Nature’s Remedy Expands with a Natural Foods Mart and a Holistic Wellness Center
(12-26-2008)
By Gerlind Dubey

Celebrate A Journey Of Health And Wellness To Bring Harmony, Balance And True Happiness For Body, Mind And Spirit!

In 1995 Gretchen Mendell ventured into the retail world by opening “Natures Remedy” in the Marketplace; becoming Ellicottville’s first holistic retail shop. It wasn’t long before a second store was opened in Olean and then a third in Springville.
As a Certified Natural Health Professional Mendell has vast knowledge of current nutritional research and both western and non-western dietary traditions, Because of this, Nature’s Remedy has been highly successful at helping their clientele reverse an array of health conditions, identify previously misunderstood or hidden health problems, lose weight, gain energy, eliminate eating disorders and food sensitivities.

Driven by a passion to educate consumers about healthful living and to help facilitate a progression towards healthy lifestyles Mendell and business partner Terry Wray have conscientiously committed to create a supportive environment for customers interested in a healthy, holistic way of living by making healthy natural foods accessible in Ellicottville.

It is Mendell’s quest to support the community; she has contracted with local natural certified suppliers and is constantly searching out new certified sources. “Natures Remedy” requests any and all input from you, the consumer.

Taking the expansion even further, Wray and Mendell designed a Holistic Wellness Center on the lower level of the Market Place.

Creating a bigger space, by knocking out a few walls, the original store now features a specialty grocery offering a vast variety of natural and organic foods. A visible selection of fresh produce graces the entry way; Coolers and freezers filled with Dairy alternative food products, natural juices and variety beverages, line the back wall. Carefully researching resources, Natures Remedy stocks a wide variety of Vegan and vegetarian specialty foods healthy alternatives for children/infants; a very large gluten free section that holds everything from cookies, cake mixes, a plentiful selection of pasta and sauces; organic coffee and coffee alternatives; healing teas & herbs; Eco- friendly cleaning products; balancing homeopathic remedies; aromatherapy elixirs; natural vitamins, supplements, a wide selection of educational reading material and much more.

In the Holistic Wellness Center co- owner Terry Wray CNHP created an Asian inspired, relaxing environment to soothe and/or revitalize; the perfect respite after a day on the slopes or a night on the town.

Touring the Wellness Center facility was an eye opening experience; the variety of services offered. A demo on the new Vibra Trim proved to be an invigorating and learning adventure. The Vibra Trim machine looks much like a Stairmaster, but that is where the resemblance stops. Vibration therapy is not only fun it is an excellent workout for all ages,

When you stand on it the foot plate moves in a see saw fashion, this generates systematic involuntary muscle contraction that produces amazing results for burning fat, and it increases the production of the regenerative and repair hormones. It also improves the blood circulation, increases the basal metabolic rate, strengthens bone tissue and improves lymph drainage. 

The net result is more strength, stamina, speed, increased flexibility, mobility and coordination, rapid recovery of muscles and tissue, improved collagen production and fat reduction.  This is achieved with minimal stress on the joints and ligaments. Therefore it is beneficial to all ages. Since the machine moves for you it is especially therapeutic for those with mobility issues.

Also available is the new Oxygen Bar… Stressed out after hectic night out and want to relax?

Experience the benefits of the Oxygen Bar for an aromatherapy enhanced oxygen shoot to regenerate your worn out cells The reason is quite clear - the growing legions of recreational/therapeutic Oxygen users are reporting the benefits that Oxygen has brought to their lives. These reported benefits include an increase in physical energy and stamina, enhanced concentration and clearer thinking, an increase in metabolism along with the reported fact that Oxygen provides enhanced absorption rates of vitamins and minerals, and healthier - younger looking skin. All these reasons and more are why people are lining up to experience the benefits that pure Oxygen can bring.

An Infrared Sauna awaits to relax those tired muscles; sitting in a sauna for a period of time will lead to sweating, which has many health benefits. Infrared saunas, specifically, are used for weight loss and relaxation. Infrared is a type of light used to heat the sauna instead of air. One’s respiratory system is not exposed to high heat as in a steam sauna. These saunas, based on infrared technology, are more effective as heat reaches deeper in the skin. Deep heat penetration allows removal of toxins, alcohol, nicotine and metals. It helps in curing chronic fatigue; promotes muscle growth; raises growth hormones level; and reduces cellulite. Calories used in half an hour in an infrared sauna session are more than that used while running for the same time.

Iridology, Reflexology, Whole Body Cleansing, Detoxification; Weight Loss and Weight Gain Therapy, Wellness Consultations and more are also on the bill of fare at the Center. Natures Remedy also offers educational workshops and holistic treatments by highly qualified staff members