Bodhi Artisan Series – Neroli Lucé Revitalising Face Oil

I am a sucker for all things Neroli so when I saw this new product from Bodhi my heart fluttered with delight. It’s been created especially for normal to combination skin with vitamin and essential fatty acid-rich ingredients to repair, improve elasticity and tone, refine pores and rebalance the skin’s natural hydration system.

This is the second product to be launched in Bodhi’s Artisan series, the first being the Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil, read my review of that here Both products draw inspiration from the potent healing power of natural and traditional botanical remedies from cultures around the world. Neroli is the oil extracted from bitter orange trees and Bodhi’s is sourced from Tunisia – which is considered to be the best quality in the world. Blended along with this are skin-healing and tone-correcting Frankincense, antioxidant-rich Grapeseed Oil and restorative Sea Buckthorn Oil.  The final product is an ultra nutrient-rich facial oil which is instantly absorbed into the skin without feeling greasy.

The gorgeous aroma of this oil has made its mark on me – can’t wait to put this product to the test. I think it will be a travel bag essential this summer! Now all we need is a destination!

Available from bodhi.uk.com and beautybay.com RRP £32 Neroli Lucé Revitalising Face Oil

Bodhi Mint Thé Temple Balm

A new area for Bodhi – balms. This Mint Thé Temple Balm is the first of two I will write about in this post and I was mightily impressed. It was buttery soft thanks to the choice of oils for the base – Shea Butter; Babassu Nut Oil; rich in lauric and myristic acids, melts on contact with skin and is easily absorbed; Whit4e Camphor; excellent for muscular aches, sprains and bruises with excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The balm also contains Cajeput oil, with strong analgesic properties, and essential oils of Eucalyptus and Frankincense.

I took a small finger load and massaged into my temples. The result was a head-clearing success. Not that my head was particularly foggy to begin with,  maybe a slight champagne haze as well as being blissed out from my Rosemary Chi Detox Himalayan Salt Scrub but nothing more! This product will be great for hard-workers who need a mental and physical boost as well as a great natural alternative to Vick’s Vapour Rub – without the tiger balm smell. This product smells amazing! Someone commented that they would wear this as a fragrance on the night. The balm can also be used for muscle aches and pains as well as a revitalising foot and leg rub at the end of a long, hard day. A must for the sports bag!

Bodhi Cacao Cocoon Lip Balm

Last but by no means least, the second balm. Another of buttery soft texture that just melts into the skin. The balm is a blend of exotic butters that originate from the Amazonian and Borean jungles including cacao butter, Murumuru butter (which gives the product its reddish-orange colour), Illipe Butter, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil and  Blackcurrant Seed Oil

Gorgeous lip balm for nourished, soft and smooth lips. One person commented that they could and would eat it – so I licked a bit off my lips. Not quite as sweet-tasting as it smells, but as Elijah pointed out there’s nothing in there that you can’t eat!

Bodhi Balms are available from June 2013 from bodhi.uk.com and selected stockists

Bodhi Spa Soiree – 9th May 2013

I’m on my way home on the 2110 train out of Birmingham to London Euston. Thankfully it’s Virgin as on the way to Birmingham I mistakenly booked on the other line – no power sockets, no refreshments, tables and chairs not ergonomically designed (ooh I’m such a snob these days!) I have just passed a most pleasant evening with the Bodhi team, fellow beauty bloggers and writers, journalists and friends of Bodhi. Elijah first mentioned the event to me back at Natural Products whereby I instantly confirmed my attendance. Mr BB and I were planning to take a much-needed minibreak somewhere around Birmingham to tie in with the event, however due to our failure to agree on a location, busy-business and the general lack of British summertime we decided to postpone our break away.

As I pulled into Birmingham New Street I looked up and saw a massive round building which I immediately assumed was my destination – the Rotunda. A read of the banners around the top, “staying cool”, confirmed my suspicions for the penthouse apartment Bodhi took over for the event was a “Staying Cool Apartment at the Rotunda”. Despite the weather being grey and wet upon my arrival my spirits were not dampened – I took a minute to appreciate the living wall that ran all the way along the footpath from the station to the Rotunda.

The serviced apartments were very cool indeed! 20 floors up with a view over half of Birmingham with its 60s concrete block buildings interspersed with modern architecture. I was impressed with the view and curious about this hotch-potch of structural design, although unfortunately some of the locals didn’t share my intrigue! I did however learn from the lovely Danielle from Emerald Street that the Rotunda was an old market building that was destined to be knocked down in the 80s/90s but residents petitioned and so it was redeveloped into a block of apartments.

The view in the rain (but check out the dramatic sky!)

The view post-rain

My Treatment at the Bodhi Spa Soiree

Despite having RSVPed for the event before I even received my physical invitation in the post, I failed to sign up for one of the treatments outlined on the card. Thankfully Elijah emailed and suggested the Rosemary Chi Bodhi Himalayan Detox Salt Scrub for me. Having already experienced a Desert Rose mini-facial and Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage I was keen to try something new, even more so as Elijah told me this was his favourite product to date. Upon arrival we were given a glass of pink fizz but I quickly (temporarily) swapped this for a delicately flavoured white tea which Elijah had picked especially to match my treatment. Sometimes I find white tea too bitter but this blend was right on; delicate, balanced as well as beautifully presented.

Pink champagne and white tea

After completing my consultation form (and supping up my tea!) I went into one of the bedrooms that had been transformed into a treatment room for the night. My therapist was Emma, whom I had met at the Bodhi Desert Rose Blogger event last year. It was great to have a little catchup prior to the treatment as I prepared for my Shoulder and Back Scrub with Bodhi Rosemary Chi Detox Himalayan Salt Scrub. Emma commented on my lovely colour and asked if I’d been away anywhere, so I told her I had not since November, that Barbados is a distant, yet fond and vivid, memory, and that I was looking forward to our next adventure which is coming as soon as possible!

Once the laying down position was assumed Emma proceeded to sprinkle the scrub on my back and then went to work with the scrub. Unlike other scrubs, this was gentle and buttery, something I experienced first hand when trying out the products later on in the night. The essential oils were uplifting whilst at the same time relaxing as was the scrub – not too hard-going. My skin was left soft, glowing and much more silkier to touch. I was super impressed! I left the room feeling as if I were floating and looking rather spaced out, as my fellow guests advised me! Content and happy, I resumed my position between Jennifer from Bare Faced Chic (whom it was delightful to meet after years of typing at for PR clients and tweeting on a personal level!) and the lovely Evelyn from We Were Raised By Wolves and recommenced quaffing the pink bubbly good stuff!

About Bodhi Rosemary Chi Detox Himalayan Salt Scrub

Having a play with and a feel of the product I was surprised by its buttery texture, but this explained why the scrub was not as harsh as others I have experienced. It looks like sorbet (see above) and when you move your fingers through it the product makes way for them, rather than collecting in front of them.

The salt crystals in the product are fron the rugged Kashmiri Himalayan mountain range and contain all 84 minerals and trace elements essential to human life. These magical crystals help to balance the body’s bioenergetic fields, stimulate cell regeneration, encourage healthy lymph flow and have a calming effect on the body. The blend of essential oils is the same as the other Rosemary Chi products in the range - Top: Petitgrain and Clary Sage Heart: Rosemary, Geranium and Tea Tree Base: Virginia Cedarwood, Galangal and Vetyver – whilst the base is a blend of antioxidant-rich Grape Seed Oil, nourishing organic Shea Butter and Olive Squalene – a nutrient-rich rejuvenating, protecting and moisturising extract from olive stones.

Biteable Beauty’s Verdict on Bodhi Rosemary Chi Detox Himalayan Salt Scrub

What Elijah says – “Months of development have gone into ensuring that every little nuance adds to the sheet beauty of this body treatment. I hope that all of the love and attention showered on this little gem shines through and brings delight to all who discover it.”

What Biteable Beauty says – “This detoxifying salt scrub is soft but effective. It leaves skin not just clean but silky smooth to touch, whilst both the body and mind feel refreshed. The essential oil blend is  both revitalising and indulgent – awakening and stimulating to the senses. Looking forward to trying the at-home version for an all over body treat in the home – followed up with a Ginger Brew Stimulating Body Massage!”

Thanks to Elijah and the Bodhi team for inviting me to such a wonderful event, where I got to meet Twitter friends in the flesh; Andy AKA Pampered Prince, Ana Goes Green, Danni Stokes, and Jessica from Spoilt Face (even if I didn’t realise it was her at the time!); see some old faces including of course Elijah, Kelly and Emma from Bodhi and the super talented Garazi photographer; and some new faces such as Teresa and Sam from I Am Into This, Ruth from Rewired PR,  BBC journalist Katie Rowlett and Joanne Malin. Photos from the event can be seen here.

One last thing –  a big thank you to Elijah and the team for our gift bags we got to take away! Inside the branded Bodhi bag was an at-home version of the Bodhi Rosemary Chi Detox Himalayan Salt Scrub (available from June at Bodhi.uk.com, beautybay.com and other selected retailers) and an Intrepid Traveller Limited Edition Gift Set £48 available from brummellsoflondon.com

Bodhi Massage Oils – Spa at Home

I fell in love with the Ginger Brew Massage Oil during my treatment at Appuru. It’s a deep-penetrating massage oil that continues to go to work after the massage is finished, working at rejuvenating and relieving tired, aching muscles and tight, stiff joints. One of the reasons I love this massage oil is that the ingredients and fragrance remind me of drinking tea in the medina after sundown in Marrakech – even though the blend is inspired by Thai flavours! The heady concoction of ginger, galangal and tumeric spices, all of which are present in the traditional Moroccan chai that we consumed every night without fail after our street food feast and before a glass or two of the local wine – which was surprisingly delicious!

So, imagine my absolute delight when I met Elijah Choo, founder and creator of Bodhi, for lunch at the Natural Products show and he gifted me the at-home versions of these products! Not just Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage Oil however, De-Stress Flora Paradiso was also in the bag. Whoopee – thanks a million Elijah! These oils are excellent for massage as well as for general body oils. Unlike some other massage oils I’ve experienced, the Bodhi products are “wet” enough to give a slip that enhances and facilitates a massage, but they are not so oily or greasy that you leave the treatment feeling like you swam through an oil slick! Like the other Bodhi body products – Bath & Shower Therapy and Body Moisturisers – the essential oil blends are genius and the fragrances stay with your skin but are neither overpowering nor intrusive.

Bodhi Massage Oils – the Ginger Brew Blend

I fear I’m sounding like a broken record when it comes to the fragrances of Bodhi but once you’ve tried just one of the scents of these products I’m sure you too will fall under the spell! Elijah definitely has a magical nose for blending notes, which is complimented by the fact that he never comprimises on the quality of the raw ingredients.

Ginger Brew has four different types of ginger in it, three of which I mentioned earlier -

• Galangal; a warming oil which has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antioxidant and stimulating properties. It’s marvellous for muscle aches and fatigue
• Ginger; an anti-spasmodic stimulant which helps improve the blood circulation and decrease inflammation. Not only great for muscle aches but also arthritis and rheumatism
• Turmeric; quite possibly the master of inflammation, in that it has phenomenal anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re feeling unwell in some way, take a quarter a teaspoon in hot water (if you can’t bear the taste add some coconut oil or honey!) and let this wonder-herb work its magic

The fourth ginger, as Elijah explained to me recently, is the special one. It’s also the one I’d never heard of before so I was all ears as he explained (these days for me not to have heard of a beauty ingredient/herb/spice/fruit etc is exceedingly rare!) It’s called Plai and is widely used in Thailand. It’s an exceptional healing oil that helps with the relief of pain and inflammation of the joints and the muscles. In Thailand, it’s highly regarded for its analgesic, rejuvenating and relaxing therapeutic properties.

Along with this quartet of zingy-gingeriness, there are several other key ingredients -

• Sweet Fennel and Kaffir Lime Peel oils to raise the spirits whilst also deep-cleansing the skin
• St John’s Wort – an excellent tonic for nerve pain and any stresses or strains to the nervous system
• Grapeseed Oil – one of the base oils (along with coconut triglycerides) that makes the product not too oily/greasy, due to its high absorption rate. This oil helps encourage the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid within the skin, contains antioxidants to protect against free radical damage and has a firming effect on the skin

Bodhi Massage Oils – the Flora Paradiso Blend

This oil is inspired by Balinese massage and is blended to target specific mental and physical stress. The top note of Ylang-Ylang brings relaxing and calming properties, works at alleviating nervous tension and stress whilst also having a balancing effect on oily and dry skin types. Heart notes of high-altitude Lavender balance the body and calm the mind whilst also toning and revitalising the skin. Base notes of Atlas Cedarwood are grounding and calming whilst relieving mental strain and helping with insomnia.

The base oils for this product are Coconut triglycerides and Apricot Kernel Oil – rich in essential fatty acids and a multitude of vitamins and antioxidants for the skin which help to brighten, soothe and nourish whilst also insuring skin retains its moisture, elasticity and suppleness.

Bodhi Massage Oils – Biteable Beauty’s Verdict

When presented with the oils at Appuru to choose one for my treatment, little thought was given to Flora Paradiso as my mind, body and soul was set on the Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage for some deep tissue action! I was presented the Flora Paradiso in an aroma bowl but paid slight attention to it. When I opened the bottle at home, I could barely believe how extraordinary the fragrance was. It’s my perfect perfume; floral but not too sweet (Elijah when is the Bodhi fragrance line coming out?!) Don’t get me wrong, the Ginger Brew is very special as well but, like the rest of the range, my favourite depends on my mood, the time of day and the purpose of using the product. My live-in masseuse has been putting both these oils to very good use, believe me!

Available from bodhi.uk.com Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage & Body Oil £35

and Flora Paradiso De-Stress Massage & Body Oil £38

Bodhi Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage at Appuru

With Christmas cheer in the air I made my way to the fabulous Appuru shop and salon in Pimlico, London. It was my first visit to the shop and the spa, although I had spoken to Karen the lovely owner several times. The shop is a small but perfectly formed boutique selling some of my favourite organic brands including Bodhi, Antipodes, John Masters Organics, Dr Bronner, Aromatherapy Associates, Pai and Zoya. Appuru also offers online shopping here. As well as stocking these super products there is also a treatment room downstairs from the shop offering Antipodes facials, Bodhi massages and Pink’s Boutique manicures.

Downstairs at Appuru is beautifully decorated, pure zen. A tranquil haven, although the street where Appuru is situated felt somewhat like a sanctuary in comparison to the pavements I usually stomp on in Londonium; calm, quiet, with immaculate white Georgian townhouses lining the road. It’s a little off the beaten track, but it’s easy to see why people make the pilgrimage to Pimlico in order to visit this salon.

Bodhi Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage – the Treatment

When Elijah very kindly invited me to come along for one of the new massage treatments at Appuru, he advised there was a choice of two massage oils – Flora Paradiso Balinese De-Stress and Ginger Brew Thai Deep Tissue. I was given an aroma bowl so I could take in the scent of each oil before I chose my treatment. If I could have somehow combined the two, believe me, I would. Last year was a very stressful time for me and in truth my body is still recovering. I could have done with, and would usually have opted for, the Flora Paradiso Balinese De-Stress Massage however as I had a long busy day ahead of me and like my massages hard and deep (oo-er!) I plumped for the Ginger Brew Stimulating Deep Tissue Massage.

The massage was faultless. The therapist found my tension spots and knots (carried in my shoulders and upper back mostly) and worked through them as best possible. I’ve suffered quite a lot of back pain recently but my live-in masseuse helps work out the root of the pain as best as he possibly can. Arms, hands, legs and feet were also indulged, which was a real treat. My feet (which admittedly I had been neglecting with lots of late nights dancing in heels – it was the Christmas party season after all!) felt nearly-new when I slipped back into my boots after the treatment. There was lightness in my fingertips as well, plus my limbs felt stretched and loose, not taut and solid as they sometimes can. Whilst the massage was without a doubt stimulating, it was relaxing at the same time. Whilst some might view that a contradiction in terms, I don’t. I believe you can be refreshed and invigorated whilst simultaneously at a heightened state of relaxation. Think about Bikram yoga! I left Appuru (en route to Flourish Skin and Body Clinic for Tibby Olivier’s Shrinking Violet Body Wrap) a happy, not to mention lighter, brighter and bouncier, bunny.

Biteable Beauty’s Verdict on Bodhi Ginger Brew Stimulating Massage at Appuru

WINNER! This massage was definitely the best for 2012-13 that I experienced – a well deserved award in Biteable Beauty’s Best Of. The oil, the treatment room, the therapist all combined for a top quality experience from start to finish. This would make a great gift for a friend, relative or an indulgence for yourself when you’ve been working (or playing!) too hard. Since receiving this treatment I’m delighted to share with you that Bodhi have launched the two massage products for home use.

Biteable Beauty went to Appuru in Pimlico for the treatment. appuru.co.uk Bodhi Stimulating Ginger Brew Massage

Award-Winning Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil by Bodhi

At the end of August 2012, Bodhi very kindly invited me to a bloggers meet up to learn all about their latest product launch. It was their first adventure into skincare with a face oil call Desert Rose. I was curious how the brand would translate into skincare but it transcended perfectly. Nourishing, beneficial ingredients as the base of the product blended with essential oils that are not only therapeutic for the skin but also aromatherapeutic for the soul!

The event was held at the most beautiful little parfumeur in Les Senteurs. They specialise in unique and unusual fragrances with their own original and distinct edge. One line of products that deserves a special mention is their blowing bubbles, definitely one for all the big kids out there. Coloured and fragranced, blowing bubbles has never been so much fun. Not even with one of those oversized wands! It was a lovely afternoon, I got to meet several beauty bloggers including the lovely Evelyn from We Were Raised By Wolves and Gemma from Buff Beauty Blog – Gemma, I can’t believe we’ve not met again since! Hope you can make one of the London Beauty Bloggers Meet ups soon

What’s Inside Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil

There are an arsenal of anti-ageing, rejuvenating and moisturising ingredients held within every little black bottle of Bodhi Desert Rose, including -

• Organic Moroccan Argan Oil; rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs), this ingredient helps to restore and retain elasticity in the skin whilst keeping cell membranes healthy. Incredibly hydrating and reparative, argan also helps stimulate cell renewal and helps reverse the ageing progress by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
• Bulgarian Damask Rose Otto; a highly nourishing ingredient that helps tone, smooth, soften, repair and regenerate skin cells. Leaves the skin radiant and glowing
• Rosehip Seed Oil; 80% EFAs, rich in vitamins A, B and C, this ingredients helps diminish fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and age spots. It penetrates the skin easily helping to restore moisture balance replenish the lipid barrier and promote healthy cell regeneration
• Tunisian Neroli Oil; boosts the natural healing of dry and/or sensitive skin by promoting healthy cell growth, improves skin’s elasticity and helps soften fine lines
• Kukui Nut Oil; rich in vitamins A, C and E and high in EFAs, which all play a part in keeping skin youthful
• Strawberry Seed Oil; has antioxidant properties and helps prevent free radical damage. Improves skin tone, clarity and radiance
• Evening Primrose Oil; rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid which has superb anti-inflammatory properties. Supports collagen and elastin structure whilst rejuvenating and revitalising tired or mature skins
• Vitamin E; one of the most important antioxidants for skin, vitamin E helps prevent premature ageing and boosts collagen production. Targets age spots, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles whilst helping to prevent free radical damage

Biteable Beauty’s Verdict on Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil

Winner! This product won Biteable Beauty’s Best Face Oil 2012-13. The efficacy of this product, the beautiful rose floral fragrance and the fact that one bottle lasted a phenomenally long time despite being used twice daily all played their part. The bottle is made in chic black glass which helps keep what’s inside fresher for longer but unfortunately you just can’t see how much is left! I kept thinking my luck was going to run out for at least two months before the sad last drops evacuated from the pump. My skin was happy with just this product for moisturiser during trials and as my cheeks tends to be on the dry side I think this speak volumes for the product. With other oils and serums (besides from Spa Fabulous’ Bliss for Your Skin – which was an extremely close second to this product!) I usually have to use a cream in addition at least once a day.

Available from BrummellsofLondon.com  £56 Bodhi Desert Rose Rejuvenating Face Oil

Bodhi – Body Moisturisers – Playing Catch Up on a Train!

AND I don’t mean drinking. As I type this I’m excitedly en route to the Bodhi Spa Soiree! It’s being held in a penthouse suite (darling) of the Rotunda in Birmingham New Street. Elijah and his team are taking over and transforming the space into a spa for the evening – can’t wait to experience it! Expect a blog post on that at some point in the not too distant future. What better an opportunity for me to catch up on some of the hundreds of blog posts I have in my pretty little head to write! Starting with the Bodhi ones, of course. I’ve been increasingly busy with other business ventures of late that I’ve had to neglect my beloved Biteable Beauty. This saddens me, as if I had my way I would spend a good few hours every day writing helpful posts with natural living advice, reviewing excellent natural beauty and trying out the latest supplements and fitness crazes. One day soon!

So, onto the first products on my list, Bodhi Body Moisturisers. I was sent a travel-sized of each moisturiser AGES ago along with Bodhi Bath & Shower Therapy products. You can read my review of all the flavours here.  I’ve listed them in order of preference although to be honest they are all so indulgent – the blends of essential oils are wizard – there’s not much between them. The Bodhi Body Moisturisers are created with the same essential oil blends, evocative, potent and powerful! I was sent a small version of each – Ylang-Ylang Incensa, Jasmine Falls, Rosemary Chi, and Pep Noir. Fans of the Molton Brown Invigorating Black Pepper range I urge you to try this natural version then tell me it’s not better!

What’s Inside Bodhi Body Moisturisers?

I was surprised when I saw that these moisturisers are in fact water-based – they are so rich and creamy that I assumed they were cream/butter-based! It’s the glycerin that helps on this front, along with the inclusion of several really effective natural ingredients -

• Organic Shea Butter; to help repair, protect and hydrate the skin. It’s rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs). All of these have also anti-ageing properties in the skin
• Kukui Nut Oil; also rich in EFAs, this oil gives a smooth but non-greasy slip whilst enhancing the effects of essential oils.
• Coconut Oil; a hero product of mine for the kitchen and bathroom, coconut oil has amazing moisturising, hydrating and reparative properties

Bodhi Body Moisturisers – the Fragrances

As I mentioned previously, the essential oil blends are what makes Bodhi a superb range. I think Elijah is a genius when it comes to fragrances – if I were to create a perfume ever I’d definitely turn to his nose for approval! I really feel as though these blends were created for me – they combine so many of my favourite notes-

Ylang-Ylang Incensa – Top: Honeysuckle and Hyacinth Heart: Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Pink Peppercorn, Roman Chamomile Base:Patchouli

Jasmine Falls – Top: Honeysuckle and Red Mandarin Heart: Jasmine Absolute, High-Altitude Lavender and Ylang-Ylang Base: Vetyver

Pep Noir – Top: Bergamot Heart: Black Pepper, White Thyme, Ginger, Coriander and Cinnamon Base: Frankincense, Patchouli and Oakmoss

Rosemary Chi – Top: Petitgrain and Clary Sage Heart: Rosemary, Geranium and Tea Tree Base: Virginia Cedarwood, Galangal and Vetyver

Bodhi Body Moisturiser – Biteable Beauty’s Verdict

Super! I love the way this product feels on my skin. Great for use just after shower or bath when skin is still slightly damp. A little really does go a long way with these products – they are extremely rich so be sure not to use too much or else you’ll be rubbing it in for ages and ages. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience! The beautiful fragrances lightly perfume the skin but not overly so, just a subtle hint of the notes.

Available from Brummells of London from £23 for 250ml Bodhi Body Moisturisers

The reason for my change in attitude and lifestyle towards my health is quite simple. Having recently been for a reflexology treatment at Neal’s Yard Remedies on Chalk Farm Road, I learnt quite unsurprisingly that my adrenals were flagging quite severely. To be honest, everybody who chooses to be a city dweller suffers from adrenal fatigue to some extent – we as humans were not built for city life! All the rushing around, crowded commutes and general hustle and bustle, an intoxicating high as it might be, does take its toll on our health. This is why Mr BB and I are currently planning our escape to the countryside, which is a very exciting move! Just hearing Country House by Blur whilst waiting to go into the cinema yesterday I was transporting to my new life of Hunter wellies, flat caps and Barbour. I can’t wait! But for now, back to the matter at hand, Nelson’s Noctura for natural relief of Insomnia.

What’s in Nelson’s Noctura for Natural Relief of Insomnia?

Nelson’s Noctura is an original blend of homeopathic remedies all in one tablet! These have been selected for their relaxing properties and as Nelson’s explain stress and not sleeping well is a vicious circle – “A bad night’s sleep is often the result of stress. A refreshing natural nights sleep will help reduce that stress.” The blend contains -

Kali brom 6c –  used traditionally to treat restless sleepers, those who talk/make noises in their sleep, suffer from nightmares and wake up feeling unrefreshed

Coffea Cruda 6c – is used to treat a wide variety of sleep issues including sleeplessness from excitement, joy, worry, mind racing, sleep disturbed by dreams and those who wake up at 3am and only doze after this time

Passiflora 6c – used to help insomniacs return to a normal sleep pattern

Avena Sativa 6c – a chill out herb, Avena Sativa has been used for addiction, nervous exhaustion and sexual debility as well as sleeplessness

Alfalfa 6c – used to treat nervousness, anxiety, general debility and insomnia. Use induces quiet, reposeful and refreshing sleep

Valeriana 6c – commonly used to treat periods of sleeplessness, insomnia and sleep disturbed by dreams

Biteable Beauty’s Verdict on Nelson’s Noctura for Natural Relief of Insomnia

As I mentioned in the Phytocalm post, when I take these homeopathic remedies for sleep I do tend to sleep better. At the moment however I am having to get up in the night to go to the toilet, something that never used to happen. I am putting this down to my poor adrenals being whacked and have been reading up on ways to remedy this. With Nelson’s Noctura I sometimes find that I fall asleep very quickly with the pills under my tongue and then wake up mere minutes later with the pills still under my tongue, wondering how long I’ve been asleep for – but as soon as I feel the pills I know it’s not been very long! Strange that this happens, I’m not really sure why!

Biteable Beauty’s Top Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep (Besides Nelson’s Noctura for Natural Relief of Insomnia)

1. Wear an eye mask. I never rated eye masks till I actually tried one. There’s so much light pollution in the city unless you have blackout blinds it’s near impossible to experience a darkened room.
2. If you’re a light sleeper wear ear plugs. Especially if your partner snores or talks in their sleep, you live in a shared house, noisy neighbourhood or vocal wildlife surrounding your home.
3. Get in to a regular routine of going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning. This keeps your circadian rhythm in check. Obviously there will be times when this is not possible, and some days you will have a little lie in, but for the most part keep to the same timings.
4. Eat in the early evening so that you are not going to bed on a full stomach. If you go to bed full you may experience acid reflux, disturbed sleep, discomfort and in some cases nightmares. You can have a little high protein, high fat, low/no carb snack before bed as this will help stabilise your blood sugar throughout the night.
5. No caffeine, alcohol or sugar up to three hours before bed. Stimulants will not only give you difficulty in falling asleep but may also disturb your sleep through the night. Sugars will cause you blood sugar to crash which may result in you waking in the middle of the night, seemingly for no apparent reason.
6. Turn off all electrical appliances an hour before bed. Looking at self-luminating screens can affect our melatonin levels and hamper a good night’s sleep. Instead of watching TV or looking at the computer, why not try a relaxing activity such as reading (a paper book not on a tablet!) or meditation.
7. Don’t exercise too vigorously two hours before bed. If you wish to do a little activity in the evening, try a stroll, yoga or gentle stretching.

Available from nutricentre.com £4.90 Nelson’s Noctura for Natural Relief of Insomnia