Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy : Arnicare® Arnica Cream

We’ve recently spoken about how aromatherapy plays a part in our lives, today at The Amazing Blog, we’re going to talk about homoeopathy. With the warmer weather and lighter evenings, and spending more time outdoors with activities like runs, bike rides, or walking; our bodies have been taking a bit of a bashing with bruising and achy muscles. This is where the homeopathic based Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream comes to the rescue - it’s a staple in our bathroom cabinet and no doubt will soon become one in yours too.

Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy is a British company that has been supplying homeopathic medicines since the mid-nineteenth century and is Europe’s oldest homeopathic brand. It’s also the largest manufacturer of homeopathic remedies in the United Kingdom, and all products are manufactured in Wimbledon. Founder Ernest Louis Arbrechy extensively studied homeopathy with German doctor and chemist Samuel Hahnemann (who developed the comprehensive system of homoeopathy that exists today), He came to London and founded Nelsons in 1860, preparing homeopathic medicine in the Hahnemannian tradition making it accessible to all and providing the highest quality of medicine and advice. The company was then succeeded by his son, Ernest Louis Nelson Armbrecht. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars, which states that something in large doses produces symptoms, but it alleviates those symptoms in small quantities ‘let like be cured by like'. Homeopathy involves treating the body with natural substances, such as botanicals and minerals where the remedies heal the body by stimulating the body’s biological healing processes. Nelsons products are sold under three main categories: creams, such as topical applications, spray-on forms, or edibles in tinctures and pillules (pills). The Nelsons’ own formulated range includes ready-made remedies that are targeted at specific illnesses or conditions.

Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream is a homeopathic topical herbal treatment that is traditionally used to treat bruises. The product is part of the Nelsons Arnicare range of products, including Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cooling Gel. All the products included in the range are either topical creams or pillules based on the arnica montana plant, which has been harvested for centuries in the mountain peaks and marshes of Europe and North America. Nelsons sources their arnica from the Scottish highlands. Arnica is a vibrant yellow flower that has been recognised for its natural healing properties since the 16th century. Why we love this Arnicare® Arnica Cream cream is because it always comes to the rescue when rubbed into any bruising or sore areas. It always soothes and heals, with its unscented salve-like texture, and is always easy to apply.

The first ingredient listed for the Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream is the botanical active, arnica montana. A fragrant plant with yellow flowers, it has a long history of being one of the best and most effective homeopathic treatments. Here they detail that 1g of cream contains 9mg of arnica whole plant extract tincture (1:10) equivalent 0.9mg arnica whole plant. The extraction solvent is ethanol 57% v/v. It helps reduce swelling, heal sprains, and takes away the pain from bruising. The cream is water-based, with other ingredients such as apricot kernel oil which is an emollient plant oil with skin-soothing and antioxidant properties, and theobroma oil is an oil extracted from the cocoa bean a rich source of the antioxidant polyphenols.

The other compounds found in the formula are emulsifiers and hydrators to help regulate skin moisture, with glyceryl monostearate, macrogol stearate, glycerol and glyceryl monocaprylate. Polawax GP200 (cetearyl alcohol, PEG-20 stearate), cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate are also effective emulsifiers and often used to increase the thickness of a product, they also help to soften and soothe the skin. Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and . propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) are preservatives typically used in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams or lotions.

Have we persuaded you to invest in this little 30g tube on Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream ? If yes, and you’re new to Arnica Cream see here to purchase it for £5.50.

Micheline Arcier : Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil

When feeling tired or listless, at The Amazing Blog, it’s always aromatherapy that we turn to first. We believe there is no better way to relax and unwind, than by using the healing powers of botanicals. Did you know that the term ‘aromatherapy’ was first coined by a French perfumer and chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, in his book published in 1937? Today we want to talk about one of our favourite ‘go-to’ aromatherapy brands, the award-winning Micheline Arcier and their Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil which won Best Body Oil - Relaxing at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards.

Micheline Arcier was one of the first British aromatherapy brands to launch in the UK. As an early advocate of holistic wellbeing, Micheline Arcier developed exclusive products and signature massage techniques. In the early 1960s. She had a highly successful and well-regarded private practice and clinic in Knightsbridge, London. While her practice has since closed, the brand lives on through the Micheline Arcier products. She was trained by Madame Maury, an Austrian biochemist who believed in the use of essential oils to promote wellbeing. Micheline Arcier also worked closely with Dr Jean Valnet, one of the first doctors to use essential oils to treat medical conditions, and when she first opened her Knightsbridge clinic, few people knew what aromatherapy was. Over six decades, the Aromatherapie range has evolved and even offers training to ensure that the official Micheline Arcier practices are carefully maintained. While Micheline Arcier passed away in 2006, Germaine Riche and Catherine Milne have since taken ownership of the brand. Germaine Riche was trained by Micheline Arcier herself and became qualified as an aromatherapist in 1968. Today Germaine also teaches courses on aromatherapy in both the UK and Japan. Catherine Milne works as both an aromatherapist and sports massage practitioner and founded Aromasporttherapy. Today Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie is now under the umbrella of Aromasporttherapy Limited, which is also the parent company of Pepperfit. All essential oils used in Micheline Arcier products are genuine and pure oils sourced from suppliers that support organic production. Products all have naturally sourced ingredients, are vegan friendly and are not tested on animals. These active plant-based essential oils are so powerful that they must be blended with vegetable carrier oils. This gives the oils added benefits by offering vitamins and antioxidants and helps stimulate the production of healthy skin cells, neutralise free radicals that age the skin, and protect the skin against pollutants.

The Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil has been created to help promote deep relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, working on both the body and mind. What we love about this oil is that it nourishes the skin, and relieves tension, while offering a wonderful sense of calm with its subtle, yet moreish scent. Incorporating healing essential oils, it’s best used after a bath, while the skin is warm and clean for the oil to absorb fully. The carrier oil is apricot kernel; it’s a nonfragrant oil with skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. It’s combined here with the essential oils of linaloe wood, petitgrain, sage, chamomile flower and ylang-ylang.

Linaloe wood oil is native to Mexico; it’s known for its rejuvenating properties, which stimulate tissue regeneration and help prevent skin ageing. It calms and clears the mind, has been used in perfumes, incense, and oils for centuries, and is also said to be an aphrodisiac! Petitgrain originates from Paraguay and is sourced from the leaves and twigs from the Seville bitter orange tree. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory soothing and refreshing it’s best known as a tension-relieving oil. The sage oil is reputed to eliminate toxins and ease any muscular or joint pain. Camomile is a gentle yet potent botanical that aids sleep. Finally, the Ylang-yang adds an exotic note to boost mood and alleviate anxiety.

Other ingredients, besides essential oils, are farnesol which is present in many essential oils and is used to emphasise a sweet, floral scent. Linalool is naturally occurring, found in the essential oils, and is floral and spicy terpene alcohol. It’s found in over 200 plants acting as an anti-stress and soothing ingredient. Geraniol, when used topically, is an anti-inflammatory with antibacterial properties to purify and soothe. Eugenol is naturally occurs in botanicals like cloves, basil, and bay leaves and is used as a natural fragrance. Benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol citronellol and limonene are all naturally occurring in botanicals and act as a fragrance or preservatives in cosmetic products. 

This is another of our #amazingfinds and one that we can’t get enough of to massage into tired limbs. Step up your relaxation by adding this 100ml Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil to your night routine. See here to purchase for £40.

Hello Day : Immunity Support

Who else needs an immunity boost? It’s something at The Amazing Blog we all need. And what better way than by taking a daily supplement filled with essential probiotics and vitamins. We recommend Hello Day’s Immunity Support which offers many benefits, including vitamin D3 and gut support with microbiota and was recently named an Editor’s Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

Hello Day is an innovative health and wellness company that provides a collection of natural supplements. They specialise in seasonal wellness boxes for spring, summer, autumn and winter. These contain four products specifically designed to help anticipate and support the body, preventing it from any symptoms associated with the season. In an interview with one of their stockists, John Bell & Croyden, the brand said, “We are the first brand to create an innovative response to seasonal changes with our All Season Boxes…Our boxes are a generalist approach, meaning they have been designed as a universal response to seasonality, tackling issues we all face.” The company also offers additional products which are sold individually. Sébastien Rumpler founded the company intending to help people achieve their health and wellness goals by reconnecting with nature. By combining his pharmaceutical experience with insights from both Swiss and French health experts and micronutrition and phytotherapy doctors, Sébastien was able to launch Hello Day. All humans directly connect with the environment, whether through their moods or energy levels. However, Sébastien believes people have lost touch with this connection. Hello Day helps prepare people to live in harmony with nature and the season’s changes. With a strong background in pharmaceuticals, Sébastien has combined the best pharmaceutical production practices with clinically supported science and high-quality ingredients to create the highest quality products. All products have natural flavours and colours, are vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, GMO-free, TI02 free, preservative-free, and with no nanoparticles. They are manufactured in pharma-grade facilities, using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), guaranteeing a high level of control from acquiring the ingredients to the final product, and always ensuring zero cross-contamination between products. Additionally, each batch is bacteriology tested, and batches are tracked for customer safety. Hello Day also has a strong community of ‘Wellbeing Mentors’ who help build a community around helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. Sustainability has always been an essential consideration at Hello Day, with manufacturing done in the UK and France to avoid long-distance sourcing. They package their products with FSC paper from sustainably maintained forests and aim to use recycled and resource-efficient packaging.

Hello Day’s Immunity Support is a dietary supplement designed to help strengthen the immune system. They also have two other immunity supplement products in this range: Immunity Defence, and Immunity Shield. The Immunity Support combines well-selected probiotics and vegan vitamin D3, which are for gut health and overall wellbeing, and it’s recommended to take one capsule daily before breakfast. It’s a supplement that helps improve gut health, and as we all know, the gut has a significant impact on the immune system with nearly 70% of the immune cells being stored in the gut. Now we are, hopefully, post-pandemic, a healthy gut is critical to helping keep a robust immune system. This supplement helps support the microbiota, combined with the daily dose of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 mainly comes from animal sources such as fish oil, fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. However, here it‘s sustainably sourced from algae. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D3, sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Its strength is also measured in international units. Many people here in the UK are deficient in vitamin D, which is a significant problem because vitamin D helps support the normal functioning of the immune system and supports bone, tooth, and muscle health. It’s critical for calcium metabolism in our bodies, encouraging calcium absorption. Vitamin D and calcium are also preventative treatments against osteoporosis.

The first thing to mention is that all ingredients here are 100% natural. There is corn starch which is a binder and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, a stabiliser in the capsules. Lactobacillus acidophilus is commonly found in yoghurt and other fermented foods and balances harmful bacteria in the gut. The lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a widely used probiotic strain, often included in supplements for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal infections. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis is an important component of the healthy gut flora, promotes gastrointestinal health and helps fight infection. Bifidobacterium bifidum are probiotics that live in the intestines and help break down food, absorb nutrients, fight off harmful organisms, and suppress any gut Inflammation. The magnesium salts of fatty acids are used as an anti-caking and anti-foaming agent. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is a vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having enough vitamin D is critical for maintaining strong bone health and a healthy immune system.

Improving gut health seems to be very topical, and we all need extra support for our immune system. This supplement is another of our #amazingfinds and one we wouldn’t be without! The Hello Day Immunity Support can be found here one month’s supply (30 vegan capsules) at £24, or sign up for a monthly subscription at £21.60 pounds/ month.

Kalmar : Large Scented Joy Candle

Who doesn’t love to burn a beautifully fragranced candle on a warm summer evening? At The Amazing Blog, we love how the flickering ambient light from a solo candle under the stars, always adds to the mystical evening glow. This is another of our #amazingfinds with the Joy Candle from wellbeing and lifestyle brand Kalmar. More than just a candle, it’s full of botanicals and infused with amber gemstone to enhance positivity with crystal healing.

The journey of Kalmar begins with its founder, Karen Ruimy. She was born in Morocco and moved to Paris with her family when she was seven. Karen was thriving in the world of finance as she climbed up the corporate ladder and landed a position as a director at the age of 28. This also happened to be the beginning of her spiritual journey. Since then, her spiritual awakening has led her to focus on her spiritual healing, writing, dance, music and philanthropy. In 2016, she began her brand Kalmar to help others on their journey to wellbeing. She has made this her life's work - realigning the mind, body and soul through energy and intention-setting, assisting individuals to move forward on their own unique journey to wellbeing. The brand is centred around four soul states joy, calm, peace, and love; focusing on the positive holistic impacts on the body. As Karen says, "It's our passion to create indulgent self-care products that help you create sacred rituals to rejuvenate your being, uplift your mood, and boost energy." The bath, body care and candles are suitable for vegans, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. Kalmar's products are sustainably sourced as their packaging is FSC Certified. With every purchase, Kalmar will also plant one tree across the UK. They are also a member of the Forest Carbon’s Carbon 100 Club. Kalmar has made a name for themselves in the wellbeing and lifestyle industry as they won multiple awards for their range. They recently won three awards at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, ‘Best Solid Natural Fragrance’ for their Peace Balm of Serenity and two Editor’s Choice Awards for their I Am Loved Body Cream and Calm Deep Cocoon Shower Cream. The Scented Joy Candle won ‘Best Luxury Candle’ at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

The Joy Candle is a luxurious candle, with a scent that lifts spirits and gently fragrances a space, it also enhances energy and positivity. As they say, "The invigorating scent freshens your mind to start a new day or open yourself up to new possibilities." According to Kalmar, this candle is good for bringing warmth and comfort to your space with an essence of a late summer evening. This candle is made from natural vegetable waxes (not specified) and contains a fresh and zesty scent of lemon, ginger and bergamot, jasmine, magnolia and white musk; that is also combined with rhodiola, cocoa, orange extract, and amber gemstone extract.

Let’s take a look at the slightly more unusual ingredients. Rhodiola is a plant that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and is thought to increase the body's resistance to stress. It also helps with fatigue, reduces symptoms of depression, and improves brain function and exercise performance. Cocoa, when used aromatically, actually helps calm your body and mind, and in addition to a delicious citrus scent, the orange extract boosts your mood and reduces stress. The amber gemstone extract, sourced from fossilised tree resin, has many emotional healing properties, including emotional stability through relaxation, and also helps with the reduction of depression and anxiety. It also offers strength, protection, peace, trust, wisdom, and memory.

The candle is great for setting intentions, and Kalmar recommends lighting the candle when you need a vital energy boost.. "After lighting the candle, close your eyes and say the mantra, ‘I'm so inspired at this moment, my soul is thriving." i.e. inhale the zesty scent, and exhale all the stress. Edwina, our executive editor, was one of the judges at The Beauty Shortlist Awards, and she loved lighting this candle - even in the morning - to enhance her energy, getting her prepared to conquer the day! This candle is poured into a striking buttercup yellow recyclable glass container, and packaged in a sustainably sourced card. We think that this is one to gift to a friend or to keep and enjoy for yourself. The Joy Candle makes the perfect addition to any space. To purchase see here for the 200g Joy Candle £45, or here the Smaller 75g Joy Candle £25.

by:BW Skincare : The Cleansing Oil

What’s more important to you… A skincare regime in the morning to pep up your skin? Or perhaps in the evening, to help get rid of the daily grim? At The Amazing Blog, our good skincare routine always starts by using a gentle and effective cleanser. That’s why we want to flag up another of our #amazingfinds with facial cleanser, The Cleansing Oil by British indie skincare By:BW Skincare.

As an expert on skin health and wellness for the past 25 years, Julie Brown began curating a natural skincare brand based on her extensive knowledge of herbs, plants, and essential oils. By:BW Skincare was launched in 2020, inspired by her spa therapy company, Boutique Wellbeing. Boutique Wellbeing is a therapy practice located on a private estate in Cotswolds. Since the beginning, Julie has been interested in sourcing her ingredients sustainably. "At the beginning of my journey creating by:BW, I knew that I wanted to ensure that the practices I used and the ingredients I sourced were as eco-conscious as I could possibly make them. Here I am sourcing some lavender in the Cotswolds, being as 'green' as possible and a low carbon footprint is woven within the fabric of my business." The brand produces handmade products in small batches and promises not to use factory manufacturing. By:BW Skincare aims to use all-natural and organic ingredients, and whenever possible, they try to source their ingredients locally from farmers. Their products are free from parabens, and synthetics, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free. "I check the provenance of each base oil and essential oil I use, and my products are only tested [on] humans." The brand was featured in the August 2021 issue of Cotswold Living and more recently, has been awarded a ‘Commended’ at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for The Cleansing Oil.

We found that The Cleansing Oil worked gently and effectively to remove the buildup that every day brings. As an oil cleanser, it targets dirt and makeup, while protecting the skin's natural barrier. We particularly like is that it shields the lipid layer without damaging the microbiota and microbiome, which keeps the skin in balance and healthy. The Cleansing Oil consists of only six natural oil: Grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, organic evening primrose oil, tocopherol, lavender oil, and organic eucalyptus oil.

Grapeseed oil is loaded with antioxidants and contains high amounts of omega fatty acids and vitamin E, which helps maintain moisture levels. This extract has many benefits, such as protecting against harmful free radicals, minimising wrinkles and uneven skin tones, with antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Sweet almond oil has high levels of vitamin E. This oil is often used to treat itchy and dry skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates skin conditions such as eczema. Sweet almond oil is an excellent skin moisturiser because it won't clog your pores. Organic evening primrose oil (pictured above) relieves many irritable skin conditions and improves overall skin wellness. Tocopherol (vitamin E) is present in many vegetable oils from which it is naturally derived. This vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and reduce UV damage. The two fragrant essentials lavender and organic eucalyptus, are best known for reducing skin inflammation and their anti-ageing benefits. To surmise, the cleanser is made up of only 100 per cent natural botanical oils.

The Cleansing Oil can be used on all skin types, including oily skin; as Julie says, "Contrary to belief, using an oil on oily skin is a good thing!" And we couldn’t agree more. An oil-based cleanser successfully removes any residue of SPF, makeup and pollutants from the day, unlike some others. To use, we applied directly onto dry skin and massaged into the face and neck. They suggest using a warm damp face cloth, leave on for 15 seconds, and allow the steam to open the pores. Then take three deep breaths to inhale the relaxing aroma of lavender and eucalyptus. After that, just wipe away the impurities or repeat for a double cleanse. We used this morning or at night for a refreshing skin boost. The blend of quality ingredients will help to keep a youthful complexion and lower the stress hormone cortisol, for positive effects on emotions and the skin. It won’t clog pores or leave your skin feeling dry and will leave a nice layer of moisture, giving a beautifully supple and glowy skin.

It comes in sustainable packaging, i.e. recyclable glass bottle, a reusable face cloth, a drawstring bag, and a biodegradable box. The Cleansing OIl, is 100ml and available here for £28. This seriously impressed us, and we hope to try more from by:BW Skincare in the future.