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Essential Remedies

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Duncan, BC
Essential Remedies

We are a specialty health food and supplement store located in Downtown Duncan, serving the greater Cowichan Valley for over 50 years.
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Formerly Mercia's Vitamins. We carry a wide variety of nutritional supplements, natural cosmetics, oils and snacks. 141 Craig Street
Duncan, BC
V9L 1V8

Formerly Mercia's Vitamins

09/04/2026

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬
For some, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern; for others, they can be a serious health concern. Nature can offer help in the form of antioxidant rich grape seed extract.
Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins, usually in the legs. For some, they do not cause pain. For others, they can cause achy, heavy feeling legs; swelling in the lower legs accompanied by burning, throbbing and muscle cramps; and itching around the vein.
Varicose veins are caused by weakened or damaged valves that are supposed to open to allow blood to return to the heart from the legs and then close to stop the blood from flowing back. In varicose veins, the weakened valves allow the blood to flow back and pool in the veins.
Conventional treatment usually includes exercise, raising your legs when sitting or lying down and compression stockings. A new single-blind, controlled study set out to see what would happen if you added grape seed extract to conventional therapy.
The study included 176 people with varicose veins. They all did conventional therapy, but half added 150mg of grape seed extract twice a day for 12 weeks.
For the half that added grape seed extract, there was a significantly greater reduction in blood flowing back into the legs in both superficial and deep veins. Significant improvement in blood flow in the deep veins is important, the researchers say, because they cannot be treated by surgery or ablation.
Significantly more people in the grapeseed group experienced improved venous reflux (43 people versus 21), and the improvement in symptoms and quality of life was greater.
This study suggests that supplementing grape seed extract can improve varicose veins and that adding it to lifestyle modifications is more effective than those changes alone.
J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. January 2026;14(1):102355.

09/04/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐃𝐇𝐃
ADHD is surprisingly common, and it can be very disruptive to your child’s life. A just published study has discovered promising new herbal help.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically starts in childhood. Kids with ADHD struggle with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can make school difficult and make social and family life challenging.
Amazingly, 7-8% of children aged 3-12 and 5-6% of adolescents have ADHD. That’s a lot of kids potentially on a lot of medication. A safe, natural alternative would be very welcome.
There is tons of research on the herb 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐚
for adults, including for stress, anxiety insomnia and more. But there has not yet been a lot of research on ashwagandha for kids, including kids with ADHD. This new study set out to address that.
The double-blind study included 58 children between the ages of 6 and 12 who had mild ADHD. Half of the kids were given a placebo; half were given 150mg of ashwagandha root extract standardized to approximately 5% withanolides twice a day. The study lasted for 8 weeks.
Ashwagandha’s results were impressive. On the ADHD Rating Scale, scores for inattention failed to improve at all on placebo while they improved significantly on ashwagandha. The difference between the results was significant. The same was true for scores of hyperactivity. Scores improved only in the ashwagandha group and were significant. Total ADHD scores were significantly more improved in the ashwagandha group.
Next the researchers looked at the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF-2) scale. Many of the behavioural features of ADHD, including inattention, impulsiveness, memory deficits and difficulty at school are related to executive function. They found that behaviour regulation improved only in the ashwagandha group and that the difference was significant. Emotion regulation also improved significantly in the ashwagandha group and not at all on the placebo, and, once again, the difference was significant.
Finally, sleep disturbances and anxiety both improved significantly more with ashwagandha. On the PROMIS scale total score, which, in addition to sleep and anxiety, includes quality of life, improvement with ashwagandha was significantly better.
Importantly when considering treatments for children, the ashwagandha was safe. The ashwagandha was as safe as the placebo: there were no clinically relevant hematological or biochemical changes or changes in laboratory markers, including liver, renal, hematological, and lipid status.
This study shows that ashwagandha safely and significantly improves ADHD symptoms, executive function, sleep, anxiety and quality of life in children with mild ADHD.
J Med Life. 2026 Jun;19(6):456–466.

08/28/2026

𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐃 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The scientific evidence for the benefits of vitamin D for dementia and Alzheimer’s is rapidly accumulating. This new study adds even more.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is that area of cognition that is worse than the normal cognitive decline expected from aging but not as serious as the cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s.
46% of people with MCI experience sleep disturbances. The trouble is, the MCI makes the sleep disturbances worse, and then the sleep disturbances make the MCI worse.
Around 27% of people with MCI progress to Alzheimer’s disease. The period of MCI may be an important window for preventing Alzheimer’s. And vitamin D might help to do just that, according to this new study.
The study of 54 people with MCI and sleep disturbances found that those who supplemented 5000 IU of vitamin D a day or more had significantly better cognition as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment compared to people who did not take vitamin D daily.
This is the first study to suggest the potentially valuable possibility that simply taking vitamin D could preserve cognition in people with MCI and sleep disturbances.
Sleep Medicine. Oct 2026;146:108960.

08/21/2026

𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙨 & 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚
With its constellation of any 3 of abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar, metabolic syndrome now affects 25% of all adults in the world. It can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Help can come from a natural, beautiful and unexpected place. A new meta-analysis of 25 studies of 1486 people with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or obesity found that the herb saffron significantly improves fasting blood glucose, long-term glucose control, triglycerides, total cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
That’s a lot of help and good news for people with metabolic syndrome.
Phytother Res. May 2025;39(5):1883-1904.

08/14/2026

𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
While some short morning or evening exposure to the sun can be beneficial for vitamin D production, it is so important to protect skin from midday summer sunshine!! Remember to apply a mineral-based sunscreen of at least SPF15 or higher, especially to exposed areas such as face, neck, ears, hands, feet, arms, legs, etc. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. Seek shade, and limit outdoor sun-time between 10and2pm.
Keep hydrated and bring a water bottle with you.
Avoiding chemicals in your sunscreen and other skin care products is important for your body(as your skin absorbs into your bloodstream) and also for the environment including the ocean and its oceanlife. Avoid common sunscreen chemicals oxybenzone, homosalates, octinoxate, and nanoparticles. Look for Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are safe and effective mineral sunscreens. We carry Badger and Green Beaver- both very clean and effective sunscreens for adults and children.
Along with drinking extra water, include more raw and cooling fruit and vegetables in your summertime fare. Cucumbers, watermelon, and berries are some great choices. Consuming more green tea and berries in your diet will give you many antioxidant benefits, and helps prevent and repair sun-damage. Vitamins E and C, and selenium are excellent to take for extra antioxidant, anti-cancer protection.
Too much sun? Aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, lavender essential oil, and our Mayan Magic balm are great for soothing and healing burns. And all of these are wonderful for your skin in general.
Be sun safe and happy!

08/07/2026

𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐒
Ringing in the ear? its so irritating and can interfere with sleep and daily life. It can be caused by various things, including dehydration, mineral imbalance, and deficiencies. Here are a few things to try that can help, and even fix it for good.
*Hydrate- make sure you are drinking enough during the day, and have a glass of water upon when it starts.
*Magnesium/electrolytes- tinnitus often suggests mineral lack. Top up your magnesium and perhaps other electrolytes.
*Zinc- many are deficient in this vital mineral. It is required for immune function, cell division, , wound healing, and it supports over 300 enzymes, aids in protein synthesis, and maintains your senses of taste and smell. Worth supplementing 100%!
*B12- a common deficiency and it can trigger tinnitus. Take a daily sublingual methylcobalamin.
*Ginkgo Biloba- in extract may help. Tinnitus stems from many issues—some related to mild blood flow, but most linked to neurological changes in the brain. Ginkgo targets circulation. It is also useful for memory and blood flow to brain and extremities.
*Homepathics- common ones for this are cinchona offinalis, chininum sulphuricum, and salicinum. TINNITUS by Homeocan is an effective homepathic formula for relief.

Be well,
TinaLee Foster, RHN
Essential Remedies

08/04/2026

Customer Appreciation day today 15 percent off! 😊

07/31/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐥𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬
Pharmaceutical treatments for ulcerative colitis have a range of side effects that is considerable. That has led to a search for natural alternatives. That search has led to a surprisingly simple new candidate.
Along with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. So, it may be surprising that there have been no studies of bromelain on inflammatory bowel disease. Until now.
This 8-week, triple-blind study gave either a placebo or bromelain at a dose of 500 GDU twice a day to 62 people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
The bromelain group had significantly greater improvement on the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) score, indicating significantly decreased severity of disease.
This study suggests that bromelain may be a safe, simple, natural way of helping to improve ulcerative colitis.
Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 28;15:42799

07/24/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐳𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐬
The modern world has confronted our livers with unexpected and unprecedented challenges. Traditional herbs may help provide the answer.
This new study combined four traditional liver herbs: milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric and ginger.
Compared to placebo, improvements in all four liver enzymes, ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were significantly greater when the herbs were given to people with normal liver function. Liver fibrosis (APRI) also improved significantly more on the herbs, as did cholesterol and markers of inflammation.
Once again, modern science is validating traditional herbs for modern problems.
Front. Nutr. January 2026;12:1721748.

07/24/2026

𝐀 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 & 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐆𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡
A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly being shown to be crucial for an expanding variety of reasons. This new study suggests a novel way of getting there.
This double-blind study gave a placebo or one of two blends of probiotics to 54 generally healthy people. Both probiotic blends were enhanced by the addition of dandelion root and citrus bioflavonoids. The study lasted 8 weeks.
People who took the supplement experienced significant improvement in the proportion of normal stools, while the placebo group did not improve at all.
F***l short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate and acetate levels, increased significantly in the supplement group while they decreased in the placebo group. SCFAs, especially butyrate, contribute to intestinal barrier integrity.
The probiotic-phytonutrient supplement also increased indole metabolites compared to placebo. Indoles also help regulate intestinal permeability.
Zonulin is a key marker of intestinal integrity and permeability. Levels showed a trend toward improvement in the supplement group that reached significance in people with higher body mass index.
This study suggests that probiotics combined with dandelion root powder and citrus bioflavonoids improves bowel function and gut integrity and permeability.
Nutrients. 2026;18(13):2085.

Address

141 Craig Street
Duncan, BC
V9L1V8

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Website

https://essentialremedies.ca/

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