Combat fatigue and stress | Toku Tsuru Drip Chicken Essence review

We have been taking turns to fall sick for the past month or so. It must be the seasonal virus and bad weather. My poor boys and I are still recovering from bad eye infections. The fact that Mr husband has frequent trips hours away from home means that I'm a single mother most of the month. Am really grateful for my parents and inlaws help to manage the household.

Mom and I, in particular, have been sleep deprived and tired both physically and emotionally. We are pretty excited when these Toku Tsuru chicken essence arrived in mail. I have previously tried their bird's nest which is of great quality- link here.

What's the benefit of consuming chicken essence?

Essence of chicken has been touted as an effective traditional remedy to combat fatigue and stress because it's rich in anserine and carnosine which are important amino acids found in the muscles and brain tissue. They have antioxidant and anytiglycation effects. I found this interesting study here which only involved 20 healthy male participants but it's a randomized control trial which is one of the most accurate way of assessing the effect of  chicken essence. After a month, there was shorter reaction time for cognitive tasks aka less mental fatigue.

Toku Tsuru Essence of Chicken
德鹤堂滴鸡精

Extracted from 100 days Taiwan black-feathered chicken, this Essence of Chicken is very different from other commercially available products. This is because it only uses free range chicken as well which are reared in spacious environment and are more nutritious.

Let me bring you through the process of making essence of chicken.

Traditional chicken essence uses the double boiling method which then had all the cholesterol and fat removed. Excess water was then removed to make the essence more concentrated. It's then filtered and additives were used to keep the density, color and nutritional value consistent. It's bottled and vacuum sealed then sterilised. This produces the standard black colored chicken essence.

On the other hand, Toku Tsuru Drip Essence of Chicken is extracted using slow fire and high temperature steaming without water added. Cholesterol and fat are then removed. The water content is preserved so that nutrients like amino acids are not lost. It's then filtered and packed into aluminum foil bag without additives subsequently sterilised.

There are two types of packaging available. 6 and 15 bags with the bigger packaging bringing better value for money of course. Instead of buying at RM40 each bag, it's RM512 for 15 bags during their mother's day campaign (22 April to 12 May 2019)

How to consume Toku Tsuru Essence of Chicken?

Immerse the packet in a glass of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Or empty the contents into a bowl and heat it with electric cooker.

Who can consume Toku Tsuru Essence of Chicken?

Being a full-time working mother who's also breastfeeding, I need this to chase away fatigue.

Almost everyone! From children, adults, pregnant ladies to the elderly, this essence is recommended by Toku Tsuru. The same applies to breastfeeding mothers and mothers in confinement. Children are advised to consume only half of the serving in one go. Have a serving with an empty stomach an hour before breakfastand another 2 hours before sleep for the best effect.

However if you suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney or liver diseases, please consult your healthcare professionals before consuming.

 

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I thoroughly enjoy the taste of the essence of chicken. It doesn't have the classical pungent smell and taste. Instead, it smells just like freshly cooked chicken soup that's concentrated. The taste is equally heavenly with a smooth texture. So even if you don't usually fancy essence of chicken, Toku Tsuru Drip Essence of Chicken will give you a pleasant surprise.

Besides having it on its own, I have also tried adding the essence to dishes such as steam chicken pieces with red dates and goji berries because it really makes the flavors pop.

Instead of the conventional glass bottles, Toku Tsuru is conveniently packaged into 50ml aluminum bags which is great for those who travel a lot. The simple reheating method can be done even from the most basic hotel room away from home. A great tonic and energy booster on the go.

This mother's day surprise your mothers with Toko Tsuru Drip Essence of Chicken from PMMII now.

Official website

The stress through pseudomembranous conjunctivitis

All parents would never want their children to suffer, particularly the very young ones. I would rather be penning down my own experience rather than baby Yi's. After a bit bout of viral cold that affected baby Bing, we started to developed some symptoms. I had conjunctivitis of both my eyes which developed into keratitis. Mr husband had diarrhoea.

But baby Yi fared the worst. He's only 3 months plus. Initially he had hand foot and mouth with rashes everywhere. Luckily he didn't have mouth ulcers, no fever and was still feeding well and happy generally. Just as the rashes faded, the worst happened. I noted a red and teary left eye. Even though I started antibiotic ointment for him immediately, it quickly spreaded to his right eye in a day.

So I nervously referred him to the Opthalmology department. I thought the worst was over when he's diagnosed as uncomplicated conjunctivitis. I diligently applied eye drops and antibiotics for him. He remained his happy self.

The next afternoon, he started to have blood stained tears. But he was still my bubbly baby. As a doctor I was still surprised and worried about him. A visit to the opthalmologist confirmed the presence of pseudomembranous conjunctivitis which required manual removal under his lids.

In another 24hours, he started to refuse opening his eyes. So we were at the waiting room again. Corneal abrasions have started to develop in both his eyes! Even I winced with the foreign body sensation and photophobia with my keratitis. I can only imagine how painful it is for baby Yi.

I spent the whole night holding him in my arms to sleep. Because he was cranky and possibly in pain. The incessant crying and being inconsolable really broke my heart. His voice was hoarse by midnight.

His eyes drops round the clock. Have to pry his eyes to install them every 2hours.

I gave him syrup paracetamol and suppository ibuprofen which seemed to help. And I was glad to see his smiling face again the next day. But paracetamol alone is not enough. Once the effect of ibuprofen wore off, he started to wail again. Mind you, regular ibuprofen is not recommended in young children.

I have received yet another worse news the next day in the opthalmologist's office. Both the corneal abrasions have become bigger despite treatment. I read that they should heal within 24-72hours. So we have his right eye patched in hope it will heal faster. I had to put mittens on him because he kept wanting to peel the patch off.

We had to visit the opthalmologist everyday to remove his pseudomembrane and observe how corneal abrasions. And each examination meant heart wrenching and high pitch wailing. Also a teary grandmother outside the waiting room. My heart withered a bit each time just like this neglected plant outside the house.

We went through all these when Mr husband was in the UK for a work related trip. I couldn't get leave because of some administrative reason. I'm just so lucky that my parents are around to help out. Mom did the main bulk of carrying and lulling Yi to sleep during the day.

Pray for us. I hope Yi recovers without any sequelae on his vision. 

Refreshing shower gel | Dove Go Fresh

Dove is definitely gaining its momentum and place in the market. I remembered a decade ago, only Dove bar soap was available in the market because my then boyfriend now husband uses it. 

Subsequently, Dove started to produce shampoo, shower gel and antiperspirant. And I'm lucky enough to try their Go Fresh shower gel recently via www.tryandreview.com

Go Fresh Revive Body Wash

This is one out of the 3 Go Fresh Body Wash range. The other two are Energize (grapefruit and lemongrass scent) and Fresh Touch (cucumber and green tea scent). The Revive version comes with pomegranate and lemon verbena scent. Lemon verbena is a plant that can be used in cooking and made into tea as well.

The Go Fresh Revive body wash also uses Dove's NutriumMoisture™ technology to effectively deliver nutrients to the skin. It utilises the mild cleansing benefits of DEFI (Directly Esterified Fatty Isethionate) that reduces protein damage, and 100% skin-compatible natural moisturizers, including stearic acid, soybean oil and glycerin that are fully absorbed into the skin to replenish lipids lost during cleansing.

Gentle lather after moving the body wash with some water.

This is the whole ingredient list for the product.

Water,Sodium Laureth Sulfate,Cocamidopropyl Betaine,Glycerin,Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate,Perfume,Sodium Chloride,Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer,Glycol Distearate ,PPG-9,Phenoxyethanol,Stearic Acid,Coconut Acid,Sodium Hydroxide,Lauric Acid,Cocamide MEA,BHT,Sodium Benzoate,Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Isethionate, Citric Acid ,Phosphoric Acid,Oryza Sativa(Rice) Bran Oil , Methylisothiazolinone, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice,PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil,Trideceth-9,Tocopherol,Methylchloroisothiazolinone,Potassium Sorbate ,Lactic Acid, CI 17200

Punica Granatum (pomegranate) Fruit Juice
provides UV protection and helps to repair sun damaged skin. It also has high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants which are great skin food.

Rice bran oil has lots of beneficial Omega 6 fatty acids that moisturises the skin, as well as Vitamin B and E with antioxidants.

Tocopherol aka vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Dove Go Fresh Revive body wash is fairly gentle on the skin and doesn't dehydrate the skin after cleansing. After cleansing I can feel that my skin is softer. My hubby with ezcema could use this shower creme without his ezcema flaring up. I personally love the sweet scent the Go Fresh Revive body wash has that can last for at least half an hour.  For its price tag, it's an affordable brand and a body wash that is suitable for many.

But it may not be suitable for those with more severe eczema because it still contains laurate and stearate. Classic medical teaching advises ezcema sufferers to avoid these cleansing agents as they tend to dry the skin too much. The added perfume,  methylchloroisothiazolinoneand and benzoate as preservatives may also cause allergic reactions in those susceptible to it. So always do a patch test before using new products.

Overall, Dove is a quality product and is widely available at major pharmacies like a Guardian and Watson's.

Dove Go Fresh
Official website

Shapee Shapewear review | 2 way body shaper

Having delivered 2 children, my body is no longer what it used to be. No more flat tummy and push-up bras. Simply because it's much more convenient and practical to wear nursing bra instead for a breastfeeding and pumping mum. But I still want to look and feel fabulous at times, especially when there's a special occasion. That's when I'll dorn shapewear.

But those who do shapewear will know how unforgiving some of them could be. It can be very difficult to get into and get out off. I have friends who will even hold their urine just because they feel that it's too much to get out of their shapewear for a toilet trip. But the instant lifting and tucking is a great solution at times.

One of my favorite is Shapee shapewear series. And I have just tried their 2 way shapewear. 2 way means- U shaped wearing for bust lifting; V shaped wearing for bust concentration.

Besides this, it also has firm control on the tummy and is able to reduce waistline immediately. 

The straps are adjustable and convertible, allowing halter, cross back and classic style wearing. The material is thin and breathable, even in this extremely hot Malaysian weather, it remains comfortable to wear during the whole work day.

This photo shows how to get in the shapewear.

Shapee Shapewear can be machine washed but of course handwash will prolong it's shelf life. For a busy person like me, I love products that can be machine washed.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Shapee Shapewear is light and not stuffy. It is almost impossible to spot me wearing one from normal work clothes. Even working in non air conditioned environment doesn't make me too sweaty from wearing two layers.

It's also fairly easy to fit myself into the shapewear. I didn't have to wiggle about too much and I didn't feel "imprisoned"as it's not too tight. At the same time, it can still slim down the waistline and provide bust support instantly. It's doesn't make the tummy disappear completely but that's fine comparing with an extremely tight shapewear which can make breathing difficult.

I prefer Shapewear that's not the body suit type like this as well because it's easier to get out of, particularly for toilet break. Nude color also makes it easier to "hide" the shapewear beneath my clothes.

As for bust lifting and concentration, this Shapee shapewear provides a more natural boost so it doesn't appear too pushed up and "squeezed". My bust line is fairly small actually but this Shapewear managed to create a slight cleavage which is great. If you want more push-up effect, wear it with you push-up bra.

Interested?

Shapee Shapewear
Official website

Simple skincare routine | Sanny & Joleen Lifestyle cleansing cream and sun screen

Our whole family was down with a virus last week! But life still had to go on. And I'm glad that everyone is well enough to go back to work and school. And of course I have to restart my blogging momentum during my free time. 

The recent haze and hot weather has not been kind on my skin either. And I'm glad when these Sanny & Joleen products arrived in mail. I have recently used their antioxidant serum and reviewed about it here. 

The concept for Sanny & Joleen Lifestyle products is being down to earth. The packaging is simple and the ingredients are natural without unnecessary fragrance or additives. Therefore, there's no mineral oil, laurate, animal derivatives, alcohol and propylene glycol. Another proudly made in Malaysia product. 

Sanny & Joleen Lifestyle Aloe Vera Moisturising Cleansing Cream

Aloe vera is widely used in many skincare products because it's moisturising and heals the damaged skin. It gives the cleansing cream a cooling effect too. 

The active ingredients in aloe vera are

Saponins- gentle cleansing and exfoliating

Lignin- allow nutrients to penetrate directly deep into the skin

Inorganic elements- anti-inflammatory

Mono& Polysaccharides- regulate excessive sebum and minimise pores

Vitamins- nourish the skin and act as antioxidants

Essential Amino acids- enhance skin cell to be more resilient to the changing environment

Sanny & Joleen Lifestyle UV Sunscreen SPF50 Anti-pollution Technology

The amount of sunlight that we are getting recently is getting excessive. So it's even more important to get good sun protection now. An SPF of at least 30 is essential for daily use. 

What's more interesting is the antipollution technology. 

Eisenna extract- promotes fillagrin and ceramide production which act as a barrier against pollutants

Bean sprouts extract- protects DNA against mutation due to free radicals

Centaurea cynus flower (corn flower)- promotes lymphatic endothelial cells function to remove pollutants

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

The cleansing cream clears the impurities and makeup residues on my face effectively. And it doesn't dry my skin too much. The consistency is slightly watery but easy to foam up. 

The sun screen is light weight and not greasy. Even though it does form a visible barrier layer. It is also water and sweat resistant, a very important criteria for sunscreen in hot Malaysian tropical weather. And the antipollution technology comes just at right time to combat effects of the haze. 

Sanny & Joleen Lifestyle

Official website
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Instagram @sannyjoleen

Antioxidant Serum by @sannyjoleen is now 15% when purchase on www.sannyjoleen.com. Save additional 15% storewide with code DRANGELHO. Free shipping in Malaysia, code valid till 20 May 2019

Essential oil for children featuring Audelia Naturals Mummy's Rescue Kit

Having 2 young children in tow means that I need all the help to get things going. I really enjoy weekdays because at least I get enough time for lunch because the youngest goes to the babysitter and the eldest to daycare. Weekends go by in a blur. I am lucky if both boys nap at the same time, just like today. So I get to do some work.

I got some new helpers from Audelia Naturals recently. This Mummy's Rescue Kit is indeed in time for rescue. . There are 4 roll on oils in this cute kit-- each tackles a different but common health concerns that parents have for their young ones. And it's proudly Malaysian owned.

Baby Bing loves the packaging- Bear for immunity. Cat for tummy, Sheep for bedtime and Bunny for sniffles.

These are the main essential oil blend used in the products.

Bear/Immunity- boswellia carteril oil
Roll on the feet at night

Cat/Tummy- peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil
Roll on the tummy/feet when needed

Sheep/ Bedtime- listed cubeba fruit oil, basil oil, eucalyptus, geranium oil
Roll on the feet/up the spine at night

Bunny/sniffles- orange peel oil, lemon peel oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil
Roll on the chest/back when needed

Baby Yi is almost 4 months old now. He's all about chuckling and cooing when he is happy. But putting him down for sleep can be a real struggle. He tends to shriek and cry, even while breastfeeding. Some days, I just have to hold him and paced around the house. If I'm lucky, I get mom to help me for that while I settle the eldest. He can also be gassy with bad reflux on certain days. And this doesn't help his sleep at all. Therefore, he has been trying on Bedtime and Tummy Oils.

Baby Bing, on the other hand, is a very active toddler. Now that he has just started to attend daycare, virus is everywhere and it's so easy for him to catch a bug. He also has sensitive airway, just like what runs in our family. So early morning coughs are fairly common. Having weaned off from breastfeeding for1.5 months now, he needs the immunity boost. Hence, Immunity and Sniffles Oils are suitable for him.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Besides seeking medical help, sometimes tricks like these essential oils can really help. Studies have shown how essential oils can help people to relax and relieve common ailments like stomach discomfort. Parenthood can be crazy at times and I am glad that I don't have to figure it how to dilute and blend useful essential oils like this for my little ones. The roll on concept is great because I don't have time to diffuse it-- and risk toppling it! Or have the little ones accidentally ingesting them if they have simple caps.

The packaging is also cute. The size of the roll-ons are just nice 10ml which is also travel friendly. Most importantly, they do help!  3 of the oils are only lightly scented.

For those who have sensitive skin/allergy, please perform a patch test before using any products including Audelia Naturals. Just apply the oil at a small area, say at the back of the forearm and wait for a day. Discontinue if there's any reaction. 

Audelia Naturals
Official website
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Disclaimer: the opinion given is merely a personal experience and does not constitute formal medical advice. Please seek your medical professional's advice before using alternative products. Stop if discomfort or side effect ensues.

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Healthy instant meal under 5 minutes | Master Pasto Review

Most of my lunch hour is spent in a hurry. As a general physician, not only do I have to do ward rounds in the morning, but I also have to see patients in the clinic afterwards. And we do not have designated lunch hours. Depending on the work load, it can mean no lunch at all. But it's definitely not healthy because irregular meal times can make my gastritis play up.

Besides cash on delivery options, it's nearly impossible to get my hands on nutritious hot lunch. And being Asian, I prefer hot food than cold salad or sandwich anytime.

I'm glad that Master Pasto has produced convenient instant pasta so I can finally get yummy hot lunch under 5 minutes!

There are 3 main flavours available- spaghetti bolognaise, mushroom and aglo olio. These are the most popular pasta sauce that one can get from any decent Western restaurants.

Bolognaise is a tomato based sauce. An Italian classic that goes so well with chicken. The Master Pasto version is more on the sweet side.

The mushroom variety is served in carbonara sauce. This is a cream based sauce that comes with mushroom slices and some chicken. It's slightly sour in flavour.

Aglo olio is spicy in flavour with generous drizzle of olive oil. It goes well with seafood such at prawns and squid. But the Master Pasto version is more saucy with chicken pieces.

The pasta is of Angel hair variety because it's thinner and easier to reheat.

What's more, these instant pasta also have the halal stamp so I can share with my Muslim friends at ease. Great food is meant to be shared!

There are two ways of preparing these pasta.  I prefer the microwave option as it's easily available in my clinic's pantry.

There's no need to refrigerate the pasta even though it's already cooked. And there's no MSG or preservatives. Much healthier than my occasional Curry noodles or calorie loaded char kuay teow.

This is a short video showing the most basic way to cook the instant pasta. For your information, I managed to prepare dinner in 15 minutes only!

If I'm up to it, I can also add additional ingredients for the pasta such as carrots, tomatoes, chicken, extra mushroom, cheese and sausages. That will take up maybe another 5 minutes to prepare.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I love how convenient and fresh these Master Pasto pasta are. It even comes with proper meat and vegetables in the sauce. And it doesn't taste like instant pasta at all. The portion is just nice and even for a picky eater like Bing, he practically licked the plate clean and still asked for more. But we prefer to reheat the pasta for at least two minutes after adding some hot water because the pasta will be softer and less salty which is how we like it. 

So now I don't even have to pick up my phone and order for lunch/stress for dinner! All I need is less than 5 minutes. I can also easily get my supply from Master Pasto's website because delivery is free within Peninsula Malaysia

Master Pasto sites

Website: https://www.masterpasto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterpasto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterpastolioco