Help for pain, illness, IBS, dry eyes & more!
Stores are filled with holiday displays, reminding us Thanksgiving isn’t far away. That gets us to thinking about things we are thankful for: Friends, family, loved ones, and since we work in a health food store – supplements that help keep us in tip-top shape. We thought it would be helpful for each of us to share a list of newer products we’ve tried this year – and have become deeply grateful for.
Anita
As we get older, we all get aches and pains. Anita tried the Terry Naturally Hemp Oil & Curamin and was pleasantly surprised. “This is an excellent formula for pain.” It contains 250 mg of Terry Naturally’s proprietary complex of Curcumin (BCM-95) along with 25 mg of concentrated European Hemp Oil. Anita has found it helpful for both arthritis pain and muscle pain.
Anita also likes Herbs Etc.’s Menstrual Cramp Releaf, though she uses it differently than the label would suggest. The product works well on menstrual pain, but because it contains antispasmodic herbs like Black Haw, Cramp Bark and Wild Yam, it also works well on any kind of muscle cramp. “I have used it for muscle spasms in my back,” says Anita, “and was surprised at how well it works.”
Now that we’re in cold and flu season, Anita also uses Nature’s Plus Tri-Immune. Containing Andrographis, Olive leaf and ARA-Larix, this formula offers powerful immune support. It can be taken daily as a preventative or as needed at the onset of illness.
Barbara
Dealing with dry eyes can be irritating and painful – just ask Barbara. She’s learned to be grateful for Life Extension’s Bright Eyes III Lubricant Eye Drops. Although the liquid stings a bit upon application, Barbara says, “It really helps the pain and discomfort in my eyes.”
Another favorite Barbara has found is SolaRay’s Mycrobiome Colon Formula probiotic. “I had not taken a probiotic in quite a while. I was given a sample of this product, and I immediately noticed a difference in bowel regularity and consistency.”
One of Ruth’s newer brands is Herbalogics, a company specializing in herbal formulas. Peak Power Energy & Performance Formula is a blend of two herbal tonics long used to combat exhaustion and promote sustained energy. “I love this product,” says Barbara. “I can always depend on it to boost my energy and give me a sense of well-being.”
Christine
Herbs Etc.’s Immune Alert is a product Christine has learned to lean on, especially during cold and flu season. Containing Andrographis, Echinacea, Olive Leaf, Elderberry and more, this formula stimulates production, maturation and mobilization of white blood cells and other body defenses. Christine takes it “at the first sign of feeling a little under the weather.”
At this time of year many of us are taking elderberry on a regular basis. Christine likes Norm’s Farms Elderberry Preserves & Jam as yet another way to get the immune-boosting herb. “Getting kids to take a supplement more than once a day can be challenging,” says Christine. She recommends putting Norm’s on toast, bagels or crackers. “They are sure to love it!”
The last product Christine is grateful for is Atrantil, designed for relief from bloating, abdominal discomforts and changes in bowel habits. “I’ve used it and I like it,” says Christine. “It works great for gas and bloating.”
Sue
Like Christine, Sue has found Atrantil helpful. “My functional doctor recommended it,” Sue says, “and it worked really well.” Designed to help with a common cause of gas and bloating – small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – Atrantil contains several herbs that essentially starve out bad guy bacteria. “I know of no other product in this category of action,” Sue says, “I’m very impressed.”
Sue also has come to depend on ReNew Life’s Return to Regular Probiotic & Prebiotic. “It’s the only probiotic I’ve ever taken that has genuinely helped my constipation,” Sue says. This organic probiotic contains the prebiotic XOS, 10 beneficial strains of probiotic, 20 billion live cultures and is gluten, dairy and soy free.
Last, Sue is grateful for Charlotte’s Web Hemp Oil. “I found it quickly reduces anxiety,” Sue says. “It also helps alleviate my pain, but it took a little longer for that effect to appear.”
