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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.
(1)

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

01/02/2026

𝑴𝑨𝑮𝑵𝑰𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑰𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑨
Moringa Oleifera is an exceptionally nutritious green plant leaf, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. It comes from a tree native to Northern India, where is is consumed as an important source of nutrition. It is a whole food and can be taken as a supplement to any diet- added to water, smoothies, sprinkled on cereal, etc.
Moringa has many science-backed health benefits. Just some of its many high nutrients include protein, vitamins B2 and B6 along with other B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron. Being rich in antioxidants, Moringa helps combat free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, these include quercetin(a potent anti-inflammatory) and chlorogenic acid(useful for lowering blood sugar and weight loss). Having chronic elevated blood sugar leads to diabetes and inflammation, and Moringa has been found in several studies to greatly help this. Sustained inflammation also poses a problem for health and is linked to many chronic issues and disease. Moringa's main anti-inflammatory compound is isothiocyanates. Like most plant foods to some degree, Moringa in particular(like flax, oats, and almonds), lowers blood cholesterol effectively, reducing heart disease risk. Also it has been shown to protect against arsenic toxicity, showing how powerful its beneficial compounds are for your body, as it can detox harmful substances.
Indeed, Moringa can offer you and your body super-nutrients for improved health and well-being, including energy, stress-relief, skin health, metabolism, bowel regularity, and much more. The more fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and superfoods such as this green, that we include in our diet, we will be increasing and varying our antioxidant and anti-inflammation profile- Moringa is a marvelous body aid! Try it and feel it, I recommend about 1/2-1 tbs a day. Powder and capsules available.
Be well,
Tina Foster, RHN

12/24/2025

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧
This new study shows that a combination of two herbs that are traditionally used for skin increases collagen and hydration and improves skin elasticity, pores and wrinkles.
The study included 150 men and women over the age of 20. 30% of them were between 20 and 40, and 70% of them were over 40. The herbs being studied were astragalus and gotu kola in equal combination. One group used the herbs topically twice a day for 4 weeks, one group used the herbs orally twice a day for 12 weeks, and one group used both the topical and the oral formulas. Each group was compared to a placebo group in double-blind fashion.
In the topical group, skin brightness increased by 2.5% versus 1% in the placebo group, elasticity improved by 6.5% versus 1.2%, collagen increased by 8.7% versus 6.8%, melanin decreased by 5.2% versus a 0.2% increase on placebo, visible pores dropped by 10.6% versus a 0.9% increase on placebo. Skin texture improved by 8.7% with the herbs compared to 2.3% with placebo, and moisture retention improved by 7.6% compared to 1.8% with placebo.
In the oral supplement group, skin brightness improved by 2.5%, elasticity by 4.7%, collagen increased by 13.2%, melanin decreased by 6.3%. Rough skin improved by 18.5%, and visible pores dropped by 10.5%.
Even better results were seen when people used the herbs orally and topically. There was “remarkable and statistically significant improvements across all measured skin parameters,” including a 4.2% increase in brightness, a 12.9% improvement in moisture retention, a 9% increase in skin elasticity, a 13.7% increase in collagen, an 8.2% decrease in melanin, and a 28.5% decrease in pore count. Rough skin improved by 19.8%.
The study provides “compelling evidence” that astragalus and gotu kola enhance skin health. The herbal combination improves both collagen and hydration, rejuvenating the skin. The researchers conclude that the herbal combo is “a promising natural solution for individuals seeking a holistic, evidence-based strategy to support and enhance skin health.”
Cosmetics. 2025;12(4):131.

12/24/2025

𝘽𝙤𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖 𝘿𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙆𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙄𝙩 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙨.

A new double-blind study of 98 people with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis found that boswellia extract (30% 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid ) at a dose of 300-600mg a day significantly improves scores of pain, stiffness and physical function on the WOMAC Arthritis Index, walking distance and quality of life.
But that’s not all it does. Remarkably, boswellia even improved joint space in the knee in 44.1% of the 600mg group, suggesting that boswellia can actually help reverse osteoarthritis.
Front Pharmacol. July 18, 2024;15:1428440.

12/24/2025

15% off Christmas EVE

12/22/2025

More And More Research is
Showing Saw Palmetto Helps
Hair Growth in Men & Women

The science is quickly building supporting the use of saw palmetto berry extract
to reduce hair loss and enhance hair growth in both men and women. This new
study adds to the growing evidence.
Though often thought of as a male problem, thinning hair is a big problem for
women too. 80% of men will experience male pattern hair loss by the age of 80;
40% of women will experience female pattern hair loss by the age of 50.
This new study included 30 men and 30 women. They were all between 25 and
65. 20 of them were given a placebo for 90 days, while the other 60 were give a
saw palmetto berry extract containing 160mg of concentrated bioactive fatty
acids.
Digital imaging of a 1 cm 2 target site on the front of the scalp and on the back of
the scalp allowed the researcher to actually measure how many hairs were
gained or lost.
At the end of 90 days, while the people in the placebo group lost an average of
2.7 terminal hairs in the front target site, the people in the saw palmetto group
increased by 11.3 terminal hairs. In the back the difference was a 0.5 hair gain in
the placebo group versus a 12.1 gain in the saw palmetto group. Terminal hairs
are the thick, fully developed hairs. The difference between the 2 groups was
significant.
Women who are premenopausal or menopausal experience hormonal changes
that affect hair loss and hair growth. But this study found that the 15 women in
the study who were in this subgroup had a significant 7.7% increase in terminal
hairs at the front of the scalp. They also had a significant 70.7% reduction in hair
shedding.
The study also found that saw palmetto berry group shed significantly fewer hairs
in the hair pull test than the placebo group.

Importantly, especially when you consider the pharmaceutical treatments for hair
loss, the saw palmetto was safe: there were no adverse events.
This study adds to the evidence that saw palmetto berry extract safely and
effectively reduces hair shedding and promotes hair growth in both men and
women.
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Nov 30;24(12):e70585.

12/05/2025

𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

All medicinal mushrooms offer incredible benefit to the body including Immune system support, anti-inflammation, and abundant antioxidants, much stemming from compounds like beta-glucans and triterpenoids found within.
Here are some of the popular mushrooms and their most common uses/benefits that they are taken for. Look for mushroom in a proper hot water extract and/or microionized, which will extract the beneficial properties and improve absorption...

*𝙍𝙀𝙄𝙎𝙃𝙄- "mushroom of immortality", antiaging
- adaptogen for stress
- calming, relaxation, sleep
- cardiovascular
- blood sugar manage
- liver protection

*𝙇𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝙀- brain health and cognitive function
- contains compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor(NGF) synthesis, supporting memory, concentration, and nerve tissue regeneration

*𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙔 𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙇- profound immune boosting capabilities
- used in cancer treatment, comprehensive therapy

*𝘾𝙊𝙍𝘿𝙔𝘾𝙀𝙋𝙎- energy, stamina, performance enhancement
-promotes healthy blood flow and oxygen utilization
- used by athletes and active individuals
- fights fatigue
- enhances libido

*𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙂𝘼- antioxidant powerhouse to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support skin health
- traditional medicine for stomach disorders and boosting immunity

12/05/2025

15% off Purica Mushrooms for entire month of DECEMBER

11/28/2025

𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐘
Medicinal mushrooms are used to enhance your well-being, as adaptogens for stress, immune function, energy and vitality, and more! They are also useful for certain ailments as they are antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. They help to recharge the adrenal glands and hormones, are liver-protective and act as a prebiotic which feed the good probiotic bacteria in your intestines.
We carry some excellent blends, two of which are locally produced.
PURICA IMMUNE 7 support blend to strengthen, rebuild, and maintain. This is very complimentary to other therapies, and provides broad-spectrum immune protection, useful for colds/flu, speeding recovery, reducing nausea, and increasing energy. It contains a proprietary certified organic micronized full-spectrum mushroom extract along with Nutricol, a bioflavanoid concentrate of green tea and grape polyphenols. The mushrooms in this formula are sun mushroom, cordyceps, red reishi, maitake, shiitake, and coriolus.
PURICA Zensations UNIVERSAL HARMONY Cacao Mix with 8 Mushrooms and Ashwaghanda for mind wellness and relaxation!
*Indiviudal Mushroom Extract also available!!

11/21/2025

NEW STOCK
𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 Beeswax AND scented Soy 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐒
Festive shapes and scents, votives, tapers and tealights, and lovely glass jars with amazing scent blends....

11/21/2025

15% Off Customer Appreciation FRIDAY!!

11/18/2025

Customer Appreciation day today 15% off! 😊

11/14/2025

New Study 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬
Though it gets a lot less attention than calcium or vitamin D, without vitamin K, your bones would be like chalk. This new study helps explain why.
Your bones need calcium, but they also need a hormone called osteocalcin. Osteocalcin helps attract and bind calcium to your bones. And osteocalcin is produced by vitamin K.
This new systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of vitamin K included 9 controlled studies of 2,570 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The form of vitamin K used was K2, a form of vitamin K that is produced by bacteria in the gut.
The meta-analysis showed that vitamin K significantly increased osteocalcin compared to a placebo, indicating that vitamin K can promote bone formation. Vitamin K also significantly increased bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, a key marker of bone formation.
This study supports the role of vitamin K in improving bone formation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

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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