You won't be surprised to learn that good health is on the mind of all at The Herbtender. Not only passionate about their own thoughtfully-crafted natural supplements, each The Herbtender team member has unique approaches to managing their own health and wellbeing.
In this month's blog, you'll get to know each team member as they share their personal health hacks with us. We recommend having a notepad and pen at the ready!
LAURA
Hi Laura, what's your role at The Herbtender?
I’m co-founder of The Herbtender and responsible for all things creative. It’s my job to protect and develop the visual side of our brand. I also look after our communication, socials and communities.
You sound busy! We'd love to know your favourite The Herbtender product and why?
The one product I wouldn’t live without is Calm & Collected. For me, it helps to quieten my busy mind at the end of the day, and it's the only healthy thing I’ve found that helps me to get to sleep. I’m also calmer overall...win-win!
If you could recommend one health hack to everyone, what would it be?
Let food be your medicine! Focus on putting the best possible whole foods into your body. Invest in a wide variety of plants, ensure you’re getting enough good quality protein and avoid vegetable and seed oils. Also, steer clear of ultra-processed foods whenever possible.
Great tips, thanks! So, how do you prepare for a good night's sleep after a busy day?
As a lifelong sleep-challenged person, my preparation for sleep starts in the morning. I take my vitamins and minerals first thing so they don’t disturb sleep, and I avoid caffeine after mid-day. About an hour before bed, I drink a night-time tea and take my faithful The Herbtender Calm & Collected to quieten my mind. All tech is out of the bedroom at night.
Can you tell us what's your favourite physical activity and why?
I walk my dog every day and am always happy to be outdoors. Even when I’m busy and find it difficult to get out, I’m grateful to be there when we’re walking. I’m a speedy walker and love to stretch my legs.
And to finish off, can you share a quick and healthy recipe that you love?
A friend introduced me to this delicious, healthy snack: remove the stone from a date, fill with almond butter, and (this is the best bit, don’t skip it) top with liquorice powder. Yum!
Sounds delicious! Thanks, Laura.
MARK
Hey Mark. First question...what's your role at The Herbtender?
I make things happen.
That sounds busy! So, what does your morning routine look like?
For me, it varies depending if I am commuting or not. Regardless, there is exercise, a protein breakfast, and tea. There is always tea.
And as you move through the day, do you have any tips on avoiding an afternoon energy slump?
I definitely avoid lunchtime carbs. And Rise & Shine is an awesome afternoon slayer, even though I have it at 7am.
Love the expression 'afternoon slayer'! If you could recommend one health hack to everyone, what would it be?
A daylight alarm clock for winter. Damn, I hate those dark mornings and these just make it a bit easier to wake up fresh and ready for the day. Whoever thought the classic alarm clock sirening out was a good idea!
In agreement with you there. We'd love to know your favourite The Herbtender product and why?
I'm split between Rise & Shine and Daily Defence. They are a kicking combo and are my daily go-to. If I forget, I just don’t get as much done!
And last but not least, what 3 things do you do daily to keep your mind and body healthy?
It's essential I exercise for at least 60 minutes every day – whether a dog walk, a distance swim, a strength workout, a cycle to work, you name it. No caffeine after 2pm. I'm sensitive to it; otherwise, I don’t sleep well. And no phones in the bedroom – they kill you slowly, and you need a night off to recover!
We’ll let you get back to making things happen, Mark. Thanks for your time!
SCHIA
Hello Schia! We'd love to know about your role at The Herbtender...
I'm The Herbtender's Chief Herbalist. So, I design the products, including which herbs to use, what form, and how much of each. I'm also involved with all aspects of our communication around herbs, such as research, writing blog posts and talks, and checking through any information we publish about them.
What a fascinating role you have! Can you tell us one product you use on a daily basis that you couldn't be without?
Magnesium! It helps with many of the body's functions and is truly lacking in our diets. It keeps my sleep on track too.
And if you could recommend one health hack to everyone, what would it be?
Keep moving! I started yoga again three years ago after a long break and it made such a difference. I could see myself getting stronger and the stretches really helped ease out a frozen shoulder that was slowly getting worse before that.
Let's talk about fuelling the body. What quick and healthy recipe do you love to make?
A low histamine version of a Caprese salad: lettuce leaves covered with sliced peaches and mozzarella, drizzled over with a dressing made of olive oil blended with basil leaves, apple cider vinegar and salt. I sprinkle pine nuts on top too - yum!!
That sounds incredible, thanks! What do you do to limit stress in your daily life?
I light some candles and meditate every evening before I go to bed. Some nights I get into the zone, other nights my mind is all over the place. Either way, I find it really nurturing and love to have that space and time to myself.
And finally, we've got to ask...what's your favourite The Herbtender product and why?
That's a tough one, as having come up with all of the formulae, I'm quite attached to them all! The two I've used the most are Daily Defence and Focus & Clarity. Daily Defence is my 'go-to' to help keep my immune system ticking over through the winter. Focus & Clarity has been a godsend while my daughter has been doing her GCSE mocks. They genuinely helped her get through her morning exams and stay on track.
Thanks for sharing that with us, Schia!
RYAN
Hey Ryan! What's your role at The Herbtender?
I do all the digital marketing for The Herbtender. Essentially anything online, including e-mail marketing and ads. I also manage our online store and make sure everything runs smoothly on that front.
Let's start with your morning routine. What does that consist of?
Depending on the time of year, I'll first put on a daylight lamp. Then I'll make a cup of Swiss Water decaf coffee (it's 100% chemical-free), to which I add a tablespoon of clotted cream, a 4-second pour of MCT oil and 15g of collagen. I'll also eat a tin of mackerel in olive oil, which helps me hit my protein goals in the morning, giving me energy without the crash I'd get from carbs.
Love the specifics there! So, what's your favourite The Herbtender product and why?
I don't like to have too much of a kick in the morning because my brain and body can't handle it. I like to have focus but not too much of an energy boost. It needs to be smooth, and Focus & Clarity ticks all the boxes for me. My favourite for sure!
And if you could recommend one health hack to everyone, what would it be?
It's a combo for me...light and sleep. 2-3 hours before bed, I crack on a red light and turn off all the white and yellow lights. It makes a hugely positive impact on my sleep. Going to bed early, about 9-10pm, also has benefits. You'll naturally wake up around 4-5am and can get so much done in the morning. You'll feel great too!
Sounds like a great combo! We'd love to know what your favourite physical activity is and why?
Swimming is my favourite physical activity, followed closely by cycling. I used to get up super early as a young boy and go swimming before school. It's so great for you and is low-impact - I just love it!
And finally, can you share with us a quick and healthy recipe?
I'm a functional eater, so most of my cooking doesn't really involve cooking! But one of my favourite go-to recipes is Moroccan Mess. Soak some buckwheat, strain it and then bring to a boil in a pan of water. Strain a tin of haricot beans and black beans. Open a pomegranate and mix the seeds with the beans. Add together with the buckwheat when ready, and top with avocado oil, garam masala and fresh mint. Mix and enjoy!
You've left us feeling hungry! Thanks for your time, Ryan.
SILVIJA
It's great to meet you, Silvija. Can you tell us a bit about your role at The Herbtender?
Hey! I take on a variety of roles at The Herbtender, including event production and coordination, creative content creation and retail management.
That does sound varied! Can you share with us 3 things you do daily to keep your mind and body healthy?
To maintain my mind and body's peak performance, I follow a daily routine that includes dry brushing for lymphatic drainage, taking my adaptogens in both capsule and tincture form, and hydrating my body with herbal teas.
Talking about adaptogens, what's your favourite The Herbtender product and why?
Currently, my top pick from The Herbtender is Calm & Collected, a blend of Lion's Mane, Ashwagandha and Holy Basil that helps me stay grounded and achieve restful sleep during demanding times.
We'd love to hear what your go-to healthy snack is...
My healthy snacking go-to is a mix of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pecans, and cashews, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And to create a deeper connection with my food, I often research the benefits of what I'm consuming, which helps me better understand how I'm taking care of myself.
Any tips on how to avoid an afternoon energy slump?
I'd recommend skipping refined carbohydrates and sugars in favour of foods high in fibre and protein. This way, you can maintain a healthy balance and keep your energy levels up all day long.
We'll have to try that! And if you could recommend one health hack to everyone, what would it be?
Prioritise your gut microbiome's health by consuming a diverse range of foods rich in soluble fibre, such as leafy greens and vegetables. By supporting your digestive system, you can supercharge your immunity and enhance your mental well-being through the gut-mind connection.
What brilliant tips! Thanks, Silvija.
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Do you have any questions for The Herbtender team? We'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment below, pop us an email (hello@the-herbtender.com), or send us a DM at @theherbtender.
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