MEMBER MONDAY-THE SCIENCE OF NATURE

By Tina M. Wolfe
 
The Science of Nature
 
In an unassuming building on U.S. Hwy. 221 N there have occurred what some call miracles. People that have entered its doors have been transformed and have become true believers. This, however, isn’t a religious organization. No, in fact, the business, Earth Heart, is all about the Science of Nature!

Co-owners Debra Richardson and Cindy Conner are trained and educated in the science of natural and herbal remedies, alternative health products, and nature’s power to help heal the human body. Not only do they carry thousands of different products and more than 100 brands of supplements, herbs, and natural products, they are dedicated to teaching and empowering their customers to be engaged and knowledgeable about their bodies and their health.

“I have a background in healthcare,” said Richardson, “We have products and services that can help [people] feel better.”

Richardson’s journey into the world of natural health began with an unfortunate accident her husband had. A wound on his leg after the accident refused to heal despite several trips to the doctors and several different prescriptions and therapies. Feeling frustrated, she turned to local naturalist Cynthia Lytle. The made-from-scratch recipe Lytle gave her healed her husband’s infection when traditional medicine didn’t.

Richardson became fascinated with the science of nature and set out to find out more. She eventually partnered with Lytle to open Earth Heart in 1998 in the little unassuming building she owned. For the next 15 years, she studied under Lytle’s tutelage, soaking up all the knowledge she could.

“I was amazed at all she knew,” Richardson said. “There are natural remedies for just about everything.”

Many of Lytle’s recipes and practices were passed to her by renowned healer Chief Two Trees that lived in Old Fort. Chief Two Trees saw people from all over the country as well as abroad. Lawyers, farmers, and people of all classes relied on his wisdom and knowledge of healing using nature’s bounty. A humble, spiritual man, the Chief dedicated his life to sharing his ancestor’s methods and ways while generously giving back to the community through the creation of the Native American Studies Institute in Old Fort (1986-1990).

It was in 2016 when Lytle retired that Conner came on board as a partner. She had been working there since 2014 and was on seven different prescriptions. Learning from Richardson and Lytle along with devouring books on the subject, and consulting with her doctor, she was able to wean herself off the medicine.

“I love my job,” she said. “It’s so rewarding being able to help people. The best is when they come back and share with us how our products worked for them.”   
Both Richardson and Conner care about their customers. It’s shown in the interactions, the questions they ask to make sure they get all the information they need in order to recommend the right thing. During my interview, several customers came in to discuss issues and the time and attention spent on each one was impressive. I even mentioned my sinuses had been blocked (blaming allergies) to them and Richardson asked to see my tongue. Taken aback a bit, I conceded. She asked more questions to which I answered affirmatively and then asked, “You see that white on your tongue? That might be from an excess of yeast.” I had been told by my doctor to get over-the-counter nose spray. I walked out that day with a bottle of Olive Leaf, a proven anti-fungal remedy.
The effectiveness of natural remedies depends on the purity of the product, Richardson said. She also agrees with the philosophy of Chief Two Trees in that unlike medicines made in labs that produce a more rapid response from the body, natural products work to create a natural balance within to promote optimal health. This happens over time and is best when other healthy practices are followed in diet and exercise. It takes considerable time for a disease to form in the body, he once said, removing it will take time and effort on behalf of the patient.
Richardson and Conner are relentless in their research when choosing products. “We have tested our products and guarantee their purity,” she said. All the inventory is made in the USA and sourcing from reputable vendors is a top priority. “We look for purity, organic, clean, and even kosher products.” They also provide ancient made-from-scratch remedies learned from Two Trees.

Although they practice and promote natural health both are clear that traditional medicine is needed, and they encourage their customers to work with their doctors before adding supplements or going off any prescribed medicine. Interactions can be very dangerous, Richardson added. “We aren’t here to replace medication, but the business of medicine is to sell medicine. We are selling things that can really help them and we care about their health,” she said.

Richardson shared a story of one customer that brought in a whole page of medication she had been prescribed, several from different doctors. Richardson saw that many of the drugs were incompatible with dangerous side effects. She was able to help her by having the women share with her primary care physician all the medication and work out a safer plan.

We genuinely want them to know we love them and want them to feel better,” added Conner. “This is not voodoo, it’s the science of nature.”

The shop carries everything from natural sleep aids, anti-itch creams, immune-boosting therapies, high blood pressure remedies and uses for castor oil, to acupuncture, massage therapy, and craniosacral therapy. The craniosacral treatment is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.

Come in this month to celebrate their 22^nd anniversary in business! Customers 55 and older can also take advantage of discounts (10%) each Tuesday! On the first Tuesday of each month, everyone receives a 10% discount on their purchase. During this pandemic, it’s important we all do our best to be as healthy as we can. Let Earth Heart help!

The shop is located at 4573 U.S. Hwy. 221 N. and is open Monday through Friday from 10-6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10-4 p.m. They can be reached via phone at 828.756.2224 or email at earthhrt@yahoo.com.
 

###