The health brands I can't live without
The small, UK companies I come back to again and again...
I’m often asked about the wellbeing products I use, and since it’s mid-July – and you’re probably more focused on finding the best pub gardens than the best self-development tools – I thought I’d do something a little different this week.
So, instead of mindset frameworks, habit hacks or stories about jars, here are a few of my favourite wellbeing crutches to see you through the immune-testing activities of summer.
A few of these have been gifted (and I’ve marked them as such), but most are products I buy with my own money. Plus, even the gifted ones are so good I’ll 100% be restocking them myself once they run out.
Here you go – my top, tried and tested brands and products for summer, enjoy.
Heights
This is the only supplement I actually take consistently. And while I’ve tried a bunch of magnesiums, this one seems superior because it actually helps me stay asleep through the night. Heights initially gifted me a few bottles, but I now have a paid, full-price monthly subscription and don’t go anywhere without it.
Wilder Botanics
Wilder just opened a beautiful new store round the corner from my home which feels both exciting and a bit damaging to my bank balance. I’ve known the founder Rachel since the early days and can say with certainty that she’s the real deal. This bath soak is far from cheap, but a little goes a long way, and it never fails to makes me feel better about life.
Ancient and Brave (gifted)
Cacao + Collagen, Brave Immunity Tincture, True Hydration Electrolytes
I’ve used A+B’s products for a while, and have never found a dud. Their cacao collagen provides the perfect ‘quick’ cacao hit, their electrolytes are the first thing I have when I wake up (especially after a big night), and their new immunity tincture has been a surprise hit – I kinda expected it to taste bad but I actually love it, it’s botanical and bitter, so I mix it with a Dalston’s Rhubarb and treat it like an evening cocktail (health halo fully intact). (PS. I’ve been so vocal about my love for A+B that they’ve made me an ambassador, which means you can use my discount code – LILY_SILVERTON – to get 20% off*)
Norfolk Natural Living
I’ve had a bottle of this near my bedside for years and treat it as a little ritual that says “okay, you’re done for the day now!” It smells beautiful and makes an excellent gift – I’ve actually given it to more people than I can count. Everything this brand does is brilliant, their hand cream is supreme.
Trip
I don’t personally like the taste of the Trip drinks that everyone goes wild for, but I’ve kinda fallen for these. They have a slightly bitter flavour that makes me feel like they’re doing something. I often have one mid-afternoon as a decompression moment and I think it helps (if it’s just placebo I’m okay with that too!)
Grass & Co (gifted)
Family Gummies, Nootropic Drinks, Lion’s Mane
I’m a big fan of this brand’s approach, and their origin story is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Their nootropic drinks are delicious and I use their lion’s mane for ‘deep-work’ mode (i.e. when I really need to f*cking concentrate!) I’m yet to find a greens powder I can stomach, but I am into their family ‘greens’ gummies.
Creatine
Not a brand but a powder… Yes, I am on the creatine train, no, I’m not totally sure if it’s the right one… but turning 40 does strange things to your priorities. I’m taking it mainly for muscle maintenance, so far so good, we’ll see… Ancient and Brave for this too.
London Nootropics (gifted)
I rarely drink real coffee these days (still love me a decaf) because I’m so sensitive to caffeine, but if I’m in need a proper boost, I’ll go for a half sachet of this (I know, wild). (P.S No-one try to convince me Matcha as an coffee alternative tastes good, I believe it’s full emperors new clothes).
Obviously I don’t use all of these everyday because I am not this guy, and yes you can makeshift a lot of them if you’re on a budget (pinch of salt in water = a very good electrolyte, sprig of lavender pinched from your neighbour = a perfect sleep aid) and yes, also, the best possible things for your health are sufficient water, nutrients from food, sleep, and good quality connection with others…
But if we’re talking products and brands, these are the ones I really rate. They’re the ones I reach for when I need a little extra support, which, let’s be honest, can be fairly often in this chaotic world!
So, if you try any for yourself, I’d love to hear what you think.
And, if you’ve got any of your own go-to products or under-the-radar UK brands, do share them, I’m always keen on a good recommendation.
Have a lovely week all,
Lil. x
P.S I assume if you’re on this list then you’re already following me on Instagram, but if not… come say hi and try this 60 second priorities reset.
*For transparency, my partnership with Ancient + Brave means I may earn a commission if you purchase using this code. This is how they arrange their ambassador programme, but honestly I’d shout about them regardless.