The Apothecary

Day 11/13 — More than just water

Dehydration is a problem that most people don't realise they have until they begin to properly hydrate and see how good that feels.

The formula I use is: 35ml per kg of body weight, per day. So if you weigh 70kg, that's around 2.4 litres. It sounds like a lot but it's about right!

Water alone isn't always enough. Electrolytes (minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium) are what help your cells actually absorb and hold onto fluid. Without them, you can drink plenty and still run dry. This is why I always look at hydration and electrolytes together. 💧

Everyone's needs are different. Heavy sweaters, gym-goers, sauna regulars — your baseline won't look the same as someone else's. When in doubt, check in with a health professional.

Day 10/13 — I wear natural fabrics, use clean skincare, avoid plastics and reach for natural perfume wherever I can, not because I'm precious about it, but because everything that touches your skin, has the potential to end up in your bloodstream and harm the environment.

Synthetic fragrances, microplastics and certain skincare chemicals are known hormone disruptors. And once they're in your system, your body has to filter them back out again.

It doesn't have to be all-or-nothing — just becoming aware, changing things as you go and making a few swaps where you can make them. If you find this a bit overwhelming, then pop into The Apothecary. I've worked hard to stock products that are healthy for your entire system and we have a great range of NZ natural beauty and bodycare.

Day 09/13 — Brain fog is something I see often in our clinic and an issue I've extensively researched because it's something I suffer from. New Zealand Pine Bark extract is my go-to for this problem. It's a well-researched powerhouse antioxidant, shown to support memory, focus, and mental clarity.

Enzo is the only brand we stock at The Apothecary because it's grown here in NZ, is high quality + vigorously tested and it works! Available in-store now.

Day 08/13 — People assume that because I'm a Naturopath, my stress management must be elaborate. It's not. What I do when I feel stressed is this — stand tall, and take one big, full breath in — then let it go. So simple and so effective, trust me on this.

Day 07/13 — Collagen is the protein working behind the scenes of your skin, joints, gut lining, tendons, and bones. Production starts declining in your mid-twenties, which is why I supplement it - 1/2 tsp daily. It's one of those quiet, foundational things you don't notice until you've been consistent with it for a while. Definitely one that's worth taking for the long term.

There's no shortage of collagen supplements out there, but most are loaded with fillers, flavours, and extras you don't need. They all start with the same base ingredient and that's what we stock at The Apothecary - collagen in its purest form, no additions, at a great price. 🤍

Day 06/13 — Sleep touches every system in the body, and I take it seriously.

My evening starts earlier than you might think. In the morning, I take anti-stress herbs to buffer stress throughout the day, because cortisol in the evening is one of the biggest sleep disruptors there is. By the time night comes, my nervous system is already winding down.

From there, it's soft, warm light only, use your lamps and dimmers. Low light is your body's primary signal for melatonin release, so this small shift makes a big difference. Screens off 90 minutes before bed (that's the research-backed sweet spot). And I always get my 8 hours, I've become much more protective of my sleep as I've got older.

If you're having problems getting to sleep or staying asleep then come and see us. There are a myriad of herbs that work incredibly well in this space.

If you've been following my "daily" posts, you'll have noticed a few gaps - life well and truly got in the way this week, which I think most of you can relate to. So here's a very late day 5/13, and it felt fitting that this one's about herbs for stress.

P.S. I will get to day 13, but have decided to post on weekdays next week, those weekends are precious! Simone x

Day 03 of 13 — Vitamin C is an important vitamin for so many processes in your body however, most people only reach for it when they have or are getting a cold. I take a therapeutic daily dose and use a food-based, high-dose form of vitamin C for maximum absorption. It's important to note that not all vitamin C supplements are created equal - there's a big difference between a cheap ascorbic acid and a quality wholefood C.

Come and chat to us in-store to discover which Vitamin C option best suits your needs.

Day 02 of 13 — Utilising light is one of the oldest and most effective health practices there is. Our bodies were built around it. Every cell, every hormone, every rhythm in your biology is taking its cue from light — at both ends of the day. Most of us have simply forgotten to pay attention.