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Oasis Health Store, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim

This issue, owner-manager Karen Murtagh and staff members Yuliia Bakalova, Grace Creighton and Teresa Callaghan, test out their favourite health products. These include a natural antihistamine, an L-Theanine supplement, a natural energy booster, natural deodorants, an L-Glutamine supplement and collagen peptides.

A natural antihistamine
Karen says: “Quercetin Complex from Macánta Nutrition is a really wonderful supplement for allergies and inflammation. It is a natural antihistamine that helps reduce allergic reactions, so it’s ideal for the summer months if you suffer from hay fever.”

Support for calm and relaxation
Yuliia says: “L-Theanine from Macánta Nutrition is perfect to promote a feeling of calm and relaxation. It’s especially good around times of high stress such as exams, or travel. It helps support mental clarity, focus and concentration, which are essential on exam days! We love its fast acting nature, working for our customers within a couple of hours.”

A natural energy boost
Karen says: “I love Revive Active. It has a great combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. I find it really good to give me a boost when I feel my energy and immune system slipping. The Teen Revive is also fantastic for all-round support including the immune system, energy levels, brain and bones.”

Non-toxic deodorants
Grace says: “Another wonderful Irish company, Vico Deodorants are really natural and effective products. They have no toxic chemical ingredients, and no plastic waste, so they are kind to the environment as well as your skin. They come in a wide variety of scents, and our current favourites are the Lemongrass and the Eucalyptus but that changes daily!”

Post-exercise support
Karen says: “L-Glutamine is an amino acid produced naturally by the body. It can be depleted during times of stress and intense exercise. One Nutrition L-Glutamine is a very popular choice with our customers looking to support their gut and improve digestive health. It’s also great to aid muscle recovery after physical exertion.”

On-the-go skin supplement
Teresa says: “Macánta Nutrition Collagen Peptides is a convenient on-the-go sachet product to support your skin all summer long. The sachet contains 5g of type I and III grass-fed bovine collagen from the Swiss alps and is totally flavourless. It dissolves easily and we at Oasis like it in our morning cuppa to support skin strength and elasticity. It also supports gut health by soothing inflamed tissue.”

Horan’s Health Store, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Store manager Christina Farry, assistant manager Sarah Cherry, and sales assistants Kim Foran, Rachel Lalor and Oliwia Molska review their favourite products. These include supplements for immune system support, joints and muscles; hair, skin and nails, and natural sun protection.

Overall wellbeing
Christina says: “I’ve been taking two products from my favourite Irish brand Somega. The first one is the Liposomal Vitamin C. It’s liquid-based, providing high bioavailability, making for better absorption into the bloodstream. It has super benefits for immune support, collagen production and it’s high in antioxidants. My next favourite is the Vitamin D3 and K2. This is an oral spray, giving optimum absorption and 2-in-1 support for the immune system and bone health. These are two of my everyday staples and a highly recommended brand!”

Joint and muscle support
Rachel says: “As someone who runs regularly and puts a lot of stress on my joints and muscles, I absolutely love the Cacao Magic Collagen Hottie from Planet Paleo. It’s a delicious and nourishing way to add collagen into my routine, and it feels like such a treat at the same time. The blend of bovine collagen with raw cacao not only offers a rich, chocolate flavour but also provides antioxidants and essential minerals like magnesium – perfect for muscle relaxation.”

Immune support
Sarah says: “I love taking the Irish brand Óir Tonics’ Moss Boss Original because it naturally supports my immune system with clean, powerful ingredients. It’s made with Irish sea moss, ginger, and turmeric – an amazing trio known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. I really appreciate that it’s crafted in Ireland using organic ingredients that feel both pure and purposeful.”

Hair, skin and nail support
Kim says: “I love taking the Plent Beauty Blend because it’s an easy way to support my skin, hair, and overall wellness from within. I love that it contains marine collagen, vitamin C from acerola, biotin, and zinc – all ingredients that help me feel more radiant and refreshed. Since I started taking it regularly, I’ve noticed my skin looks more hydrated, smoother, and has a healthy, natural glow.”

Sun SPF care
Oliwia says: “I’ve been using the brand TanOrganic for a few months now. My favourite product has to be the Daily Defence Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s an anti-ageing primer which gives a natural glow and is perfect under my everyday make-up. It is formulated with patented Ecocert-approved, reef-safe non-nano zinc oxide ingredients. It ensures my skin always looks and feels its best.”

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