Richard and Erlene

The Alternative Health Center is owned and operated by Richard and Erlene Russell and is located in Salem, Oregon.  We are a Nature’s Sunshine Independent Distributor.  Richard is a Certified Herbalist, Iridologist, and Wellness Coach.  Erlene is a Certified Herbalist and Certified Natural Health Professional. We are Nature’s Sunshine Independent Distributors and we have over 600 Nature’s Sunshine Products in stock.  We have been successfully helping others with their health for over 15 years.

Erlene’s Story

In 1972 we were living in Sacramento, California, when I came down with a bad case of diarrhea.  We thought it was caused by my eating too many green apples that I consumed on a trip to the foothills.  The diarrhea lasted for 23 years.

I sought medical help shortly after this started, later went to several specialists,  was given a variety of different diagnosis, an assortment of drugs that weren’t of much help.  One sollution was to remove part or all of my colon which did not entice me at all.  At the time I weighed less than 100 lbs, had no clue what to do, but keep my mal – functioning colon.

We moved back to Oregon.  In 1990 a doctor in Salem diagnosed me as having celiac sprue.  He wasn’t too sure as to what all I could eat but put me on the gluten-free diet which helped, but at that time was pretty unappetizing.

In October, 1993, an NSP herbalist, Teresa, came in where I worked.  I had done a cooking class in the morning and had no recollection of it . She saw only skin and bones but we didn’t think her NSP  herbs could be of any benefit because I had been to THOSE specialists.  Her challenge was that if I strictly followed her program for 3 months and it was of no help, she would refund the money.   On day 90 I ate 1/4 of a slice of wheat bread…I did not cramp or bleed internally.  I can eat pretty much what I want, now, but I do not eat an abundance of gluten products.

So I went from 100 pounds  to 135 lbs. and I am a much healthier person.  It did not take long to gain the weight as I hit The Original Pancake House about 3 times a week.  (They don’t serve RICE CAKES and such, you know.)

Well, thats how we were introduced to the power of  herbs, natural healing, and Nature’s Sunshine products.

People saw my health dramatically improve with herbs and wanted to feel better.  Richard and I both became Certified Herbalists.  Richard is also an Iridologist, a Natural Health Consultant, and a Wellness Coach.  I am also a Certified Natural Health Professional.

Now 20 years later— We are here to share our knowledge and experience with all those who are interested in taking charge of their own health on the PATH TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS.