Back to Basics

The start of a new year can deliver mixed emotions; in between festive season celebrations, hopefully some downtime enjoying the summer, there is the momentum of possibility for the year ahead, combined with the back to work and school routine which can be quite the hustle.

We want to take a moment to give you permission to take it slow, set yourself up for the year from a place of calm. Adopting simple, potent but trusted rituals that you can commit to, or come back to throughout the year and that deliver you back to inner clarity.

1. Ignite your potential for the year with Alexis Smart’s Unburden tincture, this remedy is our manifestation for the year ahead bottled. Creating feelings of capability, clarity and energy and dispelling tension and stress. A formula created to reduce the feelings of overwhelm.

Release those creative blocks, doubt and fear whilst igniting your potential. Start the year from a place of clarity, creativity and strength. 4 drops, 4 times a day under the tongue but May be taken more frequently as needed. 

2. The Stress-Skin Connection. Set yourself up to feel nurtured and supported before the stress sets in! We love adaptogens for this exact purpose and our naturopath Alice regularly imbibes her herbal remedies with adaptogens such as ashwagandha (withania), astragalus, ginseng, schisandra and tulsi.

What is the Stress - Skin connection? Studies show that both acute and chronic stress can exert negative effects on overall skin wellness, as well as exacerbate a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, and hair loss. When you feel stressed, your sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into your body. Cortisol causes increased oil production in your skin glands, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.But it’s not just a one-way street. Research has also shown that skin and hair follicles contain complex mechanisms to produce their own stress-inducing signals, which can travel to the brain and perpetuate the stress response. This is why we favour a holistic approach to skin care; topically treating the skin as well as internally treating the mind and body.

Why adaptogens? Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that help the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical or biological. These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Herbal, Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. Some, like holy basil, can be eaten as part of a meal, and some are consumed as supplements or brewed into teas. Studies have revealed that adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, antidepressive, reduce anxiety and increases alertness, attention, energy, and physical activity. We also love to reach for Activist’s Manuka Immune Elixir for immune support and maintenance. Relying on the power of manuka honey and a carefully selected range of adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms, this elixir was created to advance, restore and nourish your immune system from the inside out. With a base of spring water and glycerine, it's safe for the entire family, except for infants under 12 months. Add it to your routine, and advance your immune system with the power of Mother Nature.

For a personalised adaptogenic tonic visit Alice for a naturopathic consultation. More information on that here.

3. Daily brew. We know coffee habits die hard, and we’re not here to tell you to cut your cup of joe out completely, simply to recommend some tasty and soothing alternatives that won’t see you crash and burn if over consumed (cue the adaptogens!) We love herbal tea; and especially love an iced brew over the warmer months. We recommend brewing a jug and storing in the fridge to get you through a few days.

Post festive season we will be reaching for Mayde’s Serenity Tea, a floral blend of calming herbs, soothing lavender combines with rose, passionflower and chamomile to support the nervous and digestive systems and we will serve over ice with a sprig of mint or rosemary, and perhaps a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and feel a little bit smug as we do so (because who doesn’t when they drink herbal tea?)

4. Simplify your skincare. Take the overwhelm out of skincare with a trusted but simple routine. We introduced Rationale to the lineup at FENN in 2022 and we love the ease of which this range enhances our skin, and fits in with our existing hero products. The Essential Six Collections are built upon Rationale’s Six Pillars of Skin Health: Resilience, Vitality, Brilliance, Integrity, Clarity, and Renewal. Akin to six skin food groups, these collections work synergistically with your skin, protection during the day and repair overnight. Learn more about Rationale and which products would suit your skin with the Rationale designed, EpiNova Brilliance Facial. A regular facial routine is like a check up with your GP, allowing us to take care of your skin and adapt your skincare routine throughout the seasons.

5.Small luxuries can make a big difference to your day. A spritz of a clean but sumptuous fragrance (cue: Roemy’s No.6 Fragrance), an organic cotton robe from Mizar & Alcor that works effortlessly as a bathrobe, beachwear or in your everyday rituals and gives you that “spa” feeling even if worn for just a few minutes or reach for a soft towel that feels like a hug, hello Baina Bath Sheet in Moss or Clay.