Herbal Cure for the Common Recession

Prince Avenue is home to some of Athens’s most colorful, hyper local businesses.  The Daily Co-Op and the Grit are among those businesses that help to identify and distinguish the soul of Athens and small town Georgia.

Remedy Herbal Pharmacy, part of the Healing Arts Centre on Prince Avenue, feels more like a warm home with an extensive medicine cabinet than a preventative care pharmacy.

And as economic woes continue to ravage the nation and the state of Georgia, Athens has not been immune.  Remedy, however, has avoided the financial pressure by maintaining a specific consumer niche: herbal medicine.

“It’s been not too bad, actually,” said Salina Nelson, manager of the Healing Arts Centre, “And I think folks are, hopefully, kind of taking it upon themselves realizing that they have to be responsible for their own health and so prevention is the key.”

As you walk into the pharmacy up the wooden steps and past the tropical plants, a shelved wall of herbal supplements stretches down the left side of the room.  On the right, a crowded bookshelf contains literature from experts regarding everything from common, treatable ailments to proper diet.  Nelson sits at a desk in the back, right corner ready to provide personal advice or help researching a problem.

Remedy most commonly treats seasonal allergies, acid reflux, high blood pressure, constipation or simply a consistent feeling of being tired.

One customer came in looking for help with his sarcoidosis, the immune system disorder that led to the death of comedian Bernie Mac in August of 2008.  He began taking an anti-inflammatory, gotocola (an herb good for skin and connective tissue), systemic enzymes, fish oil and a plethora of other supplements.

“This customer is gaining in health.  It’s like it’s in remission,” said Nelson, “He’s not having any trouble from it, and his lung capacity is actually being strengthened by some of the nutritional supplements that he’s taking.”

Remedy’s staff includes graduates from Bastyr University in Oregon.  This accredited, naturopathic institution teaches these alternative health modalities and Chinese medicine.

Many customers, however, still revert to herbal medicine as a secondary option to pharmaceutical treatment.

“I’ve never tried this kind of medicine before, but I hate going to the doctor so I thought I’d give it a try.” McCoy, first-time Remedy customer, said as he studied the back of the bottle on his way to his car.

Don’t think, however, that you can beat the doctor bill by shopping at Remedy.  Insurance rarely covers herbal medicine.  Thus, the cost of the medicine is similar to those bought through prescription, but it all comes from your wallet.

“The comment is made numerous times.  I wish I could get this covered under my insurance,” Nelson said, “I’d rather be taking this than the pharmaceuticals.”

But there’s far more options at Remedy than a normal doctor’s office.  Meghan Burke, owner of the Healing Arts Centre that includes Remedy, moved from Colonial Beechwood Promenade on Alps Rd. to the current location on Prince Ave. about nine years ago.  Among reasons like high rent, Burke wanted a larger place of healing with more activities and resources available.

At the Healing Arts Centre Burke has accomplished exactly that.  The pharmacy is accompanied on the first floor by an expansive yoga room where a three-foot Buddha statue and a wall-sized mirror observe and assist customers with yoga, pilates, meditation, martial arts and even belly dancing.  Downstairs things get slightly more medical.  Body workers help customers with things like lymphatic drainage, visceral manipulation, massage therapy or even counseling.

Remedy is part of a sophisticated laboratory of natural medicine.

As Athens wanders helplessly into the teeth of flu season, remember that a shot and a throbbing arm are not the only ways to stay healthy, but don’t forget to stop by the ATM.