The Apothecary

Have you visited our in-store Refillery yet? It's vast and is part of the shop we're really proud of. Locally sourced (where possible), sustainable, really well priced and stocked with all the things you need plus a few weird and wonderful products you didn't know you needed! You can buy as much or as little as you like.

So pop in, bring your own jar or bag and enjoy x

Matariki — remembrance, celebration, hope.

We're celebrating it alongside The Tannery's annual food market, staying open until 8pm. Come and warm up, wander through, and say hi.

Lots of coughs coming through the store this last week - and no two are quite the same. Is yours wet and productive, or dry and tickly? Do you need something safe for the kids, or a decongestant alongside it? Pop in and chat with one of our in-store Naturopaths — we'll help you find the right fit, not just the first bottle on the shelf.

I read this today and just felt like I needed to share it. What a beautiful thought.

Simone x

Winter is here - is your immune system coping?

If stress has been running you down, or you're someone who seems to catch every cold going around, your immune system might need some extra support this time of year.

Our Sururvivor Immunity Tonic is an immune modulator, formulated to support a tired immune system. It helps manage your body's stress response, so you're better equipped to fight off what winter throws at you by utilising Siberian ginseng, Astragalus, Rehmannia, Kawakawa, and Ginger — a blend of adrenal, immune, kidney, and circulatory tonics working together.

It's also become a favourite for those rebuilding energy levels post-illness, with many reporting real improvements in vitality.

Pop into the store to chat with us about whether this is right for you.

Day 13/13 - Worry less!

I see it in clinic all the time. You can be doing everything else right, and still feel exhausted, wired, depleted, if you're carrying too much mental load.

This isn't about pretending things don't matter. It's about practising the art of putting things down. Not perfectly. Just more often than you did yesterday.

That's the whole series, really. Small habits. Practised consistently. Not perfectly.

Thank you for following along — I hope something in these 13 days finds its way into your daily life and if you want help formulating your own daily habits and finding supplements that will work best for you, then get in touch and make a clinic appointment, I'd really like to help. 💚

Simone x

Day 12/13 — Coffee, that beloved bean.

Some people love coffee, and for others it causes anxiety and sleep issues. That's because every body is different — not everyone can tolerate caffeine the same way, and our nervous systems are all built differently.

There are also many benefits to coffee beyond the stimulation it provides. It contains polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, which have beneficial effects in the body — these are best extracted through unfiltered espresso coffee makers.
Listen to what your body tells you after drinking coffee, and try to follow these guidelines:

— Timing matters, mid-morning, rather than first thing

— Know your limit, one cup is enough for most; two is fine if you tolerate it well, but finish before midday

— Anxious or poor sleep? Coffee may be working against you

— Feeling wired? Try tea instead, it has caffeine plus L-theanine, which takes the edge off

Last day tomorrow and it's a goodie!

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.