I wanted to write a quick review of this lip balm, not because I have tried it myself, but because I suggested that a client of mine try it due to it’s antiviral action.

Anyone prone to cold sores will know that changes in atmospheric conditions, and particularly in winter when we are battered by cold winds are likely to give rise to an outbreak.

The lip balm contains Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil, and most importantly Propolis. It also has an SPF 15 (UVA-UVB) and moisturises, and protects the lips. The anti-viral action of the Propolis was powerful enough for my client to avoid having an outbreak of cold sores when he was at his most vulnerable. As the recipe is fragrance-free it’s ideal for men. The lack of preservatives, coloring agents and Parabens reduces the risk of allergies.

For more information, please visit the ESI website.

Kaloba Syrup is produced by a company called Schwabe who are, in their own words, “committed to improving people’s health and wellbeing and do so using only the finest plant based, natural healthcare products.”

I started using this syrup for myself and my child when there seemed to be so many viruses floating around involving chest and throat infections. I’m happy to say we didn’t succumb properly to any of them.

It contains pelargonium sidiodes root extract and is sweetened by Xylitol, the least harmful sugar-replacement out there. This is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used to relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, sore throats, coughs and a runny nose.

Suitable for adults and children from 6 years+

More information at the Schwabe website.

The question that people ask me when I recomment Allicin to them is ‘What makes this garlic (derived) supplement any different to the garlic supplement that I am taking now?’ It’s a good question.

I take Allicin because of it’s anti-microbial and immune supporting actions. It certainly seems to ward off the worst of all those viruses that the kids bring home from school! And that’s coming from someone who has, in the past, been susceptible to every little virus going, and the occasional bout of tonsilitis. If I start feeling a little under the weather I increase my dose (in addition to Vitamin C and Zinc which I seem naturally tend to be low in).

The answer to the question is that Allicin is the most potent thing in garlic, however, as the brand’s preferred retailer says:

“No other garlic supplements contain ANY allicin. They rely on your body being able to generate allicin once you have swallowed the tablet or capsule. Garlic oil supplements are produced by distilling fresh garlic, the oil that is produced is then diluted and placed into a capsule. This destroys most, if not all of the available allicin. A few garlic powder supplements can generate some allicin but this depends on the prevailing stomach conditions and may take several hours to accomplish conversion to allicin. New AllicinMax® doesn’t need to wait to be converted since it actually IS allicin. When AllicinMax® enters your stomach it dissolves for easy absorption into the blood stream and breaks down to form allicin derivatives. The allicin in AllicinMax® likes the acid environment of your stomach, unlike other supplements that can be inactivated by acidic conditions.”

Don’t just take their word for it however, pick some up for yourself at B Healthy in St Albans. More information at www.allimax.com/products.html