Co-founder, Darcy Schack, suffers from an autoimmune disease known as sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands.
Darcy takes immunosuppressants and as such is keen to develop products which enhance his, and others', health and natural immune system. Darcy has a background in physics and engineering and extensive food industry experience.
Darcy worked with co-founder, Anna Campbell (PhD, plant biotechnology), to combine their scientific knowledge and develop a natural product to support immunity and improve lung health. They are developing several other plant-based, scientifically proven health products for Zestt Wellness customers.
Anna has extensive scientific and commercial experience, she spent 15 years with AbacusBio, six of those as Managing Director, where she led an international team working in over 20 countries, on food and agricultural programmes. She also holds directorships in New Zealand and international (UK and US) science businesses.
Darcy and Anna are joined by their business partners, Danny Chan and Lisa Shi.
Danny is a third generation New Zealand Chinese, brought up in Wellington where he received a BCA with honours from Victoria University.
After success overseas in funds management, he developed his own businesses in New Zealand and founded the Academic Colleges Group Limited - the largest private school group in New Zealand.
Danny holds several directorships in New Zealand, including both private and public companies.
Lisa is experienced in international trade, with extensive knowledge and expertise on China market regulations and access. She immigrated from China to New Zealand 21 years ago and received a Master of Art degree from the University of Auckland.
Lisa has a part time position at the University of Auckland. She is also a director of an export business and a partner in biotechnology and medical devices investments.
Zestt Wellness Frequently Asked Questions
EXhale®
How often should I take EXhale®?
For those with unhealthy lungs, we recommend taking EXhale® on a daily basis (10mL per day). Note that in times of stress, two 10mL doses per day can be taken, provided that people don’t exceed the following:
- The daily recommended maximum dose of quercetin, which is 1,200mg (note there is 500mg of quercetin in one dose of EXhale®, but there are other supplements and medicines which may contain quercetin);
- The daily recommended maximum dose of zinc, which is 50mg (note there is 15mg of zinc in one dose of EXhale®, but there are other supplements and medicines which may contain zinc).
For those with healthy lungs, we recommended taking EXhale® as needed – in times of environmental stress or illness (10-20mL per day).
What ingredients are in EXhale® and are they natural?
The bioactive ingredients in EXhale® are natural and are sourced from New Zealand and imported (where not grown in New Zealand). The bioactive ingredients are:
- BerriQi® – a boysenberry and apple extract, with immune boosting properties and lung health properties, rich in anthocyanins;
- Quercetin – a plant flavonol, with immunity properties, extracted from buds of the Japonica saphora tree, acts as a zinc ionophore which means it helps zinc cross cell membranes;
- Chelated zinc – a form of zinc in its most bioavailable form;
- Mānuka honey (UMF 20+) – oral immunity properties and acts as a carrier for quercetin to support absorption.
Where is EXhale® produced?
EXhale® is produced in Dunedin, New Zealand by Zestt Wellness. We are a New Zealand Government accredited manufacturing centre (certification can be provided on request).
Our staff are trained in food hygiene safety standards. One of our co-founders is immuno-compromised – we truly understand the importance of food and nutraceutical manufacturing hygiene for such groups of people.
What is the science behind EXhale®?
Their co-founders are both scientifically trained and have extensively used peer-reviewed scientific literature to formulate EXhale®. We have analysed EXhale® for its immunity properties in an accredited University laboratory. We have had the science behind the EXhale® formula independently scientifically reviewed by scientists and medical practitioners internationally.
Have clinical trials been done on EXhale®?
Clinical and pre-clinical trials have been done by scientists on ingredients within EXhale®. We are currently seeking funding to support clinical trials of EXhale® in immune-compromised groups with chronic lung disease. Ultimately, we are aiming for EXhale® to be available as a prescribed medicine as well as a nutraceutical.
Should I take EXhale® everyday?
For people with chronic lung issues, we recommend taking EXhale® every day, for others, we recommend taking EXhale® everyday or when you feel like your immune system needs a boost. Please note that EXhale is a fortified food product.
I have been told that my lung disease is incurable, how will EXhale® help?
EXhale® won’t cure diseases, but it can help reduce inflammation and phlegm and support your immune system. Please note that EXhale is a fortified food product.
How does EXhale® work?
Watch this video to see how BerriQ® works, EXhale® also has immune boosting bioactives, quercetin and zinc to bolster your health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBWXffSuw3Y.