My Take: Alternative Health Remedies in Helena, Montana

In reading Manda Spring's informative article on Guide to Alternative Medicine, I am reminded how lucky it is to have access to the well-trained staff of my local health food store and delicatessen. The Real Food Store is located at 1096 Helena Avenue in Helena, Montana. The store is open seven days. The hours of operation are 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday thru Saturday and 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday.

The Real Food Store has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 30 years of its existence in the Helena area. Within recent history, the store expanded its capacity and range of products by moving to the present location.

The store has an on line and paper publication entitled Delicious Living. http://www.realfoodstore.com. This publication discusses a range of topics. A customer can find the latest information on alternative medicine for specific needs for example their current issue has an article on "The Balancing Act," which discusses various herbs that can be utilized to treat menopausal symptoms and related issues. In addition the publication has information on topical subjects, like Trick or Treat, Non-Chemical Deodorant, Fluoride, Seasonal Squash and Day Spas at home. All the subjects are informative and useful bits of information.

Aside from their informative publications, the store has a great book and magazine section in the store. If you prefer to ask questions to a staff member of The Real Food Store that is available. While I like the internet, sometimes a personal query is more helpful on some matters. As an example the other day I was in the store for lunch with a friend. After lunch we went over to the supplemental section of the store.

In this section of the store I located the help desk that is equipped with a computer that runs a program wherein the staff can enter information like the name of the supplement or in the alternative what it is the customer is trying to remedy. The store was packed, so I was lucky to find a clerk and within a minute or so found the type of Potassium I needed. For my purposes, I take a Potassium supplement in addition to eating bananas and other food because I tend to utilize it more when I exercise and additionally as a prevention. Potassium keeps my blood pressure in check. All of this information is available in the store or by a simple phone call to the store at 406 443-5150.

The staff at the Real Food Store does not profess to be Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Naturopathic, Massage Therapists or other licensed individuals, but they can tell you what the professional publications say about homeopathy, minerals, herbs and vitamins. There are a variety of licensed professionals in the area if one needs a consultation.

The physical layout of the store is very convenient. The meat, poultry and fish section has an abundant selection of free-range and organically grown products from local producers. I have purchased various items and have yet to find anything that is not top-notched.

The other area I like is the Pet Food section. Their selection of wholesome pet products is astounding and the best part is the cats find them very tasty products. If you have a fussy feline on your hands, this place is your answer.

I have saved the best for last, The Salad Bar and Hot Food Buffet. As I said, a friend and I had lunch there the other day. The selection for the salad bar is great, from artichoke hearts, baby corn, several different green leafy selections, mushrooms, black olives, seeds galore, red beets, an assortment of dressings and much more. Additionally, hot dishes like lasagna and other items as well as desserts are available.

I particularly like that all items are served on fresh white earthenware and accompanied with sturdy stainless steel utensils. The staff is very friendly and helpful. After you make your selection, the hostess will weigh your items and then calculate your total by subtracting the weight of the plate and then applying the factor of $6.99 per pound. The entire cost of my salad lunch was $5.17. It was delicious.

The next time I visit the Real Food Store, I am going to refer the staff to Mandy Spring's excellent article so that their many customers may have access to it. Who knows, maybe someone at the Real Food Store may want to be a content producer.