Another week, another TikTok health trend making a buzz – so here’s the lowdown on what does and doesn’t work 

The rise of social media wellbeing influencers has changed the way we tap into wellness – and in the never-ending pursuit of supercharging our health, we’re more likely to dabble in health-focused products and trends in the quest to enhance self-care – TikTok health trends often being at the top of that list.  

Barely a day goes past without a new social media health trend making its way onto our screens and into our lives. And while there are fads that come and go, there are also those that stick around thanks to their effectiveness.  

We’ve scoured TikTok (so you don’t have to!) to bring you the biggest must-tries, with a rundown on why they are making waves and how to make them work for you.  

Sleepy Girl Mocktail 

The claim: A nightcap that supports dreamy slumber time. 

The lowdown: The latest TikTok sleep trend involves knocking back a sleep-promoting bedtime elixir made from cherry juice and magnesium to help improve sleep.  

One of the key ingredients in the slumber-supporting drink is a specific tart cherry variety called Montmorency, which has scientific backing behind it, showing that the antioxidants contained in the tart fruit exert powerful sleep properties.  

The second ingredient, magnesium is a much-lauded sleep aid, which acts as a nervous system relaxant and combining it with tart cherry juice is thought to be a winning formula. 

Does it work? Sleepy Girl mocktail might help you achieve a better night’s sleep as the main ingredients are scientifically proven sleep aids, but it’s also worth investigating the root cause of sleep problems to tackle long-term wakefulness.  

How to do: Stir one scoop of magnesium citrate powder into a glass of tart cherry juice. Top with sparkling soda water and add some ice. 

Effectiveness: 3/5 

 

The natural hangover cure – aka milk thistle 

The claim: Herbal pills that help to cure your lingering hangover 

The lowdown: If you’re wondering what milk thistle is used for, it’s actually been around for centuries, but has had a resurgence of late.  

TikTokers have been waxing lyrical about milk thistle tablets as the latest hangover hack and Google searches for milk thistle have surged by 5000% in the last three months alone. 

The benefits of milk thistle are plentiful and it’s all thanks to the plant’s active compound, silymarin, which is found within the seeds. Studies show that silymarin blocks toxins from reaching liver cells, which helps to safeguard against a hangover and protect your liver.  

How to do: Take one to two HRI Milk Thistle tablets to help your body recover from a big night. For maximum effectiveness take milk thistle regularly, rather than just after a big night out. Find out more about the powerful properties contained in milk thistle here. 

Effectiveness: 5/5 

 

Matcha skincare 

The claim: Clear, youthful skin 

The lowdown: You might be more familiar with matcha tea, but the Japanese plant is thought to work topically too.  

Antioxidant skincare products featuring matcha have been touted as a one-stop shop to cure skincare problems on social media. From matcha-based cleansers to moisturisers, health and beauty influencers have extolled the benefits of Japanese matcha for its concentrated antioxidant content.  

How to do: Slathering products made from the green stuff onto your skin can result in firmer, blemish-free skin, and to complement your beauty routine, a skincare focused supplement like HRI Clear Complexion can help improve a range of skin conditions from mild eczema to mild acne.  

Effectiveness: 4/5 

 

Hydration-focused products 

The claim: Quick hydration and reduced symptoms of water weight. 

The lowdown: Warm weather can spell bad news for your hydration levels. Your body’s natural response to increased temperatures is to sweat, but losing water through sweat can leave you dehydrated, which can negatively affect everything from your concentration to energy levels.  

Hydration products are all the rage on social media, with wellness influencers marketing electrolyte drinks, and hydration powders to top up water levels.  

Another side effect of warm weather is excess water retention, and water tablets are one of the most effective ways to combat the possible symptoms of water retention, which include bloating and abdominal discomfort.  

How to do: Taking a water tablet to help balance out the fluid levels of your body is the easiest way to tap into the trend. HRI Water Balance is a traditional herbal product formulated to help reduce the signs of water retention fast. 

Effectiveness: 5/5  

 

Stress-busting lemon balm tea 

The claim: Reduced stress and digestive support 

The lowdown: If life’s ups and downs are taking their toll, a cup of lemon balm tea could be your ticket to calm.  

According to TikTok influencers, lemon balm (Melissa officials) can make you feel instantly relaxed when steeped in water to create a mild, citrusy tea.  

While lemon balm might be the latest trend on social media, the herb has been used traditionally for centuries. The health perks of lemon balm lie in its natural compounds rosmarinic acid, citral, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. These actually impact important pathways in the brain that balance mood and cognitive health.  

How to do: Have a cup of lemon balm tea an hour or so before bed to help you unwind. You could also combine lemon balm tea with a mood-supporting supplement like HRI Good Mood. The supplement contains active extracts of St John’s Word to help relieve symptoms of low mood and anxiety.  

Effectiveness: 4/5 

 

Brain-boosting creatine 

The claim: Improved cognitive health and weight loss gains 

The lowdown: The supplement creatine was once synonymous with the body building world, but the supplement (made up of amino acid chains) had a makeover thanks to clinical trials that showed it helps to preserve brain health.  

Social media influencers have been shouting about the benefits claiming that creatine (in monohydrate form) has helped improve concentration and focus at work.  

The research shows that creatine helps to reduce oxidation in the brain, safeguarding the health of neurons, which could also help to offset cognitive decline caused by ageing.  

How to do: Taking a scoop of creatine in water daily is the most common way to take creatine, but it’s also available in tablets, gummies and liquids. 

Effectiveness: 3/5