An Update from Jo

I am writing this on the day of the Spring Equinox, where day and night are equal in length and we start to get more light returning to this part of the world. We were chatting about daylight saving here at the shop and I was surprised that not everyone prefers it. I love to exercise outside in nature so for me having more daylight hours is something I look forward to. We have also been planning our staff Christmas function this week, which seems crazy to me that we are heading into that busy time of the year already! We are going to The Painted Table for some creative time before a yummy lunch out. They only just opened in downtown Tauranga in September so it's great to be able to support a new local business. 

If you are already starting to think about gift ideas Gratitude Diaries for 2027 are now available and Astrovision Calendars and She Universe Christmas chocolate won't be far away. 

On Labour weekend will be be open our usual Saturday from 9am to 3pm but closed on Monday 28th so we can all have some family time. Wishing everyone a great month ahead, look forward to seeing you instore again soon.

Our Vision

At Bethlehem Health Shop, we support ethical suppliers and sell quality, researched products. We offer sincere advice from our team of caring, trained staff.

Thank you so much for supporting your locally owned Community Health Store.

• Symphony Range as featured in this months product spotlight - 10% off 
• Weleda - 20% off Face Care products (excludes Skin Food facecare)
• Puro Bio Natural and Organic Italian Makeup Range -10% off
• Incense Sticks and Cones - all brands 15% off
• Indie and Mae Body and Bath Range "Self Care Meets Soul Care" - 10% off
• BHONE 4-in-1 Collagen + Protein Bone Broth Powder - Purchase a 418g tub and get a FREE stick blender
• Spend $69 or more on Living Nature and get a FREE Advanced Renewal Night Serum valued at $49 
• Spend $59 or more on Herb Farm products, and receive a FREE Repairing Rosehip & Calendula Oil valued at $32.90
• Buy any TWO products from the Kooshoo Hair Accessory range and get a 2 pack of plastic free hair scrunchies FREE
• Buy any TWO Holistic Hair products and get a FREE trial size Herbal Finishing Rinse Concentrate 

All of the above specials and offers are only valid while stocks last.

• Natroceutics Lions Mane, 60 caps
• PrimeSelf PEA, 60 caps
• Metagenics MetaRelax Recharge Overnight, 30 caps
• Turbo Tonic cans - Turmeric, Ginger & Lime with Manuka Honey and added sparkling water, 330ml
• Kiss the Earth range - Blue Lotus Butterfly Pea tea, 20g.  Euphoria 50x high strength Blue Lotus tincture, 50ml.  Blue Lotus Euphoric Elixir, 500ml non-alcoholic mood enhancer
• Health Lab Protein Bar - Strawberry & Matcha, 50g
• Health Lab Dubai Choc Protein Ball, 40g 
• Speick Men's Active Deodorant Roll-On, 50ml
• Speick Men's Shaving Foam with aloe vera, 200ml
• Briax Abrasive Work Soap for extra dirty hands and laundry stains
• Spice & Easy dip mixes - Beetroot, Tzatziki or Periperi flavours
• Remarkable Chocolate range of Chocolate Bark - Expresso Martini, Peppermint, White Chocolate w Salted Pistachio & Cranberry, Milk Chocolate w Salted Peanut & Strawberry, Dark Chocolate w Pavlova & Strawberry
• LifeSeasons Detox-R Microplastic, Toxin & Heavy Metal Cleanse, 90 caps
• LifeSeasons Children's Calm & Focus Chewables, 90 tablets
• Chief Collagen Protein single serve sachets - Creamy Vanilla or Dark Chocolate, 15g
• Little & Often range of wholefood seasoning made with grass-fed beef organs - Original, Little Spice, BBQ Bliss or Cinnamon Glow flavours, 75g sachet

Symphony Range for Hormonal Support

Symphony Femmenessence MacaPause is clinically proven hormone support for post- menopausal women.  This is for women who have not menstruated for over 12 months, including women 50,  60, 70 years and beyond. MacaPause is beneficial for general health (energy, sleep, weight, hair, skin & nails), postmenopausal symptoms including vaginal dryness and libido; plus heart, bone & cognitive health. 

Symphony Revolution MacaFlow supports prostate health. In addition to two targeted maca phenotypes the MacaFlow contains Saw Palmetto. This unique formulation is designed for synergy, with each ingredient contributing a distinct role in supporting healthy cellular activity and a balanced inflammatory response.  MacaFlow also supports healthy antioxidant activity and hormone balance.

Symphony pH Quintessence is more than a greens supplement, it’s a highly concentrated 40:1 alfalfa formula designed to support pH balance, natural detoxification and overall vitality. It supports healthy pH balance and alkalinity, especially for those who consume acid producing foods like coffee, alcohol, sugar and meat.  It aids hormone clearance in the liver, promoting overall hormonal balance when used in conjunction with the Femmenessence and MacaFlow products. 

To be in to win, simply reply to this email and tell us which product you would like to win.

Congratulations to Vicky Anderson who was last month's lucky winner of the Tohora Kawakawa, Hemp & Lavender Massage Oil.  

Yes, we can buy the vitamins.  We can put them out every morning and take them with our breakfast.  But are we truly getting the full benefits (and value for money) out of them?  With pressure on everyone’s wallet at the moment, now more than ever, it is well worth looking at how to get the most out of your supplements.

Time of Day

It would make sense that we generally would take stimulating nutrients in the morning, while more calming supplements are taken in the evening.  Therefore, any B vitamins, including B-complex, along with CoQ10, PQQ, iodine, functional mushrooms and stimulating herbs such as rhodiola or ginseng, should be taken in the morning.  Vitamins A, C, D, E & K or fish oil should also generally be taken before the afternoon where possible.

The adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha (Withania) is an interesting one, as individuals vary in their reaction to it – some find it stimulating, while others find it calming.  Therefore, you may need to experiment with what time of day works for you when taking Ashwagandha.

In the evening, magnesium, inositol, phytomelatonins and relaxing herbs and mushrooms such as reishi are best taken for maximum benefits to relaxation and sleep. Fast-acting relaxants such as L-Theanine and Glycine need only be 30-60 minutes before bed, but tart cherry should be around 1-2 hours before.  Magnesium Glycinate or Threonate should be around 2 hours before bed in a consistent routine to get full benefits over 2-4 weeks of taking. 

All other minerals and vitamins not mentioned should be fine taken at any time of the day, however, there are always differences specific to individuals.

With or Without Food?

Many supplements are recommended to be taken with food, as it reduces the risk of any digestive upsets.  For herbs, it will also make their effects gentler if taken with food – so this is a good idea for those sensitive individuals.  Probiotics have also shown to have better survival rates and effectiveness when taken with or directly following a meal.

Bitter herbs that aid digestion, such as gentian, artichoke or dandelion should be taken before a meal.  While soothing, mucilaginous herbs such as slippery elm, marshmallow, psyllium or flaxseed should be taken on an empty stomach to allow them to soothe the digestive tract and not interfere with absorption of other nutrients.  

Other supplements that should not be taken with food include iron, NAC, Lysine and Glutamine.  There may however be differences between individual product formulations, so it is best to follow any directions on the supplement packaging.

Positive Interactions

As already mentioned with vitamin C and iron, or digestive enzymes with fat-soluble vitamins, there can be beneficial combinations of supplements that increase their efficacy or absorption.  You may find that combination products in store already put these together – such as vitamin D with K2 for bone health.  

Another positive interaction is probiotics with B vitamins.  When we improve the gut microbiota it not only increases our own in-house production of B vitamins, it also enhances our absorption and utilisation of the B vitamins in our diet or supplements.  

Vitamin D also has positive interactions with magnesium.  They should be considered for supplementing alongside each other, as magnesium improves activation and function of vitamin D within the body, while sufficient vitamin D can also enhance absorption of magnesium.  Vitamin D can also assist with calcium absorption when calcium intake is inadequate.  

Time to Review

If you currently have a number of supplements that you routinely take, I encourage you to take the time to review what, when and how you are taking, to ensure you are getting the best ‘bang for your buck’ for your health outcomes.  

Article supplied by Claire George, one of our staff Naturopaths. Claire is available for neuro integration treatment and naturopathic support appointments at our shop clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays.  See www.headfirsthealth.co.nz for more information.

Cauliflower, Peanut & Tofu Larb

A fresh and funky tofu larb with cauliflower, peanuts, lime juice and lashings of fresh herbs.
By Amber, a food obsessive, mother, writer and photographer based in Hamilton.

"Larb is a type of 'meat salad' popular in Northern Thailand and Laos, usually made with ground meat, mushrooms or tofu; tons of fresh herbs; chopped chilli; lime juice; soy sauce or tamari; and a splash of fish sauce.  Larb made with crumbled tofu is really delicious, it's a light and refreshing yet quite high protein meal. I leave out the fish sauce, but you can add a little if you like it".

Serves 4

Instructions

For the dressing:
If using palm sugar from a block, crush or finely chop it. Mix all dressing ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. Taste for balance - the dressing should be sharp and sour, salty, a little sweet and spicy. If you like it hot, you can add more chilli flakes to the dressing. Set aside.

For the tofu larb:
Put 3 tablespoons of uncooked rice in a dry frypan over medium-high heat. Keep the rice moving for 3-5 minutes until it turns golden to dark brown, then remove from heat. Allow to cool, then grind to a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, blender or food processor. Set aside.

Heat the cooking oil and sesame oil in a frypan (skillet) over high heat. Add peanuts and cook, stirring, for a few minutes until they start to colour and smell fragrant. Add red onion and garlic and cook briefly. Add the chopped cauliflower and cook for another minute, then use your hands to crumble the tofu into the pan. Stir to combine, cook for another minute, then pour over the dressing. Add the ground rice and the whole pile of greens - herbs, mung bean sprouts, spring onions and makrut lime leaves - to the pan at once and quickly stir through.

To serve:
Serve tofu larb fresh from the pan with your choice of rice and accompaniments. Iceberg lettuce leaves can be used to make little parcels of rice and larb to eat with your hands.