Not every day is easy during lockdown which makes it more important than ever to take care of your physical and emotional wellbeing. The experts at Pukka have these top tips on how to feel more energised and get rid of common aches and pains.
Try Matcha for a natural energy boost
We know that some days you don’t wake up with that spring in your step . Matcha can naturally boost your energy levels. It originates from Japan and is produced from green tea leaf, however, matcha is more concentrated. Packed with ten times the antioxidants found in a regular cup of green tea, it helps to protect the body from free radical damage and can boost metabolism. Matcha contains a compound called L-Theanine, a naturally calming agent that works with the caffeine to provide a calm, focused and happy energy. It is an amazing alternative to coffee as it gives you a natural energy lift. We recommend: Pukka Clean Matcha Green
Take turmeric to reduce soreness and inflammation
A recent survey showed that 25 per cent of Brits are more active now than before lockdown restrictions were introduced,. John Lewis & Partners reported a surge in sales of gym equipment and activewear. But this increased exercise can take a toll on our bodies, leading to a rise in annoying niggles. Also known as the ‘Golden Goddess’ in India – turmeric is well known for being a potent anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that turmeric actively inhibits inflammatory pathways within the body, making it the perfect sports partner for muscle damage, reducing inflammation in joints and muscles, and improving delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) with evidence for enhanced recovery of muscle performance to support mobility and exercise. Try: Pukka Turmeric Active
Use nettle to help support ‘lockdown skin’
If face masks, serums and creams weren’t already a staple in your weekly skincare regimen, we’re going to guess that they are now. With more time on our hands, it seems many of us are searching for skincare products that will give our skin a little TLC. Plants can naturally purify your skin, particularly nettles. Nourishing, cleansing and rich in chlorophyll, nettle has been used for centuries as a skin purifier. Nettle leaves have properties which help to cleanse your body, blood and helps to flush out toxins to support the processes needed to maintain a clearer skin. Additionally, they’re laced with anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a good option for helping to soothe irritated skin. Try: Pukka Cleanse
Try Chamomile for physical and mental harmony
According to a new poll from LinkedIn, in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, found that 56 per cent of adults surveyed said they were feeling more anxious or stressed during lockdown. It’s well known that stress can affect various factors, including sleep and digestion.
Chamomile flower is rich in relaxing essential oils that affect nerve transmitters linked with anxiety to effectively improve sleep and release stress. It is recommended for finding harmony and balance within the digestive and nervous system, helping to relax the muscles, prevent cramps, reduce abdominal bloating, and calm nervous anxiety.
Bedtime herbs to help with sleepless nights
Since the coronavirus lockdown, the hashtag ‘can’t sleep’ has been trending, with tales of people struggling to get their heads down for the night. During sleep, the immune system releases proteins called cytokines which help to promote sleep and now more than ever it’s important to get a good seven to eight-hour rest per night to fight off potential illness. There are a range of medicines available to help people with sleep problems with many different types of side-effects. In contrast, research shows that side-effects from herbal medicines for sleep and relaxation are rarely experienced.
Valerian – works as a natural sedative, relaxing the nervous system to enhance and improve sleep. It binds to receptors on GABA nerves to induce relaxation.
Oatflower – Oats naturally contain Tryptophan which helps regulate our bodies natural circadian rhythms and melatonin is synthesised from Tryptophan. It is melatonin that influences you to feel sleepy; its release can be inhibited even by the presence of artificial light.
Lavender – high in essential oils to relieve stress and improve sleep.
A herb to help with energy and healthy immune system
Ashwagandha – not so easy to pronounce but it’s a herb well worth knowing. A key adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha nourishes the adrenal glands and central nervous system. It can, therefore, help to calm and strengthen the nervous system to in turn manage stress and help you to relax. Ashwagandha can also have a positive knock-on effect helping to ease chronic, stress-related conditions such as IBS, depression, loss of libido and fatigue.
