Herbalist: Homeopathic, natural remedies aid in the prevention of sickness
While getting a flu shot, wiping down surfaces and washing hands are all proven ways of lessening chances of illness, Lillian Ronzio, a herbalist and doctor of naturopathic medicine, reminds others to include natural remedies among their prevented measures.
“Everyone is so caught up in the medical remedies because that’s just what has always been taught to them to do,” she said. “People are so afraid to stray from that, and it’s that fear that keeps them from doing something natural.”
Ronzio owns “The Natural Way” store along Route 119 in Dunbar Township, which sells a large array of vitamins and herbs and natural remedies for every situation.
“Right now I’m seeing a lot of people coming in who have gone to (a medical facility) and they still are not able to get rid of whatever is going on,” she said. “They have to do something for themselves. Learning about how to take care of their own health – be proactive and stay healthy – is so important.”
Her recommendations for some natural remedies to help with the different ailments this time of year include an array of different vitamins, minerals and herbs.
Vitamin C, A and D are all great immune boosters and right now there is an elderberry formula called D-3-fense that is very popular, she said.
“Those who have been sick for a long time usually have low D-3,” she said.
ALJ, which is a combination of herbs, is something she recommends to her customers for sinus support.
For gastro-intestinal issues, Ronzio recommends a natural anti-viral formula called VSC – a Chinese formula that she has found to be excellent.
Echinacea fights infection and Golden Seal is a natural insulin.
Another popular remedy to prevent viruses as well as to help get rid of them is something called PauDArco.
“This comes from the Lapacho Tree in South America, and there they call it ‘el todo,’ because it’s just good for everything,” she said.
On top of that, there is something called Capsicum, which is a red pepper cayenne, that acts as a “kicker” that makes other herbs work better, she said.
Ronzio takes about 14 different types of herbs, vitamins and other concoctions every morning.
“Herbs are foods,” she said. “It’s like going to a salad bar.”
Ronzio tells of a story where an acquaintance came into her store wheezing. After taking a high dose of Vitamin C, some lymph cleanse and some elderberry D-3 recommended by Ronzio, the two began talking.
“After about 15 minutes the wheezing had stopped,” she said. “When you find out you can make that much of a difference in your own health, it’s enlightening. People don’t realize they can take care of their own self.”