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By Mary Zielinski (free-lance)

She started using herbal supplements six years ago after years of dealing with health concerns.

Today, Carolyn Hochstetler functions much better and believes there are definite benefits in using herbs as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“But there should be some guidance,” she said, stressing “you need to see it as a way of incorporating them into the way you live.”

While she has “no doubt they work,” she does not promote herbal products as a cure for treating diseases. Instead, she sees their sensible use as a way to balance and boost the body’s own systems, especially its vital immune system.

Nor does she see it as an isolated item; they have to be part of proper diet and exercise.

As a result of her own experience, Hochstetler started learning, reading and researching about herbs and finally opened The Herb Cellar in her rural Wellman home.

Located at 3156 320th St. (which, in Johnson County starts out as 540th St.) approximately nine miles west of the Twin County Dairy, the Cellar offers shelves of herbal products and lots of information.

In fact, Hochstetler has a lifestyle questionnaire for those interested in herbal products.

The products are from Nature’s Sunshine, based in Utah, a firm that has been in the business for more than a quarter century.

The important aspect, she notes, is that all herbal products that she sells meet pharmaceutical standards, something that the company instituted when it started.

Open House

For the first time since she started the Herb Cellar, Hochstetler has planned an Open House for July 9 and 10. There will be specials on selected items, and hourly prize drawings.

Hours are 7-9 p.m., July 9 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 10.

In addition to her shop, Hochstetler teaches about herbs and their uses and will give programs for clubs and other groups. She also has a regular herb newsletter available from her by request.