Intelligent: Enzyme Toothpaste & Mouthwash

As brushing teeth is a ritual that we all do at least twice a day, for us, finding a good quality toothpaste and mouthwash is paramount. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve already reviewed many different oral products here. However, today we are featuring Intelligent’s cutting-edge range of natural enzyme based toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Intelligent is an oral care brand based in Taiwan since 2004, and what sets them apart from other oral care companies is that they use natural enzymes in their products. These all contain four natural enzymes and lactoferrin, which can effectively restore the oral saliva antimicrobial power and ecological balance for better oral health. The Intelligent products “adhere to the use of natural extracts of food-grade raw materials, safe and non-toxic ingredients and the use of healthy saliva to improve oral problems.” The toothpastes and mouthwashes contain saliva enzymes, which strengthen the saliva function — including amylase, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and pearl powder. The amylase reduces tartar formation, the glucose oxidase decomposes sugar, the lactoperoxidase removes dental plaque, the lysozyme fights bad breath, the lactoferrin is antibacterial, and the pearl powder supplies nutrition. The brand‘s range includes toothpastes for adults, kids, pets and pregnant women, as well as toothbrushes and mouthwashes. Intelligent’s Natural Enzymes Toothpaste won the Pure Beauty Awards London 2020 Silver and a Reddot Award in 2016. In addition, Intelligent founded the Yixue Education Foundation for Ideal Competence, which contributes to children’s oral education. 

Intelligent sent us a selection of their Natural Enzymes Toothpastes. The three featured are the Fresh Mint, Fresh Cool Mint, and For Pregnant Women. Did you know that 90% of oral problems are caused by dental plaque? This is where saliva enzymes have the power to actively dispose of dental plaque, where the biological cleaning mechanism of saliva is known to be more effective than traditional toothpastes. These Natural Enzymes Toothpastes clean and protect the enamel, whiten teeth, and treat bad breath, periodontal disease, and mouth ulcers (see the test report for these here). The toothpaste For Pregnant Women contains pearl collagen, vitamin B6, and vitamin B9, all of which have benefits for expecting mothers and even has a test report here on the ingredients. The pearl collagen prevents calcium deficiency and cramps, vitamin B6 soothes vomiting symptoms, and vitamin B9 is an important nutrient for the baby’s development. Intelligent recommends dry brushing with their toothpastes, as wetting the toothpaste will dilute the ingredients and make the toothpaste less effective. The Fresh Mint and Cool Mint also claim to breakdown bacteria, reduce gingivitis and plaque. In addition to the toothpastes, Intelligent also sent us two of their Natural Enzymes Mouthwashes in Mint and Tea. Intelligent’s mouthwashes again have various natural enzymes which help to relieve gum discomfort and improve mouth ulcers as it has a “biogenesis enzymatic clean formula.” They recommend using the mouthwash every day together with one of their Natural Enzymes Toothpastes. Although this is not your go-to cheap toothpaste brand, Intelligent has been in the business of oral hygiene for over 15 years and has proven research and high quality ingredients in their oral care products. What we like about all these products is that they are natural, taste delicious and deliver results. And yes, we think they are worth the investment. To purchase the Natural Enzymes Toothpastes see here from Amazon at £23. The Natural Enzymes Mouthwashes here from their website for $20.

CBD Leafline: Gummy Rings

Do you have that one secret sweet treat that you can’t resist? Well, ,how about a sweet treat that helps you relax? The team here at The Amazing Blog have been nibbling away at all sorts of CBD edibles, and one of our recent #amazingfinds are these delicious CBD Gummy Rings from CBD Leafline - we even had to do a toss-up to see who got the last one! 

Paul and Sonia Shrive started CBD Leafline in 2018, and manufacture a selection of CBD infused products here in the UK. At the age of 15, Paul travelled to Nairobi, Africa, with his father, where he experienced how African natives used hemp/cannabis in their everyday lives. They used the plant to its fullest potential, benefiting from its therapeutic and healing properties, making rope, clothes and soap, or building homes. Seeing how natural hemp was appreciated in Africa made Paul valued the plant even more. Cannabidiol sailed through the UK in 2016 but only as food supplements for consumption and use, sparking interest in Paul. He said, “Recalling my love and passion of the plant, I began to research and set about working out how I could bring our own range of CBD products to market.” After a few years of research and planning, the Shrives decided to start their company. Their combined experience in manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, marketing, and the health and beauty industry served as a foundation for their business. They want to share and educate their customers about CBD and its benefits. With the UK’s restrictions on CBD, this brand makes sure all products comply with the legal requirements. Unlike other CBD brands, CBD Leafline manufactures all products in their own facilities in the Northwest of England and are a family-owned business. The couple and friends and family use CBD products daily and believe it has changed their wellbeing, “No miracle cures, to put it simply, we feel re-balanced.” All products in the CBD Leafline range are natural and combine high-quality whole-plant hemp oil containing broad-spectrum CBD (THC-free) with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, omega 3/6 amino acids which interact with other vegan ingredients. In addition, all products are independently tested (see here) and, the brand is a CannaPro certified business. CBD Leafline was recently awarded Editor’s Choice and Finalist in The Beauty Shortlist 2021 Awards here.    

As our regular readers will know, CBD products can come in all shapes and forms like CBD oils, topical creams, chocolates, skincare, or vapes. So, why choose CBD gummies? Well, first of all, they’re delicious and easier to take rather than a capsule or oil. If one is feeling stressed, you can nibble at one wherever you are. Lastly, gummies are easy to control since each gummy has a definite CBD mg amount. Overall, it’s a convenient way to keep your CBD levels topped up. These CBD Gummy Rings have 10mg of CBD per gummy - which is the average amount of CBD in most gummies on the market. They are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and all-natural. The tasty flavours come from apple, lemon, orange, raspberry and sour cherry and the bright colours come from black carrot concentrate, turmeric, paprika extract and spirulina concentrate. They use broad-spectrum hemp distillate, which is a whole hemp plant oil that doesn’t contain THC but still allows other cannabinoids to remain present. We enjoy CBD gummies with their added benefits of helping us with relaxation, and for relieving stress and anxiety, And of course, there is a plus, that they taste delicious! CBD Leafline recommends no more thanf 7 gummies per day, and the perfect dose will vary from person to person. We recommend that you experiment by starting with a small amount then slowly increasing it according to your mood. NB these are not suitable for pregnant or lactating women. And definitely should not be given to children or pets! We reviewed the Small CBD Gummy Rings, with 20 x gummies containing a total of 200mg of CBD, which you can purchase here for £19.99. 

Corpo Sancto: Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser

Are you a diehard candle person? Or do you love the look of reed diffusers? After all, who doesn’t love to have a beautifully scented room? At The Amazing Blog, we have a weakness for reed diffusers, as we can enjoy the benefits of their fragrance and essential oils even while we sleep! And today, the Corpo Sancto’s Salt and Thyme Reed Diffuser, takes us on a trip down memory lane, with its scent that reminds us of weekends-away, with the rush of briny fresh sea air blown in from the shore.

Corpo Sancto is a Brighton-based candle and fragrance company. It is run by a husband and wife duo who make artisan, eco-friendly candles and other products, like reed diffusers and perfumes. Annelie Bystrom-Turner and her husband, Chris, understand that finding the perfect scent can be a challenge, which is why they have created this diverse selection of fragrance combinations. In addition to being co-owners of Corpo Sancto, Chris is the drummer in Orange Goblin, and Annelie is a well-known makeup artist. They offer a wide variety of scent offerings for their candles, perfumes and home fragrance options. Corpo Sancto prides itself on creating hand-poured candles in small batches. The rapeseed wax used in their candles is a plant-based alternative to other waxes typically used in candles. Corpo Sancto has gone through numerous testing phases with rapeseed wax, which is wax that comes from the oil from pressed rapeseed plants. These are widely and sustainably grown across Europe, with the excess oil from the plant being used for animal feed and fertiliser. The suppliers for their wax and other products are UK or EU based since Corpo Sancto does not believe in shipping things halfway across the planet for something that can be found in their locale. They utilise packaging made from recycled materials whenever possible, and Corpo Sancto’s mission is to be as eco-friendly as possible, carbon-neutral, with biodegradable products that are paraben-free and all without compromising on style or quality.

We were drawn to the Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser as they describe it as “the fresh smell of seaweed, sea breeze and minerals with notes of thyme and grapefruit”. This scent also includes hints of bergamot, sage and base notes of musk, amber and cedarwood, creating a light and summery scent - and yes, it really does smell ‘sea fresh’. All their reed diffusers are alcohol-free and made up of 20-25% botanicals mixed in a long-lasting plant oil base. With regular turning, these reed diffusers will last over three months, depending on room temperature, season, and oil blend. The slick black reeds are very in-keeping with the brand’s image and are made of natural fibres, which offer optimal scent distribution. We also like Corpo Sancto’s sustainability and zero waste credentials – this is something they’ve thought long and hard about. When this Reed Diffuser is finished, we’ll be using the reeds to scent a drawer, and the metal cone top tin with screw cap will be repurposed as a new pen holder! Are you missing the seaside? Then we recommend purchasing this 200ml Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser for £35 here to reminisce about roaring waves, breezy sea winds and building sandcastles!

CannaErbs: CBD Infused Organic Herbs & Spice Seasonings

Spice up your life and your food with CannaErbs’ CBD infused herbs and spice seasonings! CannaErbs has created nine different blends of CBD cannabis seasonings, including Salt n Pepper, Seafood, Creole, Jerk, Mixed Herbs, BBQ, Chilli, Piri Piri, and All Purpose. We love CBD at The Amazing Blog and we were super-excited to be able to get creative in the kitchen, and try out some of these seasonings.

CannaErbs  was launched in September 2020 by Patrick, who wanted to create natural CBD products that could be used daily and in combination with other ingredients. CannaErbs only uses all natural and certified organic or raw ingredients — including whole seeds, corns, chips, flakes, and granules. These give CannaErbs’ seasonings a fresh and vibrant taste, free of chemical additives and preservatives. All of their seasonings are infused with 50mg of CBD in dried decarboxylated form using CBD with approximately 27% strength. The decarboxylation process includes a heating method that converts cannabis into useable properties for the body. CannaErbs receives their CBD from a direct CBD supplier, British Cannabis®, who is “the largest producer, manufacturer and distributor of legal cannabis derived products in the UK.” The broad spectrum CBD here is THC-free, and CannaErbs has the relevant lab testing data of each batch on their website here. Many people use CBD to help anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions, and eating CBD is one of the most popular ways to reap these benefits. In addition to the advantages that CBD offers, CannaErbs’ herbs and spices contain nutrition, antioxidants, and other minerals. CannaErbs’ spices are hand-blended and mixed in small quantities, so they are fresh and flavourful when you receive them. The incorporation of CBD in condiments is on the rise, but not every brand that sells CBD infused condiments uses organic ingredients or are as transparent about their CBD as CannaErbs are. Patrick, the founder of CannaErbs, said, “the products we created are the same products we use and believe in.” He is hoping to launch CannaFlours, an organic white and brown flour and CannaGreens, a super green CBD powder for smoothies in the forthcoming months — so we’ll be on the lookout for these

As mentioned, all CannaErbs’ seasonings are infused with 100% decarboxylated cannabis sativa L leaf containing CBD and should be stored at room temperature, in a dry environment, and protected from direct sunlight. CannaErbs’ kindly sent us a selection of four of their blends, all are suitable for vegens and contain no artificial colours, flavourings, or preservatives. And absolutely NONE of these CBD Infused Organic Herbs & Spice Seasonings, tasted remotely ‘hempy’.

The first one we tried was CannaErbs’ Organic Chilli CBD Seasoning, which includes the ingredients of natural Himalayan salt, organic chilli pepper, organic cumin, organic paprika, organic black peppercorns, organic onion, organic garlic root, organic cassia, and organic yellow mustard (what a list!). We found this seasoning packed a punch! So use sparingly, it’s very versatile and we liked it best on homemade pizzas or scrabbled eggs. The second one was Cannaerbs’ Organic Mixed Herbs CBD Seasoning, with ingredients of organic thyme, organic rubbed sage, organic oregano, organic marjoram herb, organic mint (peppermint), and organic parsley herb. These Mixed Herbs pairs with many different foods, and for us, we loved using them in our a Ninja Foodi on the pressure cooker function. Why? Because it intensified the flavours with the pressure, the food cooks faster and very little moisture escapes; therefore the flavours are richer. The third one was  Cannaerbs’ Organic Salt n Pepper CBD Seasoning, which includes the ingredients of natural Himalayan salt, organic black peppercorns, and organic white peppercorns. Salt and Pepper can make almost any food tastier from meats to vegetables, to even strawberries - yes really, try it! The fourth one we tried was Cannaerbs’ Organic Seafood CBD Seasoning, which includes the ingredients of organic paprika, natural Himalayan salt, organic yellow mustard, organic cardamom, organic white peppercorns, organic bay leaf, organic ginger root, organic clove, organic mace, organic dill, and organic cumin. This was probably our most favourite, it worked so well with prawns, salmon and even transformed a very bland white fish! We like CannaErbs sustainability credentials too, where they offer refill packs to put into each of their grinder mills. These are this weeks #amazingfinds!  If you fancy adding a little’ je ne sais quoi’ to your culinary efforts, then a set of these seasonings are a must-have for your condiment rack. You can buy these spices here for 25% off of £3.99 each, if you use the code AMAZING.

Vitybox: Lotus Tropical Flavoured Collagen Drink

Collagen is the latest rave in the beauty world, whether in skin care, tablets, or liquid supplements. We at The Amazing Blog have tried many different collagen products (see here) and like how this skincare product starts working from the inside out. So, we’re here again to give you, our readers, the latest ready-to-drink collagen supplement with VITYBOX Lotus Collagen Drink. 

 VITYBOX is a new and upcoming beauty brand that focuses on its liquid supplement containing collagen, keratin, and hyaluronic acid. Ali Azmandian and Ali Kais, founders of VITYBOX and healthcare professions, started this brand with a mission to create a supplement that has natural and clinically backed ingredients. To gain the trust and loyalty of their consumers, Azmandian and Kais invested in several years’ worth of scientific studies and qualitative research with a team of healthcare professions. Their team uses cutting edge science and is involved in every step of the way, from production to aftercare with clients. This Lotus Collagen Drink boost 95% absorption compared to ~8% absorption with tablets and capsules and contains premium patented marine peptide sustainably sourced from Thailand. It’s also free from lactose, GMOs, eggs, nuts, wheat, dairy and gluten. In 2019, a little after their launch, VITYBOX were finalists for the International Breakthrough Brand Award at the Pure Beauty Global Award. All our manufacturing takes places in the UK, and every single batch that gets produced is vigorously tested

Like all liquid collagen drinks, Lotus works from the inside out to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix, boost natural hydration levels, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The 20ml shot has a natural tropical flavour, it’s sugar-free, and unlike some other collagen drinks, there’s no lingering fishy after taste. Here the Lotus has three main ingredients: keratin, hyaluronic acid and collagen. Keratin is a protective protein found in hair, skin, and nails and is a protein that is hard to manufacture. Thus making this Vitybox’s supplement, one of the few collagen brands to have actual keratin peptides. This ingredient improves hair growth and promotes hair shine. Hyaluronic acid is another naturally occurring molecule found in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. And as we all know, it helps the body retain water keeping skin hydrated, eyes lubricated and joints supple. Having this ingredient in Lotus creates elasticity in the skin and reduces wrinkles. Lastly, collagen; what is it? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up parts of connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. It provides skin with elasticity and strengthens joints. As one gets older, it’s harder for the body to produce collagen naturally. By regularly taking a collagen supplement, it can help hydrate the skin by promoting the production of elastin and fibrillin (a glycoprotein), reducing dryness and wrinkles. Something we take collagen supplements for is to stimulate tissue repair and renewed connective tissue in joints and bones to relieve pain, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. There are three types of collagens that are used to produce supplements: bovine, plant and marine. This is marine collagen and has a high collagen content that supports naturally occurring collagen already found in humans. As we mentioned earlier, Lotus uses premium, patented marine collagen sustainably derived from Thailand. It is then hydrolysed and purified, creating a greater concentration of smaller peptides that absorbs better into the gut and bloodstream. They tell us that the 5g of collagen in Lotus, is equal to over 10g of collagen found in some other brands. This liquid collagen drink claims to have a higher absorption rate than powders or capsules, as when the fluid enters the body, it’s immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. The principle is that it makes the body believe that it has already broken down too much collagen, tricking it into producing more collagen in return. Interestingly, VITYBOX reports having consumers who have seen outcomes starting as early as two weeks, particularly with stronger nails and faster hair growth. In 1 month, hair was healthier and shinier. In 2 months, the skin was firmer and hydrated, and in 3 months, wrinkles and fine lines were reduced. As we only received six sachets, so it’s difficult to report any such similar results. With this 20ml ready-to-drink Lotus sachet, it’s easy to take, especially if you’re like us and constantly on the go. We also like how Lotus can be seamlessly incorporated into one’s daily routine. You can have a one-time purchase of a 14-day supply at £34.95. Or Vitybox has several other subscription options here, with a 14-day supply at £29.71 or a 1-month supply at £56.44.