With information coming to light concerning the dangers of artificial additives and lack of nutrient rich foods these days, more and more people are considering a more natural approach to their health care.

Patricia Bassey, certified nutritional consultant and owner of Better Health & Gourmet in Mableton said, “Knowledge is the key when it comes to natural health care. I will spend as much time as needed to answer questions and help customers decide which product is right for them. The body is a remarkable thing and when you supply it with what it needs, it has the great capacity to heal itself.”

Bassey became interested in holistic and organic products while pregnant with her first child.

“I wanted my baby to grow up eating fresh wholesome foods. My grandmother always had a large garden and a lot of what we ate came fresh off the vine," said Bassey.

Opening in 1986, Better Health & Gourmet was the first health food store to open in Mableton and is still family owned and operated. Over the years, Bassey has cultivated a loyal following of customers with her extensive knowledge and product offerings.

For questions or further information contact Bassey at (770) 944-0022.

The Herb Shop, also located in Mableton, offers a diverse selection of organic supplements and herbs as well as hosting a variety of natural health services and workshops.

The owner of the shop, Naomi Arnold, opened the store in 2009 intending to educate customers not only in proper supplement use, but through in-store events and personal services as well.

“Once a month, we offer a free 15-minute consultation with herbalist Dr. Joy Edwards. Dr. Edwards offers suggestions on which herbs may be beneficial for certain ailments. Customers can also make an appointment with the doctor for a blood analysis to look for any deficiencies they might have,” Arnold said.

In addition, a massage therapist is available on-site Wednesdays and Fridays with appointments available on Saturdays. The shop also offers several massage and ionic foot spa package deals for added customer savings.

“When you combine a deep muscle massage with one of our ionic foot detox baths, it helps to pull even more toxins out of the body,” said Arnold.

The offerings of the Herb Shop doesn’t stop there, however. Facials administered by a licensed esthetician are offered, as well as ear candling, a Thursday night yoga class from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Zyto Technlogy bio scans for $25.

To learn more about the services offered at Herb Shop, stop by on June 25 from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. for their bi-monthly workshop headed up by Edwards and nutritionist Antoinette Quattara.

The Garden of Health herb shop in Austell, also provides an assortment of natural food supplements and herbs along with daily ionic foot baths and on-site massage services twice a month.

This shop, which owner Martha Orbe opened in 2010, also offers iridology screenings.

“Basically, iridology involves looking at the iris of the eye for markings that may indicate disease or deficiencies in the body,” explained sales associate Tanya Cabral.

The Garden of Health herb shop holds a monthly health fair on select Saturdays which includes on-site massages for $1 a minute, $25 ionic foot detox and 10 percent off everything in the store.

For more information or to schedule an iridology exam call (770) 745-3300.