Introducing some natural health favourites, old and new.

July 2022 | As above:

1. Ayu Souq Perfume Oil, $60 (30 mL).

   Damask rose, jasmine, sandalwood and musk combine with jojoba and wheatgerm oils in this special formulation - which never fails to attract compliments, - grounded in traditional Ayurvedic philosophy. I apply to pulse points (wrists, elbow crease, neck) often as both an everyday fragrance and mindful ritual, and find it particularly grounding during times of stress and anxiety. Available here.

2. Pukka Feel New Herbal Tea, $7.95 (20 sachets).

   A lovely, refreshing blend of organic aniseed, fennel, cardamom, liquorice root, coriander seed and turmeric. I enjoy this tea after meals to support digestion and savour a quiet, mindful moment. Available here.

   Note. This blend was previously known as Detox (as pictured).

3. Odacité Skincare Crystal Contour Rose Quartz Gua Sha, $80.

   Having managed problematic skin for the majority of my teenage and adult life, I have developed a strong appreciation for skin care - both topical and ingestible - and am passionate about skin health, from the inside, out. I really enjoy the ritualistic nature of skin care and for me, my morning and evening routines - along with regular, professional facial treatments - are important self care practices. Once or twice a week, I love to take a little more time for a DIY facial, which is where the Odacité Skincare Gua Sha comes in.

   Traditionally, gua sha tools have been used across Asia to liberate stagnant energy within the body - which Traditional Chinese Medicine considers to be the precursor of inflammation, chronic pain and disease - although contemporary iterations are more commonly used in facial therapies [1]. The practice stimulates lymphatic drainage and microcirculation, alleviating both puffiness and facial tension and producing a rejuvenated, lifted and sculpted appearance [2]. Interestingly, physical muscle movements and contractions (through exercise or massage, for example) - along with the pressure changes associated with inhalation and exhalation - are required for lymph circulation [3]. This system supports the circulation of body fluids, thereby aiding blood flow, the transport of dietary fat-soluble vitamins and the flushing of toxins and wastes from the body, whilst also enabling immune responses [3].

   Shaped to fit seamlessly in the hand and against facial contours (just be sure to use a serum, oil or cream for slip), this one is crafted from rose quartz; the cooling properties of this semi-precious stone - further enhanced by placing the tool in the refrigerator before use - work to further soothe and de-puff. Available here.

4. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, $40 (75 mL).

   Formulated with lavender, vetiver and chamomile essential oils, this calming, soothing spray eases stress and tension - within both body and mind - in support of a deeper sleep. I spritz this aromatic formulation on the corners of my pillow whenever I am feeling unsettled before bed or am in need of especially restorative sleep, and, true to its name, I find it really does work. Available here.

References.

[1] Jin, M. (2020, April 10). Why gua sha is the original form of at-home self-care. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/gua-sha-history-at-home-self-care

[2] Maril, M. (2021, May 19). Everything to know About gua sha facial massage. Harper’s BAZAAR. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a11234/gua-sha-treatment/

[3] Tortora, G. J., Derrickson, B., Burkett, B., Peoples, G., Dye, D., Cooke, J., Diversi, T., McKean, M., Samalia, L., & Mellifont, R. (2019). Principles of anatomy and physiology (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Note. Only products and services I genuinely love - and use often - are included in the above edit. Each inclusion is independently and personally sourced, sampled and photographed, unless otherwise credited.