Granting health food stores sell food, in properly using them
let's focus on the supplements. Most have a variety of products from a
variety of alternative medicine ideas.
Types of Products: Our local store sells ready made teas, bulk herbs, bach flower treatments, holistic and some traditional Chinese medicines. There are also aromatherapy essential oils.
Knowledge of the Staff: Some of these products are fine for most people and some aren't. In a good store (ours is) there is at least one person on staff with a working knowledge of how each treatment works. Some also know interactions and medical conditions that make using certain products dangerous.
This is important. When it comes to aromatherapy a staff member should know that there are problems with young children and both peppermint and eucalyptus oil. In herbal therapy St. John's Wort interacts with some heart medications. Not everyone is trained in these areas so having someone on staff who is makes the store a better place to shop.
Talk to Professionals: Sadly not everyone in every store is trained and no one is likely to be trained in all areas. This means that you still have to consult with professionals in each area of alternative medicine. You also need to consult with your doctor and your pharmacist.
There are new studies coming out on a regular basis. Between the branches of complementary medicine a safe treatment method can be arranged. It can include all of one branch or bits and pieces as needed. In my own practice I use aromatherapy as well as herbal medicine. I also ask my doctor and pharmacist about new herbs. They are likely to be more informed on studies.
Types of Products: Our local store sells ready made teas, bulk herbs, bach flower treatments, holistic and some traditional Chinese medicines. There are also aromatherapy essential oils.
Knowledge of the Staff: Some of these products are fine for most people and some aren't. In a good store (ours is) there is at least one person on staff with a working knowledge of how each treatment works. Some also know interactions and medical conditions that make using certain products dangerous.
This is important. When it comes to aromatherapy a staff member should know that there are problems with young children and both peppermint and eucalyptus oil. In herbal therapy St. John's Wort interacts with some heart medications. Not everyone is trained in these areas so having someone on staff who is makes the store a better place to shop.
Talk to Professionals: Sadly not everyone in every store is trained and no one is likely to be trained in all areas. This means that you still have to consult with professionals in each area of alternative medicine. You also need to consult with your doctor and your pharmacist.
There are new studies coming out on a regular basis. Between the branches of complementary medicine a safe treatment method can be arranged. It can include all of one branch or bits and pieces as needed. In my own practice I use aromatherapy as well as herbal medicine. I also ask my doctor and pharmacist about new herbs. They are likely to be more informed on studies.
