Learn More

1 How does Botanicals + Collagen work? 

Botanicals + Collagen help during times when you may lack energy, focus, sleep badly and feel overwhelmed. Stress, PMS, Perimenopause or the Menopause can all contribute to feeling out of sync with our body and mind. Our product does not contain ingredients that try and balance oestrogen in the body, but it works by managing the symptoms of fluctuating hormones be that cortisol (the stress hormone) or declining oestrogen during the perimenopause. 

2. How does stress affect our body and mind? 

When stressed your body produces excess cortisol which leads to inflammation in the body that can cause aches and pains such as muscle aches, tension headaches and gut problems. It can also have an effect on your immune system and your sleep which can lead to irritability, difficulty focusing and low moods. 

3. What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the stage prior to menopause where your cycle may begin to become more irregular. It can last 4-10 years and is often just as disruptive as menopause itself. 

During this time your oestrogen levels start to decrease whilst at the same time fluctuating wildly. The fluctuations in hormones is one of the reasons why perimenopause is often misdiagnosed. 

Symptoms include irritability, feelings of sadness, being tearful, lack of motivation, feeling of hopelessness, anxiety, feeling panic, aggressiveness, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, tension, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. 

These symptoms can also be caused by stress and burnout and may not always be related to hormonal changes. 

For more detailed information read on:

a. Low mood and anxiety: Research has shown that low mood and anxiety is linked to perimenopause when oestrogen levels fluctuate and gradually decline. Symptoms include irritability, feelings of sadness, being tearful, lack of motivation, feeling of hopelessness, anxiety, feeling panic, aggressiveness, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, tension, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. 

b. Sleep problems: With ever changing and declining oestrogen and progesterone levels, many perimenopausal women will complain about sleep disorders. Sleep disruption can be due to night sweats or feeling too hot. It can also be linked to depression and anxiety which causes non-restorative sleep, early waking, trouble staying asleep or difficulty going to sleep. Sleep is vital for our mental health, heart health and brain function. 

c. Brain fog, forgetfulness: Many perimenopausal women suffer from brain fog which involves forgetfulness, difficulty processing information and inability to multi-task. Not only is this a very distressing symptom of the perimenopause but it can also be very debilitating and can cause major disruption to women's working lives. Lack of sleep will exacerbate the problem. 

d. Headaches: Some women who have had previous hormonal related headaches will have worse headaches during perimenopause and others will develop headaches. This is due to fluctuating hormone levels but can also be caused by tension from anxiety and depression. 

e. Vaginal dryness and loss of libido: Less oestrogen causes the tissue of the vulva and the lining of the vagina to become thinner, dryer and less elastic or flexible. Vaginal secretion is reduced resulting in less lubrication. These changes can result in painful intercourse and in turn loss of libido. During this time the PH levels in the vagina also change which can cause frequent urinary tract infections and needing of more frequent urination. 

f. Hot flushes and sweats: Hot flushes are one of the major symptoms of menopause but also often start during perimenopause. They can range from feeling warm to sweating profusely, having chills and feeling a burning sensation. Hot flushes are mostly in the face and upper body and can occur in the day or in the night, a few times a week or multiple times a day. 

g. Aching joints: Oestrogen will reduce inflammation in the body. As the levels drop during perimenopause you may experience aching joints and old injuries may hurt more than they used to. Increased periods with low oestrogen will also cause loss of bone mass and osteoporosis although this often does not set in until after menopause. 

h. Dry and saggy skin: Oestrogen is related to the production of collagen which is an essential part of your skin’s elasticity. Oestrogen also helps produce the natural oil that keeps your skin moisturised. Reducing oestrogen and collagen will result in thin and dry skin causing the appearance of ageing skin. Some women will have itchy, irritable skin and with the fluctuating levels of hormones in perimenopause can develop skin conditions such as acne or other rashes including scalp pain. 

i. Hair loss: The gradual reduction of oestrogen and collagen can cause hair loss. 

j. Weight gain: During perimenopause and menopause, we develop insulin resistance. This means our bodies can no longer cope with high amounts of carbohydrates as these will increase our sugar levels in our blood.  Too much sugar in our blood will in turn cause hot flushes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and weight gain. When we suffer from anxiety our cortisol levels or the stress hormones also stay high which contributes to putting on weight, especially around the abdomen. The stress levels will cause lack of sleep which again will contribute to weight gain. Combined with the natural process of ageing and body mass reduction it is vital to eat a low carb healthy diet and exercise during these years. 

3. What are our 7 ingredients and how can they help?

Curcumin:  Curcumin is the key active ingredient in Turmeric and is known to be a powerful supplement for the body and brain. It has anti-inflammatory effects thus helping with joint pain and headaches. It helps the body restore itself and is thought to have anti-aging properties helping prevent age related diseases. Curcumin has also been used in treatment of low mood. 

Scientific studies below: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27723543/

Ashwagandha: Has been used for 3000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. It reduces cortisol levels in the body which causes stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha can also help regulate blood sugar levels which causes fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hot flushes and weight gain. 

Scientific studies below: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270108/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945720301246

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27055824/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871210/

Siberian Ginseng: Siberian Ginseng is uplifting while also being calming. It creates equilibrium, especially for the nervous system making it an ideal supplement for anxiety. It helps brain function, energy levels and aids sleep. It has been known to help with moderate fatigue. 

Scientific studies below: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14971626/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15207399/

Saffron: Saffron is used to help with low mood and symptoms of PMS such as irritability, headaches and pain. It also regulates the stress hormone cortisol thus reducing anxiety and helping sleep disorders. Saffron is also thought to increase libido and lubrication to the vaginal area. There are some claims that Saffron reduces appetite and thus aids weight loss. 

Scientific studies below: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27723543/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32056539/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28735826/

Vita Algae D3: Vita Algae D3 is considered an important vitamin to support the brain function. It restores the nervous system and helps fight low mood. Vitae Algae D3 also helps inflammation and arthritis supporting healthy bones. It also plays a vital role in sleep. 

See scientific studies below:  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945718306014

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18088161/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28167237/

Marine Collagen: Marine Collagen is a major component of your skin. It plays a vital role in strengthening skin, including building up elasticity and hydration, thus reducing wrinkles and dry skin. 

Collagen also aids hair growth and helps maintain build cartilage which protects your joints and helps prevent the reduction in muscle mass which naturally happens in older women. 

See scientific studies below: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745978/


Magnesium: Helps with reduction of tiredness and fatigue and aids sleep.Can combat low mood, PMS and headaches whilst regulating blood sugar levels.

 See scientific studies below: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637834/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5926493/