By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
Question: I heard there were several reputable natural supplement companies based out of BC. Is that true, and are their products any good?
Answer: Such a timely question for BC Day. Some of our favourite companies are actually nestled right in our backyard here in BC. Why are they our favourites? Mainly because their products have proven to be highly effective in our experience.
For beautiful skin, look to Organika®, a Richmond-based company for some beauty enhancing products. Pycnogenol®, the French Maritime Pine Bark extract, can help protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce skin hyperpigmentation by affecting the skin at the genetic level, and improve skin elasticity and hydration. Organika®’s collagen is a non-flavoured powder that can be easily mixed into any hot or cold liquid. Collagen supplementation can provide multiple beauty benefits including increasing skin’s moisture and tone as well as increasing the strength of hair and nails. It can also contribute to bone strength.
VIVA HEALTH PRODUCTS is a Richmond-based company that offers an effective line of skin care products that are made without the use of parabens, SLS/SLES, or artificial colours or fragrances. Their PURE HYALURONIC ACID (Pure HA) works well for helping the skin retains its natural moisture creating plump-looking skin. Try using Viva’s AMAZE EXFOLIATING GEL to slough off dead skin without any abrasive effects then applying the Pure HA for skin that literally glows. Our medical skincare pharmacists can tell you much more in person.
Most people have heard of the internal health benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), but may not be aware of what ACV can do for the hair. PHILLIP ADAM Inc. is a Vancouver-based company started by Phillip Adam, a hairdresser with nearly 50 years of experience. He has formulated an ACV SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER that cleans and conditions naturally without dulling the hair. A side benefit is that your hair then smells like apple pie!
Beauty is not just what you see on the outside. What could be more beautiful than a healthy brain that allows us to express our inner selves? NEURO-FORCE ™ is a supplement that combines the benefits of docosahexanoic acid (DHA), vinpocetine, pyrroloquinolone quinone (PQQ) and bacopa monnieri for their multiple neuroprotective and cognition-enhancing properties. Many clients have reported that just one softgel a day has made an impact on their cognition as they go about their daily activities.
If you have been a reader of our articles through the years, you will know that we truly believe in RECOVERY® by Purica ®. This combination includes some more commonly known ingredients such as glucosamine, methyl sulfonyl methane, and Betaine HCl, but the real star is Nutricol®, a potent proprietary bioflavonoid complex that helps reinforce the strength and elasticity of connective tissues and provide anti-inflammatory benefit. Recovery® has provided benefit to many, many clients over the years for multiple conditions, including, but not limited to arthritis (of differing origins), tendonitis, and healing from surgery. Furthermore, Recovery® can benefit all members of our families including dogs, cats, & horses.
More recently, we have discovered MS+™ by Tait Laboratories, a company headquartered in Chinatown (Vancouver), which is appropriate as this mandarin skin-based product has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Constituents found in this orange peel extract act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and can actively repair tight junctions in the gut. This supplement can help with diarrhea, bloating, acid indigestion, nausea, belching, vomiting, upset stomach and cough with phlegm. Benefits can be felt after just a few days.
There are many effective supplements on the market from many wonderful local companies… too many for us address in a single article. It makes us proud to live in such a beautiful region with so much to offer.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston Village, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available In-Store.
