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A modern day apothecary
“It’s about bringing about your health naturally and trying to understand what the body is telling us.” — Doran-Fisher
Walking into Elder and Sage feels like stepping into an old apothecary. Herbs, spices and custom herbal tea blends are housed in large glass jars that line the shelves, and coowner Kathryn Doran-Fisher is on hand to assist visitors in whatever they may need. Described as an “herb and natural remedies shop,” Elder and Sage carries a variety of nature-based cures and organic products. DoranFisher, a board-certified doctor of naturopathic medicine, offers health consultations and provides traditional naturopathic therapies. Naturopathy is a health approach that focuses on natural remedies and the body’s ability to heal and maintain itself. “It’s about bringing about your health naturally and trying to understand what the body is telling us,” Doran-Fisher said. In her consultations, Doran-Fisher seeks to identify and remedy the cause of a person’s health issues as opposed to treating the symptoms. She conducts extensive interviews with clients regarding their health history and concerns, and then makes recommendations for dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as natural supplements that may help. While receiving training from the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and
Education in Mount Pleasant, Doran-Fisher was working in a natural remedies store when she first had the idea of opening her own shop. “I had the desire to get out on my own, but I didn’t have a lot of experience with the business side of things,” she explained. But her parents did. Bruce and Jo Doran have a combined 70 years of retail and business experience, and they said they were thrilled with the idea of co-owning the shop with their daughter. The family opened Elder and Sage at 944 E. Fulton St. a year ago, and DoranFisher said she loves being a part of the East Hills Business District. The shop also serves as an official drop-off/pick-up location for a community-supported agriculture program, and offers weekly classes on a variety of natural health topics. For more information, visit elderand sage.com or call (616) 242-1355.
PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin
— aLeXaNDra FLueGeL
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