April 14, 2010
a:i’' JJortlanb (Observer
Herbs and Diet Supplements
Alternative
remedies grow
in popularity
R ebekah B elle
T he P ortland O bserver
by
Prescription prices are put
ting the bite on household bud
gets. The recession is am plify
ing the pain as w orkers lose
health coverage and em ploy
ers cut back on drug benefits.
M ore A m erican s are being
forced to choose betw een buy
ing food and buying m edicine.
But in the herbs and diet
supplement market, sales are
in c re a sin g d e sp ite the bad
economy, according to an Asso
ciated Press review o f recent
data from market-watchers and
retailers.
Medicines, both herbal and
pharmaceutical, are big business.
These days, Americans spend
$200 billion per year on prescrip
tion drugs and $20 billion on herbs
and other dietary supplements
(Britannica Online Encyclope
dia).
Bob Hodges, the owner o f the
E m erald F orest H erbarium ,
agrees. His store at 315 N.E.
Wygant St. has seen a real in
crease o f people seeking alter
native remedies from all walks
o f life
Hodges has been in his shop
PHOTO by M ark W ashington /T he P ortland O bserver
for over seven years and has
grown with the times. He car Despite a poor economy, business is increasing for the herbs and diet supplement market as witnessed by Bob
ries over 500 herbs as well as Hodges, owner of Emerald Forest Herbarium, located at 315 N.E. Wygant St., one half block from Northeast
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
other health supplements like
essential oils, extracts, and amino ety o f herbal aids.
When choosing the best rem
acids; along with products from
Although many people feel edy or preventive medicine, most
the Life Extension and NOW herbs are unscientific, primitive, o f us simply want the safest,
Henrietta Browning Owner/ Tax Consulant
i
brands.
unproved and ineffective, there most effective option available, I
W hile striving to provide the is another side o f the story to whether it’s food, herbs or a
best herbs available on the m ar these commonly accepted be pharmaceutical drug.
I
Call (503) 665-7000 For An Appointment
ket, he also offers a research liefs about herbs. Over 130 mil
Do your homework to find out I Just bring this coupon with you, and you will receive a
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the best decisions when choos plants. 75 percent o f the hor herb or drug a regular part of
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(valid from 1/23/10-4/15/10)
ing herbs. He also will provide mones used in medicine today your health routine. Also be sure
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herbalism and Western herbalism how both industries are regu other m edications you m ight I
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