Natural Health (February 2020)

EAT
natural



3 OF THE BEST PORRIDGE TOPPERS
Porridge is packed with slow-release carbohydrates, making it
a great itness fuel. Here are the best toppings for your morning
oats, so you can maximise on nutrition as well as lavour.
Montezuma’s Organic Wilton Wholefoods
73% Cocoa Very Dark Ground Cinnamon
Chocolate Bar, £2.59, 500g, £4,
montezumas.co.uk wiltonwholefoods.com
High in antioxidants and Daily consumption
lavanols, grating dark of cinnamon
chocolate can settle
over your blood sugar
oats has Keepr’s Cotswold Honey, levels,
TREND ALERT been £5.85, britishhoney.co.uk meaning

THE MIND found This multi-loral honey is you’re less
to help
likely to
handled with care from
diet lower beehive to jar and lightly experience
blood
a midday
pressure. iltered to retain all the sugar crash.
natural goodness.
Looking to boost
your brainpower?
Chicken Baked {
with Shallots, UNDER THE GRILL
“The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH ...JACKFRUIT
Intervention for Neurodegenerative Olives and Thyme
Delay) diet is a set of therapeutic Jackfruit has been unveiled as
Serves 4
dietary recommendations, backed by the tastecard Taste of the Year
Preparation time: 10 minutes
research, that may help reduce your 2020. But is this plant-based staple
Cooking time: 30 minutes
risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease worthy of this newly instated title?
4 pears, sliced
and dementia,” says Julie Andrews, • We decided to investigate...
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
author of The MIND Diet Plan and • What is jackfruit?
150g dolcelatte cheese
Cookbook (£17.02, Rockridge Press). • The plant originated in southwest
75g California walnuts,
The Mediterranean style of • India, where it grows abundantly.
eating focuses on the consumption roughly chopped High in ibre and sugar-free, the
100g rocket
of omega-3-rich seafood, fruits and • jackfruit is the largest tree-borne
1 tbsp honey
vegetables, whole grains, nuts and • fruit with a unique, ibrous texture.
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
seeds, and olive oil. While this style •
Sourdough bread, sliced
of eating has existed for a millennium • Nutritional content
Sea salt, to taste
and originated in countries that border • Jackfruit contains vitamins and
minerals including vitamin A and C,
the Mediterranean Sea, it has become
increasingly popular as it’s linked to 1 Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. protein, ibre, ribolavin, magnesium
a lower risk of developing diseases 2 Arrange the chicken breasts in a and potassium. The edible seeds
prominent in Western culture, such as shallow roasting tin or baking dish. are also high in calcium and iron.
type 2 diabetes, depression, stroke,” Tuck the shallots, garlic and olives How should you eat it?
explains Julie. “On the other hand, the in around the chicken and place the If you want to use it as a meat
DASH diet focuses on potassium and thyme sprigs on top. alternative, you can ind young,
ibre-rich foods while cutting back on 3 Drizzle over the oil and season unripe jackfruit canned and in
sodium and saturated fat.” with salt and pepper. pouches in most supermarkets.
“Alzheimer’s disease and dementia 4 Bake for 20 minutes, then remove This is typically used to create
researchers took interest in these two from the oven and drizzle over the everything from burritos to curries
diets because both have proven to sherry vinegar. and stir-fries. Try Coconut Merchant
reduce blood pressure and are good 5 Cook for a further 10 minutes, until Organic Young Green Jackfruit,
for heart health, meaning they may the chicken is cooked through. Serve £2.97, coconut-merchant.com
also be good for the brain.” with a green salad.
Recipe from ukshallot.com {

NATURAL HEALTH 51



EAT
natural


















































Self-care SAVIOURS







Give yourself a hug from within with these nourishing dishes for your body

and soul
SUPER GREEN • 400ml tin coconut milk for 5 minutes, then pour in the stock
NOURISH SOUP • A swirl of plant-based yoghurt and cook for 15 minutes, until the
• Seeds, chilli flakes and edible potato is soft.
SERVES: 4 flowers, to garnish (optional) 4 Add the coconut milk and, using
• A glug of olive oil or 1 tsp coconut oil • Bread, to serve a hand-held blender, blitz until
• 1 leek, sliced smooth (or blend in a jug blender).
• 2 potatoes, chopped 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan and Add more water if you like a thinner
• Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground fry the leek on a low heat for a few consistency. Warm through for a
black pepper minutes, until soft.
• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg few minutes, then serve with a swirl
• 1 tbsp tamari 2 Add the potatoes, season with of plant-based yoghurt, chilli lakes
• 150g spinach salt and pepper and stir through the and sunlower seeds.
• 150g kale, stalks and ribs removed nutmeg and tamari. Cook for 5 minutes. 5 Add some chopped fresh chilli and
• 100g watercress 3 Add the spinach, kale and watercress cayenne pepper if you’d like a bit
• 1 litre vegetable stock and put the lid on. Leave on a low heat of heat.


NATURAL HEALTH 53

RICH RAGÙ
• 150g spinach, chopped 3 When the sauce is cooked, blitz it
SERVES: 3-4 • 200g walnuts, chopped with a hand-held blender until smooth
• • Freshly chopped parsley, to serve (or you can just leave it chunky).
Splash of olive oil
• 4 Stir through the chopped spinach
1 small onion, peeled and finely
chopped 1 Heat some olive oil in a large and walnuts. If you're using veggie
• saucepan and cook the onion and noodles, fold them into the sauce
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• garlic on a medium heat for about 5 and warm through for a couple of
400g tin chopped tomatoes
• minutes, until softened. Add all the minutes. If you’re serving it with
A few sundried tomatoes, rehydrated
(or from a jar in olive oil), chopped other ingredients apart from the pasta, pasta, add to the pan and coat in the
• spinach and walnuts. Reserve a few sauce before serving, garnished with
Sea salt and freshly ground
• basil leaves to serve, and simmer for 10 reserved basil leaves and the parsley.
Black pepper
• minutes. 5 For extra decadence, drizzle with
1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 If you're serving this with pasta, cook pesto. This ragù can also be used
2 tsp oregano
• it in boiling water while the sauce is as an excellent base for a pizza or
A bunch of basil
• reducing, then drain. spread on toast for a quick snack.
300g pasta or veggie noodles




























































54 NATURAL HEALTH

EAT
natural























































SPICED GINGER • 200g of the apple sauce the dry ingredients, including the
SPONGE PUDDING • 50ml plant-based milk crystallised ginger and dates.
• Juice of 1 lemon Add the apple sauce, plant-based
SERVES: 4 • 1 tsp vanilla extract milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract
For the apple sauce: and give it a good stir.
• To serve: 4 Pour into the prepared tin and
225g cooking apples, peeled,
cored and chopped • 1 tbsp peanut butter bake for about 50 minutes. Test it's
• • 1 tbsp maple syrup cooked by inserting a toothpick into
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• the middle.
1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 To make the apple sauce, put the 5 In a small pan, warm the peanut
Pinch of sea salt
chopped apples in a large saucepan. butter and maple syrup on a low

For the pudding: Add 2 tablespoons water, the lemon heat, stirring to combine well. Drizzle
• zest and juice, the sugar, cinnamon over the hot pudding to serve.
1 cinnamon stick
• and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Cook for
300g wholemeal flour
• 15 minutes on a medium heat, stirring
125g brown sugar
• occasionally, until the apples are
2 tsp baking powder
• mushy, then remove from the heat, BOOKshelf
2 tsp ground ginger
• discarding the cinnamon stick. Extracted from
1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas 3. The Self-Care Cookbook by
¼ tsp ground cloves
• Line a 1lb loaf tin with baking paper. Gemma Ogston (Published
2 tbsp crystallised ginger, chopped
• 3 In a large bowl, mix together all by Penguin £14.99)
150g pitted and chopped dates
NATURAL HEALTH 55

SPONSORED BY



































BE YOUR OWN


VEGAN CHEF








Welcome to the irst edition of our diet, ensuring there’s enough protein from
Be Your Own series. Every month we’ll tofu, beans and nuts, plus calcium from STUDY WITH CNM
delve into a natural way of living – this leafy greens,” explains Bonnie. “The only
issue we’re focusing on veganism with nutrient that can’t be found in a plant-based
help from Bonnie Stowell, a plant-based diet is B12, so you can add this in a powder
chef and Founder of Spring Green form as a top-up,” she adds.
(springgreenlondon.com). Join us next “I strive to create recipes that are full Want to learn more about veganism?
month when we’ll ind out what it’s of goodness, flavour, excitement, interest The CNM Vegan Natural Chef diploma
like to be a nutritionist. and nutrition,” she says. “Plants are a rich is a three-part course which covers
source of nutrients and if you follow the everything from how the digestive
Bonnie’s journey into veganism – and her right vegan diet it can be very beneficial. system works, to building a culinary
incredible success as a chef – is underlined Whole natural foods are generally high in business. As no single dietary regime
by her passion for plants. She studied under nutrients and are often less calorie-dense.” is appropriate for everyone, CNM
Michelin-starred chef Matt Tomkinson, “I recommend experimenting with teaches you how individualised food
created bespoke meal plans for London’s sauces if you’re new to it,” she says. can enhance health. The CNM Vegan
Natural Chef qualification can open
elite and opened her own vegan restaurant; “If you have a blender you can make so
doors to a variety of careers including:
but one of her most challenging projects many different vegan dressings. One of my
private or retreat chef, starting your
was far closer to home when her father was new favourite recipes is cashew, ginger,
own food company, product developer,
diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. garlic, soy and oil blended together – I’m
food writer and more. The training
“At that point I knew I had to act on addicted!” So take Bonnie’s advice and
consists of 420 hours of education
my desire to create recipes for people that get creative; a few ingredients is all you
plus a 100-hour internship.
benefitted their wellbeing. As a vegan chef, need. “A nut base, one or two fresh herbs,
Find out more: 01342 410 505,
it’s important to make sure I’m giving my often garlic, oil and add a few more bits
naturopathy-uk.com
clients a wide range of nutrients from their depending on the dish – and you’re done.”
56 NATURAL HEALTH

ADVERTORIAL


CREATE YOUR




OWN PATH







It’s never too late to turn your passion into a career and these

four inspirational stories from CNM graduates prove just that




“When my baby was
diagnosed with rheumatoid
“I was in property development but arthritis and doctors told us she
wanted to utilise my interest in natural would be in a wheelchair for life, I
medicine. I like face-to-face learning knew I had to help her. I enrolled on
and hands-on experience, so CNM’s CNM’s nutrition course because it was
course really suited me, and being respected within the industry. My training
part-time, I could carry on working. gave me in-depth knowledge of nutrition
Upon graduating I began by using my and its efect on the body – it really helped me to help
skills in a GP’s medical centre but soon my daughter become an active child and now teenager.
got so busy that I set up my own clinic. I run a very successful practice and I never stop
People come from far and wide to see me and I often have a learning and developing specialist skills. My passion
waiting list – I make sure that I build in plenty of family time, is my career, and it’s wonderful to know that I
though. I’m so lucky to be living my dream. It’s such rewarding can use my knowledge and experience to help
work watching clients going through amazing healing.” others in their journey to better health.”
Shaf, CNM graduate in Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine Jo, CNM graduate in
Naturopathic Nutrition





“We’d been trying
to start a family for over “I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and
ive years, so I decided to Lyme disease aged 13, and had to use a
study nutrition at CNM to help wheelchair. Through my own research,
address my own health issues. I I realised the power of nutrition could
used my college contacts to see a
make me feel better. I studied with CNM
Nutritionist and Herbalist and I was because their approach is natural and
given a detailed naturopathic plan
holistic, and enabled me to understand
to address all my nutritional needs. Six months after starting what helped me as a chronic-fatigue
my new regime, I fell pregnant. My experience of studying suferer. Today I lead a normal life
at CNM was wonderful. I met amazing teachers and without pain, and the wheelchair is long gone! The clinic that
gained so much knowledge. As a Nutritional Therapist, I opened after graduating is always busy. I specialise in clients
I love everything about practising and improving with chronic fatigue and I ind that my story gives people
people’s lives. As we now have two beautiful hope. I love seeing them improve – it never feels like work.
super-healthy daughters, it’s fantastic being able
Rebecca, CNM graduate in Naturopathic Nutrition
to it practising around looking after them.”
Neringa, CNM graduate in
Naturopathic Nutrition
Want to make a change in your life? For more
info and to book yourself onto a 2020 course,
head to naturopathy-uk.com or call 01342 410505


NATURAL HEALTH 57



EAT
natural




Chakra-charging FUEL






The foods we eat can help balance these vital energy
centres that afect every area of our wellbeing







According to ancient Vedic wisdom, we all CROWN
have seven chakras. A chakra (meaning
“wheel” in Sanskrit) is an energy centre or BROW
vortex. Each one is represented by a colour
and quite often a lotus symbol. When a chakra
THROAT
is dysfunctional, that is underactive or overactive,
a problem can develop in the corresponding
HEART
areas emotionally and/or physically. It is
extremely common for people to have
SOLAR PLEXUS
imbalances in one or more of the chakras,
and complete harmony throughout
SACRAL
the system requires some effort. You
can work with the chakras through
ROOT
meditation, complementary healing
modalities, sound and balancing
foods, each of which have
a particular effect on the
chakras. Here are four
seasonal chakra-charging
recipes to balance your
energy and boost
your wellbeing.




TURN
OVER
FOR

RECIPES




















NATURAL HEALTH 59

SPICED PATTIES • ½ tsp ground turmeric
•
WITH ROASTED • 1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp ground cumin
WINTER ROOTS • 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 ½ tsps sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Organic fruit chutney (optional)
SERVES 4
• 1 Rinse the beans in fresh water.
Winter roots
• Place in a pan of water and boil
3 carrots
• rapidly for 10 minutes, then simmer
2 parsnips
• for 1 ¼ hours. Drain and set aside.
2 large beetroot
• 2 Rinse the lentils, place in a pan of
1 small celeriac
• water, bring to the boil, then simmer
1 large red onion
• for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. juice, spices and salt. Add pepper to
2 garlic cloves
• 3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ taste. Combine with kale and half the
2 tbsp grapeseed oil
• Gas 6. laxseed in a food processor for 1-2
Coriander leaves, to garnish
4 Peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, minutes. Divide into four patties and
For the patties beets, celeriac, and onion into coat each in the remaining lax.
• chunks, then place in a roasting pan. 6 Heat the remaining oil in a shallow
125g dried kidney beans, soaked in
cold water overnight and drained Crush the garlic over the top of the pan. Carefully transfer the patties into
• vegetables and drizzle with the oil. the pan and fry for 4-5 minutes on
50g French brown lentils
• Roast for 35 minutes, turning half each side over a medium heat.
50g kale, chopped
• way through. 7 Serve the patties with the roasted
4 tbsp grapeseed oil
• 5 To make the patties, blitz the vegetables scattered with coriander
Juice of ½ lemon
• kale in a food processor until inely leaves. Accompany with an organic
60g ground golden flaxseed
• chopped. Mash the beans and lentils fruit chutney, the salsa and a
½ tsp chilli powder
together with half the oil, the lemon poached egg.
WINTER SLAW

SERVES 4
• 1 large beetroot
• 1 large carrot
• ¼ celeriac
• ¼ red cabbage
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp caraway seeds
• Sea salt and freshly ground
black pepper


1 Peel and grate the beetroot, carrot
and celeriac into a bowl (use a food
processor if you have the relevant
attachment). Finely slice the cabbage
and add to the bowl.
2 Mix the mustard, olive oil and
vinegar together with seasoning
to form the dressing. Toss this into
the slaw with the caraway seeds
and serve with the sunlower seeds
scattered on top.

60 NATURAL HEALTH

EAT
natural



ROOTY DAAL WITH
SWEET NAAN BREAD




SERVES 4
For the daal
• 3 large potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 2 large parsnips
• 1 red onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp finely chopped red chilli
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 125g green lentils (choose those
that don't need soaking)
• 550ml vegan stock
• 100g kale


For the sweet naan bread
• 135ml unsweetened
plant-based milk
• ½ tsp raw coconut nectar
• ½ tsp quick dried yeast
• ½ tbsp chia seeds
• 40g brown rice flour
• 4 tsp tapioca flour
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 135g buckwheat flour,
plus extra for dusting
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 40g golden raisins/sultanas
• 2 tsp nigella seeds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, Cover the bowl with a dish towel removing any tough stalks.
plus extra for greasing, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour Steam until lightly cooked either
melted and at room temperature to prove. in a colander covered with a lid
• 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt 4 To make the daal, roughly chop the and set over a pan of boiling water
potatoes, carrots and parsnips into ½ or in an electric steamer.
1 To make the naan bread, place the inch chunks. Slice the onion and garlic. 7 Place the dough on a surface
milk and coconut nectar in a small Heat oil in a large saucepan, then add dusted with buckwheat and knead
pan and gently heat until lukewarm. the onions and garlic with the fresh for a few minutes. Keep adding more
Add the yeast, stir or whisk well until chilli and spices. Allow the spices to buckwheat as you go to improve the
dissolved, then remove from the heat infuse with the onion and garlic for a handling and reduce the stickiness.
and leave for 10 minutes. minute or so, then add the chopped Divide into four portions and latten
2 Place the chia seeds in a small vegetables and stir well to coat into oval shapes, then place on a
everything. non-stick baking sheet. Put the sheet
dish with 2½ tablespoons of water, stir
and set aside for 10 minutes to swell. 5 Rinse the lentils in cold water and under a preheated medium-high grill
3 Meanwhile, place the lours in a add to the pan along with the stock. and cook for 10 minutes, turning half
lightly oiled bowl with the cornlour, Cover with a lid and bring to the boil, way through, until golden brown.
buckwheat, baking powder, golden then reduce the heat and simmer for 8 Add the kale to the daal and stir
raisins/sultanas, and nigella seeds. 25-30 minutes or until the daal has well. Serve on warmed plates with
Add the milk mixture, oil, chia and a chunky, but mushy consistency. a garnish of cashews, a spoonful
yoghurt to the dry mix and combine 6 Around 10 minutes before of coconut yoghurt and the naan
well until a sticky dough is formed. the daal is ready, chop the kale, on the side.

NATURAL HEALTH 61

YOUR CHAKRAS


CROWN CHAKRA

(TOP OF HEAD, ASSOCIATED
WITH SPIRITUALITY)
Signs of dysfunction: exhaustion, chronic
fatigue syndrome, muscular and skin
disorders, sensitivity to light and sound.
BROW CHAKRA

(ABOVE AND IN BETWEEN THE EYES,
ASSOCIATED WITH AWARENESS)
Signs of dysfunction: headaches
around the temples, migraines,
insomnia, dizziness, brain tumors,
sinus problems, and hormal imbalance.
BOOKshelf THROAT CHAKRA
(THROAT, ASSOCIATED
Extracted from Vegan recipes to
enhance your yoga life by Sarah WITH COMMUNICATION)
Wilkinson, published by CICO Signs of dysfunction: sore throat,
Books (£12.99). Photography by tonsillitis, laryngitis, ear problems, jaw
Adrian Lawrence © CICO Books problems, neck pains, shoulder and/
or arm aches, swollen lymph glands,
toothache.
HEART CHAKRA

BEAN FEAST CHILLI SERVES 4 (CENTRE OF CHEST, ASSOCIATED
WITH LOVE AND HEALING)
• 185g dried adszuki beans, 1 Rinse the soaked adzuki and black Signs of dysfunction: palpitations,
soaked overnight in cold beans separately in fresh cold water. heart attacks, circulatory problems,
water and drained. Place in separate pans of water and high or low blood pressure and stress.
• 180g dried black turtle boil for 15 minutes, then cover and SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
beans, soaked overnight in simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and set
cold water and drained the beans aside. (JUST BELOW THE STERNUM AND
• 2 tbsp grapeseed oil 2 Warm the oil in a large saucepan, ABOVE THE NAVAL, ASSOCIATED
WITH WISDOM AND POWER)
• 1 red onion, sliced add the onion and garlic, and sweat
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced for 5 minutes. Add the chilli to the pan, Signs of dysfunction: ulcers, diabetes,
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped stir through and sweat for a further digestive and eating disorders, fluctuation
weight, liver and kidney problems
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 5 minutes. Add the peppers and
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced mushrooms to the pan with spices and SACRAL CHAKRA
• 100g fresh shiitake stir thoroughly for 2-3 minutes over (JUST BELOW THE NAVEL AREA,
mushrooms, sliced a medium heat. Add the tomatoes, ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUALITY
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon beans and coriander. Simmer for AND CREATIVITY)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper 20 minutes, adding salt and pepper Signs of dysfunction: Tense muscles,
• 2 400g tins of chopped to taste. pains in lower abdomen or back, urinary
tomatoes 3 Meanwhile, rinse the rice. Place in infections, constipation, diarrhoea, high or
• bunch of coriander, chopped a medium-sized pan with 950ml water low sex drive, gynaecological problems.
• 320g brown basmati rice and a pinch of salt and cover with
• sea salt and freshly ground a lid. ROOT CHAKRA
black pepper 4 Bring to the boil, then simmer (BASE OF SPINE, ASSOCIATED
for 25 minutes until all the water WITH BASIC TRUST)
To garnish has been absorbed. Signs of dysfunction: Poor immune
• 1 lime, cut into wedges 5 Serve the rice and chilli on warmed system, skeletal issues, lower-back
• 4 tsp chia seeds plates. Add lime wedges, scatter with problems, leg pains, depression, fatigue,
• 2 avocados, chopped the chia seeds and serve with the low sex drive, circulatory problems,
(optional) chopped avocado on the side, if using. constipation, weight issues.
Also good with warm pitta bread.

62 NATURAL HEALTH





BeautyBetter skin, hair and make-up naturally





FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
As we enter the era 1 Lily Lolo Cream Foundation, £16, lilylolo.co.uk 
of no-make-up make-up (the 2 Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation SPF 15, £15,
days of heavy-wear are well behind lilylolo.co.uk 

3 Evolve Organic Beauty Tinted Climate Veil
us), inding the right combination of
Tinted Light/Medium, £15, feelunique.com 
luminous-not-oily, and matte-not-cakey 4 Tropic Mineral Foundation, £24,
can be something of a struggle. Throw in tropicskincare.com
inding the right shade (what’s your undertone 5 Jane Irdeale Beyond Matte™ Liquid
exactly?) and it becomes even tricker. We’re Foundation, £29.95, feelunique.com
6 Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid
here to show you that it can be easy with our Foundation, £9.79, amazon.co.uk
round-up of the best vegan, cruelty-free and 7 3INA Makeup The 24H Foundation, £18.71,
paraben-free foundations. So here’s to the lookfantastic.com
liquids, sticks and everything in between. 1 8 Bella Pierre Cosmetics, £24 bellapierre.com
Long may you give us the skin we’ve
always dreamed of.









2
4





3






5
7 8









6
















NATURAL HEALTH 65

10 WAYS



TO MAKE YOUR



EYES STAND OUT




From a subtle smoky eye to curling your lashes, these
simple make-up tips will make your peepers pop

1 “Brushing harmful chemicals through the lashes can make them dry
FULLER LASHES

and brittle,” says Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People. “Opting for
a natural mascara along with a gentle, alcohol-free make-up remover
can help them strengthen and grow to their full, envy-inducing
potential. Look out for products with organic beeswax – its naturally
water-resistant and smudge-proof formula is kind to sensitive
eyes and is easier to remove. The Green People Volumising
Mascara (£16.50, greenpeople.co.uk) is a multi-purpose
superstar. The advanced microsphere technology plumps the
lashes out so they look thicker and fuller immediately ater
application – perfect for either a subtle daytime or dramatic
evening make-up look.”


MASTER YOUR SHADE
Leaning too heavily towards a sparkly inish tends to enhance skin
imperfections such as texture or sagging. Start with washes of
gorgeous luminosity but without the frosty shimmer. Elf Mad 2
neutral, matte tones like grey, cream and taupe, this will avoid
overpowering the eye. The simplest eye make-up technique
is to apply a pale eyeshadow to the lid and then take a
complementary darker shade and draw a very ine line of this
colour to the lash line using a small wedge-shaped brush.
If you want to take it a step further, at night perhaps, use
a shadow with a subtle satin inish. This will create a

for Matte Eyeshadow Palette Nude Mood, £10, elfcosmetics.co.uk



HYDRATE AND COMBAT DARK CIRCLES
DEPUFF Concealer is as much of a game changer in the
Certain skincare products morning as your double espresso. So it’s important to
are non-negotiable, such as possess the perfect, imperceptibly matched formula
cleanser and SPF, but eye in your arsenal. If your skin tone is warm, we
cream straddles a grey area recommend opting for yellow or orange undertones,
between an extra and an while pink shades are most lattering
essential. Our verdict? Make for a cooler complexion. Now, there’s no need to
space in your routine for the tiny jars. The skin around the cover your whole under-eye area, the inner third of
eye contour loses moisture 50 percent faster than the rest of the eye and a bit towards the outer corner will do just
your face, so it’s important to protect this delicate area by hydrating ine. When it comes to application, deposit the
the skin and improving its sotness and elasticity. Eye creams are designed to be lighter product with a small bristle brush and then use
in texture than facial moisturisers – heavy creams can encourage luid retention and the pads of your ingertips to gently blend it in.
exacerbate puiness. Plus, regular creams don’t have speciic ingredients that address It’s important not to go too close to your bottom
dark circles such as chrysin – a lavone from passion lower that helps to promote the lashes so there’s no build-up or harsh lines.
production of natural enzymes. Bright, lawless eyes are in your sights. Farmacy Dew It Try Pure White VelvetSkin Concealer Pen,
All, £35, cultbeauty.co.uk £30.15, ecco-verde.co.uk

66 NATURAL HEALTH

6 BEAUTY










CURL FRIENDS WING IT
Curling your lashes can make “The skin on your upper
all the diference. It may seem eyelids tends to crinkle
unnecessary, but once you start as you age, and many try
doing it correctly, it’s hard to working around this by
believe you ever neglected pulling the eye back so the
this vital step. Simply skin is taut during application,
capture at the base of the causing your make-up to look
lash and squeeze for 30 uneven,” says Lyndsey Bates,
seconds while gently tipping from ZAO Essence of Nature. “Using
your wrist up. This will begin to a liquid eyeliner with a felt tip is much
shape the curl at the root, elongating your inal easier to control and apply, with less tugging
lash look. Gently remove the pressure then of the skin. When it comes to lining a mature
lit up and release the lash, this will ensure eye, less is certainly more, but if you prefer a thicker
you don’t interfere with the volume. Finish by line, blur the edges with a blending brush before it dries.
luing the lashes with your index inger, then This gives a fuzzier outline that’s more lattering on older
follow up with your favorite mascara. And skin.” Tip: when you’re applying eyeliner to the top line,
voilà! See those curly lashes? The Body Shop look straight ahead in the mirror, with your chin
Eyelash Curlers, £5, thebodyshop.com tilted up. Zao Reillable Felt Tip Eyeliner,
£18.95, zaoessenceofnature.co.uk 10
BRUSH IT NATURAL BROWS
OFF For eyebrows to be lattering you need to
“Make-up 7 determine your face shape. The oval face shape
brushes are allows you to experiment, but a sot angled style SMUDGEPROOF
is your best bet. If your face is long, a straighter,
2 kit,” says, the So Eco team. Square faces beneit from a more curved or applying your
EYESHADOW
an essential
elongated brow will give the illusion of width.
part of any beauty
Do you ind yourself
arched brow as it creates a pretty contrast to
“Whether you’re illing
eyeshadow perfectly
the strong angles of the face and adds a
in your brows, bronzing
each morning, only to
soter, more feminine inish. Round faces
your cheeks, or applying
notice your lawlessly
can pull of a shorter brow length and
eyeshadow, using the right
tools make all the diference.
migrated around your
dimension and add length to the face.
Try So Eco’s Eye Brush Duo adding a clearly deined arch will give blended colour has
lids by midday? Gently
Set (£7.50, soinvogue.com) – Mádara Natural Brow Pomade, £20, patted around the
the perfect, small and compact madaracosmetics.co.uk eyes, primer absorbs
set for any make-up bag. The oils, sotens ine
irst duo is a lat eyeshadow LIGHTEN UP lines, and counteracts
brush with lufy light bristles 9 With age, both collagen and oil uneven tones. Simply
and a compact head, making production slows down, so you sweep as little as a
it great for applying washes have to be strategic on where you place grain of rice across
of pigment across the lid as particular products, such as highlighter. both eyes. Then,
well as adding deinition to Powders are less forgiving as they can seep using your
the corners and the brow into the lines and creases. Instead, gravitate ingers or a small
bone. On the other end, the towards liquid formulas – they add radiance brush, apply a
angled eyeliner brush ensures without amplifying the appearance of wrinkles. thin layer from
your liner is applied with ease Placing a dot of highlighter in the inner corner the lash line up
while deining the eyes. The of both eyes, will make the area look to your brows, working
second set is both a rounded much brighter. Then gently press it into the creases, allowing
and blending brush, allowing the pigment onto the brow bone it to dry before continuing
you to efortlessly smoke with your inger. This will enhance with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and
out eyeshadow while your natural features without looking too ‘made mascara. Ilia Beauty Natural
buing, difusing and up’. Inika Certiied Organic Light Relect Brightening Eye Primer, £22,
sotening harsh lines. ” Cream, £20.50, inikaorganic.com spacenk.com

NATURAL HEALTH 67



F J A K A
FJAKA





captured in a bottle







With the winter solstice behind us, it’s time to recharge
our batteries as we step towards spring




Similar to the Danish tradition To create the natural fjaka feeling
of hygge and Japanese ikigai, with your own beauty routine, divert
Croatian jaka – pronounced attention from the face. The body is your
fyaka – has no direct translation, powerhouse, so start treating it like a
it’s simply the ‘sweetness of doing temple. “We’re currently living in what’s
nothing’. Not to be mistaken for Serenity Salve, £48 called the ‘selfie’ mode – constantly
laziness, the term encourages you to do existing only in our heads,” says Sanela.
what you love – yoga, a brisk walk by “Start embracing the slowness of drifting
the sea or inhaling the cool, aromatic air off to sleep. It can help regulate the skin’s
as you’re casually wandering through pH levels and reduce inflammation which
the woods. Created for time-stressed is why you can look fresh and more
people with a passion for wellbeing, radiant after a good night’s slumber.”
Saint Iris Adriatica’s skincare range When you start focusing on your body,
(siadriatica.com) is inspired by the skincare is more about you, so start setting
abundant plants, remedies and sea spas aside some vital ‘me time’. “Croatians
of the sun-drenched Adriatic. “I wanted believe that by taking care of oneself, only
to translate this sense of euphoria to then can we take care of others and the
the bathroom, so you’re able to follow world around us. This may be considered
your fjaka on-the-go,” says founder, selfish, but fjaka is all about sustaining
Sanela Lazic. “Sitting in the luxury your own wellbeing – even if it is just
space between apothecary, provenance, for 15 minutes.” Slathering Saint Iris
wellbeing and indulgence, all products Adriatica’s warming Purity Paste (£48,
are designed to take the strains of siadriatica.com) to the face and body can
everyday life – taking practical sensuality transform decongested and dull looking
to a whole new level of utter bliss.” skin, leaving it radiant and purified.
“Practising a slower, kinder beauty Vitality Spritz, £45 Alternatively, try turning your bathroom
regime, while paying as much attention into a self-care sanctuary – light candles,
to the body as the face, is at the heart Masking Brush, £22 display lush plants and skincare products.
of fjaka wellbeing,” explains Sanela. This will all bring an element of joy to
“Your skin can become stressed your daily routine and help create that
if you’re throwing too many fjaka vibe.
conflicting products at it, resulting Call it mindfulness in action or
in reactionary skincare choices simply a state of delight, fjaka comes
rather than finding the root cause. naturally from living in the now and
Yet, the answer is simple. Applying loving the feeling. With its sensual
fewer and higher quality products textures and uplifting, natural scent,
can leave you with a glowing, Purity Paste, £48 Saint Iris Adriatica delivers this
youthful, healthy complexion.” whenever, and wherever you need it.



NATURAL HEALTH 69

Cannabis Tea








Body and Mind Botanicals produce cannabis tea with a difference.

As the only European company who harvest their unique strain of plant, the tea has a beautiful
fresh flavour, packed full of CBD goodness. They are hands on with every stage of production
from seed selection on their certified organic farms to producing and packing tea for over
500 stockists across the UK, guaranteeing quality and support.
The tea is available in loose leaf and individually bagged, which now comes in peppermint flavour.





























For
15% OFF
use code:
NEW15
ONLINE

























As well as being in stockists up and down the country you can also buy from them online at:
www.bodyandmindbotanicals.com

JO FAIRLEY’S
AGE-DEFYING

EYES




The Beauty Bible guru reveals
the game-changing creams for
eyes that cheat time


Eyes, we’re always told, are the
‘windows to the soul’. I do always say
to people: when we look at someone, we
look into their eyes – rather than stare at
any lines, wrinkles or crow’s feet fanning
across the eye zone. I’m a great exponent
of acceptance: every line is a badge of
honour – a laugh laughed, a tear cried, an emotion felt.
That said, would I give up my eye creams for anyone?
Nope. Not least because they make the eye zone feel less
tight and uncomfortable, and allow for the smooth gliding-
on of make-up. They also brighten and smooth the under-
eye zone – in the short-term (through optical pigments
which bounce back light) and longer-term, through softening
those lines. Add one of these to your beauty regime –
together with a pair of sunglasses with wide, protective arms,
to shield this most fragile area of skin, and those ‘windows to
the soul’ themselves.




Jane Scrivner Expert Eye Duo mind-blowing, but especially when
1 Eye Firming Concentrate Night it’s naturally-certiied (by NATURE).
Serum, £25 for 15ml Cooling, lightweight and soothing, it
Technically, this bestseller is part of a features calming botanicals, aloe vera
duo (there’s an Eye Masque Day Cream), and a patented natural ingredient called 2
but with its powerful serum formulation ‘Syricalm’. Stellar.
it’s designed to get to work while you
slumber; irming and nourishing the 4 Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye
delicate skin around the eyes whilst Cream, £31.99 for 30ml 1
tackling dark circles and puiness. Oh, feel the instant relief of this as you
tap it into the delicate eye area, enjoying
Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye the cooling, soothing efects of the aloe
2 Cream to Brighten and Depuf, vera (that ‘wonder’ eye ingredient again).
£23 for 15ml It features here alongside vitamin C-rich
Ideal for tired-looking eyes prone to dark kiwi fruit and avocado oil, to nourish and
shadows and ‘excess baggage’, the ‘zing’ soten ine lines. 3
is down to cofee and ginseng, known to
brighten the eye area, while ‘natural optic Neal’s Yard Remedies 5
brighteners’ improve the appearance of 5 Frankincense Intense Lit Eye
the eye zone. Think of it as an Instagram Cream, £55 for 15g
ilter in a jar. The priciest of the bunch also happens to 4
be my go-to, not least because I ind the
3 Trilogy Very Gentle Eye Cream, signature frankincense scent of this range
so grounding and centring. Organically
£23.50 for 25ml
This hugely impressed Beauty Bible’s certiied, it’s also powerful at working to
tester panels – for any product, a 9/10 irm, with 71 percent of users agreeing
score averaged across 10 women is pretty their eye area is visibly ‘lited’.




NATURAL HEALTH 71



SELF







GIVE YOURSELF A




MORINGA


makeover







This natural secret ingredient is anti-ageing, good for

your hair and helps you sleep, and the best news?
You’re possibly already using it...
WORDS: Amanda Bown







If you’re looking for an anti-ageing stripping the skin or leaving it feeling dry, such as vitamin A which helps to build
powerhouse, bursting with vitamins and uncomfortable or tight.” And moringa’s collagen in the skin, vitamin C which
minerals, you could already have such a powerful vitamin C content is worth its helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and
miracle in your bathroom cabinet. Say hello weight in gold. Jane adds, “The moringa vitamin E, known for its anti-inflammatory
to the humble moringa oil. Both the seeds seed is packed with seven times more vitamin and healing benefits.”
and leaves of this hero plant have been used C than your average orange. Its antioxidant
in herbal balms and medicines for centuries. properties calm inflamed skin and promote A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Now, you’re likely to find moringa oil in even skin tone.” Surprisingly, moringa leaves could
anything from face creams and cleansers, lend a helping hand when it comes to
to lipsticks and hair masks. REJUVENATE AND REVITALISE our sleep; due to its rich amino acid
There’s nothing like a healthy glow to raise content – specifically the amino acid
MIRACLE PLANT your beauty game. Clare Hopkins, brand tryptophan. Moringa is naturally high in
Culturally, the moringa tree is known as founder of (balanceme.com) says, “When tryptophan – a known major influence
the ‘miracle plant’ or ‘tree of life’ due to its it comes to skincare, moringa has plenty to when it comes to healthy sleep, along with
reputation for bringing soil fertility back to offer: it is renowned for its antioxidant, anti- melatonin which is produced in the brain.
barren land. Originally native to India, it’s bacterial and skin rejuvenating properties, Euan MacLennan, herbal director at
also grown in Africa and is officially known it contains an impressive 72 percent fatty (pukkaherbs.com) explains, “Tryptophan
as Moringa Oleifera. This tree is a true hero acid content and it penetrates the skin helps to regulate our bodies’ natural
and pioneer; it’s fast-growing and highly deeply, delivering valuable nutrients.” circadian rhythms and melatonin
drought-resistant, managing to survive in is synthesised from tryptophan. (Melatonin
harsh environments. WIND BACK THE CLOCK is the hormone that regulates the sleep-
Moringa oil is rich in omega 9. Omega fatty wake cycle). Its melatonin that influences
CLEANSE AND TONE acids have a wonderfully natural affinity you to feel sleepy; however, its release
The moringa oil in the skincare products for skin; serving as essential building blocks can be inhibited by the mere presence
that we use and love is primarily extracted of the skin’s surface layers. In short, they of artificial lights.” Essentially, our
from the highly prized seeds. But how does promote fresh, younger-looking skin, they internal body clocks take their cue from
it benefit our skin? Jane Foulston, director help calm any redness and sensitivity; they environmental factors such as lightness,
of skincare brand (emmahardie.com) says, also work hard to rehydrate and eliminate darkness and temperature. Artificial lights,
“Moringa oil is a natural cleanser and signs of flakiness. Rebecca Hopkins co-brand the television and even smart phones can
when massaged into the skin, it can help founder of (balanceme.com) says, “Moringa disrupt this cycle, causing insomnia and
lift any build-up of grime and dirt without oil is also packed with skin-healthy nutrients potentially leave us with a sleep deficit.

NATURAL HEALTH 73

Mrina Mirales


Here are our top picks for experiencing moringa oil in all its glory

EMMA HARDIE EMMA HARDIE MORINGA
MORINGA RENEWAL TREATMENT MASK
CLEANSING BALM Use as a pampering
with a dual-sided and indulgent beauty treat or
cleansing cloth it’s jam-packed apply to skin overnight for a
with moringa seed extracts. It can deeply hydrating skin boost
be used as a nourishing balm for the – it will visibly restore the skin’s
lips, cuticles or any dry skin patches moisture levels £49/75ml,
on your face and body. It’s deeply emmahardie.com
hydrating, and it’s comforting to use.
£47/100ml, emmahardie.com EVOLVE ORGANIC BEAUTY –
DAILY DEFENCE MOISTURE MIST
BALANCE ME PURE Moringa peptides are extracted
SKIN FACE WASH is a from the seeds of the African
sulphate-free cleanser with Moringa tree, combined with
LUSCIOUS LOCKS delicate foaming action that crushed moringa seeds – known
When used on the hair, it restores refreshes and balances the for their capacity to purify dirty
strength and vitality thanks to its rich skin without stripping away water. Simply spritz onto your
vitamin and mineral content, one of natural protective barriers, face. It can be applied over make
which is zinc – a big player in the hair thanks to moringa and rice -up and used throughout the day.
game. Zinc helps improve hair growth bran oils. Ideal for blemish-prone or £10/30ml, feelunique.com
and restore damaged follicles. Rebecca combination skin and for people who
says, “Moringa oil delivers important prefer jelly-like textures. £16/125ml, NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES
vitamins and minerals deep into the hair balanceme.com REVITALISING ORANGE
follicles – rejuvenating your hair from FLOWER SHAMPOO Packed
within. It’s also deeply moisturising for LUSH MAGICAL with nutrient-rich blend of
dry scalps – it can help fight signs of MORINGA BEAUTY moringa, camellia, passion
dandruff.” That’s not all, antioxidant BALM is rich in lower and neroli. It has a low
heroes, vitamins C and E help fight texture and creates a lathering foam to avoid stripping
damage caused by free radicals, which mattifying efect when the hair’s natural oils and the
can cause hair to weaken and even absorbed by the skin, it also holds bottle and lid are 100 percent
turn grey. Overall, moringa is hugely your foundation in place! Lush win recycled plastic. £11.50/200ml,
beneficial for hair; its essential amino extra brownie points as they obtain nealsyardremedies.com
acid content can help build healthy, their moringa oil from ethical sources
strong hair, while its omega 3 fatty acid and continue to work alongside the MAULI RITUALS GROW STRONG
properties help thicken hair strands. Ghana Permaculture Institute (GPI), HAIR OIL Light, luxurious oil that
who educate their students about penetrates deeply into the scalp
alternative, sustainable farming and hair follicles – providing hair
methods. £26/55g uk.lush.com the chance to repair, revive and
When it comes regain balance. Encourages
BALANCE ME CONGESTED the hair to grow stronger, fuller
to skincare, moringa SKIN SERUM Apply directly to and more glossy. Mauli have
has plenty to ofer: blemishes to reduce redness impressive green credentials,
and soothe. Moringa’s anti-
too, as they continue to
it is renowned for microbial properties help explore sustainable packaging.
congested skin without £32/30ml, maulirituals.com
its antioxidant, causing irritation or dryness.
anti-bacterial and £16/15ml, balanceme.com NATUR BOUTIQUE MORINGA TEA
skin rejuvenating LUSH GO FASTER FEET Made made from the leaves, it’s 100
percent pure, free from
properties” from moringa leaf infusion, additives, lavourings
it works miracles on dry, or preservatives.
cracked skin, particularly £3.99/for 20,
on the heels. £10/100g, naturboutique.co.uk or
uk.lush.com leading health stores

74 NATURAL HEALTH



ADVERTORIAL


THE SWAP LIST






Here at Natural Health HQ we’re always on the lookout for sustainable changes we
can make to better our health and lifestyle. If you’re looking to make more

eco-conscious choices then look no further, we’ve made it easy!



HAVE A BETTER BREW CHOOSE RECYCLABLE PACKAGING










Swap plastic and chemical-packed teabags for a natural Scence is an award-winning company that makes it easy
alternative with Spirit of Hemp’s delicious pure hemp tea, for us to make an eco-friendly change. Its best-selling
guaranteed to leave you feeling balanced and calm. 100 percent natural deodorants keep you fresh all day long and all
certiied organic and hand-harvested, add to your routine to feature 100 percent paper packaging, are vegan, zero-waste
feel good from dusk till dawn. £12.99, spiritofhemp.com and contain no nasties. scence.co.uk



SAY GOODBYE TO SYNTHETIC CANDLES NO MORE PAPER CUPS











Most candles are made from parain wax and synthetic The only cup that’s made from recycled single-use cups,
fragrances which add to the air pollution in your home. the rCUP is the brainchild of ex Dyson engineer designer
Instead, choose a clean-burning reillable Apothenie Dan Dicker. Designed for 10 years use, it’s totally leakproof
candle made with EcoSoya vegetable wax, cotton wicks and insulated, as well as dishwasher safe. Available in both
and 100 percent essential oils. £32, apothenie.co.uk 8oz (£11) and 12oz (£12) sizes. rcup.co.uk



SWAP TO A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE DITCH DISPOSABLE BOTTLES











Forget the chemicals and cruelty; Pit Putty is a market This nourishing shampoo bar produces a gorgeous creamy
leader in eco-conscious and 100 percent natural lather that cleans and cares for your hair. Lavender and tea
deodorants that the whole family can trust and enjoy. tree essential oils help it refresh as it cleanses, all packed into
Wake up and Pit Putty! A £9.95 tin lasts approximately a conveniently small bar that lasts longer than you’d think.
three months, pitputty.eu Lavender & Tea Tree 95g, £2.75, friendlysoap.co.uk



76 NATURAL HEALTH

Self Simple steps to balance your mind, body and soul


















Is your life
becoming busier and more
stressful by the second? If you’re
someone who has tried practising mindfulness
but struggled with the discipline, you may want to
give sound bathing a go. Shelve any notions of tubs
and rubber ducks, because there’s no water or actual
soaking involved. It focuses more on surrounding
yourself in the relaxing, meditative noise of
sound waves created by crystal bowls, gongs or other
instruments. Soothing your mind this way can stimulate
your immune system and circulation, cleanse your
energy meridians and help release emotions in the
mind and body such as anger, stress or trauma.
If you’re unable to attend a class, recordings
found on YouTube are a great way to
enhance your technique.




































NATURAL HEALTH 77

RACHEL BRATHEN


“When I’m VULNERABLE




I give other people




permission to be the same”






Yoga social media star and author Rachel Brathen is well-known for her openness and

authenticity. She tells Stacey Carter why she wanted to write her book and how she
navigates sharing her life with the world



Within a few minutes I wanted to put the story together for a while, something, or an epiphany about a situation, that’s
of talking to Rachel it’s just taken lots of time to do it. I’ve been when I feel inspired enough to write and I think, yep,
Brathen, you can tell writing it (the book) for almost five years. The book worthy of a post.
that she’s not someone is more than just the feeling of grief. It’s for people
who set out with the who have moved through hard, heavy and horrible I think there is such a thing as a vulnerability
intention of having things. I hope that when people read it they’ll feel hangover. I’m a transparent person and I try
less alone. and turn a problem or an issue into learning and then
people being privy to
communicate it in a way that makes people feel like
her life. In fact, she
As well as doing yoga, I run really fast after they can relate. I know that when I’m vulnerable I
tells me, she actually
my toddler everyday, which, as all mums give other people permission to be the same. Having
dislikes the word know, makes for good exercise. We have little the perfect workout, the perfect trip, the perfect kids –
‘inluencer’. She prefers dance parties around the house as well. But I always it’s not a reality that you should aspire to. No one’s life
yoga teacher, a title come back to yoga or meditation. I’m not naturally looks like that.
that’s perhaps a tad a super-calm, zen person, so I don’t sit for hours at
modest, considering her a time meditating. I try and do 20 minutes in the I think an awakening for some people can
two million Instagram morning first thing, or around my yoga practice. I find be a slow process. Having a traumatic childhood
followers, but yoga that if I make an effort to keep a consistent meditation or traumatic things happen is horrible, but for me, I
practice, then that helps my body. can see how everything happened the way it did. Our
is what weaves the
baggage shapes us and we can learn to take the trauma
themes of her new
I recognise the areas of my life where I easily and do something positive with it, rather than letting it
book, To Love And Let
get stressed. If I’m with my daughter and I eat us slowly.
Go, together; a journey have to engage in other things at the same time, that
of self-acceptance, love totally stresses me out because I don’t like to have to My biggest piece of advice to people who want
and grief. And while divide my attention between her and other things. I to start doing yoga is to not use social media
her life may seem schedule my work hours for when she’s at daycare and or the Internet as a way to find your next teacher.
idyllic she’s quick to I try and be super-efficient with my time. I feel like us Don’t be afraid to try different studios and teachers.
say that it’s not all as mums tend to multitask all day long, but actually, I get The best teachers in the world are not on Instagram
it seems. Here, she tells more done when I’m really focussed. and they’re not in their 20s. They’ve got decades of
experience studying the practice and you’ll find them
us how vulnerability
A couple of years ago I used to use social through word of mouth – trust me!
can sometimes feel like
media several times a day, now I’ll share
a hangover and why maybe one thing. I started feeling stressed
you’ll never ind the rather than feeling joyful about the community I Rachel’s book To Love And Let Go A Memoir
best yoga teacher via was building. It was almost as if I had to feed the of Love, Loss, and Gratitude from Yoga Girl
(Octopus Books) £1º1.59, is available from
Google results. beast. Now, it’s when I’ve had a realisation about amazon.co.uk


78 NATURAL HEALTH

INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
























































































NATURAL HEALTH 79



Honouring the very best in natural, sustainable,
organic and eco-friendly beauty, the 15th
NOMINATE FOR anniversary of the Natural Health Beauty Awards
YOUR CHANCE is set to be our most exciting yet – and we want
you to have your say! Is there a skincare line you
simply can’t live without? A wellness warrior you’d
TO WIN! like to champion? Crown your all-time favourite
brand, hotel spa experience, high street or natural
online retailer and holistic hero.


YOU COULD ALSO BE A WINNER!
Everyone that nominates will automatically be entered into an unmissable prize draw! BAM
Bamboo Clothing is ofering one lucky Natural Health reader £500 to spend on its range of
stylish women and men’s activewear. Crafted from super-soft bamboo, the inspiring collection
of designs has been seamlessly created to wrap you in unparalleled comfort while you live
your life to the fullest. Whatever your passion, from yoga to running, BAM has you covered
from top-to-toe. As the most sustainable crop on the planet, bamboo is gentler on the environment needing no pesticides
or fertilisers and requiring little more than rainwater. It’s the natural alternative to synthetic fabrics, and three times more
absorbent than cotton, so is good for the soul as well as soft on the body.
For more information, visit bambooclothing.co.uk





HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Simply visit naturalhealthmagazine.co.uk/awards and BAM
1 ill out the online form by 12th February 2020, nominating your Bamboo Clothing
favourite brand, hotel spa experience, high street or natural online
retailer and holistic hero. vouchers, worth
You’ll then be automatically entered into a prize draw to win £500
2 BAM Bamboo Clothing vouchers, worth £500.
But who will win an award? You decide! In April, the power
3 will be back in your hands, where you’ll have the opportunity to
cast your vote for who you think is the best of the best and deserves
to be crowned a Natural Health 2020 winner!
Don’t waste another second...
Be sure to check back for the big reveal.
Until then, happy nominating!



NOMINATE ONLINE AT naturalhealthmagazine.co.uk/awards

NATURAL HEALTH 81

THE POWER OF
Connection








It’s no secret that we thrive when we ind our tribe, but Dr Rangan
Chatterjee explains how it can make you a more compassionate person too


To understand why connection is so connection has always been critical to our Today, due to the extraordinary rise
crucial to health we first have to realise survival. These wonderful positive emotions of smartphones, even those last scraps
that we’re a very peculiar kind of animal are nature’s way of telling us we’re successful of opportunity to connect have largely
that has evolved to depend upon it in an members of the human species and that disappeared. As a species, we’ve never been less
unusually deep way. As a species, we’re often things are going well. connected. We go to church less, we join clubs
compared to chimpanzees. These great apes But the stresses and strains of modern life less, we gather together in communities less.
might be our closest evolutionary cousins can do great damage to these connections. In This can’t be good for us. Human connection
and behave like us in ways that can seem our deep evolutionary pasts we had plenty of is as important as any vitamin or nutrient.
spookily similar. But we’re unlike them in time to keep our close relationships oiled and When was the last time you struck up a
one extremely important way. Humans are healthy. We’d have spent time walking to the conversation with a stranger? Or asked them
incredibly cooperative. We work together. hunt and catching up with each other on the how their day was going? Or complimented
We rely on each other. We’re designed to way. We’d have chatted to our neighbours as them on their outfit or choice of book?
survive and thrive by being connected to we picked berries and prepared food. Even And this lack of connection is having
one another. This is why we feel joyful and as recently as 10 years ago, we had precious a devastating impact on our closest
safe when we’re getting along well with minutes at the bus stop, in the supermarket relationships. It’s a terribly sad fact that 42
the people we share our lives with. We’re queue or in the doctor’s waiting room when percent of UK marriages currently end in
wired to feel good when we connect because we could chat to others. divorce. While there are many different


82 NATURAL HEALTH

BODY






THE LOVE LIST

Write down five things you love about someone close to you

■ This health snack involves inding a quiet place where you can think about and
write down ive things you love about someone close to you. It could be your
partner, child, a parent, a work colleague, your boss. You can choose a diferent
person to write about each day or stick to the same person and write down
more good things about them. When you go through the process of thinking
about and then writing down the things you love about someone else, it can be
deeply moving. When you write something down, the exercise tends to be more
powerful, as the act of writing forces you to slow your mind a little and really
process what you are thinking about.
■ Because humans are natural problem solvers we tend to automatically focus our
attention on the negative aspects of the people we love. We might be annoyed
that our partner always leaves the milk out on the counter, forgetting about all
the other wonderful qualities they have. We might focus on irritating things, like
one of your friends always having to choose where you go out to eat, at the same
time forgetting what a good friend they are. By forcing ourselves to focus on the
positive, even for ive minutes, we can transform our relationships for the better.
■ Patients regularly report back to me that, by practising this health snack
regularly, they increase their focus and become happier, calmer, less resentful and
more patient. By looking at other people in a more compassionate frame of mind,
they inevitably become better people themselves.



By looking at other
people in a more

compassionate frame
of mind, they inevitably
become better people

themselves





reasons for this, one of the most common
sources I see among my patients is the
simple fact that we’re all too busy. The harsh
realities of modern life mean that many of us
are not prioritising time with our partners.
We live in a time in which both parents
typically work, the extended family is not
around so much to support us and we’re
continually being distracted by screens.
Our relationships are under attack by our
twenty-first- century lifestyles.
The following health snacks are all about BOOKshelf
improving the quality of our connections with Extracted from
friends, family and partners. Just five minutes Feel better in 5 by
a day, spent nurturing these vital relationships Dr Rangan Chatterjee
(Penguin Life, £16.99)
can have a wonderful effect on your mood
and your physical health.

NATURAL HEALTH 83

Make time for a






MICROPAUSE





These little mindful moments could help you rebalance your
stress levels and stay on top of life



Do you ind your diary is crammed down your creativity. Go and stand by a MICRO PAUSE THREE
from the moment you start work? window, allowing your attention to move – inhale lavender oil
Perhaps you’re already checking emails outward to the horizon. Breathe as you Lavender is one of the most versatile oils
over breakfast, or squeezing in calls on your do this and let fresh perspectives come to have in your de-stress kit. Put a couple
commute to the office. You’re not alone, to you. Allow your eyes to relax and of drops in your palms, rub together, then
but being constantly switched on like this soften and let your gaze gently expand. inhale deeply for instant calm. Add a few
can wreak havoc with your stress levels Stay here for a couple of minutes. Take drops to your bath with a carrier oil,
and before you know it you’re on a road to your breath in through your nose and or sprinkle on your pillow to help you
burnout. There are ways to minimise this down into your belly. This will have you sleep at night.
risk. You often hear people talk about ‘living rebalanced before you know it.
in the moment’. Being in the moment is MICRO PAUSE FOUR
just you taking a few seconds or minutes to MICROPAUSE TWO – take three deep breaths
recognise what’s happening at that exact – drink more water When you feel anxious, your chest tightens
time. Micro pauses are simple ways for you That band of tension around your head and your breath becomes shallow; the
to rebalance when you need it. The aim is isn’t always stress; it can be dehydration resulting lack of oxygen makes you feel
not to be perfect but to be awake, conscious as the cells in your brain shrink from lack even more anxious. In these moments it
and observant of yourself. of fluids. Keep a bottle of water with you helps to breathe, and then breathe again
and drink more than you need. If you more deeply. Breathing reconnects you to
MICROPAUSE ONE find yourself going to the bathroom more your body, reduces anxiety and allows you
– look to the horizon to begin with, this is another sign you are to come back to the here and now. Close
When you are feeling busy and stressed, your dehydrated – drink up and your body your eyes or choose a focus point and take
attention naturally goes inward and closes will rebalance. a deep breath, in through your nose and

84 NATURAL HEALTH

SELF


make you most happy. Walk in the woods,
curl up in front of the fire with a good book, MICRO PAUSE 10
paint, dance, spend time with friends or – follow your breath
simply do nothing. Essentially your qi (your inner energy
Breathing flow) will go where your mind goes.
MICRO PAUSE SEVEN
reconnects you – prepare the night before The more you can train your mind to
be still and allow yourself to go into
to your body, Create a more relaxed morning by taking stillness, the more you can keep your
10 minutes before bed preparing what you qi moving in your body. The aim of
reduces anxiety need for the next day. Soak some breakfast the exercise is to complete 10 cycles
and allows you to oats, prepare your coffee, set out your of breath, and maintain total focus
supplements, pack your lunch, lay out on the breath for those cycles.
come back to the your clothes, charge your phone and have
■ You can do this standing or sitting
here and now your keys somewhere that you can find and with your eyes open or closed, as
them easily.
the situation dictates.
MICRO PAUSE EIGHT Allow your spine to be straight and
– Book in ‘white space’ your head to rest gently on your
shoulders with your chin lifted slightly.
If you find you spend your days rushing from
Let go of your shoulders and stomach
one thing to the next with no space to pause,
so they relax.
it’s time to rethink how you manage your
diary. Block out ‘white space’ – time in your ■ Slowly take a breath in through your
diary with nothing scheduled. This could nose and follow it as it travels up over
be at weekends when you don’t make any your forehead and over the crown of
social commitments, or at work where you your head, down through your neck
leave yourself white space at the beginning and all the way down your spine.
of your day, between meetings, at lunchtime ■ Let the breath fill your belly and
or on Friday afternoons. Space between travel up through your chest, then
meetings is particularly beneficial – your exhale gently through your mouth
brain and body aren’t designed to jam too as if you were blowing out a candle.
much information in each day. When you
■ Then shake your body off gently
have white space scheduled it’s entirely up
and notice how you feel, that was the
to you how you use it – for creative thinking,
practice cycle.
planning your next week or prepping for
■ As you repeat the cycle, you may
an important meeting. The idea is that it’s
notice a pause between your inhale
your time.
right down into your belly, exhaling gently and exhale. Don’t worry about this gap
through your mouth. Repeat this three times – it’s important because it’s the space
MICRO PAUSE NINE
(or more) to rebalance. where your qi rises.
– practise standing meditation
■ To get started, find a place where you ■ When you finish your cycles, take
MICRO PAUSE FIVE some time to sit or stand and notice
– gather your gratitude can stand undisturbed for five minutes.
■ Stand with your legs hip-width apart. your body. Be aware of the experience
Find yourself a special box, tin or jar. It
■ Ground yourself down through your legs, you are having.
can be beautiful or practical, big or small.
placing two-thirds of your weight on the balls
Whatever feels right for you. Over the
of your feet. Tip your sacrum under, keeping
course of a year, add little notes every time
your spine straight and your arms relaxed
something happens that you’re grateful for –
by your side. Breathe deeply down into
anything that is memorable, makes you smile
your abdomen and let yourself relax fully as
or warms your heart. In 12 months’ time,
you stand. You will know you are doing it
you will have a gorgeous gift to open and properly when you can stand with no tension
reflect on all those precious moments that in your body.
make up your year. ■ Stand like this for five minutes to start
with. As you get stronger and your mind BOOKshelf
MICRO PAUSE SIX becomes stiller you will be able to stand for
– gift yourself time longer periods. Build up by five minutes at Extracted from Pause
This one requires more time but is totally a time. If you have access to a garden or a by Danielle North
worth it. Every now and then, give yourself park, doing this meditation while standing (Aster, £16.99)
a guilt-free day off. Plan to do the things that barefoot on the grass will add to its power.
NATURAL HEALTH 85



Living For a greener, healthier life











In the ight against

plastic pollution, Waitrose
rolled out its ‘reillable zones’ and The

Body Shop reintroduced its recycling scheme.
Yet, a new report shows plastic has risen by more
than 900,000 tonnes in the past year, despite the
pledge to slash packaging. But now, recent studies
have found an unexpected alternative that could
help reduce single-use plastic – grass! Researchers
have been working with letover farming materials
to create containers for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Removing unnecessary plastic from the
supply chain will not only help save the
planet, but will make recycling
a lot easier.










































NATURAL HEALTH 87

The latest in

NATURAL


LIVING








SAVE THE PLANET

If you make one change this month,
make it this…
Not so long ago, reills were commonplace. It was
second nature to leave your empty milk bottles on the
doorstep to be reused. But as plastic took over our high-
streets, they fell out of fashion. But thankfully, they’re
making a comeback. Zero-waste shops are popping up
around the country, giving customers the opportunity
to ill their own containers with rice, pasta and other
essentials. If you’re one of the growing number of
people in the UK looking for alternatives to the
relentless cycle of plastic consumption, Faith in Nature
(faithinnature.co.uk) is proud to present its reillable
product stations with a ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos.
“A pioneer in clean, green beauty, we’re encouraging
customers to reuse their 100 percent recyclable bottles,
rather than disposing of them and repurchasing new
ones,” says its brand manager. “So, take a more
sustainable approach to your buying habits by swapping
out single-use products for items that can be reilled over
and over again.” Take a look at our ‘3 of the best…
reillable products’.

A GREEN REFUGE

Sometimes you just need to recharge your batteries.
Thankfully, there’s no need to ly somewhere exotic –
you can ind your peace and quiet in your own home.
Choose a spot where you can sit undisturbed, even if
it’s just for 15 minutes. Partition of the space with a
couple of big plants with sizeable leaves. With them,
you can instantly create a foliage partition that murmurs
‘this is a stress-free re-energising zone’. Particularly
suitable greenery include: areca palm, monstera, yucca,
asplenium crispy wave and spathiphyllum. These
fabulous plants will do a brilliant job of sheltering
you – but that’s not all they do. As you sit hidden
behind the leaves, you’ll discover they bring a sense of
wellbeing. This is because they release oxygen, giving
you new energy as you breathe in the clean air. You’ve
surrounded yourself with peaceful, living things that
demand nothing of you apart from water. Can you
feel your shoulders starting to relax? We thought so.
(thejoyofplants.co.uk)
88 NATURAL HEALTH

LIVING
LIVING



FENG SHUI COLOURS
3 Meet the brands that are taking steps to be a little one of the basic ways to adjust your
of the best... Reillable products
The right use of colours is not only
feng shui, it can also do wonders for
more eco conscious...
your home. Anjie Cho, author of
Holistic Spaces (£9.99, CICO Books)
shares how you can use diferent
shades to shift your energy…

HOPEFUL GREENS
AND BLUES
Greens and blues are associated
with hope, new beginnings, and
growth. They’re calming and lend
themselves to tranquility. Introducing
soft hues into the bedroom is
1 Faith in Nature Lavender especially beneicial because it can
and Geranium Shampoo 5L, encourage a sense of calm as you
£50, faithinnature.co.uk rest. In rooms where you entertain,
the stronger tones such as teal, can
2 Beauty Kitchen Botanic Bliss 3 Ashley & Co Botanical promote conversation and enliven
Organic Vegan Body Cream, Hand Wash Vine & Paisley, the atmosphere.
£8, beautykitchen.co.uk £30, ashleyandco.co/uk
SUPPORTIVE AND
NEUTRAL GREYS
Greys are a balance of black and
white, yin and yang. But they can,
“We’re wired o eel od wen we conect ecause on occasion, feel a little cold –
conection hs lways een crticl o ur surial” reminiscent of being stuck inside
on a rainy day. As it’s such a
– pae 82 noncommittal colour, greyish
tones are suitable for most spaces.
Combine them with other colours to
generate a more sophisticated look.
GET BACK IN
THE GARDEN WISE BLACKS
Black is the combination of all
The snowdrops are beginning to emerge
colours and is related to wisdom and
from the ground and scented shrubs
knowledge. Black tourmaline can be
are starting to lourish. So, now is the
used to protect yourself from negative
perfect opportunity to plan and dream
energy, including electromagnetic
about the gardening season ahead, and smog. Place one of four pieces in each
get your hands dirty, too. As we head corner of either your entire home or
towards the end of February, the garden under your bed.
seems to slowly start coming back to
life again. Temperatures gradually rise, FIERY REDS
light levels increase, buds begin to open
If you’re struggling to focus on your
and the lowering bulbs tackle through
passions, try placing a Mars yantra
the soil. Spring is just around the corner!
in your home – a Tantric mandala
For some, February marks the
composed of interlocking geometric
beginning of the gardening year. So, igures that form a pattern. By using
it’s a good idea to give the shed a spring-
clean, terracotta pots and tools their a red yantra, you can adjust your
annual wash and transform your window lack of passion and strengthen your
sills into mini greenhouses, with early meditative focus.
sown seeds competing for space.


NATURAL HEALTH 89

STEPS TO HEALTHIER
LAUNDRY









From professional wet cleaning to home steaming and even a

stint in the freezer, your clothes, health and planet will thank
you for rethinking your laundry routines

WORDS ANNA BLEWETT


1 AVOID PERC a threat to ground water and the ground to research conducted by Electrolux around
Dry cleaning emerged in the 1930s as a itself.” Choose not to use traditional 65 percent of us are unaware of the beneits
magical method to clean delicate and heavily- dry cleaning and you end support for a of professional wet cleaning, so there’s
embellished garments that were too sensitive system that harms vulnerable workers scope for the services to grow.
to be laundered. Less marvellous, is the and environments.
liquid solvent widely used to dissolve stains
and dirt. Perchloroethylene, also known as 2 TRY WET CLEANING
tetrachloroethylene or ‘PERC’, is classiied Of course, some clothes are just too delicate
as an irritant and a carcinogen. It’s banned to trust to your home washing machine, but
in France, Denmark and parts of the US, but there is another way; the past two decades
still widely used in the UK. While risks to the have seen the spread of PERC alternatives
occasional dry cleaning that promise to be 100
customer are low, there’s percent toxin-free.
some evidence to suggest The most accessible is
troubling levels of PERC GreenEarth, a trademarked
can accumulate in clothes method from the US that
that are regularly cleaned As the technology uses a silicone-based liquid.
using the solvent. Once GreenEarth is used as
more, those working in the has become standard at national dry
dry cleaning industry or more afordable, cleaning chain Johnsons,
dealing with contaminated which has 190 stores
land or ground water cleaning services around the UK, as well as
can become exposed to ofer wet cleaning at independent businesses.
the toxins. “In terms of Find your nearest at
human health, it seems greenearthcleaning.com/
the occasional user of dry store-locator. Another
cleaning is at minimal risk,” alternative is wet cleaning,
conirms Dr Paula Owen, a a laundering method that
sustainability specialist and uses intelligent machines
founder of eco consultancy Green Gumption (most commonly the Woolmark-approved
which advises clients including Thames Water Electrolux Wet Cleaning System) and for
and the Energy Saving Trust. “The acute a delicate wash that uses minimal energy,
toxicity of PERC is moderate to low, which water and detergent. Garments are returned
means there are risks, but they’re low. It’s softer and brighter than with PERC, and free
the people who work in the industry who are from chemical odour. As the technology has
most at risk. The smell of PERC is horrible become more afordable, cleaning services
and from an environmental point of view ofer wet cleaning, so speak to your local
PERC doesn’t deplete the ozone, so it’s more provider to learn what’s available. According






90 NATURAL HEALTH

LIVING



3 THINK TWICE care platform supported by UK waste
Flick through the rails in a swanky boutique charity Wrap. It has plenty of tips and Dry to wet
and you’ll spot ‘dry clean only’ labels time techniques for refreshing tricky garments
after time. Some are warranted after all silk, without calling in the professionals, or
rayon and viscose all require careful handling, resorting to toxic chemicals. Find out how to swap dry
while pleats, crushed inishes and elaborate cleaning for a low-toxin
embroidery can all emerge from a washing 4 CURB YOUR alternative...
machine in utter ruins. But is dry cleaning CONTAMINANTS
Say no to dry
always necessary? “When I purchase clothes “For decades we’ve been talking about
the irst thing I do is look the label to see what washing in terms of energy use, water “Don’t buy dry clean only
clothes”, say CHEM Trust’s
the manufacturer says,” says Paula. “A lot use and detergent use,” says Paula.
Dr Anna Watson. Manufacturers
of the time, especially with high-end items, “And now we’re talking about the
and retailers will soon get
they’ll stick ‘dry clean only’ on the label microplastics released. Fundamentally, they the message that garments
just because it’s convenient from them. all have an impact on the environment.” should be labelled and designed
Personally, if I think a fabric is ine, I won’t The threat that plastics in water courses more responsibly.
listen to that. I’ll put it on a delicates wash, present to our wildlife is well understood:
Up your skills
and I’ll never have a problem.” Take a marine species commonly die of digestive
Try handwashing delicates with
good look at your favourite ‘dry clean only’ damage, drowning or even starvation after
zero-waste natural detergents.
garment. Are you sure it needs a trip to the encountering plastics. The risk to humans
“Soap nuts are dried fruit shells
cleaners? LoveYourClothes.co.uk is a clothing is less well-known, but one recent report
containing a natural soap called
suggests urgent work is needed to ascertain
saponin, which is released when
the toxicology of the microplastics and nano
they meet water,” says Jen
plastics that have been found in multiple Chillingsworth, author of Live
ish and shellish in our food chain. A report Green (£8.99, Quadrille). “They
into marine plastic pollution conducted on can be used several times before
behalf of Friends of the Earth concludes replacing, and you can put the
that laundered synthetic clothes are a major used ones in the compost.”
contributor, and recommends a shift away Speak to local professionals
from fabrics that emit the most ibres.
Wet cleaning is a closed-loop
The average UK household runs through
system that prevents plastic
around 165 washing machine cycles each microfibre entering water
year, with estimates suggesting up to courses, and uses biodegradable
2,900 tonnes of ibres pass through water detergents. Check if your ‘dry
treatment to end up in rivers and estuaries. clean only’ delicates are suitable
“To reduce the environmental and human for professional wet cleaning.
health impact of washing powders the
advice would always be to only use eco-
labelled products,” says Dr Anna Watson,
head of advocacy at CHEM Trust, a charity bathroom, rather than a full wash? Do your
founded to prevent man-made chemicals jeans need quite so much laundering?
causing long-term damage to human health “Our organic denim is long-lasting and
and wildlife. “Use unperfumed products, durable; the less you machine wash them,
cut down on the frequency of washing the better,” says Tracy Mulligan, creative
(only washing clothes when they really director at sustainability brand People
need it), make sure it is a full washing Tree. “Try putting them in the freezer as
load – to reduce microibre release into the an alternative.” Ambient temperatures can
waste water.” also be harnessed. “If you use a tumble drier
it takes four times the energy to dry your
5 GO GENTLE clothes as it does to wash them,” says Paula.
Keeping your clothes fresh and clean “Plus it’s a violent cycle that reduces the
without endangering your own health or life span of those garments.” Opting to dry
that of the environment means changing your clothes on clothes horses will seriously
your routine. Could that beautiful blouse lower your energy footprint, and keep your
beneit from a spell hanging in a steamy favourite garments in good shape.






NATURAL HEALTH 91

Coastal



COMFORTS




Step ashore and leave the
bustle of everyday life behind
with these stylish pieces
from Seasalt Cornwall



























































FOX COVE
CARDIGAN,
DARK NIGHT,
£69.95
SCREEN TEST SKIRT,
OAK, £65

92 NATURAL HEALTH

LIVING






















SEA CREST COAT,
DARK NIGHT,
£99.95































































NATURAL HEALTH 93

SEA WATCH TOP,
DRAWING
PENCILS KELP,
£35



















































































94 NATURAL HEALTH

LIVING


























































CASTLE COVE TOP,
BYZANTINA FLEET,
£55
OUT OF
DOORS TRAINER,
MIDNIGHT,
£59.95























NATURAL HEALTH 95

PUFFIN ISLAND
JUMPER,
KNIT ANCHOR
POINT FLEET,
£65

96 NATURAL HEALTH

LIVING
























LAGOON
JACKET,
MAINSAIL,
£99.95























































See more designs, at
seasaltcornwall.co.uk


NATURAL HEALTH 97

3 steps to a


zero-waste




WARDROBE




In a fast-fashion world, having a
conscious wardrobe really is as easy

as 1, 2, 3... Kate Arnell shows us how...



How many times have we found four times more than we consumed just two accessories per season – are becoming
ourselves exclaiming, “I have nothing to decades ago. Not so long ago, we had four popular. The idea is to try to focus on what
wear!”despite research telling us that in seasons of fashion. Now we have 52, with you already own, instead of bringing in new
many countries people don't even wear half new clothing appearing on the high street pieces each season. Find the right balance
of the clothing they own? What a waste! Not every week thanks to fast-fashion brands. of clothing for you as long as you're wearing
to mention the polluting ways in which those Most of it is made from cheap synthetic the items regularly.
clothes were made or the unethical working materials and not designed to last. Buying
conditions for the garment makers. Enter the less is one of the best ways to fight our 2 CHOOSE WELL
sustainable wardrobe. In three simple steps unsustainable fast-fashion habits. See if you Thinking carefully and choosing wisely
you could be skipping out not only in style, can limit your clothes shopping to only once when it comes to clothing means we often
but with your eco-conscience at ease. or twice a season. And buy only what you end up with cherished pieces which work
really need and have carefully considered. for our lifestyles and we will love for longer.
1 BUY LESS Capsule wardrobes – where people limit No more impulse purchases!
The world now consumes about 80 billion themselves to a set number of versatile Start by searching for items second-
new pieces of clothing every year, which is and wearable items of clothing, shoes and hand. Not only is this more affordable, it

98 NATURAL HEALTH

LIVING



3 MAKE IT LAST
According to a study by Fashion Revolution, a non-government organisation campaigning for fair
working conditions in the fashion industry, 90 percent of our clothing is thrown away long before it
needs to be, thanks to our culture of 'fast fashion' and outdated laundry habits. Extending the life
of each item of clothing by just three months would result in 5-10 percent reduction in each of the
carbon, water and waste footprints, so caring for our clothing is super-important.
■ Follow the care instructions on only be laundered once a
the label but bear in mind that most month according to denim experts.
delicates don't need to be dry cleaned
■ Repairing is caring, so invest in pieces
and can simply be put on a wool wash
that come with repair built in. Check
in the machine, or washed by hand.
to see if aftercare is something that is
■ Wash clothing less often as this helps offered by a brand when buying new.
it last longer. Spot clean between wears Shoes are often easy to have repaired. If
if necessary. If you can, wash at a cooler you don't have the sewing skills, support
temperature as this maintains the fibres a local alterations service instead.
for longer. Fibres such as wool need Even things such as moth holes can be
washing far less often and jeans should repaired by an expert.



Things to consider




DURABILITY VERSATILITY
Select pieces that can be worn
Look for items that are well-
made and designed to last. more than one way or can be
Some brands even offer a carried through the seasons.
repair service or a lifetime SUSTAINABILITY
warranty. Think about how If you're unable to find
many wears you will get from something second-hand, buy
the item. If it's expensive you new from a brand that uses
could consider the cost per sustainable materials and
wear – the bare minimum ethical practices. There are
should be 30 wears, but try now lots of truly beautiful
to aim for 100 or more. sustainable brands that are

STYLE not only using better materials,
Trends fade, but style lasts. but also offer repair services.
With this in mind, look for
pieces that will still be stylish LIFESPAN
for years to come – Breton Renting outfits or borrowing
tops, classic T-shirts and good a special dress for an event
is a great idea. Ask friends
also saves on resources and gives a pre-loved jeans are useful staples. Stick or family, or search online for
to your personal style – you'll
piece a new lease of life by diverting it from clothing rentals.
be more likely to wear the
landfill or recycling.
item more often and for years
If charity shops aren't your vibe, try dress
to come.
agencies or consignment stores. They offer
a more upmarket selection of pre-owned PRACTICALITY
designer goodies at around half the original Choose pieces that fit your
price. If buying an item second-hand online, lifestyle. What we each need in
remember to request no plastic packaging from our wardrobes will differ from
the seller. Have an item altered if the fit isn't person to person depending
on our personal style and what
quite right. This can also be done for items you
we do – outdoor adventurer, Extract taken from Six Weeks
already own but you rarely wear. Sizes can be
office worker, landscape To Zero Waste, by Kate Arnell
misleading and vary between brands, so always
gardener, artist... (£14.99, Gaia publishing).
venture outside of your usual size and try
something on to see how it fits.
NATURAL HEALTH 99