H Drop - CBD Oil : Calm After Storm & Sixty Breaths

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of taking CBD oil, particularly during these uncertain times. It’s something at The Amazing Blog we take on a regular basis for an improved mood and enhanced sleep quality. CBD interacts with the serotonin receptors (these play a role in regulating our mood) and are thought to help promote a more positive mental state and a healthy functioning nervous system. As we always like to support small indie brands, today we’d like to introduce you to a new launch, the Dutch company H Drop. What makes them different to other CBD companies is that they have perfected the art of creating Full-Spectrum CBD ingestible oils without THC.  I know, that this sounds like a contradiction in terms, however, please keep reading. 

The H Drop story started the 19th century when Rochus Sliupas started his medical practice fighting cholera and tuberculosis outbreaks. Today, his great-grandson, also Rochus Sliupas, continues the family mission working in the wellbeing sector. Their organic hemp is sourced from European fields and extracted in German/UK labs with an ISO 9001 certification and manufactured in accordance with the HACCP guidelines. This means that they comply with the strictest standards of processing raw materials, quality control, packaging and distribution of the products. H Drop has a range of three CBD products Joys of Spring,  Calm After The Storm and the capsules Sixty Breaths. They even have a CBD dosage calculator if you’re unsure of the amount to take. 

So, let’s talk about their Full-Spectrum THC-free… Confused? We were… we will try to explain, Broad Spectrum (which is always THC-free), is made by mixing only few selected cannabinoid isolates and a very limited number of the beneficial hemp components. Whereas H Drop has perfected one of the most advanced extraction methods with CO2 chromatography technology, which is one of Europe's first! The CO2 extraction means that the CBD is a raw oil and not extracted at high temperatures, ensuring that the enhancing properties of the plant are not damaged. This method also allows them to detect and carefully remove 99.9% of THC molecules from the naturally extracted Full-Spectrum oil. Therefore, leaving this H Drop extract still containing all the beneficial cannabinoids (CBN, CBV, CBG, CBC), terpenes and flavonoids which are found in hemp flowers, except for the intoxicating THC. You can also see their laboratory results here. Got it?

H Drop sent us Sixty Breaths and Calm After the Storm CBD oil in Natural and Orange flavours. Before embarking on your CBD journey, we highly recommend starting with their CBD dosage calculator, as an example, putting in weight at 60 kg it then gives you a choice of the effect desired: Mild, moderate or strong. With this specified weight factored in, the dosage can vary from 15mg – 45mg per day. They also recommend dividing the dosage throughout the day, starting low and gradually increasing it if needed. The ideal dose of CBD will depend on many factors like weight, body chemistry and the condition you’re treating. They suggest not exceeding more than 200mg of CBD per day and if you’re currently taking medication, always consult with your doctor first.

Sixty Breaths are ingestible CBD oil capsules an excellent choice for the novice as the CO2 extraction raw oil can sometimes leave a strong, bitter or earthy taste, which can be most off-putting to the uninitiated. This raw CBD oil is suitable for pain relief as well as mood enhancement and has an increased entourage effect with all the plant nutrients. These capsules are made from organic hemp oil which has the added bonus of omega 3, 6 and vitamin E. The dosage again depends on your weight, it could vary from 2 to 5 capsules per day. These were perfect for the CBD newbie in the office who at 10mg of CBD per capsule, per 25kg of weight took 3 capsules morning, noon and night. The bottle contains 60 capsules (600mg of CBD) which offer approximately 30 days supply for an average moderate serving. Next, we tried the liquid Full-Spectrum THC-free CBD oil that comes in a 10ml brown glass bottle and pipette, which has a much higher concentration at 15%. As mentioned, this Calm After The Storm comes in two flavours the Natural and Orange. I preferred the Natural to Orange, as I like the pure and natural taste of CBD and much to my surprise, this raw oil was smooth, mild and not at all bitter. I took 6 drops a day (45mg of CBD) spreading it throughout the day and increasing this at night with an extra 4 drops which took the level up to 75mg. This helped improve my sleep patterns, made me more relaxed and seemed to stop me waking with sudden anxiety attacks, which I’ve recently been more prone to. It contains exactly the same ingredients as the capsules but stronger, the 10ml bottle contains 1500mg of CBD. The verdict? For me, I would buy more as it had the desired effect of giving me a calm mind,so it’s become another of our #amazingfinds.  I quickly want to mention that we also loved the simple recycled cardboard packaging filled with hemp fibre. There’s a nice touch with Braille on the sides translating their motto of Hemp (fully organic), Help (GMP certified) and Health (CO2 extracted). To purchase your H Drop: Sixty Breaths 60 capsules for €65 see here and Calm After Storm 10ml bottle for €89 here.

Virustatic Shield

Sometime soon, we hope to return to normal life as we knew it, but with this pandemic, we’re experiencing, it’s certainly been making some dramatic changes to our way of life. This brings us at The Amazing Blog swiftly onto the topic of hygiene and health. We’ve spent a fortune on single-use or even reusable masks, most of which haven’t got a proven track record to protect us against viruses. However, we were extremely curious to try out a slightly different alternative, the Virustatic Shield which is a revolutionary protein-coated snood-style face mask. 

Virustatic Shield is the result of 10 years of research by Manchester biochemists who created this shield to help reduce pathogenic microbial intake into the human respiratory system. It was developed with the University of Manchester with lab-tested results to prove that this Shield is up to 98% effective against influenza viruses. The unique protein coating disables viruses on contact, thus helping slow the virus spread. NB: They point out that testing is currently still underway to assess the effectiveness of this against covid-19. What we find particularly intriguing is that this snood-style mask can be touched without transferring any viruses - so unlike other masks, it’s safe to handle even when taking it on and off!

When we tried this Virustatic Shield we found it to be a comfortable fit (although a little tight when first worn) made with 96% viscose and 4% lycra it offers some ‘give ‘ we found that after a few wears it loosens up, still safely hugging the contours of the face. The difference between this and other face masks is that this covers the entire face from eyes down (including ears).  Effective for as long as you wear it (for us tube travel and supermarket shopping), it’s reusable with up to 50 hours wear, hand washable up to 3 x in warm water without detergent and made of natural material for breathability (see above). The great advantage is that it is suitable for everyone, whether you are a child or an adult. It offers two-way protection and cuts the risk of cross-contamination from saliva droplets. When you’ve finished with the Virustatic Shield as it’s non-hazardous, you dispose of it as you would any other fabrics. They also have QR code on the packaging which allows you to check you’ve bought the genuine article. You can purchase the Virustatic Shield here for £20. What better way to stay safe and protect yourself and others.

Melanoma Awareness Month - A Cautionary Tale from Gillian Robson

Here’s a cautionary tale from Gillian Robson, the co-founder of the suncare/self-tanning brand TanCream with her guide on what to do and look for.

Gillian Robson - Co-founder of Tancream

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and the message here is very clear ‘please be skin savvy during the lockdown.’ As we’re now allowed outside and the lockdown has loosened, the question is: Have you putting on your SPF? Please take a moment to check your skin and if you have any concerns or if anything that does not look quite right, do seek professional advice.

HERE IS GILLIAN’S STORY:

“My first mole appeared on the back of my left leg at the base of my thigh – I first noticed a slight mark and within days it got darker and then within ten days, it became irregular and even darker. My gut instinct kicked in. I knew it didn’t look right so I took myself off to the GP who immediately fast-tracked me. Within a few days, I was in the hospital, had it checked by a dermatologist and it was removed there and then!

We are SO LUCKY to have such an amazing NHS system 

I got my results within about 10 days. A day I will never forget as I walked in to see the consultant only to be faced with a MacMillan nurse when they told me the devastating news. None of us want to hear the word ‘cancer’ but yes it was an aggressive form of Malignant Melanoma (skin cancer) I had to have more surgery to remove more skin, this was the most horrendous and terrifying time. Having to wait for the results to see if it had gone any deeper than 6mm below the surface as this would go into my bones and bloodstream.

This is a mole that Gillian had removed from her face in August 2019

It is so frightening to think if this happens, it spreads rapidly and in most cases, it can be fatal. Thankfully mine was contained in that area and had not spread, what a relief that was! However, 2 months later when I started with back pain the rollercoaster started again. They rushed me in to have some bone scans and blood tests as they were worried it had escaped them – the NHS is incredible – I was fast-tracked to have all the tests, then a wait for 2 weeks for the results seemed like forever, and my life was on hold! I was determined to remain positive and that this wasn’t going to take me away from my family. This I learned from my aunt who died when I was 12, she taught me lots of values in life but most of all to keep smiling and stay positive. Something she did so well during the last few months of her life as she hid her pain from me and that has given me the strength to get through anything. The next two weeks were all a bit of a blur really, but the call came to say I was all clear of any signs that cancer had spread.

My new life began – I was determined to make others understand why it is so important to wear sun protection. I felt guilty that I had used sunbeds, sunbathed with little sun cream on – something that so many of us did as we didn’t know the reality behind the harmful UV rays that the sun did to our skin and how bad sunbeds really are. Now I was paying the price for it all as I now live with skin cancer. I have had 14 lesions removed over the years; basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas all caught in time as I now know what I’m looking for.

Knowing your own skin and any changes is so important. My number one tip would be to photograph all your skin areas. Take them in good lighting and get your partner to take photos of your back and back of the legs – these are the most common areas to get issues as they are the places we miss when applying sun protection.

If there are certain moles or skin issues that your gut feeling makes you feel uneasy then pay more attention to them. Watch those closely every day and take photos (make sure they are taken in the same lighting as previous ones and the same angle). Measure the diameter over a few days if they change then get them checked out – at the moment due to COVID 19 none of us want to have face to face appointments – so give your GP a call, explain exactly how it’s changed and that you have photos. Offer to send them over via email so they can send them direct to the dermatology department and they can look at them more closely – if there are any concerns then they will tell you the next steps.

Early detection in any cancer is key and skin cancer can affect all skin types

Skin cancer is predicted to be the most common cancer by 2024, 86% is preventable if we wear sun protection. Our skin is the largest organ in our body so we must look after it. After all, if there was a cream that we could apply to prevent breast cancer you’d wear it. It is estimated to cost the NHS £180 million this year, so let us start saving them money and looking after our skin.

Gillian as she is today

I also have some more information I can share with you from MelanomaMe a charity in the North East that supports patients and families experiencing skin cancer. Kerry the founder has also had skin cancer so knows only too well how important it is to talk & share your experiences.”

Other UK charities that Gillian suggests are:

• Melonma- Me Foundation

• Melanoma UK

• Macmillan Cancer Support

• Melanoma Fund

• Melanoma Focus

• Donna Annand Melanoma Charity

• British Association of Dermatologists

As a footnote, The Amazing Blog highly recommends Gillian’s Tancream it’s SPF 50 with a 5* UV it’s also a gradual self-tan bronzer that’s anti-ageing, odour and streak-free. As a unique blend of sunscreen and sunless tanning and has become a multi-award winner, recently with The Beauty Shortlist Award for Innovation. See here to purchase your 100ml Tancream at £44.95.

Simply CBD Bronzer - Self Tan Mousse

Have you noticed that the popularity of CBD being used in the beauty sector is growing rapidly by the day? Many spas and salons are eager to add cannabidiol based treatments to their roster which has prompted beauty companies to create an even bigger offering of CBD infused topical products. As regular readers will know, at The Amazing Blog, we’re big fans of all things CBD (see here) and are excited to share with you another one of our #amazingfinds with Simply CBD’s Bronzer. Launched as the UK’s first professional CBD-infused spray tan in 2018, they now have a range of sunless tanning which is for home use, which as regular fake tanners we’ve been itching to try!

Simply CBD Bronzer Tanning Mousse has four key ingredients, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), aloe vera, green tea extract and cannabis oil. The DHA is at 10% which develops into a good even medium tan - it is a safe FDA approved substance derived from glycerine that reacts with the amino acids naturally present in the surface layers of skin, which in turn then produces a brown colour change. Aloe vera offers increased moisture and reduced inflammation with a gentle antiseptic effect. The Green tea extract is rich in vitamin E and supports and maintains collagen levels, it detoxifies and is a powerful antioxidant also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and can serve as an antibacterial to help clear pores and ease acne. The cannabidiol (CBD) hydrates and nourishes the skin by offering moisture retention and regulating oil production for an even and beautiful tan. The CBD used here is 75mg per 200ml and has been refined to contain no trace of THC. Rich in phytocannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids, the CBD helps to combat dryness. It soothes the skin and is an excellent source of antioxidants with supplementary vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

We found this natural, cruelty-free and vegan self-tan super easy to apply. After showering and exfoliating body we moisturised the dry bits like knees and elbows before applying the mousse with a microfibre mitt. Simply CBD recommends leaving the tan on for 6 to 8 hours; we left it on overnight. In the morning, we rinsed it off in the shower and were left with the stunning, even and natural bronze colour. Unlike many other sunless tanning products that with regular use have dried out our skin, with this Simply CBD Bronzer Tanning Mousse we found to our surprise that it actually helped to boost our skin’s suppleness and hydration! We’ll certainly be looking to try more from this brand.  It’s the perfect way to keep your summer glow without basking in the sun’s harmful rays, and for keeping the skin looking sun-kissed all year long; you too can purchase Simply CBD Bronzer 200ml for £29.95 or a Travel Mousse size 50 ml for £12.95, both are available here. 

Les Parfums de Rosine - Ballerina No 5

As spring has sprung, the birds are chirping and we at The Amazing Blog cannot resist spring’s bucolic charms. With brighter skies and our gardens radiating colour - it’s hope! When this frustrating #stayathome self-isolation is lifted, we hope it will be perfect timing for us to spend more time outside to enjoy the sunshine. Which brings us swiftly on to thinking about changing our winter fragrance for something lighter that will suit the spring mood. We were kindly got sent a new scent launch from the French perfume house Les Parfums de Rosine with their Ballerina N°5.

We’re been fans of the brand and have previously written about their Bois Fuchsia here. The founder and creator of Les Parfums de Rosine is Marie-Helen Rogeon who was born into a family of perfumers, with her great grandfather Louis Panafieu creating Eau de Cologne for Emperor Napoleon III. Her inspiration for her collections comes from her garden, from which she has developed a collection of perfumes around the rose, this ‘queen of flowers’. From bush to shrub, the rose has many varieties as well as unique subtle variants in fragrance. The Ballerina collection stems from the special variety ‘Rosier Ballerina’ whose small hydrangea-like flowerheads Rogeon compares to a delicate tutu of a young ballerina. With five individual fragrances in the Ballerina collection, each relates to a particular story i.e. “she is an enigmatic woman…” or “she is a desirable woman… both pure and innocent”. 

it is Ballerina N°5, from the range we are talking about today. Inspired by the famous ballet La Bayadère, which recounts the frustrated loves of the sacred Hindu dancer Nikiya. This fresh and delicate perfume works so well for the spring. It is feminine and exotic and seduces us with its heady and warm notes. This Ballerina N°5 has got a slight sweetness with a floral and wood finish. The top notes are from the rose, tangerine, Indian fig and orange blossom. The heart (or middle) notes are from Turkish rose essence, crystallized violet, lychee, almond blossom and heliotrope. Finishing with the base notes of sandalwood, tonka bean, patchouli and cedarwood. Despite the depth of its woodiness, it’s light and subtle and gives sensual and captivating aromas of the orient. We also love the pretty gold bottle with its very own organza tutu adorning the bottle’s neck.  Why not let yourself be tempted by the subtle and irresistible charm of Ballerina N°5, to purchase see here for the 100ml at 140€ or the 50ml bottle at 108€.