How To: Get started with Herbal Supplements

Staying hale and hearty amongst the daily stresses and pressures of the modern world can sometimes be difficult. Lack of sleep, poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to poor health, and, while supplements should never take the place of a healthy lifestyle, they can offer support in moments of need. The best supplements are produced using natural products, which are more readily absorbed by the body, and made in small batches for quality and provenance. Here we showcase three local producers, all of whom grow or source the best ingredients for their wellbeing elixirs.

Nicky Skea, founder of Sorelle Health, based in Stow-on-the-Wold, studied Naturopathic Nutrition at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. Interested in autoimmune and digestive health, she went on to specialise in these areas, using Ayurvedic principles alongside western herbs and functional blood testing. She has now formulated a range of health products, derived from essential nutrients grown in real food, that do not contain synthetic chemicals or unnecessary additives and fillers.  Herbal adaptogens work well in conjunction with vitamins and minerals, helping us increase our resilience to stress and restore balance. Whether you want to increase your levels of Omega 3, or need a hand blended, botanical formula to restore your equilibrium, Sorelle Health has a selection of carefully prepared products to support the body.

We asked Nicky what her go-to product would be for a general all-round health boost.

"Making it's debut at Burford for Wellness Weekend would be my favourite starter product 'The 'Gut Flora Restora’.

A unique digestive health program designed by Sorelle Health’s Naturopath to kickstart you on your wellness journey. The gift box contains delicious fermented probiotic fruit, milk thistle for liver support and topical castor oil. This is a one month program with online support, suitable for those with digestive issues and also for vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten free."

Also based near Stow, Cotswold Orchard Herbs are similarly on a mission to enhance wellbeing naturally. Using organic produce and herbs harvested from their three-acre orchard, they create their own Fire Cider. Working to naturally improve circulation, stimulate digestion and protect against cold and flu, this apple cider vinegar has several adaptations, including a Bee Sweet version with raw honey, and a G&T (Ginger, Garlic and Turmeric) form, which acts as a warming tonic. The cider vinegar (with the mother) is combined with eighteen organic ingredients-  orange, red onion, turmeric, garlic, lemon, ginger, chilli, allspice, coriander seeds, mixed peppercorns, sage, rosemary, thyme, juniper berries, cinnamon, liquorice root, star anise, bay leaf, and is left to infuse for a minimum of five weeks, before being triple cold pressed to extract all the flavour and goodness. The resulting spicy, sweet and sour liquid can be taken as a tonic with a little water, or drizzled on roasted vegetables or salads, as well as added to sauces and marinades.

Renate tells us why we should all be discovering the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

"My 'go to’ first thing in the morning is a tablespoon of our G&T Boost Fire Cider mixed with a little warm water. I love to kick start my day with its initial zingy and warming feeling, knowing all the wonderful ingredients are working hard. Improving my gut health and digestion while boosting my circulation and immune system. I choose the G&T Boost blend over the other varieties as with its extra ginger and turmeric it is ‘boosted’ in targeting inflammation. I will be bringing plenty of samples of this to Wellness Weekend, so please do join us to taste the benefits yourself!"

Another local company extolling the virtues of high-quality homegrown herbal ingredients is Brookside Botanicals. Based on an organic farm in Warwickshire, three generations of women grow, harvest, distil and bottle small batches of pure herbal tonics. Clarity is designed to boost mood and energise, Calm works to reassure and Courage soothes and strengthens self-belief. Alcohol free, the tonics can be taken at any time of day, diluted with cold or hot water.

We asked Anthony how he prefers to take his tonic.

"I took a shot of our ‘calm’ blend in warm water to start my day today. The ancient combination of elderflower, meadowsweet, vervein and lavender created a gentle and surprising sweetness in my morning hydration ritual. It was the perfect and peace-giving start to another full-on day."

What unites these producers is their appreciation for the power of herbs, and in undertaking the centuries-old practice of growing, harvesting, distilling, infusing and blending these plants, they harness restorative powers from the earth, preparing them for us to enjoy.

As with all supplements, these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. We would always recommend consulting your doctor or a healthcare professional if you have any questions or require further guidance.