Taking supplements often feels like a gamble. They’re expensive, the effects take time to show up, and sometimes the benefits operate at such a micro, cellular level that it’s hard to clearly articulate what — if anything — they’re actually doing.
That said, I am a big believer in supplements. Whether they’re genuinely impacting my health or I’m producing very expensive pee with a side of placebo is up for debate. But I see them as a long-term investment in my health. I don’t only supplement with vitamins — collagen and daily tonics are part of my routine too.
When Zissy and I visited the Good Life Show last year, we came across a company called Natural Elixir. They sell a health tonic packed with powerhouse ingredients that boast a wide range of benefits. We’ve always been tonic fans — our lemon ginger cubes are a daily staple — so naturally, we gave the elixir a try.
They weren’t the only company at the expo selling health shots, but the difference was immediately obvious. Instead of tasting palatably sweet or watered down, Natural Elixir’s tonic was potent and unmistakably natural. You could identify every ingredient as it burned its way down your throat.
I was instantly intrigued, largely because of the claim that it helps reduce inflammation. At the time, I had been dealing with an inflammatory knee issue for ten months. I’d spent most of the year cycling through physio, EMS, massage, rehab, scans, blood tests and, eventually, cortisone injections as a last resort. I was improving, but I was committed to keeping my inflammation levels down — and the timing felt perfect.
Natural Elixir’s Healing Tonic claims to heal the body over time from within. It’s anti-inflammatory, an alkaliser and pH balancer, a detoxifier, immune booster, and metabolic stimulant. It’s made entirely from natural ingredients, with nothing added that you don’t recognise or can’t pronounce.
The base recipe includes apple cider vinegar, chaga mushrooms, lemon, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and sea salt. The Classic includes cayenne pepper, the Lite uses black pepper instead, and the CBD Infused version is the Lite with added CBD isolate. Each ingredient has been selected for a reason — and it is potent.
Chaga mushroom
A powerful adaptogenic mushroom that helps modulate the immune system rather than overstimulate it. Rich in antioxidants, it’s also linked to skin health and healthy ageing.
Turmeric
Contains curcumin, a well-studied compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It also boosts the body’s overall antioxidant capacity, supporting recovery and long-term health.
Ginger
Naturally anti-inflammatory and widely used to support digestion and circulation. Research suggests it may help reduce muscle soreness and menstrual discomfort.
Garlic
Packed with sulfur-based compounds that support immune defence and help fight off illness. I’ve tested raw garlic during a scratchy-throat moment — it works, but the after-effects are rough. This is a far more pleasant way to get the benefits.
Cinnamon
Known for its anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar-regulating effects. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and support metabolic health.
Apple cider vinegar
High in acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties and supports gut and blood-sugar balance. Traditionally used to aid digestion and metabolic health.
Cayenne pepper
Contains capsaicin, which can increase thermogenesis and temporarily boost metabolism. It also supports circulation.
Black pepper
Enhances the absorption of curcumin from turmeric by up to 2,000%, making the formula far more effective than turmeric alone.
CBD
May help reduce chronic pain, support stress regulation, and ease anxiety by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system — without the psychoactive effects of THC.
The list of what it could help with is long, but these were the benefits that excited me most:
- Boosts the immune system
- Reduces inflammation
- Detoxifies the body
- Relieves pain (including menstrual pain)
- Enhances post-workout recovery
- Improves and protects brain function
- Promotes skin health
Natural Elixir sent me a one-month supply of their Classic Tonic to test. By the end of the month, I was hooked. I felt like I was seeing real benefits, but I wanted a longer test period for a more honest review — so I repurchased it myself. I’ve now been using it for almost five months, and it’s become such a non-negotiable part of my routine that when I travelled for a few days in December, I was genuinely thrilled to discover they make 100ml travel-sized bottles.
It’s important to note that I didn’t do any formal testing before starting or since, so my findings aren’t scientifically supported. That said, there were three specific areas I was watching closely:
- How my knees would handle the reintroduction of lower-body training
- How painful my periods would be
- How many breakouts I’d experience
From the first month, I noticed improvements in all three. My knees continued to improve, I relied far less on Myprodol for period cramps, and I didn’t experience any notable ovulation- or period-related breakouts. My energy levels were great, my body fat percentage steadily decreased (worth noting this was alongside a structured diet and training plan), and I stopped craving sweets and chocolate — which really supported my fat-loss goals.
These results continued, but in month four I experienced the biggest breakout I’ve had in years. I was naturally disappointed. With the help of Benzac pimple patches (they’re good) and a chemical peel facial, things settled quickly. I’m cautiously optimistic that the breakout was caused by external factors rather than internal dysfunction — but it was an important reminder that nothing you take for your health is a magic cure.
There are so many systems at play and countless potential contributors to any issue. If you add a product like this to your routine expecting it to fix everything, you’ll likely be disappointed.
The bottom line is that five months later, I feel healthier than I have in years. I recognise that many wellness routines I follow contribute to this, but I genuinely believe the Natural Elixir Healing Tonic has played a meaningful role — and it’s earned a permanent place in my routine.
I purchase it directly from their website, but it’s also available on Takealot and at select health stores. It retails for R239 per bottle, is available in value packs, and comes in the adorable 100ml travel size. Taken at the recommended 25ml twice daily, one full-sized bottle lasts two weeks — making it comparable in cost to a month’s supply of many supplements.
One final note: it’s extremely potent and definitely not for the faint-hearted. I love it, but reactions will vary. If you try it, let us know what you think.
TL;DR Verdict
Worth it — with realistic expectations.
After nearly five months of consistent use, Natural Elixir’s Healing Tonic has earned a permanent place in my routine. It’s potent, thoughtfully formulated, and genuinely supportive for inflammation, recovery, energy, and hormonal balance — but it’s not a magic fix. If you’re already doing the basics and want a natural, no-BS tonic to support long-term health, this one delivers.
