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One Oil. All Winter
Organic Castor Oil in Winter: What the Evidence Actually Says Every winter, the same thing happens. The air gets colder and drier, and your body feels it. Skin that felt fine in summer suddenly feels tight and dull. Hair becomes brittle and loses its lustre. Nails crack. Cuticles split.Itchy. Scaly. Flaking. Splitting. Cracking. Cold, dry conditions deplete the skin's natural moisture barrier, affect the scalp, and leave nails and cuticles vulnerable. It is worth understanding what the evidence says about how to support your body through this. The Science What makes Castor Oil different? Around 90% of castor oil is made up of ricinoleic acid, a rare omega-9 fatty acid found in almost no other natural oil. It is this unique composition that has attracted growing scientific interest. Ricinoleic acid acts as a humectant, drawing moisture in and maintaining it. It also has well-documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Worth knowing: Ricinoleic acid is structurally similar to human keratin, which is part of why it absorbs so effectively into skin, hair, and nails rather than simply sitting on the surface. Benefit One For Skin Research supported Cold, dry air depletes the skin's natural moisture barrier. A narrative review published in Cureus (2026) confirmed castor oil's efficacy in improving skin hydration, elasticity, and signs of ageing through its antioxidant properties.1 The ricinoleic acid in castor oil acts as a humectant, locking moisture into the skin and preventing water loss through the outermost layer, helping keep skin hydrated and soft.2 Research also points to castor oil's potential in reducing the appearance of under-eye hyperpigmentation. A 2023 clinical trial found that creams containing castor oil appeared to be an effective treatment alternative for infraorbital hyperpigmentation, though the authors noted that further research is needed to confirm findings.3 It is particularly effective on dry areas like elbows, knees, heels, and lips. A small amount goes a long way. Benefit Two For Hair and Scalp Research supported Winter conditions accelerate scalp dryness and can worsen hair fragility. Evidence supports castor oil's use in hair care for improving lustre and possibly combating androgenic alopecia via inhibition of prostaglandin D2 synthesis.1 Applied to the scalp, it helps support the environment where hair grows and addresses the dryness and flaking that winter conditions tend to accelerate. For eyebrows and eyelashes, castor oil has traditionally been used as a conditioning treatment. Evidence supports its role in maintaining hydration and flexibility of the hair shaft, keeping lashes and brows soft and resilient through the colder months.4 Benefit Three For Nails and Cuticles Research supported This is where castor oil quietly excels in winter. Research shows that castor oil, rich in fatty acids, helps hydrate the cuticle and prevent cracking. It also contains vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and limit oxidative stress in nail keratin, preserving structure, strength, and colour.5 Brittle, peeling nails in winter are often simply dehydrated. Regular application to the nail bed and surrounding skin is a simple, evidence-supported step that makes a noticeable difference within a few weeks. Quality Matters Why hexane-free matters Not all castor oil is the same, and the extraction method makes a significant difference. Most commercial castor oil is extracted using hexane, a petroleum-derived chemical solvent used to increase oil yield. Trace amounts of hexane can remain in the final product, and hexane is a known neurotoxin, meaning that prolonged exposure, even in small amounts, can be harmful. Oils extracted using hexane involve a chemical process that exposes the oil to high temperatures, potentially degrading its natural nutrients. Choosing a hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil ensures you are using a product closer to its natural form, free from unwanted contaminants, and retaining all of the oil's beneficial properties. Mister Jones Organic Castor Oil is cold-pressed and hexane-free. Because castor oil is used repeatedly and directly on the skin, scalp, and nails, the purity of what you apply matters. A cleaner extraction means a safer, more effective product. Practical Guide How to use Organic Castor Oil this winter For Skin Apply a few drops to clean, slightly damp skin. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, heels, and lips. Use morning or night. For Hair Warm a small amount between your palms and work through the scalp and mid-lengths. Leave for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing. For Nails Massage into nails and surrounding skin nightly. A small amount, used consistently, makes a measurable difference over several weeks. Shop Mister Jones Organic Castor Oil A note on other types of dryness Winter dryness affects the whole body, and some women, particularly those going through perimenopause and menopause, experience dryness in other areas too. Castor oil is well supported for topical use on skin, hair, and nails. However, internal dryness related to hormonal changes requires a different kind of support. Our Hormone Helper is specifically formulated to address the broader symptoms of this season of life. References Parvizi MM et al. Use of Castor Oil in Dermatology: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 2026. https://www.cureus.com/articles/407925-use-of-castor-oil-in-dermatology-a-narrative-review Kandola A, Grayland-Leech B. Castor oil: Benefits, use, and side effects. Medical News Today, updated November 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319844 Parvizi MM, Saki N, Samimi S, et al. Efficacy of castor oil cream in treating infraorbital hyperpigmentation: An exploratory single-arm clinical trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024; 23(3):911-917. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37927123/ Nanoil. Castor Oil - for eyelashes, eyebrows, hair and nails. https://nanoil.us/castor-oil Typology. What are the effects of castor oil on nails? https://us.typology.com/library/the-effects-of-castor-oil-on-nails Always patch test before use.If irritation occurs, discontinue use.This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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How to Boost GLP-1 Naturally Through Food
How to Boost GLP-1 Naturally Through Food | Mister Jones Nutrition & Wellness How to boost GLP-1 naturally through food Glucagon-like peptide-1 is your body's built-in satiety signal, and the right foods can turn up the dial without a prescription. GLP-1 is a hormone released by L-cells in your gut lining after you eat. It signals fullness to your brain, slows digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar. Certain foods trigger a significantly stronger GLP-1 response than others. Here's how to eat strategically to get more of it. The five food groups Foods that stimulate GLP-1 release 🌾High-fiber foods Fiber ferments in the gut, producing short-chain fatty acids that directly stimulate L-cells. BeansOatsBerriesLentils 🥑Healthy fats MUFAs and omega-3s trigger stronger GLP-1 responses than saturated fats do. AvocadoOlive oilWalnuts 🐟Lean proteins Protein triggers higher GLP-1 secretion than carbs or fats alone, so make it a staple at every meal. FishEggsGreek yogurt 🫙Fermented foods Support a thriving gut microbiome, which is essential for consistent GLP-1 production. KimchiTempehMiso 🍫Polyphenol-rich foods Polyphenols support GLP-1 activity through gut microbiome pathways. Dark chocolateTurmericLeafy greens Eating patterns that work Key dietary strategies 1 Prioritise protein at every mealAim for around 30% of daily calories from protein. This supports satiety, protects muscle mass, and keeps GLP-1 elevated longer after eating. 2 Add healthy fats to your mealsAdding avocado to a meal raises GLP-1 more effectively than eating the same meal without it. Fat quality and timing both matter. 3 Pair fibre with proteinCombining beans with chicken, or lentils with fish, slows digestion and maximises GLP-1 release compared to either nutrient alone. Beyond your plate Lifestyle factors that help Regular exercise Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity and enhances GLP-1 production over time. Even moderate movement counts. Staying hydrated Adequate hydration supports satiety and helps prevent overeating, complementing your GLP-1 dietary strategy. ⚠ Foods to limit High-fat processed foods and high-sugar items do not stimulate GLP-1 effectively and may actively blunt the hormone's response. Prioritise whole foods over ultra-processed options to keep your levels consistently elevated. We all deserve to feel our best, no matter what our age.
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Menopause Nutrition Guide
Nourishing Your Body Through Life’s Next Chapter Menopause (and ageing) isn’t something to fear or resist. It’s something to support. As we move through life, our bodies naturally evolve. Hormones shift, energy can change, and what once worked effortlessly may begin to need a little more care. This isn’t decline, but our bodies asking for a different kind of nourishment. So let's listen to them! And give them what they need! When we nourish our bodies well and focus on longevity, we support strength, clarity, and vitality for the decades ahead. The right nutrition during menopause and healthy ageing can make a meaningful difference to how we feel day to day. Here are a few key nutrients we should pay more attention to as we age, along with some foods worth including more often. Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone Health Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in maintaining strong bones, helping support mobility and independence as we age. Foods like yogurt, leafy greens, fortified plant milks, and fatty fish can all contribute, along with regular sunlight to support natural vitamin D production. Plant Foods for Hormonal Balance Plant foods such as soy, flaxseeds, and legumes contain naturally occurring compounds that gently support the body’s hormonal rhythm. While subtle, including these foods regularly can help maintain overall balance and wellbeing. Omega-3s for Brain and Heart Health Omega-3 fatty acids are also incredibly valuable as we age. Found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, these healthy fats support heart health, brain function, and emotional resilience. Fibre for Gut Health and Weight Balance Fibre is another quiet hero for long-term health. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds support digestion, metabolic health, and the body’s natural detoxification processes. Fibre also helps keep us fuller for longer, supporting healthy appetite control and weight balance. B Vitamins for Energy and Brain Function B vitamins help the body produce energy and support brain and nervous system health. You’ll find them in foods like leafy greens, eggs, whole grains, fish, and fortified plant foods. Iron for Energy and Vitality Iron continues to play an important role in supporting energy and oxygen transport in the body. Lean meats, seafood, legumes, and leafy greens can all contribute to maintaining vitality. This stage of life isn’t about “getting through” anything. It’s about learning to listen to your body in a new way. I feel that ageing well isn’t about chasing youth. We’ve been there, done that (and thankfully there was no social media to document it!). It’s about supporting the body so we can keep doing the things we love. So let’s focus on ourselves now, nourish our bodies properly, and roll into the next phase with grace… and even a little bit of fun.
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Taking Supplements with Coffee
How can we maximise our Supplements (and still enjoy our coffee)? For so many of us, that morning coffee is a non-negotiable! It’s the cosy ritual that helps us rise, reset and show up for the day. But if you’re taking supplements to support energy, bones, iron, mood or hormonal health, that coffee routine could quietly be affecting how well those nutrients actually get into your body where they can do their best work. The good news? With a few simple tweaks to timing and pairing, you can enjoy both your coffee and your supplements. And make sure those nutrients aren’t being washed away before they can help you thrive. Why Coffee Can Affect Some Nutrients Coffee contains compounds like polyphenols and tannins which can bind to certain vitamins and minerals in your gut, making it harder for them to pass into your bloodstream. It also has a mild diuretic effect, meaning it can increase how often you use the bathroom to wee. Which can in turn mean more nutrients leave your body before they’re put to good use. This matters especially for nutrients that already struggle a bit to get absorbed. Like iron, calcium and some B-vitamins, so timing and pairing are key. Which Supplements are Most Affected? Here are the ones worth taking a little more care with: Iron Iron is especially sensitive. Compounds in coffee can bind with iron. Particularly plant-based iron. Which makes it much harder to absorb. This is important if you’re working on energy, managing heavy periods, pregnancy, or navigating perimenopause and menopause. Tips: Take iron at least 1–2 hours away from coffee. Pair it with vitamin C (like citrus or a vitamin C supplement) to enhance absorption. Vitamin D Coffee doesn’t block vitamin D outright, but it can slightly reduce how effectively your body uses it, especially if taken together. Tips: Take vitamin D with a meal that has healthy fats (like avocado or salmon) and separate it from coffee by at least an hour. B-Group Vitamins B-vitamins play a huge role in energy, stress resilience and nervous system support. Because they’re water-soluble, caffeine may encourage some loss in urine if taken at the same time as coffee. Tips: Space B-vitamins away from coffee. Aim for at least an hour gap and take them with food. Calcium Coffee doesn’t block calcium directly, but caffeine can slightly increase calcium loss through urine. Tips: If you take calcium supplements, schedule them with meals well before or after coffee to support better absorption. Supplements That Play Well With Coffee There’s good news too! Not all supplements are affected by coffee. The following generally don’t show significant issues when taken with coffee, so you can enjoy these together without worry: Fish oil (omega-3s) Probiotics Collagen peptides Simple Morning Routine That Works Here’s a little rhythm that keeps your wellness goals and your coffee love in harmony: Enjoy your coffee in the morning. Wait at least 45 to 60 minutes before taking iron, calcium, vitamin D or B-vitamins. Take those supplements with water and a meal. Food helps absorption and keeps your gut happy. Enjoy collagen, fish oil and probiotics anytime, even with your coffee. A Note on Nourishment and Intention Our bodies are beautifully complex. And small habits, like the timing of your coffee, can influence how well nutrients support your wellbeing. Your routine should be nourishing, not complicated. If coffee is part of your daily joy and your supplements are part of your health goals, you can absolutely make them work together. And if you’re ever unsure about your needs, especially around iron, energy or hormonal changes, a chat with your Health Professional can help you tailor your plan specifically for you. At Mister Jones, we’re all about helping you live well. Let’s take care of your body with smart habits that leave you feeling your best, all day long!
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What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are little defenders in the body that help keep things running smoothly. Their main job is to deal with something called oxidative stress, which sounds intense, but really just means there’s an overload of unstable molecules (called free radicals) that can cause damage over time. Free radicals are completely normal. We make them every day just by breathing, digesting, or moving. But things like pollution, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, and stress can cause a build-up. When that happens, these unstable molecules can start damaging cells, proteins, and even your DNA. This is what’s known as oxidative damage, and over time, it contributes to signs of ageing, inflammation, and a range of long-term health issues. Antioxidants help by stepping in and neutralising free radicals before they can do harm. You can think of them like your body’s internal clean-up crew. Protecting, repairing, and keeping everything in balance. Some antioxidants are made by the body, but many come from what you eat, especially fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, and whole plant foods. Different antioxidants work in different ways. Some, like vitamin C, work in the watery parts of the body. Others, like vitamin E, protect the fatty parts of our cells (like skin and brain tissue). And some, like CoQ10, help power your cells and give you energy. That’s why variety matters. Your body needs a mix of these to stay supported. Antioxidants won’t stop ageing (nothing can), but they do help you age well. With enough of them, your body has what it needs to stay resilient, energised, and feeling good for longer. And isn’t that the aim? To live a full and fruitful (pun intended) life?
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Clean Beauty
Clean beauty isn’t a trend – it’s a more natural way to care for your skin as it changes with time. We explore why it matters, what to look for, and 3 simple steps to reduce your daily chemical load and support healthy ageing, naturally.
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Menopause Symptoms: Nutrients and Foods
Navigating menopause and healthy ageing doesn’t require an overhaul - just a few smart nutrition swaps. From stronger bones to balanced hormones, better sleep and glowing skin, discover the top nutrients and foods to support your body through this next chapter. Simple, natural, and backed by real nourishment.
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Tired and Sluggish Lately? You May be Dehydrated!
Tired? Foggy? Maybe you’re Dehydrated That flat, foggy feeling? Sluggish digestion? Dry skin or lips? These can all be subtle signs your body needs more hydration. Dehydration can affect how your body and mind feel, even just mild dehydration. Your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, rely on water to keep things moving and balanced. They are your body's detox pathways. When hydration dips, everything slows down a little. We’ve pulled together some insights to help you to spot the signs and add more fluids to your day in easy, feel-good ways. Why Hydration Matters Water does more than just quench your thirst, it supports every major system in your body. From energy and digestion to mental clarity and skin health, staying hydrated helps you feel your best. When you're even slightly dehydrated, you might notice: Low energy or fatigue - Even with enough sleep, dehydration can leave you feeling flat and foggy. Brain fog - Water supports focus and mental clarity, so dips in hydration can cloud your thinking. Sluggish digestion - Hydration keeps things moving, helping with regularity and nutrient absorption. Dry skin or lips - Often one of the first signs your body’s craving more water. Slow detox pathways - Your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system need water to flush out waste effectively. Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated Start your day with a glass of waterHydrate first thing to support digestion, energy, and focus. Before coffee, before emails. Sip herbal tea throughout the dayOur Mister Jones Organic Teas are a delicious way to up your fluid intake while supporting sleep, skin, and stress. Make it feel specialUse a beautiful cup, water bottle or glass you love. Add lemon, cucumber, or mint to make it feel like a treat, not a task. Drink consistently and not just when you’re thirstyThirst is a late signal. You’re already dehydrated. Try spacing your drinks out across the day to keep your body gently topped up. Include hydrating foodsSnacks that help hydrate and nourish: think cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, strawberries Chill it, if that helpsNot a fan of plain water? Brew your favourite organic tea and enjoy it over ice. Refreshing, light, and easy to sip all day. Hydration, Made Easy If plain water feels like a chore (and sometimes it does), our Mister Jones Organic Teas are a refreshing way to hydrate. Beyond flavour, they’re packed with botanicals that support digestion, calm the nervous system, and help your body feel its best. Brew your favourite blend, chill it overnight, and sip your way to better hydration. Enjoy!
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6 Things to Do Today for Better Sleep Tonight
Sleep problems are inherently complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.But we’ve consulted the research and pulled together the 6 science-backed tips that cut through the clutter to help almost everyone get a better night’s sleep. 01. Beds are for sleep + sex only Using your bedroom for anything other than sleep and sex weakens your brain’s association between your bed and sleep, making it more difficult to fall asleep². 02. Focus on the present Focus on nothing other than falling asleep and your breathing. When you notice your mind has wandered away, simply guide it back to your breath, every time.When you focus on the act of breathing, your parasympathetic nervous system is engaged — lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension³⁴. 03. Have a fixed wake-up time Waking up at the same time every morning helps you sleep better at night.Waking up at the same time every morning means your sleep drive will gradually build throughout the day, making you feel ready to sleep by bedtime⁵. 04. Create a wind-down ritual 30 minutes before bedtime, put the screens away and spend that time doing things that make you feel relaxed.Relaxing activities lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and help induce sleep⁶.Over time, this repeatable wind-down ritual will trigger sleepiness before you even hop under the covers. 05. Don’t drink alcohol at night Drinking alcohol has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration⁶.While it might help you fall asleep faster⁷, it won’t give your body the deep sleep it needs to rest and recover.Routine evening drinking can build tolerance, meaning you’ll need to drink more to experience the same sedative effects⁸. 06. Avoid quick fixes Prescription medications, melatonin supplements, and sleep aids with ingredients you can’t even pronounce may be required by some — but they shouldn’t be a starting point.Sure, they might help us fall asleep quickly, but more often than not, they’re treating a symptom, not the cause*. References: Epstein, L, & Mardon, S 2006, The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep, McGraw-Hill Education, London. Brunborg, GS et al. 2011, Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 569–575. Black, DS et al. 2015, JAMA Intern Med, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 494–501. Sharma, P et al. 2015, Advances In Mind-Body Medicine, vol. 29, no.1, pp. 18–25. The Drive to Sleep and our Internal Clock, Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 2007. Park, SY et al. 2015, Korean Journal of Family Medicine, vol. 36, no. 6, pp. 294–299. Pietilä, J et al. 2018, JMIR Mental Health, vol. 5, no. 1. NIH – Mechanisms of Alcohol Tolerance, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 2018.
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