammatory skin concerns, such as skin prone to eczema and psoriasis, are hugely problematic for so many of us.  Hope’s Relief is a brand dedicated to resolving compromised skin concerns and with six topical products in their range, we are offering a 20% discount across each of those products across the long weekend.  With guidance, the bestselling product is Intensive Dry Skin Rescue Cream, which is formulated using Hospital Grade Organic Manuka Honey NPA 10+ and soothing Aloe Vera.
Hope’s Relief Products (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 6 May)

And back to TEMPLESPA we go and because we are in a new month, we have a new offer for the month of May and it’s all about three of their Truffle Products, namely Skin Truffle, Truffle Noir and Truffle De-Light.  Actually this is a really simple offer, because each of the products are £95, but until midnight BST on Friday 31 May, they each drop in price to £55, which is a saving of £40 on each of the products.  And that’s that on Truffle, but I’m not quite finished writing about the TEMPLESPA products, so we move on.
Skin Truffle by TEMPLESPA £55 for 50 ml; Truffle Noir by TEMPLESPA £55 for 50 ml; Truffle De-Light by TEMPLESPA £55 for 50 ml

Last weekend I wrote about four new TEMPLESPA products from their new Energy & Joy range, so just to report that Joy-Full Mist was the most wanted, which doesn’t really surprise me given that we all need a touch of joy in our lives.  Anyway, it went onto a wait list, alongside Simply The Zest, so just to say that they are now back in stock in their resplendent orange packaging. Orange is such a happy colour.  I think I might have my nails painted orange.  For the duration.
Joy-Full Mist by TEMPLESPA £26 for 100 ml; Simply The Zest by TEMPLESPA £16 for 150 ml; Soul Food Glow Boost Body Lotion by TEMPLESPA £34 for 150 ml; The Good Life Candle by TEMPLESPA £30

Having just mentioned wait lists, I wrote about Hycosan Shield, an innovative eye drop formulation, last weekend and that also went onto a wait list.  The reason it went onto a wait list was because our delivery somehow got lost and late last Friday afternoon I was thumping my desk, which really didn’t resolve anything, so my apologies for keeping you waiting and just to say that it is now back in stock.  Otosan Natural Ear Drops are also back in stock.  No delivery issues here, just a supply and demand issue for a simple, yet effective, solution to remove earwax, which is such a common concern.
Hycosan Shield £19.95 for 3 ml; Otosan Natural Ear Drops £9.59 for 10 ml

The final fling and it is a new product launch.  It comes from Margaret Dabbs and it is a Limited Edition of her Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion, which is a much-loved product.  For a limited time only, Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion will be available with a Grapefruit & Rosemary fragrance, which brings a burst of seasonal freshness for tired and aching feet. Formulated to target dehydration, I honestly don’t know how long this product will be available, but it is here now and in the here and now I am dropping the price from £30 to £27, whilst stock lasts.
Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion with Grapefruit & Rosemary £27 for 200 ml

As we go into the Saturday only treat, I have been writing about collecting these travel size gifts which are so useful for travelling, so here is another one.  With every order placed for £35 and above, excluding p&p, we will automatically include Ameliorate’s Nourishing Body Wash (60 ml)* which is loaded with Ameliorate’s LaH6 Skin Hydration Complex which gently cleanses dry and bumpy skin.  Product details below.
Nourishing Body Wash

Finally, at the end of the last Weekend Read, I wrote about Poppy Delbridge and said I would have more news about Poppy this weekend, so here it is.  I have been writing about Poppy for rather a long time, but for those who don’t know, Poppy is the Founder of Rapid Tapping, using her own trademarked-based techniques to help banish limiting beliefs.  This is where science meets ancient wisdom and because all things in life have an energy, Poppy's work is dedicated to energetic and neuroscientific techniques demonstrating that it is possible to achieve life-changing transformations.

Many of you have tapped with Poppy, not least because we have had several VH tapping events, so I thought you might be interested to know about ‘Dream Bigger’, a Tapping Manifestation Experience, which has just been released.  Created by Poppy, this experience includes the Dream Bigger fifteen-minute Video Tapping Kit to help clear sub-level inner blocks, the D Key Manifestation Map to use, print and keep, a Daily Dream-expanding ‘Future You’ Tapping Visualisation download and a shadow self-exercise to remove sneaky inner restrictions, and we all have them.

Dream Bigger is an exploration for anyone who wants to expand their capacity to manifest, dream and create, and I think most of us can relate to that, so here are the logistics.  The cost of the Dream Bigger Experience is £55, but it becomes £35 when you enter the password ‘VHExclusive’ into the coupon code box on the link to access, which I have linked below.  I believe in magic, I have always believed in magic and magical outcomes, so on this long weekend, Poppy and I invite you to share a touch of that magic, which is steeped in ancient wisdom.
Dream Bigger with Poppy Delbridge

We live in a commercial world, but there are always moments when our wellbeing is far more important than any commercial arrangement, and this is one of those moments because Poppy and I don’t have a commercial arrangement.  I will only ever write about the products and the people I believe in and I believe in Poppy, I always have.  I tap every single day of my life and sometimes I think I might just tap in my sleep, but that’s another story.  Let’s sing.
Dreams by The Cranberries; The VH Playlist

Wishing each of you a restful long weekend.

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 (BST) and Midnight (BST) 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. One gift per customer, whilst stock lasts.