by Admin | May 1, 2018 | Health & Wellness
If you’re like a lot of Australians you’ve wondered from time to time about the effectiveness of natural cleaners. Will they live up to their promise? Will they get in and remove dirt, grime and germs the way ‘regular’ cleaning products do? Will they leave your house or your clothes smelling fresh, clean and fragrant?
Made from non-toxic, plant based ingredients, natural household cleaning ranges have been carefully manufactured to ensure they are powerful enough to perform they function they’re made for but gentle enough to have around your home, your children and pets.
DIY
You can’t beat good old fashioned baking soda and vinegar for some household tasks. It’s especially good for removing tea stains from pots and cups and for helping clear blocked drains.
But for convenience we all find ourselves turning to commercial products. They’re easy to grab out of the cupboard and are generally fit for purpose. Here’s a few of our current favourites. Tried and tested by members of the team – both at work and home.
Kin Kin Naturals Laundry Liquid
First up, we love the smell, with eucalypt, tangerine and lemon myrtle essential oils. Talk about a fresh fragrance! This product contains no LAS or SLS – but includes eco-friendly potassium coconut soap and potassium citrate to get the job done. It’s also made on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland so gets extra points for being locally made.
Eco Logic Tile and Floor Cleaner
None of us like cleaning floors (do we?) but this Rose and Geranium floor cleaner makes the job a little easier. It contains NO ammonia which makes for a good start. Instead it’s made up of beautiful, natural ingredients like Lavender, Soapwort, Horsetail herb, Coconut extracts, Citrus seed extract and Rose Geranium essential oil. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will kill germs in their tracks and is safe to use on timber and tiled floors. It is also biodegradable and septic safe.
Ecostore Wool Wash
This eco-friendly product is great for delicates such as lace, wool and silk. It can be used for hand washes or machine wash in top or front loaders. The pH balanced formula ensures an effective clean and is kind to sensitive skin. The Eucalyptus fragrance is pretty nice too.
Organic Clean Oven, BBQ and Grill Clean
This is a powerful but non-caustic, non-toxic cleaner that cuts through grease and baked on gunk from oven, grills and your BBQ. It is made from environmentally friendly ingredients and Eucalyptus, Lemon Myrtle and Rosalina essential oils.
For people who suffer from sensitive skin or allergies, natural products are a lifesaver but we recommend always reading the labels carefully and speaking to a WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods team member for advice.
by Admin | Mar 20, 2018 | Lifestyle
While the beach is the obvious drawcard for visitors to the Sunshine Coast there are a whole host of beautiful walks, climbs and hiking trails, both beachside and hinterland that make for a great day out for locals and visitors alike.
Walking these trails will expose you to a diverse range of landscapes from bush to rainforest and beach terrain, not to mention the wildlife you’ll encounter along the way.
When our Maroochydore team are not in-store spreading the love for all things holistic and healthy, they love nothing more than getting out and about discovering hidden trails and re-exploring old favourites. Here are their top four recommendations.
Mount Coolum
Located mid-way between Maroochydore and Noosa, Mt Coolum is easy to access and once at the top gives amazing coastal views and features rare plants, wildflowers and birdlife. The hike is steep – at the peak Mt Coolum is 208 metres above sea level but there is no pressure to rush the climb. We love to take it easy and enjoy the scenery as we go. If you are walking in summer, we’d recommend going early to avoid the heat and sun.
Noosa National Park
This would have to be one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country. For a first-timer, we’d recommend doing the Coastal Walk to give you a stunning view of beaches and coves from Noosa all the way to Sunshine Beach. Start at the Hastings St end pack your togs and towel as there are some beautiful (and often less busy) beaches to stop at along the way. Hell’s Gates is spectacular, the famous and secluded Fairy Pools are super Insta worthy and if you make it all the way to Sunshine Beach you can have a well-deserved drink at the Surf Club. Return the same way or now you are more experienced, you can enjoy some of the well-marked bush trails that will return you to Hastings St.
Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Park is a cool mountain retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The name Kondalilla is Aboriginal for rushing water and describes the park’s waterfall which is at its best during the summer season. There are several short hiking tracks that take in the beauty of the National Park and waterfall.
Mount Tibrogargan
One of the more challenging hikes on the Sunshine Coast, and definitely not for the feint-hearted, Mount Tibrogargan is located in the Glass House Mountain Range. It is a climb made largely of loose rocks and at times you will be using your feet and hands to navigate the largely unmarked path. The key is to leave early to avoid the heat and take your time. The view at the top will be worth it. Care must be taken on the way down too but you will be prepared having done the hike up!
Our final tip hardly needs to be given. Hydrate with water and pack sunscreen!
Try them out and let us know what you think or leave a comment below with suggestions for where we should be going next weekend!
by Admin | Dec 2, 2017 | Health & Wellness
This pavlova recipe, by nutristionist Sophie van Kempen, uses coconut sugar and apple cider vinegar for a healthy twist on a traditional pavlova recipe. She has also substituted coconut yoghurt for cream or ice-cream but feel free to play around to find something that suits your taste!
Ingredients:
6 egg whites (keep the yolks for your breakfast omelette)
3 tbsp rapadura or coconut sugar
2 tsp cornflour
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
250g coconut yoghurt
150g frozen mixed berries
sprinkle with pistachios or flaked almonds
Method:
- Preheat oven to 120’C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. It is a good idea to grease the baking paper with butter and dust with some cornflour to help with removing the pavlova once cooked.
- Use an electric beater to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Add 1 tbsp of sugar at a time beating until dissolved. Meringue should thicken and become glossy.
- Add cornflour and vinegar at the end and beat until just combined. Spoon the meringue mixture onto the baking tray in a round shape using the back of a spoon.
- Bake for approximately 1.5 hours. Check pavlova after 1 hour to make sure it isn’t cooking too quickly. Once cooked it will be slightly brown and dry to touch. Turn off oven and leave pavlova inside with door ajar for 2 hours or until cooled.
Top with coconut yoghurt and seasonal fruit. Fresh fruit is always best but frozen berries will also work well. Dust with icing sugar and serve.
You will find many of the ingredients in this recipe at your local WholeLife Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods pharmacy.
Find more recipies by Sofie on her website www.healyourgut.net
by Admin | Nov 8, 2017 | Health & Wellness
Mosquitos are a nuisance for many reasons but mainly due to their ability to spread infection and disease. In Australia, there are approximately 5000 cases of human illness caused by Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Fever every year. Both fevers are transmitted by mosquitos.
Bites from mosquitos can also cause infection, particularly in small children and infants who are more prone to scratch their bites. So, as summer approaches, it is best to be prepared for the onslaught that will come.
Clear areas where water pools
Make sure all backyard tubs and unused plant pots are free of water and keep gutters and drains clear. Mosquitos breed in water so it’s important to eliminate their breeding grounds. When you are out and about during summer take extra precautions as outlined below.
Keep Covered
Mosquitos are attracted to darker colours, so when you are in areas where you know they will be hovering, cover up with long sleeved light coloured clothing.
Mosquitos tend to feed at night but don’t forget to take precautions at dusk and dawn when they are still active. The old fashioned mosquito net is an effective way of keeping mosquitos away while you are sleeping as is having a fan turned on in the bedroom.
Mosquito Repellents are the only really effective deterrent
Use a repellent containing DEET or Picaridin for the best protection. Read and follow the instructions on product labelling carefully and be particularly careful when applying product to young children and babies. Speak to your pharmacist for advice about what products will work best for your family.
Essential Oils and Natural Remedies.
Many people prefer a natural alternative to chemical repellents and there are a host of essential oils and natural remedies available. One of the essential oils that is proving to have a good level of effectiveness is Lemon Eucalyptus. And while there is certainly a place for natural repellents, it is important to note that studies have shown they are less effective than DEET or Picaridin and would have to be applied more often to be effective. Care also needs to be taken about applying these directly to the skin.
Once again, your pharmacist or a WholeLife Discount Drug Store and Healthfoods team member will be able to help with advice and recommendations on a solution that suits you.
For this post we referenced:
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/mosquito-borne/bites
http://theconversation.com/aussies-vs-mozzies-a-users-guide-to-repellents-10964
by Admin | Oct 29, 2017 | Lifestyle
The Cairns region has one of the most varied landscapes you will find in Queensland and is also one of the most picturesque. Where else can you find lush tropical rainforest and beautiful sandy white beaches within a stone’s throw of each other? One of the best ways of getting around and seeing all the beauty Cairns has to offer is to cycle. Whether you are backpacking your way around North Queensland, holidaying in 5 star luxury resorts or live in the region and spend your weekends exploring, jumping on a bike will give you easy access to all the best scenery and sights .
The team from our Cairns stores offered their favourite cycling tracks and rides
Cairns City and Surrounds
The city area has a well-developed and maintained series of bike paths that allow you to explore the city at a leisurely pace. A great place to start is at the Esplanade and then take a ride along the foreshore to the Botanical Gardens. This is a perfect ride for families to take on weekends. It is relatively flat and easy for kids of all ages to navigate.
If you are feeling extra energetic you can ride down to Lily Creek to explore the pretty waterways.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is a truly beautiful area and needs to be explored pronto! It is nestled between two world heritage areas – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. There is a flat 10.6km ride across Mission Beach that is easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. At low tide you can go down onto the beach and take the ride across the hard packed sand. Stop and get your feet wet while you enjoy the view out to Dunk Island.
Davies Creek Trail Network, Mareeba
If Mountain Bike riding is more your thing, the Davies Creek Trail in Mareeba is a great place to spend a weekend. The area is located just 40 minutes from Cairns and has trails to suit beginners through to experts. At the end of your ride, you can cool off with a dip in Davies Creek and there are camping grounds nearby if you want to spend the weekend.
