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Essential Remedies, 141 Craig Street, Duncan, BC (2026)

04/17/2026

𝙅 𝙅 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩
NEW local skincare products, featuring Tallow !!
Whipped all-over/face balms:
1)Silk Soothe balm with tallow, emu oil, seabuckthorn, essential oils.
2)Everything Whipped balm unscented just local grass-finished tallow and jojoba oil.

Deeply hydrating, smoothing, healing skin issues, great for face or any dry or sensitive areas, and anywhere in need of tlc!!

04/17/2026

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬
Many people suffer this time a year now that springtime is arriving. The green grass and the beautiful flowers are such a delight, but itchy eyes and throat, sinus congestion, and a runny nose, is certainly not for folks who suffer. There are many natural ways to help alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Depending on what type of pollens you are allergic to, it is a good idea to avoid certain foods during your symptoms. For example, those with ragweed allergy may also be sensitive to melons, bananas, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, echinacea and chamomile, as they can trigger an allergic response
in your system. Foods you are sensitive or allergic to should be avoided(like wheat and gluten, dairy) as they will dampen your immunity and cause further issues. If you're not sure what you could be extra aggravated by, try an elimination diet for some time and then reintroduce foods one at a time, for 3-5 days before the next one. Wheat, soy, shellfish, dairy, chocolate, and eggs are just a few of the common trigger foods for most. Also avoid processed foods and sugar as they cause inflammation in the body and lower your immune system.
Foods to enjoy during allergy season are raw local honey, hot and spicy foods like garlic, onion, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, bone broth, probiotic-rich/fermented foods, pineapple, apple cider vinegar, fresh organic vegetables, and clean protein including wild fish. These strengthen your immune system and thus ease your symptoms. Helping digestion and consuming anti-inflammatory foods and herbs is beneficial.
Supplements to implement are spirulina, quercetin, probiotics, astragalus, butterbur, black cumin, bromelein(from pineapple), vitamin A and zinc. Nettle tea is great to drink for its antihistamine and antiinflammatory properties. Homeopathics and eye drops are also available!
Essential oils to diffuse are pepperment, eucalyptus, and lavender.
Remember to stay hydrated, keep yourself, the pets, and the house clean, limit exposure, declutter, and shut the doors and windows(for now). An air purifier helps too.
Be well this spring!
Tina Foster, RHN

04/10/2026

𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐮 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Macular degeneration is a product of free radical damage and declining antioxidant protection. It can cause difficulty seeing things directly in front of you. In the U.S., it is the leading cause of visual impairment in people over 60. A well known traditional herb from South and Southeast Asia can help, according to a new study.
Your retina is especially sensitive to oxidative damage. Macular pigment filters damaging light and protects your retina from oxidative damage. It is mostly composed of the carotene antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Degeneration of the macula caused by this free radical damage is a common cause of visual impairment.
This double-blind study gave 75 men and women who were between 45 and 65 either a placebo or 300mg of gotu kola extract a day for 6 months. The study wanted to see the effect of gotu kola on macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a marker of the antioxidant status of the macula.
At the end of the study, supplementing gotu kola led to a significant increase in MPOD compared to placebo in the left eye, in the right eye and in the average of both eyes. Significantly more people in the gotu kola group responded than in the placebo group with 32.43% of the placebo group responding versus a significantly better 94.74% of the gotu kola group.
There were fewer adverse events in the herb group than in the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events, and none were related to the treatment.
This study suggests for the first time that gotu kola can help maintain macular health.
Nutrients. 2026 Mar 12;18(6):905.

04/10/2026

𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Low energy and stress can have a detrimental impact on cognition. Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb that has been shown to help energy, stress and cognition.
This new double-blind study gave 115 people with low energy who were also experiencing attention or memory issues either a placebo or 300mg of ashwagandha extract twice a day for 8 weeks.
Compared to placebo, ashwagandha safely led to significant improvement in memory, working memory, attention and learning. The people taking ashwagandha also had significant improvement in mood, energy and executive function.
J Psychoactive Drugs. 2026 Jan-Mar;58(1):45-57.

04/07/2026

Customer Appreciation day today 15 percent off!😊

04/02/2026

𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩
Our scent-sense is extremely powerful and is directly wired to the part of the brain center of memory and emotion. As you have no doubt experienced, a particular scent can spark a special memory or association, and promote a strong emotion-like joy, nostalgia, excitement. Cells in our nose pickup smells and send this information to the brain via an olfactory nerve. It is a direct and quick process, and so the idea of using the scent organ for helping our mind and body, it makes sense!
The use of essential oils for medicinal purposes, as aromatherapy, dates way back to ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and the Romans. Now, scientific studies show the sleep and relaxation promoting, stress-relieving, pain-reducing, and mood-regulating benefits of essential oils. Aromatherapy can be used in mind-body connection therapy to create better sleep, both by helping sleep directly, and by relief of stress, anxiety, mood, and physical discomfort.
You can apply the oils directly(like to wrists, temples, wherever you feel you need) and use in massage, add to bath, use a diffuser, and make your own mist/spritzer for linens, etc.
Try these for sleep and stress:
- Lavender
- Lemon, citrus, or Bergamot
- Ylang-ylang
- Jasmine
- Clary sage
- Sandalwood
- Rose and Geranium
- Rosemary (my personal anti-stress favourite)

Be well,
Tina Foster, RHN
Essential Remedies

03/27/2026

𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙮 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙡/𝙏𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙞
"Queen of Herbs"
Native to Southeast Asia, holy basil tulsi has long been used in ancient Indian medicine as a treatment and aid for many afflictions and conditions. Holy basil is a tonic for the whole body, mind, spirit. Different parts of the plant from seed to leaf are recommended for different issues, from bronchitis malaria, stomach issues, eczema, eye diseases, ringworm, to anxiety. The entire plant is supported by studies for human use and therapeutic value. Nutritionally it contains vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll.
Holy Basil works as an adaptogen, helping your body and mind adjust to its needs, and as such is great for stress reduction and anxiety, and worry and depression. It also helps with sleep problems, sexual problems, memory, exhaustion and stamina, immunity, detoxification, and enhances metabolism too. It fosters clear thoughts, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. It is high in antioxidants and protects your body against toxic chemicals. It can help to prevent cancer by inhibition of cancerous cell growth, It promotes detoxification of the body. Leaf extracts are used to treat infections and boost wound healing speed and strength. It is antibacterial/viral, and anti-inflammatory. It lowers blood sugar and so is useful for insulin resistance, prediabetics, or type 2. It also benefits the circulatory system as it lowers cholesterol and hypertension. It helps with digestion and weight gain prevention. Being a good anti-inflammatory, it can help those with arthritis and joint pain. Holy basil protects the stomach by many means, including counteracting stress-induced ulcers, increasing defenses by increased mucosal cells, and enhancing immunity. Wow, yes it can do a lot for you! Here is a recap:
Holy Basil/Tulsi:
- Powerful antioxidant
- Liver protectant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immune enhancer
- Brain and cognition
- Stress and anxiety
- Heart/circulatory protectant
- Insulin regulator
- Metabolism
- Digestive aid
- Wound healer
- Anti-cancer and radiation
- Anti-bacterial,viral, and fungal
- Anti-histamine
- Boosts testosterone
- Eye, skin,and hair health..and more!
I like to have an afternoon tulsi tea to instantly melt the stress away...It truly is a gift from nature.
Be well and sip to your health,
Tina Foster, RHN
Essential Remedies

03/23/2026

𝙈𝙊𝙊𝘿 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙎𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙐𝙋𝙋𝙇𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙎

*𝑩 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙 𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒔: produce important brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Also boost energy production and proper metabolism.
*𝑽𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝑫: the sunshine vitamin(which we are lacking in the winter months!). Regulates mood and decreases depression, as well as being a vital vitamin for all aspects of health.
*𝑶𝒎𝒆𝒈𝒂 3𝒔: play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against cognitive decline.
*5-𝑯𝑻𝑷: helps raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP has a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.
*𝑮𝑨𝑩𝑨: known for producing a calming effect. It's thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear.
*𝑺𝒕. 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏'𝒔 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒕: increases the activity of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline, helping to stabilize mood, and is a well-studied natural anti-depressant.
*𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒍: an ayurvedic remedy that has antidepressant and antianxiety properties. Studies have shown that it can help people feel more social and less anxious.
*𝑮𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒐 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂: in addition to increasing brain circulation and helping memory, Ginkgo also increases the turnover of both serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters often low in those with depression. Ginkgo extract can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
*𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒏: a natural antidepressant, studied for effectively helping depression, anxiety, and stress. It works by increasing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, while its antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress that contributes to low mood.

03/20/2026

𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧

Migraine headaches are ridiculously common. They can cause intense, throbbing pain; nausea; vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound that can seriously affect your quality of life. This new study suggests that getting more of one simple vitamin could help.
This study compared levels of vitamin B12 in people who suffered from migraines to the levels in people who didn’t. The migraine group was further divided into people who suffered chronic migraine and people whose migraines were episodic.
The migraine group had significantly lower levels of B12, and the chronic migraine sufferers had significantly lower B12 levels than people with episodic migraines.
Adding to the evidence, lower B12 was significantly associated with greater severity of migraine attacks.
This study offers the possibility that low levels of B12 are associated with migraine headaches and their severity. It is the second recent study to find an association between low B12 levels and migraine (J Headache Pain. 2025 Nov 11;26(1):2500.
Neurol Res. 2025 Mar;47(3):195-200.

03/20/2026

𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚

A promising new study provides evidence that spirulina can improve symptoms and quality of life in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 5-10% of all people. It affects women more than men. Because of the pain, and because 38% of people with IBS experience depression and 40% experience anxiety, IBS can seriously affect quality of life.
Recent research is expanding our knowledge of IBS. It appears that gut permeability allows immune cells to pass into the intestine, leading to inflammation that contributes to the pain and the other symptoms of IBS.
This new double-blind study of 54 people with IBS gave either a placebo or 1,000mg of spirulina a day for 12 weeks.
Zonulin is a marker of permeability, and some studies have shown that it is elevated in people with IBS. At the end of the study, the people on spirulina had significantly lower levels of zonulin, suggesting improved intestinal permeability.
They also had significantly better overall IBS-Severity system score. Scores improved by 32.17 points in the spirulina group while worsening by 1.07 points on the placebo. IBS quality of life scores also improved significantly more in the spirulina group, going up 7.05 points on spirulina and down 1.57 points on placebo.
The spirulina group had significantly lower markers of oxidative stress and significantly higher markers of total antioxidant capacity.
This study provides the first evidence that spirulina can help people with IBS.
Nutr J. 2025 Apr 21;24:64.

03/13/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬
It’s hard to believe, but a billion people suffer from migraine headaches. It’s also hard to believe that a safe, simple, inexpensive vitamin can help. Both are true.
Could something as simple as vitamin D change life for millions of people with migraines? That’s what this meta-analysis of 5 studies that compared vitamin D to a placebo set out to see.
The answer is yes! Vitamin D significantly reduced the number of days with headaches, the frequency of headaches and the severity of headaches. It also significantly improved scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment.
The researchers concluded that “Vitamin D treatment is effective to alleviate migraine.”
Clin Neuropharmacol. Jan-Feb 2021;44(1):5-8.

𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐢𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
Rates of obesity among young people are very concerning and on the rise. Between 1990 and 2021, rates of overweight and obesity combined doubled, while rates of obesity tripled. Any safe, natural help would be welcome. Here’s a surprising and simple one.
Rising rates of obesity among young people is concerning because being overweight when you’re young has impacts on health when you’re an adult, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and premature death.
Studies have shown that a B vitamin, folic acid, is associated with lower rates of overweight and obesity in adults. But what about in kids?
This massive study of 9,404 children and adolescents between 6 and 19 found that folic acid is also associated with a lower risk of being overweight or obese in young people, especially adolescents.
Compared to people with the lowest dietary intake of folic acid, those with the highest had a 35% lower risk of being overweight or obese. For central obesity, the benefit was a similar 36%. This benefit for folic acid reached significance for adolescents between 12 and 19.
This new study introduces folic acid as a possible strategy for combatting overweight and obesity in children and, especially, in adolescents.
BMC Pediatrics. January 2026;26,141.

03/06/2026

𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑼𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒐
Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in kids. Frequent antibiotics can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance. A new study suggests a natural alternative.
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not only a pain in themselves for kids, they can lead to long-term kidney complications, especially in kids with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a condition in which urine flows in the wrong direction. Instead of staying in the bladder until you urinate, if flows back into the ureter or kidney. It is most common in kids and can cause bacteria to get into the kidney where it can cause an infection, which can lead to kidney damage.
This study included 39 children between 3 and 16, some of whom had VUR. They were given a combo of cranberry extract, standardized for 36 mg proanthocyanidins, probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum) and 250mg of vitamin C a day for 6 months followed by a 6 month observation period.
Cranberry is one of the most studied and most effective natural remedies for recurrent UTIs. Probiotics and vitamin C have both also been shown to reduce UTI recurrences.
In this study, the combo significantly reduced UTI recurrence. The average number of UTIs went down from 3 to 0 in kids without VUR and from 2 to 0 in kids with. 69.2% of the kids had no infection throughout the year. The others had fewer UTIs than they did before taking the supplement.
The supplement was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events.
J Diet Suppl. 2026;23(2):205-216.

Essential Remedies

04/17/2026

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