Hello💚

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Living with ulcerative colitis isn’t something I ever imagined for myself—but here we are. After my diagnosis, like many others in the IBD community, I found myself navigating a maze of supplements, programs, and miracle claims. You name it, I tried it. And while some things helped a little, most just added to the stress—especially the endless expense and confusion. It got to a point where I gave up trying anything new, overwhelmed and frustrated.

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Through the years, I’ve been part of several IBD support groups, hearing the same story over and over—people desperate for something gentle, something real, something that wouldn’t break the bank. The feeling of being priced out of your own healing journey is crushing.

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I know I’m one of the lucky ones. My diagnosis came quickly—within six months of some nasty issues—and though my condition escalated from mild to severe in a very short space of time, I received incredible support from the NHS early on. Today, I manage my condition with biologic infusions and immune suppressants, and while the side effects are tough, I’m still able to function and find moments of normality in my day-to-day life. 

 Even though I’m doing okay right now, I know how quickly things can change. One day feels manageable, and the next brings joint pain, cramps, bloating that defies logic, and fatigue that wipes me out entirely. These symptoms often go unseen—yet they dictate everything. The guilt of cancelling plans, the anxiety of eating out, the constant calculation of how much energy I have left, sleeping the weekend away hoping to be able to function for another week. It's draining. I lost the version of me that was always buzzing, annoyingly loud, full of fun. The real me. 

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That perspective fuels everything I’m building now.

Zenbelly was born from this lived experience. I wanted to create something simple yet deeply nurturing—a line of herbal teas made from a wide variety of herbs known for their gut-supportive properties. No lofty promises, no flashy labels. Just warmth, honesty, and a cup of comfort designed with care for those walking the same path.

I hope Zenbelly becomes a small companion on your journey. Something affordable, accessible, and kind. Because you deserve that. We all do.

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My journey has deepened into a space of exploration—where each herb, root, and leaf holds the potential to support our bodies in gentle, profound ways. I’m now dedicating more time to investigating blends that honour nature’s wisdom, crafting infusions that nourish, balance, and restore. This path feels like a return to something ancient yet deeply personal: a commitment to wellness that begins with mindful sourcing and ends with a meaningful sip.

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Be gentle with yourself 💚

If your body’s asking for rest, listen. Give yourself permission to pause—without guilt, without explanation. When we keep pushing through, we forget that healing takes energy, and we’re already fighting an invisible battle inside.

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Honour your body. Choose grace over pressure. Because tending to yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival, and it’s sacred. We do have to adapt and change, but we find a way.

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