Health Food Review - Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey Active 16+

I have been drinking Manuka Honey for a few years now. I first heard of it in 2006 when a friend of mine was sharing during a group lunch about this wonderful product called the Manuka Honey. She said that her young children used to fall sick pretty often. Since she started giving them a teaspoon of Manuka honey every day, they had not fallen sick for the past year. That sounded pretty amazing to me as I was falling sick almost every other month then (not sure if it was bad office air or flu season).

A few of us bought a bottle of Manuka Honey each right after lunch. My personal experience was great! Although I was not as conscientious about drinking a cup of manuka honey every day, I did not fall sick as often. In fact, one of the very first thing I looked for to put in my pantry when I moved to Canada was Manuka Honey.

What is Manuka Honey? 

Manuka Honey comes from the crisp white flower of the manuka bush, which grows in remote, unspoilt areas of New Zealand. The Manuka Honey from only a few of these areas contains the special unique non-peroxide anti-bacterial activities.  This is what sets Manuka Honey with high activity levels (more than 10) apart from the normal honey or even low grade Manuka Honey (less than 10).


Why drink Manuka Honey with high activity levels? 

It is one of nature's most useful aids for natural healing. It supports the body's natural healing process by:

• Supporting digestive health
• Assisting the body's natural healing of minor wonders, ulcers, infections
• Soothing throats
• Enhancing general health & energy 

There are many brands of Manuka Honey and many activity levels available. I have tried a few different brands and different activity levels and found the Manuka Honey with activity levels between 12 to 20 ideal to maintain general good health.


Why Wedderspoon Manuka Honey? 

When I moved to Canada,  I bought my first Manuka Honey from the drug store. A 250g bottle of Manuka Honey (12+) for C$60 + 12% tax!!! Super expensive! I did some research on internet (blogs and forum) and found some recommendation to get Manuka Honey from Whole Food Market. I did and I have been buying the Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey Active 16+ from Whole Food Market ever since. It is sold as a food item (i.e. NO tax) and it's only C$29.99 for a 500g bottle! It is even cheaper than the discounted price of C$33.92 in Wedderspoon's own website.

My Experience

The Wedderspoon Manuka Honey tastes good even when eaten on its own. I can't say the same for other brands of Manuka Honey. Usually, the taste is quite strong if you eat it. Why do I eat the honey instead of drinking it? I find that eating a teaspoon of manuka honey three times a day is more effective to ward off a pending sore throat than drinking 3 glasses of honey. Some times, I even eat a tablespoon of manuka honey 3 times a day and I feel so much better the following day.

Ideally, I should drink a glass of Manuka Honey every day. When I do that consistently, I do not for the entire period. I also noticed that my complexion is much better. My skin is clearer with a healthy glow. Some times, I forget to drink the Manuka Honey and I just increase the dosage if I feel that I am falling sick or my throat starts to feel scratchy, especially after BBQs.


My Verdict

My personal experience has been extremely positive and I highly recommend the Wedderspoon 100% Raw Manuka Honey. It is the most cost effective way to maintain good health and good skin. Try it today and let me know if it works for you.

Product Review: Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment with BHA (Acnecur System) - clinically proven to clear blemishes and reduce blemish marks

I was transiting at Taiwan's Taoyuan International airport in Taipei when I first saw the Dr Wu series. At that time, I had a huge pimple by my right nose. It was seriously hideous! The sales lady at the store was kind enough to ask me if I want to try Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot treatment on it.

What is it? 

Dr Wu is a brand of skincare products that is created by clinical professor and practitioner - Dr Wu Ying Jun with the National Taiwan Hospital University. The 15ml (5 fl oz) Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment with BHA is part of the Acnecur System. The Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment is a clinically proven formula that not only clears up blemishes but also reduces blemish marks. The treatment contains a blemish fighting complex (Bio-sulphur and Salicyclic acid) to reduce and prevent acne problems at all stages. It also contains high potency Niacinamide (B3) and Tranexmic Acid to even out skin tone and visibly reduce marks left behind by blemishes.

How much is it? 

I got mine for around C$20 at  Taiwan Taoyuan airport.

Where to get it? 

For future supplies, I will probably have to get it from www.amazon.com. It is retailing at US$35.50.

How to use 

Apply small amount to blemish area covering it in a thin layer. Use daily, one to three times.


My experience

Unlike most acne treatments, Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment actually smells and feels quite good. It is a colourless gel like treatment. It takes a longer time than the Etude House AC Clinic Intensive Pink Powder Treatment to clear blemishes but it does a pretty good job in clearing up both the blemish and the scar.

My verdict

For a quick treatment, I recommend the Etude House AC Clinic Intensive Pink Powder Treatment. Once the acne is under control (i.e. dried up), I recommend using Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment. Personally, I am not a fan of the smell from Etude House Intensive Pink Powder treatment. I will use it only if I have to since I don't like the smell to linger on my pillow and bed. Dr Wu Intensive Acnecur Spot Treatment does a pretty good job in removing acne scars which is a high plus for me.

Product Review - PeterThomasRoth Mega-Rich Body Lotion (Part of the Mega-Rich kit)

I stayed at the Hilton Hotel and it provided PeterThomasRoth's mega-rich kit in the bathroom!

This product review is on PeterThomasRoth (PTR) Mega Rich Body Lotion - the one in white. It is my favourite in the Mega Rich kit.

What is it? 

The PTR Mega Rich body lotion is a luxurious body lotion that is rich with Vitamins C, E and Pro Vitamin B5 for soft smooth, nourished and moisturized skin.

My experience

The Mega Rich Body Lotion has a relatively light texture, feels a little sticky after initial application but the stickiness goes away quickly and my skin feels soft, hydrated and  really smooth. It also has a lingering light floral scent.

My verdict 

Although this is a body lotion, the floral scent is a bit too overpowering for me to be used all over the body. However, I like it as a hand lotion as it really makes my hands feel smooth, soft and hydrated instantly. Personally, I like the 1 fl oz/ 30 ml version in the kit as it is handy enough to be carried in a bag or placed near my notebook for regular application. Sephora sells the bigger version - 2.5 fl oz / 250 ml body lotion online for C$18. I will consider getting that after I finish the 4 tubes that I have from Hilton or just stay at Hilton again on my next trip. :)