Its Only Natural
Norines Herbs Offers Wellness Supplements & More
Writer / Angela Cornell
Photography / Provided
Those who adhere to alternative medicine practices frequently start their journey down the path of naturopathy and holistic lifestyles because of a health crisis that traditional medicine could not solve.
Norine Borkholder is no exception. More than 20 years ago, she was dealing with some health problems that were finally cured thanks to some herbs given to her by a concerned friend. A friend just got me started on herbs and she said, Why dont you just order them yourself? Thats kind of how I got started, Borkholder says.
After finding success with herbal supplements, Borkholder decided to start selling them out of her basement. By 2002, Norines Herbs had grown so much that she needed a separate building. Today, her business has grown to the point that she has four employees: Freda Borkholder, Lorene Wingard, Glenda Slabach and Jennifer Miller.
Since then, Norines Herbs has grown a little bit every year. Today, she sells many herbal products and Young Living essential oils from brands like Now, Natures Sunshine, Natures Way, Pure Herb, Mountain Meadow Herb, Natural Hope Herbal, and others.
Many of her herbs come in pill or liquid extract form, both of which can be used as a supplement. Whichever one is better often comes down to the customers preference. It just depends. Some people would rather swallow a pill, and other want to stay away from pills and want an extract. But they do the same thing, Borkholder says. Some say you may get results faster with liquid than with pills.
As her product lines expanded, her personal knowledge of medical herbs deepened. Not only is she an avid reader, but she has also pursued several certifications to become a better herbalist. Each year, I just grew more and more. I got really interested in learning about the different kinds of herbs and what they do for you, she says.
One of the certifications that Borkholder holds is in reflexology. This is a specific type of foot massage that applies pressure and oils on different parts of the foot in order to relax and heal the body.
Borkholder is constantly trying to expand her knowledge. I love to keep learning and helping people. My goal is to try to figure out what can help different people with what they have going on, she says. I always enjoy studying about different kinds of herbs and what theyre good for. I love to sit down with books and learn more.
Beyond that, Borkholder also carries several health foods. These could be anything from gluten free and ancient grain flours, healthy sweeteners, and raw nuts to probiotics and electrolyte powder packs. She also sells immune system boosters, something that was a hot item, especially through 2020. People wanted to stay healthy, Borkholder says.
She also sells several all-natural nonedible products such as shampoos, lotions, soaps, and cleaning supplies. Most of these are on the shelves by customer request. People ask for things and then I start ordering it, she says.
Whether customers are looking for a cookbook, a supplement, or proactive health care products, they know Norines Herbs is an excellent place to look for it. They like to shop here because I try to keep my prices reasonable, Borkholder says.
Ultimately, Borkholder enjoys helping people heal naturally. Thats my goal: help people get better, she says. If they have a sickness or are struggling with this or that, its rewarding to know that, with Gods help, you can get them on the right track and guide them to the right herbs. Thats one of the things I enjoy most. God has helped and blessed me many ways over the years.
Norines Herbs is located at 14746 CR 34, Goshen. Reach out to them by calling 574-642-4272 ext. 1 or visit them online at norinesherbs.com.
