Clean Skincare Hot or Not?! (Tallow, Essential Oils, Minimalist Routine, Microplastics & More)| Emilie Toups

July 3rd 2025

Dr. Will Cole

Clean Skincare Hot or Not?! (Tallow, Essential Oils, Minimalist Routine, Microplastics & More)| Emilie Toups Click An Icon Below To Subscribe In the world of wellness, skincare is often overlooked – but it shouldn’t be. In this episode, I sit down with Emilie Toups, the founder of Toups & Co Organics, to unpack how conventional…

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Clean Skincare Hot or Not?! (Tallow, Essential Oils, Minimalist Routine, Microplastics & More)| Emilie Toups

Vanilla Latte Coffee Scrub Recipe

July 3rd 2025

Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families

I love the smell of coffee and I love drinking coffee (with butter!). But it turns out that coffee grounds also make a great body scrub. Not only does it remove dead skin cells, but it can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Coffee Scrub For Healthier Skin Coffee beans are full of antioxidants and […]

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https://wellnessmama.com/beauty/vanilla-latte-sugar-scrub/

Preventing the winter ills

July 2nd 2025

WellBeing Magazine

A holistic cold and flu prevention plan using vitamins, herbs, lifestyle tips and immune support for a healthy, resilient winter.

A 67-year-old recently retired woman was concerned with the coming cold and flu season and wanted a program to protect her from infections. For two to three years, she had been getting the annual flu vaccine from her doctor, but she had been increasingly reacting adversely to the vaccine – getting a worse dose of the flu than she ever used to prior to the vaccinations. Research shows that while the flu vaccines help some people, they are not always as effective in older people as they are purported to be. The figures show that in elderly people, less than 30 per cent find them effective.

She agreed to follow a program for the next few months. These programs are more effective if commenced at the change of season, before the flu season really kicks in. Flu viruses mutate every year, so this is an annual program. She was taking minimal supplementation that was not specific enough for her current situation.

General hygiene is a basic first step. Wash hands regularly in warm soapy water (pure soap does not contain the chemicals contained in sanitisers). Masks are useful if you have a cough and to protect others from your germs – not so much for personal protection.

When tested, her Vitamin D levels were 60 (just inside the lower end of normal range). A measure of 100–120 is significantly more effective for health and respiratory protection, so a combination supplement of Vitamin D3 and K2(spray) was recommended. As winter was coming and her levels were low, it was recommended she take four to five sprays per day after food (if taken on an empty stomach, only about 15 per cent is absorbed).

Zinc is an important antiviral and immune stimulant. A dose of 25-50mg elemental zinc was recommended daily, and older formulas were preferred with relevant cofactors including manganese. Zinc is better absorbed if taken with the night meal. Magnesium is important – particularly if experiencing cramps regularly – along with vitamin A, which strengthens membranes.

Vitamin c is critical. She was taking calcium ascorbate, but this formula is not the most effective. She needed to switch to a mixed ascorbate formula, or one made from rose hips or acerola cherries (or camu camu powder). Vitamin c dose was 1000mg twice a day.

A formula of herbal medicines was suggested that contained echinacea (long-term use of this is not recommended), olive leaf, mullein, elecampane, elder berry and cat’s claw. Olive leaf also has blood pressure-lowering properties – often useful in older people. Andrographis is very effective for some, but be careful of the dose as it can also cause adverse reactions in sensitive people.

It was also necessary to get plenty of sleep, regular exercise – preferably in the early morning sun – and ensure adequate hydration. If she felt a cold or flu coming on, rest was recommended.

Zinc, vitamin c and herbs will stimulate the body to eradicate the pathogen. The second aspect when dealing with infections is to reduce the inflammation triggered by the pathogen that allows it to spread – quercetin (one dose twice per day) was recommended.

In case of infections, doubling the doses of these remedies and taking them three times per day for a couple of days will minimise symptoms and aid in a quick recovery. A spoonful of a good-quality raw honey in a lemon and honey hot drink will help. Raw garlic, onions, ginger and turmeric relieve the inflammation and reduce the infection. Chicken soup (“mother’s penicillin”) supports immunity with its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Cold and flu viruses create acidic environments, so alkalising is recommended. Apple cider vinegar daily and half to one teaspoon of bicarb soda in filtered water are effective. Eucalyptus oil in an inhalation relieves sore chests or coughing, and salt water (or sage tea) gargles help with sore throats.

A significant part of immune system strength starts in the gut, so ensuring a healthy gut microbiome goes a long way in prevention. Fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir (based on coconut rather than dairy) and kimchi are excellent.

I saw this woman several years ago and she has followed this program from April through winter and, to date, she has only had one incident of feeling unwell, which lasted a couple of days. She is very happy with the result and feels she has greater control over her health.

Article featured in WellBeing Magazine 216

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Preventing the winter ills

Beauty benefits of biotin

July 2nd 2025

WellBeing Magazine

If you’ve ever scrolled through beauty blogs or wandered the supplement aisle, chances are you’ve come across a popular ingredient known for its benefits to hair, skin and nails: biotin. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?

Also known as vitamin B7, this water-soluble nutrient plays a key role in the body’s metabolic functions. It helps convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy, supporting vitality, brain function and digestion. While often linked to beauty benefits, it’s essential for overall health too.

The natural beauty connection

Once little-known, biotin has now become a regular part of beauty routines thanks to its visible results in skin, hair and nail health. Let’s explore how it supports natural beauty from within.

Hair growth and strength

By promoting keratin production, biotin helps hair follicles stay nourished and resilient. This can lead to thicker, shinier hair and may help reduce thinning or breakage. People with low levels of this nutrient often experience hair loss, making it a go-to for healthy hair support.

It also plays a part in preventing split ends and encouraging growth, especially for those aiming to maintain long, strong locks.

Nail resilience

Struggling with brittle or peeling nails? Biotin may help strengthen them and support growth. It’s known to increase nail thickness and reduce breakage, especially useful during cold seasons or times of stress.

Healthier skin

For your skin, biotin can make a noticeable difference. It helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, supporting elasticity and hydration. Some find it helpful for managing conditions like eczema, acne and dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory support.

Clearer complexions

By balancing fatty acid metabolism and oil production, biotin can also help reduce breakouts and improve overall skin tone.

How to boost intake naturally

Luckily, this vitamin is easy to incorporate into your diet. Found in many nutrient-dense foods, it fits well into a whole-food lifestyle.

Start your day with a breakfast rich in biotin – think scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado, or a smoothie made with berries, almond butter and chia seeds.

Here are some of the best food sources:

  • Eggs (especially the yolk)

  • Nuts and seeds, including almonds and sunflower seeds

  • Legumes like chickpeas and lentils

  • Avocados, full of healthy fats and this essential vitamin

  • Sweet potatoes, which also provide skin-loving vitamins A and C

  • Berries, offering antioxidants that pair well with biotin

  • Leafy greens such as spinach and kale

If you’re not getting enough from food, a natural supplement might help. Choose a whole-food-based biotin option, and consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new regimen.

The takeaway

Adding biotin to your daily routine is a simple, natural way to support radiant beauty and lasting wellness. When paired with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, it offers benefits that go beyond the surface—strengthening your hair, nourishing your skin, and giving your nails a healthy boost.

Just remember: beauty starts from within, and biotin is only one part of the holistic wellness picture.

Article featured in WellBeing Magazine 216

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Beauty benefits of biotin