Alison’s Apothecary


Intro
Alison's Apothecary ©2025 Published by Alison D. Gilbert.

It all started with the sensitivities I developed from eating the Standard American Diet. This included my adverse reactions as well as sensitivities to prescription medication. These issues therefore lead me on a search for more natural foods, a green planet consciousness, an interest in traditional medicines like Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurveda (Indian) and Five Elements (Chinese), as well as other out of the mainstream, holistic products and traditional services with very long histories for healing.

1991
Alison's South Shore Guide to Health ©1991 Alison D. Gilbert

My interests have become even more focused on these types of products and services. In addition, what is available in this realm continues to increase. As a result, the type of information in the 1991 South Shore Directory is even more relevant and needed to be expanded.

Since the 1991 directory is out of print, a new directory is necessary. Besides that a paper document is limited. Thanks to digital communication, the new directory Alison's Apothecary, can be online. Fortunately an up-to-date version is now on my website and available for everyone to use. There is no limit to how much information can be available. Updates are also very simple and always necessary as the body of knowledge continues to grow.

1987 Pink Flyer
The first EAT FREE hand drawn flyer by Alison D. Gilbert ©1987.
Over the last 50 years, I have taken an interest and explored natural/healthy products and services as a way of life.
Alison's Apothecary is the resurrection, update, and expansion of the guide I published in 1991, Alison's South Shore Guide to Health.

If you do not see a topic, product or service that you are interested in, please contact the publisher. A suggestion search for a solution will be made for you if possible.

Continue Reading

A Living Healthier Plan


Please note: This post has been written as more of a personal diary entry than a blog post with details that should apply to anyone else. It is the plan I aim to follow at this point of my life. In other words, it is designed for me by me. It is not a medical or nutritional recommendation for anyone else.

THE DECISION TO MAKE A CHANGE
A living healthier plan
It became necessary not long ago to make a change when I started to feel dizzy and unstable when I walked. The conclusion became imperative when I made a whirling dervish spin. Had it not been for my crash into the wall of a hallway, I would have landed on the floor. As a result, I probably would have broken a bone or two not to mention other damage, aches, and pains.

healthier-living-plan
Falling down people. People of different ages stumbling and jumping down stairs, slipping wet floor, injured men, women, children vector flat cartoon isolated unbalanced characters from istockphoto.com
The Do’s and Don’ts
A living healthier plan would have to include a food plan, a meal and snack schedule, as well as prescription drugs and a supplement regimen. In addition reducing sugary foods needed to become more of a priority.
healthier-living-plan
A Sweet Challenge-Cutting Back on sugars-cornerstonefamilydentistry.ca
Actually this plan felt like more of a step than a difficult leap. Somehow, my craving for sugary food decreased due to my desire to eliminate painful reactions to eating too many sweets. In fact, I developed itching and a painful rash that accompanied their consumption. I also wished to reduce my weight. As a result, these two situations were enough of an incentive to really cut back on those treats.
Itching and Rash
healthier-living-plan
Woman Scratching Her Itchy Neck With Allergy Rash from dreamstime.com

STEP ONE
A living healthier plan clearly would be facilitated by a regular routine. I had undeniably gotten off course in this area. So without much difficulty, if I could tweek my current routine, a positive change should not be that difficult to achieve.
Filtered Water
living-healthier-plan
The health benefits of drinking water and why it good to drink a lot from www.mirror.co.uk
What had to come first and foremost was to drink more water. The fermented drinks that I love to make would help as well. But water was the most important liquid. Once I got that in place, I could begin my new eating plan.
living-healthier-life
A sampling of some of the Zero Water Filter Dispensers
Begin Each Day
It is suggested to drink an 8 oz glass of water upon rising. I always drink filtered water using the Zero System. My cup of water is accompanied by a supplement. In this case it is a once daily New Chapter Every Woman’s Multivitamin. I think this is an excellent company with a growing selection of quality supplements. No food is required to take this multivitamin.
living-healthier-plan
New Chapter Once Daily Every Woman’s Multivitamin from NewChapter.com

STEP TWO
Certain prescription medication and then at least a small amount of food are essential for me to start my day. This can range from a fruit snack to a full breakfast. But most important is that I drink my water, take my morning medication, and have a bite to eat. It is preferable that I do this between 8-9am.

CONTINUE BLOG POST
This blog post continues with Part Two, A Living Healthier Food Plan.

SOURCES & RESOURCES

Cutting Back on Sweets.

Continue Reading