Since her early twenties, Lisa Perotti, owner of The Herb Store, has been researching herbs and the healing powers of herbs. Her quest began as a response to family health difficulties and her need for daily medication when she was eighteen years old. Shortly after beginning her treatment, she noticed that the medicines were causing her to develop ulcers and while the medicine was working to relieve her symptoms, the underlying illness wasn't going away. She felt there had to be a better way to address these issues and through the help of a friend, she began to discover the medicinal effects of herbs. As she began to utilize her newly acquired knowledge, she noticed that her condition was finally beginning to improve. The desire to share her discovery propelled Lisa to become a certified herbalist and open The Herb Store in July 1998 where she could offer a complete line of herbal products to the local community. Since that time, she has increased her offerings to include iridology, herbal body wraps, massotherapy, reflexology, Reiki, meditation, and a full compliment of classes and instructional programs.

When I asked about the beneficial properties of herbs, Lisa showed me the current issue of her newsletter, Natural Health. Here's what I learned.

In a perfect world of clean air, water, natural foods, and stress free lifestyles, we would all enjoy optimal health and boundless energy. Unfortunately, that's not reality. Today, most of us eat poorer quality food than our parents did, we are exposed to the most deadly toxins this planet has ever seen, and we experience more stress than ever before.

The Public Health Service states in the Surgeon General's report on nutrition that four out of ten leading causes of death in America (heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes) are associated with diet and nutrition.

"There is a great body of evidence - convincing, scientific evidence - which clearly shows that nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle related factors contribute to present day diseases to a much greater degree and to a much wider extent than is generally realized. Much of this is detailed, specific evidence and information which enables specific actions to be taken now. It cannot be ignored and should be acted upon immediately."

Thousands of scientific studies are now documented, linking good nutrition and the prevention of hundreds of disease conditions. Based on this information, many health experts believe that other common maladies, infirmities, and illnesses are caused by nutritional deficiencies. Optimal health is needed for not only proper immune and endocrine function, but is mandatory for the function of the Central Nervous System, more specifically, the brain.

The past several years have seen the American public become very interested in herbal remedies but they have actually been in practice for thousands of years and were the primary health-care solution of our ancestors. We may think that we're discovering something new but, truth be told, it's only the "Old" becoming "New" again! If you're interested in feeling new again, drop on by The Herb Store and visit with Lisa Perotti and her staff of certified herbalists. They have a couch where you're welcome to sit and read their books about holistic healing, have your questions answered by the staff, or simply relax and chat a while. They'll even have a cup of herbal tea waiting for you! Before you get up off their couch, though, remember to tell them that The Advocate sent you!