Trelonk Cornwall : Molecular Wellbeing Head Strong #04

During the past year at The Amazing Blog, like so many, we’ve felt the need to surround ourselves with a blanket of calm. When Edwina was offered this stress-busting Molecular Wellbeing #04 Head Strong to judge for The Beauty Shortlist Awards, she leapt at the opportunity! It’s from the award-winning Cornish essential oil brand Trelonk best known for harnessing cutting-edge innovation in plant science.

Although Trelonk was officially launched in 2021 by Mark Parnall, Trelonk Estate, where the brand was conceived, has a rich agricultural history dating back between 1891-1907. Today, the Trelonk Estate goes back to its original farming roots by harnessing new agricultural technology and improving farming practices to grow and harvest specialist crops. Preparations for their brand “Trelonk” began in 2018, with Trelonk being incorporated into Parnall Group. Despite all the challenges COVID brought, the Trelonk website officially went live in Spring 2021. Founder Mark Parnall said, "Living through Covid-19 has caused a shift in attitude towards plant science, along with compelling research showing the effectiveness of particular plant molecules on human health." With a focus on plant technology and oils, Mark believes that there are remarkable opportunities to connect the origins of authentic Cornish crops and science to help those interested in natural remedies. The brand’s mission is to enhance health and wellbeing through sustainable farming operations that positively affect the environment. “By growing and processing on-site, we aim to provide full traceability and authenticity of the products, underpinned by regenerative farming methods and strong environmental credentials." This idea has won the brand the 2021 Blue Patch Sustainable Innovation Award. As expert aromacologists (study of the influence of odours on human behaviour), they use advanced extraction technology to identify the most compelling plant molecules to use in their formulas. With the use of botanical actives, also known as terpenes, the brand primarily uses the power of inhalation, as it’s the fastest method of delivery (60-90 seconds) and the nasal receptors communicate with nerve cells via neurotransmitters in the limbic system. These positive effects may be felt within minutes! This combination becomes a high-impact wellbeing solution known as ‘Whole Plant Therapy’. For those that are novices to aromatherapy, Trelonk has made an informative list of their frequently used ingredients and their benefits on their website see here. Sustainability is at the heart of the brand, not only with many of the ingredients being grown and harvested on the Trelonk Estate but also with the use of deep violet-blue biophotonic glass bottles stopping harmful UV light and keeping the potency of the oils inside. They describe themselves as ‘where botanicals also meet technology’, Trelonk’s therapeutic formulas are founded solely on scientific research analysing the molecular make-up of plants and identifying the active elements. They’ve recently unveiled £1 million worth of scientific equipment, where they work with scientific partners in three state-of-the-art laboratories designated for plant tissue culture, oil extraction and molecular research. The three ranges of hand-blended Molecular Wellbeing essential oils are ‘Power Through’, ‘Head Strong’ and ‘Lights Out’.

The Head Strong range is designed to help support and uplift mental health and wellbeing. The trio of blends offers differing benefits, for instance, #04 for Stress-Busting and Anxiety, #05 for Concentration and Focus, and #06 for Confidence and Positivity. Trelonk's expert aromacologists explained that the ‘mother blend’ (or base formula) for all three in this range is a combination of bergamot for uplift, rosa damascena for strengthening, ylang-ylang for stress-busting, geranium for balance, sandalwood for calm and green mandarin for nervous tension and restlessness.

We’re going to talk about #04 for Stress Busting and Anxiety which recently won a Wellbeing Editor’s Choice at The 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards.  Apart from the plant active in the ‘mother blend’ above. What makes up the ten plant actives complete are the key additions with petitgrain, yuzu peel oil, eucalyptus and helichrysum flower oil all of which offer a well combined citrusy and floral uplifting scent. The petitgrain is known for its sedative qualities calming nerves and aiding anxiety, with its bright distinctive orange blossom accent. Yuzu peel oil is very similar to bergamot extract, and it can also balance one's mood. Yuzu has a sweet and citrusy scent and has dominant uplifting properties while calming the mind at the same time. Eucalyptus relieves exhaustion, elevates mood, and rejuvenates the spirit with its distinct camphoraceous smell. Finally, the helichrysum provides support in releasing emotional trauma.

We love how it oozes with encouraging citrus notes from the green mandarin, the richer and warmer notes of rosa damascena and helichrysum add weight to the blend, balancing the mind into a state of assurance. The extract has soft floral tones and a fresh aroma, making the oil mood affirming and providing comfort during heightened stress. What we found interesting (take note Trelonk) is that Edwina has carried this around with her continuously when out and about, and like a nosegay, it has kept her safe and clear of catching covid when others around her have fallen sick. A coincidence? maybe.

There is a Nasal Inhaler, which Edwina uses, it’s pictured above at £6. it’s easy to use, you put the wick inside the glass tube and add up to 20 drops of the oil, then waft it under your nose, whenever you feel the need. It helps create your own personal aroma bubble! It also comes as a gift set here. Trelonk also recommends different ways to use their Molecular Wellbeing blends. The first is putting 3-5 drops in a steam diffuser, and it's perfect to use while you do your morning yoga or everyday morning routine. Second, you can add 25 drops of the oil into 100g of Epsom salts in a bath, which feels fantastic after a long day. Lastly, you can apply two drops into a teaspoon of carrier oils of your choice, and apply directly to the skin.

The Head Strong #04 is another one of our #amazingfinds and certainly resonated with Edwina, who is a big fan of all things aromatherapy. The Head Strong #04 and Nasal Inhaler are available together for £28.90 here  We hope to try more products from Trelonk to focus more on our mind, body, and overall health. We think this is a must-have for all.

Great Lakes Gellatin® Co - Collagen Hydrolysate (10 x single servings)

With this damp and chilly start to May, we find that this sort of weather plays havoc with our over exercised and achy joints. However, this is where at The Amazing Blog we’ve learnt that taking a good collagen supplement comes into its own, as it reduces joint inflammation and stimulates the collagen synthesis in the body. Meet Collagen Hydrolysate, from the Great Lakes Gellatin® Company, which has 20 different amino acids that help to heal and repair the connective tissue. 

The Great Lakes Gellatin® Company is the pioneer of collagen hydrolysate technology. Founded in 1988, it was initially known as Grayslake Gelatin Co (which started production in 1922). They were the first company to research and develop the collagen and gelatin benefits, and ever since has been a market leader in this sector. Great Lakes Gellatin® Co are a family-run business, and was created from the founder’s promise to help and educate others into having a healthier lifestyle. Numerous scientific studies have shown to how collagen hydrolysate supports tendons and ligaments through strengthening the connective tissues, thereby helping to prevent injury and speed up recovery. It also helps muscle mass and strength through promoting lean muscle The cattle from which the collagen is sourced, are grass fed and pastured-raised in Argentina and Brazil, and animal welfare is one of this company’s main priorities. The brand’s products are kosher and free from gluten, MSG, GMO, and verified glyphosate, and easily fit into both the keto and paleo diets. It is also free of allergens and sensitisers: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, seeds, fish/shellfish, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, gluten, corn, mustard, celery stalk/leaf, yeast or yeast derivatives. This ground-breaking company also offers a wide range of other flavoured collagen hydrolysates, gelatin and keto products. 

We tried the Collagen Hydrolysate (unflavoured) in 10 x sachets a box. This has one ingredient only: 100% bovine hydrolysed collagen powder, which is a derived protein found naturally in bones, skin, and cartilage. This contains amino acids, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline which are responsible for the growth and repair of the body. In addition, collagen represents almost a third of the natural proteins found in our bodies. However, as time goes by, the production of collagen declines, which where a hydrolysed collagen supplement comes into play. It supports the digestive tract, increases joint health, improves bones density, tightens and hydrates skin, and strengthens hair and nails. It also has the added bonus of aiding sleep and concentration. The effects of bovine hydrolysed collagen on joints and bones have been scientifically proven to act as a kind of ‘intracellular glue’ giving support, shape and bulk to the blood vessels which feed bones and joints as well as vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver – and yet it’s not a medicine. This low molecular weight protein is easily digested just a few minutes after eating. It will not congeal because it has been hydrolyzed for quick assimilation and improved hydration to the connective tissue. We found that these Great Lakes Gellatin® Co Hydrolysed Collagen unflavoured powders to be colourless and odourless; they dissolve quickly in cold or hot beverages, which means you can put them in your coffee, tea or smoothie (see our berry smoothie above). It is also possible to dissolve them into soups or mix into yoghurt. One sachet (6 grams) or two (12grams) a day are enough. We stirred one sachet into our smoothie until the collagen powder dissolved - about 10-20 seconds - it’ll be quicker in hot liquids. If you need a little inspiration, you can take a look at their Recipes Page here for more ideas. To purchase Great Lakes Gellatin® Co Collagen Hydrolysate 10 x Single Servings, go to Amazon UK here  at £5.99.

Organic Works: Bergamot Hand Wash

Washing your hands is the best way to kill germs and prevent infectious diseases from spreading. Especially during this pandemic, we find ourselves in a constant cycle of washing our hands just to avoid getting sick, and then applying hand cream when the hard London water dries them out. We’ve been looking for the a natural and moisturising hand wash to use at The Amazing Blog  to keep our hands clean, healthy and soft. This is when we found heard about an award-winning Bergamot Hand Wash from Organic Works. 

Initially known as Organic Surge, Organic Works decided to rebrand itself as Organic Works after a fire started at a neighbouring warehouse in the winter of 2019, which destroyed all of its products and stock. Organic Works have more than 50 years experience in the world of natural, organic and clean beauty; making them trailblazer with their much-loved formulas and philosophy: ‘Organics that truly Work’. This family-run business manufactures focusing on fresh and natural ingredients with no preservatives. Everything is made in small batches, which means that rather than mass production, the products are handcrafted and made in small amounts to ensure the best quality. As a privately owned, vegan, cruelty-free, organic brand, it also values transparency and sustainability. Its products use not only sustainably sourced and traceable ingredients, but also have minimal and recyclable packaging. All of which we applaud.

Because of its clean yet effective formula, Organic Works Bergamot Hand Wash  won the Best New Natural Product in the Pure Beauty Awards London 2020. It is 100% cruelty-free and great for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin. As a clean beauty product, 98.89% of its total ingredients come from natural sources, and 96.34% of the total plant-based ingredients are from organic farming. It’s formulated with aloe extract and several coconut-derived cleansing agents, which gently wash away impurities and keeps our skin silky smooth. Enriched with sweet orange and bergamot oils, it has a distinctive soft citrus fragrance combining the tropical orange and bergamot scent. Plus, the essential oils contained in the formula provide long-lasting protection against bacteria and dryness, and the therapeutic properties here can boost mood and awaken the senses. Best of all it leaves hands fragrant and soft – we can’t wait to try more from this brand. To purchase the 300ml Organic Works Bergamot Hand Wash at £10 for 300ml, see here. And when you’ve reached the end of the bottle, they offer a BIG 1000ml refill for this too at £27!

Yatlina Mask Drops & Simon Copeland Face Masks

When stepping outside our front door, wearing a mask has now become a necessity to keep our loved ones safe.  Today at The Amazing Blog  we’d like to introduce Yatlina’s Mask Drops who offer an ingenious solution, helping to keep our masks smelling fresh!

Yatlina was launched last year by Yasmine EIGhamrawy, a registered and certified aromatherapist, who’s created a range of aromatherapy-based products. EIGhamrawy worked in the fast-paced world of film visual effects for 20 years before switching to become an aromatherapist. This experience has helped her gain a better understanding of how to deal with stress, which is where she wants to impart this knowledge and passion to others. The brand's ethos is to create products with the highest quality ingredients using three core principles, the chemistry with potency, traditions with usage, and scent profiling. With these Yatlina Mask Drops delivers maximum effectiveness for everyday use, with ingredients that are 100% natural and cruelty-free. What makes Yatlina unique, is that they're the only brand to creates aromatherapy drops specifically designed for use with a face mask. These are a mix of pure essential oils and flower water hydrosols; which are safe to use close to the face, and can easily be washed off any fabric masks. Yatlina currently sells two Mask Drop products: Calm Blend and Power Up Blend in 10ml or 5 ml bottles.

We received both the Yatlina Mask Drops with The Calm Blend, and Power Up Blends. Both help lift the discomfort associated with wearing a mask by producing calming and energising aromas. When inhaled, these essential oils disrupt the central nervous systems stress signals and help the muscles relax, which activates the parasympathetic response that supports the immune system. Key ingredients used in both the Yatlina Mask Drop blends include caprylyl/capryl glucoside, flower water hydrosols and three main chemical constituents: linalyl acetate, linalool, and B-caryophyllene, which offer uplifting health benefits and make the formula safe to use on masks. Capryl glucoside is a natural low foam base and mild cleanser used in cosmetic products for sensitive skin individuals. It is plant-derived, biodegradable, and gentle on the skin. It creates fine and stable foam and is a good solubiliser for essential oils. Flower water hydrosols are produced by filtering fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plants. These waters are less concentrated than pure essential oils, making their aromas soft and subtle. The blend includes three chemical compounds: 24-36% of linalyl acetate, 24 - 33.34% of linalool, and 0.6- 2.5% of B-caryophyllene. Linalyl acetate reduces skin inflammation, heals rashes and reduces blood pressure. Linalool, which produces a pleasant floral aroma, is a common constituent in a wide variety of skincare products. It is anti-inflammatory and has sedative and stress-relieving effects through oil inhalation. B-caryophyllene is a primary contributor to black peppers spiciness and is a significant constituent in cloves, rosemary and cannabis. It is directly beneficial to colitis, osteoarthritis, anxiety, depression, liver fibrosis, and Alzheimer's type diseases. 

In the Calm Blend ingredients include soothing neroli, calming lavender and uplifting bergamot mint, which help promote calm and wellness and reduce depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, nausea, and stress. These inspire a feeling of being 'centred' and we found that there’s something very comforting and reassuring about this blend. In the Power Up Blend, rosemary, cooling peppermint, earthy clary sage and coriander combined help improve memory and concentration as well as reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. This aroma is bright, fresh and floral, and brings a creative clarity. It can be used when out and about or when needed for a good brain boost during the day. To use these Mask Drops: (1) Apply one drop to each side of the mask before wearing (2) Reapply if needed throughout the day. (3) If using a reusable cloth mask, wash it after every use and air dry to keep fresh and clean. They advise that these Mask drops can also be added to tissue or cotton wool to use as a light personal inhaler. We’ve loved using these drops and cannot recommend them highly enough. To purchase Yatlina's Mask Drops, see here where you can buy in full-size 10ml for £18.99 or in travel size 5ml for £10.99. 

You will also see  Simon Copeland's Technicolour Marilyn Mask pictured above. As a couturier and designer Simon Copeland's face masks highlight his creativity and sophistication with these fashionable designs. Customers can order personalised and unique masks - we highly recommend exploring more here. These masks are interlined with washable cotton jersey and lined with silk satin to be soft against the skin and could be worn daily in combination with Yatlina's Mask Drops. All profits from these face masks will be donated to NHS Charities. To purchase the Technicolour Marilyn (above) for £29.99, click here; ** 10% off discount code to use anytime until the end of March 2021 (code amzpr10).**

Ann & Eli Apothecary- Happy Period Tea

We knows how many women dread that ‘time of the month’ and at The Amazing Blog we like to find new ways to help ease period pains. Welcome Ann & Eli Apothecary who have created a solution with their Happy Period Tea.

Founder Andrea Bomo is a holistic wellness coach based in Montreal with a background in journalism. After her own rocky path in life, and after hearing others stories, this propelled her on to the natural health and wellness path. She spent her early twenties not paying much mind to her diet or mental health and suffered from chronic illness and depression. She was later diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome; which is when she decided to prioritise her health. Bomo is a great believer that there is a connection between our emotional and physical health. Thus her drive and inspiration behind creating Ann & Eli Apothecary is to help other women in need of support and guidance, especially to “ live naturally healthy lives and take care of their little ones.” Ann & Eli Apothecary specialise in a wide range of healing organic herbal teas and tinctures.

 The Happy Period Tea comes as a loose tea in a 57g bag with twenty five servings/portions. This tea is labelled as a menstrual cramps relief tea, but it can also help PMS and to help regulate the menstrual cycle. We recommend you use this tea if you have period pains before or during menstruation, experience PMS, have irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or have missing periods (amenorrhea). NB: They say please do not use this tea if you are pregnant. The suggested intake is to drink one to three cups a day, starting three days before the first day that your period is due. Scoop around one teaspoon of the tea into a cup or tea infuser before adding in boiling water, then allow the leaves to steep in the water for up to 15 minutes. After steeping, strain the leaves out and enjoy. Red raspberry leaf helps support healthy menstruation, toning the uterus, lessens cramps, and helps to regulate mood and hormones. Yarrow is used to relaxing the muscle in both the intestine and uterus. Sage is another ingredient that helps regulate the menstrual cycle in amenorrhea. Lemon balm also helps to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome. Mugwort, sounds worse than it is (!) and increases circulation to warm up the uterus, and also regulates hormone levels. The zingibain enzyme found in the ginger helps your body fight against inflammation. As mentioned, Ann & Eli Apothecary have a range of other herbal teas. These range from those for nursing mothers, pregnant women, and some are for the everyday person for everyday use, such as Cleanse Organic Liver-Detox tea and Morning Boost, to even Beauty Sleep and an immuniTea – something we all need now that we’re in #lockdown! To take period pains away try Happy Period Tea here 57g for £12.70.