New Chillicothe small business Tea of Life Apothecary opening soon

Jun 25, 2023

CHILLICOTHE ― "Every single thing that I believe, every single thing that I talk about, every single thing that I educate people on, at one point I thought was hokum and nonsense... I was you."

Lucasville resident Angel Altman is opening Tea of Life Apothecary in downtown Chillicothe to educate people on functional medicine. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse with over 25 years of experience.

"I could not understand why we just kept giving more and more pills to people but we weren't figuring out why they were on five blood pressure pills? Why they're on three different kinds of diabetic medication?" Altman said. "Why aren't we changing something that helps them because we're just giving them more and more medicine and it's not fixing anything."

She switched from a traditional nursing job to functional medicine about nine years ago and is now a certified Holistic Aromatherapist. She said functional medicine looks at the body as a whole and how the mind, body and spirit work together.

Her belief in functional medicine was put to the test when she was diagnosed with Lupus, an incurable autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, skin rashes and organ damage. She was told she would likely be wheelchair-bound and oxygen-dependent within a decade.

She denied medication. She began working with a nutritionist and focusing on clean eating. She began taking supplements, formulated teas and tinctures, a type of herbal medicine. Within months she was feeling significantly better. Years later, her bloodwork comes back normal.

"Health starts at the end of your fork, not so much the bottom of a pill bottle," Altman said. "I'm healthier now at 48 than I was at 38. I know it can happen. If I can do it, anybody can do it."

Customers can come to her shop, and explain what they have been struggling with, whether it's physical or emotional, and Altman can discuss ways to treat it. Customers can walk into the shop to see what's available or schedule a one-on-one appointment with Altman.

Altman said she often works with people who have little to no symptom relief from conventional medicine. She combines functional medicine with prayer to increase the effects.

A popular product she sells is muscle rub, a mixture of shea butter, magnesium oil, arnica and essential oils that can aid with nerve and muscle pain.

"The goal isn't so much to sell as much as it is to help educate the public, get them different alternatives as far as health and wellness," Altman said. "It's very addictive to see people be able to reclaim their life."

Altman offers nurse coaching, vitality sessions, aroma therapy, group classes and more. She also has tea, spices, items for pets and other merchandise available in her shop.

Altman hopes to serve tea at her shop in the future.

Tea of Life Apothecary is located at 45 N. Paint St. in Chillicothe, Ohio. The official store opening will be held on Aug. 7. For more information, visit them on Facebook or teaoflifeapothecary.com.

Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting.