Photo by Yayan Sopian
“Just put some coconut oil on it”- Black American proverb
I recently placed an order at my favorite health food store in Madrid: Salud Mediterránea.
I fell in love with this shop over 5 years ago when I worked near their Chueca location. Currently, they have 3 different stores to choose from: Manuel Becerra, Chueca and Atocha. Their online store, however, is extremely easy to navigate and that’s the route I usually take.
Below, I’ll list some of my favorite finds at Salud Meditarránea.
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My Favorite Salud Mediterránea Products:
Iron with Vitamin C, B12 and Folic Acid (€9,00)*
Since I’m both plant-based, and a woman, lacking iron was something that has always been on my mind. I’ve been taking this specific supplement for years now, and have never once had a problem with low iron levels, anemia or anything similar. They last me about 3 months, and I always re-stock.
This is the hair, skin and nail vitamin I’ve used for about 3 years. I like it because it’s got lots of B vitamins including B12. There’s also brewer’s yeast which is amazing for strengthening hair, and preventing hair loss. Of course it has biotin which is an OG fave. This supplement also contains 92% of your recommended Zinc intake, which is an added bonus! Zinc is helpful when maintaining normal testosterone levels, aids with reproductive health, and brain function amongst other things!
Peach, vanilla and it comes in a pump format! Say less!
I love this line of products first off because they’re 98% natural, and secondly for the price! This shower gel is about 500mL and lasts me a few months. I am really big on skincare—especially my face— and realized that I cannot neglect the elbows, and back of the knees and the rest of the skin that maybe doesn’t make it on the ‘gram. I feel hella lush when I use this.
Hair is important to me. I enjoy spending time washing my hair, detangling my curls, and really nurturing my crown. I look forward to it every single week, to be honest! Now, any Black woman knows: shampoo is not the Beyoncé of the group… is she essential? Naturally. We need a clean healthy scalp. But, is she the money-making star player? Nah. This shampoo, which is also 500mL, can last me like 6 months, and at less than 5€ that’s a bargain and a half! My hair doesn’t feel stripped after I use this shampoo, but my scalp does feel thoroughly cleaned. It’s got wheat and cranberry to improve elasticity. Cranberry has wonderful ingredients like omega 3 and vitamin E which our hair loves!
I first discovered this product while binging KJH make-up tutorials on Instagram about a year and a half ago, and I haven’t looked back since.
I have eczema, and in the beginning of 2020 I developed a fun new thing: dry eyelids! Yay! (Man, that year was weird.)
Your eyes are the most sensitive part of your face, and the skin there should be treated with the utmost care. I tried everything! Nothing worked!
*Weleda Skin Food Enters the Chat *
It leaves my skin dewy, and not just superficially. I’ve noticed an overall improvement in my skin’s texture and moisture.
This ish right here… lifesaver!
Remember traveling? Yeah.. me too. I would never leave for a trip without a bottle of activated charcoal because, stomach tings. There’s nothing like trying a new restaurant and feeling life rubbish afterwards to put a damper on your trip!
There are many benefits to using activated charcoal such as: intestinal health (let’s be real, gas) and diarrhea treatment; it’s also used as emergency poison treatment and a prevention for hangovers because it’s so porous and absorbent.
I wrote a piece on the importance of vitamin D, and how I went from being vitamin D deficient to insufficient. Black people. BIPOCs. Folks in general: we need vitamin D. Take this seriously.
The most challenging part is finding a vitamin D source that’s apt for vegans. This is the one area of my plant-based diet that I’m flexible with because, I literally had paper bones for a year and couldn’t figure our why. lol. Seriously, I go into details in this article. (Read it it here)
If you can, go and support this business! They aren’t paying me to say any of these things, scout’s honor! They don’t know who I am, but they probably scratch their head at the woman who always buys activated carbon, vitamin d and Skin Food in bulk…
Their delivery time is unmatched. My last order was at my door in 48 hours! They also have tons of offers usually, so keep an eye out for your favorite products.
Hope this helps! If you try one of these products that I’ve mentioned above, let me know how you like it!
Honorable Mentions:
Pure Rosehip Oil (face)
Cold-pressed Argan Oil (face / hair)
Sweet Almond Oil (body)
Evening Primrose Oil Tablets (period health / hormones)
Melatonin (sleep)
Pure Tea Tree Oil (scalp)
3-in-1 Lemon Balm Facial Foaming Cleanser (face)
Oma Gertrude Hydrating Body Cream (body)
*All of these products are currently available on the site and listed at the above prices as of February 2021. Changes may occur without any notice. Get in where you fit in!
