Journey Health Shop

Journey Health Shop Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Journey Health Shop, 600 2nd Avenue North, Clear Lake, IA.

A small local health shop run by Certified Clinical Herbalist Christen Sherwood; featuring vitamins, supplements, natural remedies, herbs, teas, tinctures, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, flower essences, gifts, classes and community.

Extended Vacation!Shop will be closed Saturday August 16th through September 24th.I will be checking messages and fillin...
08/15/2025

Extended Vacation!
Shop will be closed Saturday August 16th through September 24th.
I will be checking messages and filling orders on September 16th and 17th when I get back to town-otherwise I'll be back to a pretty normal schedule on Wednesday the 24th.

Dear Friends and Valued Customers, I am announcing some adjustments to my schedule at Journey Health Shop, effective Aug...
07/28/2025

Dear Friends and Valued Customers, I am announcing some adjustments to my schedule at Journey Health Shop, effective August 1st.
Due to personal reasons, shop hours will be reduced for the next two months. I understand that my erratic schedule this year may have caused inconvenience, and I apologize for any frustration this may have caused. Rest assured that I am committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to all your products and services.
To facilitate this, I will maintain my Massage and Herb Consults as scheduled.
My shop hours will be limited to one or two days a week. To meet your needs, I will provide my cell number to regular customers for text orders, which will be prepared for pickup or delivery within the central Clear Lake area. You may also text me for special orders of herbs and essential oils. My inventory will remain fully stocked.
For those who prefer to mix their own herbs, I will post the weekly shop hours on the landline (641-357-1494). I will update these hours every Sunday for the following week.
I anticipate resuming regular business hours by the first week of October. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am dedicated to ensuring that you have seamless access to the supplements, herbs, and vitamins you rely on.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this period.
Sincerely, Christen.

Ollie's Tea Stand-hosted by the Journey Health Shop will be back at the Clear Lake Farmers Market-Tomorrow June 28th fro...
06/28/2025

Ollie's Tea Stand-hosted by the Journey Health Shop will be back at the Clear Lake Farmers Market-Tomorrow June 28th from 9-noon! This is our 10th year fundraising for the North Iowa Humane Society and every year it's grown! Please help us keep it going by stopping by our booth and grabbing a free cup of Ice cold lemongrass Hibiscus Tea, feel free to pet the puppies and leave a donation! It's a WIN WIN for everyone, including our 4 legged companions!
Thank you to the Clear Lake Farmers Market for letting us participate in the Day!
Thank you~ Christen

06/02/2025

I will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week so I can be there for my Mama as she gets hip replacement surgery. I will be in on Saturday, June 7th from 11-2 if you need to pick up anything. And remember, you can call the Shop anytime to check my hours for each week. 641-357-1494. I keep them updated there also.
Thank you-Christen

Journey Health Shop's Recipe of the MonthMama’s Peaceful Tea• 1 P Passionflower• 1 P Oatsraw• 1 P Milky Oat Tops• 1 P Ne...
05/28/2025

Journey Health Shop's Recipe of the Month

Mama’s Peaceful Tea
• 1 P Passionflower
• 1 P Oatsraw
• 1 P Milky Oat Tops
• 1 P Nettle
• 1 P Lemonbalm
• ½ P Pink Roses
• ½ P Hibiscus
• Pinch Licorice
This delicious tea will nourish the body and the soul of the modern mama. Replace the licorice with a little honey if you prefer. Stop into the Shop to pick some Up!

More on Liver HealthAccording to Chinese medicine the Spring season is associated with Liver Health. And since we’re rig...
05/28/2025

More on Liver Health

According to Chinese medicine the Spring season is associated with Liver Health. And since we’re right in the middle of Spring, it’s not too late to think about your liver and its function. First of all-The liver, which weighs about 3 pounds, is the largest organ in the human body. It performs over 500 functions, including digestion of proteins, mineral storage, bile production and blood filtration. Among its most important jobs are:

Producing important substances. Your liver continually produces bile. This is a chemical that helps turn fats into energy that your body uses. Bile is necessary for the digestive process. Your liver also creates albumin. This is a blood protein that helps carry hormones, drugs, and fatty acids throughout your body. Your liver also creates most of the substances that help your blood clot after injury.

Processing bilirubin. The liver helps your body get rid of bilirubin; a substance found in bile. This happens from the breakdown of your red blood cells. Too much bilirubin in your body can cause jaundice. This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Removing waste products. When you take in a potentially toxic substance, like alcohol or medicine, your liver helps alter it and remove it from your body.

Controlling immune responses. When bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms enter your body, specialized cells in your liver can find and destroy these organisms.

Maintaining glucose. The liver helps your body maintain a healthy level of blood sugar. Your liver supplies glucose to your blood when it’s needed. It also removes glucose from your blood when there’s too much.

To Maintain and improve your liver function, Try these 9 suggestions to a healthier liver today!

1.Bye Bye Bad Fat
Good fat is good, but bad fat is really bad. If the food is fried, it likely has unhealthy, oxidized.
oils. Skip it! Stick to good, clean fats like coconut oil, avocados, salmon, and olive oil.
skip the late-night snacks. The liver’s regenerative cycle is between 11pm and 3am. If your body is busy digesting food during this time, it disrupts your sleep and the detoxification process. Aim for a 10pm bedtime and 10-12 hours between dinner and breakfast. (Small bedtime snacks allowed to support blood sugar balance.)

2. Be a Toxin Avenger
Make it easier on your liver by reducing the toxins coming into your body. Buy organic foods, drink filtered water, use glass containers for food storage instead of plastic, and choose less toxic skin care products.

3. Fabulous Fiber
Foods rich in soluble fiber help support your liver by binding toxins and moving them on out. Add in chia, flax, fruits, vegetables, beans and oats for a fiber-fueled toxic flush every single day.

4.Herb alert
Milk thistle, with the active constituent of silymarin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support the liver. It may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.

5. Get Spicy
Lemon zest has a phytonutrient called d-limonene that supports liver detoxification enzymes. Invest in a micro plane grater and make it a breeze to add zest to your morning smoothie or favorite dressing. Or just squeeze fresh lemon juice into a glass of water in the morning.

6. Say Cruciferous
Support the sulfation pathway (especially important for removing excess estrogens) with the addition of cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and bok choy.

7. Perfect protein
You need protein but excess amounts can put extra strain on your liver. Choose high quality protein like wild-caught fish or grassfed meats and aim for a little bit with each meal instead of making it your entire meal.

8. Go green!
Your liver really loves greens, especially herbs like cilantro and parsley, and bitter greens like mustard, dandelion, and arugula. Add them to salads, soups, or smoothies. Your taste buds will adjust to the bitter bite in no time and your liver will thank you for the support.

9. Choline Connection
An essential micronutrient, it helps transport triglycerides from the liver and it’s critical for normal liver metabolism. Get it from eggs, non-GMO soy lecithin and avocados.

10. Try a Spring Tonic-Tincture or Tea. Spring tonics are a wonderful way to rid your body of built-up toxins and start preparing for the active warm days ahead. At the Journey Health Shop our hand blended spring tonics are used to stimulate the kidney, liver and gall bladder since these organs tend to accumulate a lot of waste during the winter from being so sedentary and eating a heavy diet. A tonic herb is focused on a particular part of the body and is used to bring it to a proper balance for normal functioning.

Our Spring Tonic contains the following herbs-
Burdock root is a wonderful blood purifier and cleansing tea. It cleanses the liver by stimulating the flow of bile. This herb has also been used to treat skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and eczema which are possible signs of an imbalance in the liver.
Chickw**d speeds fat metabolism and increases overall energy levels.
Cleavers is another classic spring tonic. Cleavers purifies the blood, stimulates lymphatic drainage and is a strong diuretic.
Dandelion Root is a very popular spring tonic and is a wonderful tonic for the liver and gall bladder. It has a mild laxative effect and increases iron absorption.
Nettle Leaf is another popular spring tonic and it’s a very nutritive choice. This herb stimulates the kidneys, cleans the blood and is a great source of iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Nettles is a wonderful tonic for the whole body.
Yellow Dock acts as a mild laxative and has a blood-cleansing effect. It is also high in iron.

7 Edible Weeds you can Forage from your Yard!Along with gardening season comes the battle with w**ds: the original freel...
05/23/2025

7 Edible Weeds you can Forage from your Yard!
Along with gardening season comes the battle with w**ds: the original freeloaders! 🤣 They're like that one friend who always shows up uninvited, eats all your snacks, and never helps with the dishes. But, surprise! Some of these unwanted guests are actually edible, delicious and nutritious. They might just become your new favorite snack. 😋 Just remember, don't go all wild west on your w**d-munching adventure without making sure you've identified the right stuff. If you're not sure, swing by the Shop and I'll show you around the w**d buffet in my own yard or hit up your local university extension for some expert guidance. So, before you declare war on your lawn, take a look at these 7 edible w**ds that might be hiding in plain sight.🤓
- YELLOW DOCK/BURDOCK: The long dock taproot is used as a food and as a medicinal herb. It is a good source of dietary fiber and certain minerals, including calcium and potassium. While it was occasionally sold at small health food stores, dock has started appearing in mainstream groceries like Whole Foods, and it may be growing in your yard right now!
- LAMB'S QUARTER: The leaves of lamb's quarter, also known as goosefoot, have a pleasant nutty flavor and are excellent added fresh to lettuce salads, or cooked and used as a replacement for spinach. Being related to amaranth and quinoa, lamb's quarter seeds are also edible and a good source of protein, vitamin A and other vitamins and minerals.
- DANDELION: Everyone knows what a dandelion looks like, and that dandelion greens are sold as a high-end salad green at groceries and fine restaurants, but people do not often put the two together. Yes, this humble sidewalk-crack w**d is edible. The leaves taste slightly bitter and are high in iron. Also, if you can gather enough dandelion flowers, recipes abound for dandelion wine.
- NETTLES: Nettles are often one of the least welcome garden w**ds because of their sting. However, the leaves may be harvested, cooked, and used as you would use spinach. They are particularly good cooked in soup. The leaves can also be dried for tea. Nettle provides vitamin C, protein and many minerals, including iron.
- PLANTAIN: Not to be confused with the banana, plantain the w**d, like dandelions, are a humble sidewalk w**d. There are broad and thin-leafed varieties. Their young leaves can be used fresh, and their mature leaves should be cooked. However, they are especially known for their medicinal healing qualities, for instance as a poultice on insect bites, rashes or cuts. They are said to have many healing qualities including helping with coughs and bronchitis.
- PURSLANE: Purslane is a succulent and its leaves, stems, and flowers can be eaten fresh or cooked and tastes like spinach. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It can be found growing in all 50 states.
I have a few more favorites but I'll cover them next week!
Christen the Wild Herbalist!

Spring Time DetoxIf you spent any amount of time in town this past season you're probably thinking, "Ahhhh, it’s Spring-...
05/15/2025

Spring Time Detox
If you spent any amount of time in town this past season you're probably thinking, "Ahhhh, it’s Spring-Finally!"
Now is the perfect time to clear out the stagnant energy of the winter. With an easy-to-follow program that will support the liver and gastrointestinal system, you can release what your body no longer needs and optimize bodily organ functions. Isn't it time to feel a little lighter and lose those subtle symptoms of sluggishness that have been around so long you barely notice them anymore.

Here at The Journey Health Shop, it is our philosophy that "detoxing," should be a process in which you are supporting the major organs of the body so that they can optimally function. We recommend herbs and remedies to naturally support the liver, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal system which will move stagnant energy and release built up toxins. We all need a break sometimes, and this includes our hard working organs! With the simple implementation of a few daily routines, you can be well on your way to a healthier and more vital existence.
The Journey Health Shop 10 Day Spring Cleanse
(incorporate the following into your life for 10 days)
* Nutritive Tea -a pleasant tasting Alkalinizing Mineral Tea- rich in calcium and magnesium, used to buffer the blood and assist in the cleansing process.
* Spring (Milk Thistle) Tonic Compound-an herbal extract to nourish and support the liver. Take 1 dropperful three times daily.
* Dynamic Greens Powder -A combination of vegetable, fruit and berries high in nutritional value that helps to alkalinize the body. Dose: 1 Tbs per day in water.
All products listed above are available at the Journey Health Shop
Diet Modification can Include foods to support detoxification.
There are many foods that support detoxification, so a general rule of thumb is to eat regular, balanced meals consisting of healthy protein, lots of veggies, fruit, and healthy fats. There are a few foods that really shine when it comes to detoxification; these foods should be included as often as possible:
• Sulfur-rich foods like eggs, garlic, onions, and leeks support phase II detoxification.
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli sprouts contain compounds that support liver detoxification enzymes.
• Beets not only cleanse the blood but also help to keep the bowels moving.
• Artichokes stimulate the liver and gallbladder and support the digestion of fats.
• Lemons, limes, and their juice contain compounds that induce phase I and II detoxification.
• All leafy green vegetables supply alkalizing minerals and chlorophyll, which helps to neutralize and remove toxins.
• Fermented vegetables, like kimchi and sauerkraut, supply the good bacteria that inhabit the gut and help improve digestion.
• Flax Seeds -2 Tbsp of ground flax seeds a day! This small amount will make a big difference in bowel health as well as provide essential fatty acids, which are important component of a healthy diet.
• Epsom Salt Soaks...add 5 drops of each of the following essential oils: Rosemary, Atlas Cedar, Lemon. {also good...do dry brush skin massage each day before taking a shower or a detoxifying salt soak...Your SKIN is your body's largest organ of elimination and absorption. Take warm baths if you get tired or a headache during a cleanse...it works!}
• Hydrate! At least 1/2 of your body weight in oz. of water/day
• Light movement is encouraged, and so is plenty of rest.
Why Herbal Spring Tonics?
Cultures from all over the world have created and used cleansing tonics for centuries, especially in the spring. Spring tonics were very popular back when our winter diets consisted of whatever stores we could preserve in the fall. Spring tonics were believed to remove impurities from our blood, purify the system and give us more energy for the hard work to be done during growing season.
Spring tonics are still a wonderful way to rid your body of built-up toxins and start preparing for the active warm days ahead. Most spring tonics are used to stimulate the kidney, liver and gall bladder since these organs tend to accumulate a lot of waste during the winter from being so sedentary and eating a heavy diet. A tonic herb is focused on a particular part of the body and is used to bring it to a proper balance for normal functioning.
Our Spring Tonic is available in 1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz sizes at the Journey Health Shop.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

In continuing with a look at Seasonal Allergies, here's another great option!Allergy Essential Oil Blend by PlantlifeFin...
05/09/2025

In continuing with a look at Seasonal Allergies, here's another great option!
Allergy Essential Oil Blend by Plantlife
Find relief from year-round allergies with this blend of pure essential oils known for their anti-inflammatory & anti-histamine properties to help reduce symptoms of allergies. Use in a diffuser or dilute to use topically! Size: 10ml
Plantlife Essential oils are 100% Pure and Natural, Gluten, GMO, and Synthetic free, No Parabens, SLS, sulfates, or artificial colors or dyes, Vegan and Not Tested on Animals, Made with 100% pure essential oils, fresh herbs, & rich plant oils
Blend of: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Basil, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Clove 100% Pure Essential Oils
Cautions: Never use essential oils undiluted or in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children and pets. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute and perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body.
This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For seasonal Allergies-Try HistaEze™Supports Normal Histamine Levels*Prepare your body’s defenses to common environmenta...
05/08/2025

For seasonal Allergies-Try HistaEze™
Supports Normal Histamine Levels*
Prepare your body’s defenses to common environmental triggers with
HistaEze™.* HistaEze™ features powerful herbs, nutrients, and plant compounds to support balanced and healthy immune responses during times of need.*
When exposed to common environmental triggers, your body’s immune system is activated to readily defend against foreign invaders. One compound commonly released by your immune system, called histamine, can result in occasional undesirable complaints, such as itchy eyes and nose, or a runny or
stuffy nose.* HistaEze™ is specifically designed to support a healthy histamine
response, allowing you to better enjoy yourself indoors and outdoors.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

MAMA NEEDS A BREAK! 🤯 Treat her to a Mothers Day Massage Gift Certificate this week! Pick up on Wed, Thurs, or Fri - jus...
05/06/2025

MAMA NEEDS A BREAK! 🤯 Treat her to a Mothers Day Massage Gift Certificate this week! Pick up on Wed, Thurs, or Fri - just give the Shop a holler and I'll have it ready! $65 for a blissful hour, payable by Venmo, cash, check, or card. And, because we're fancy, it comes wrapped in a gift bag with tissue paper 🎁
641-357-1494

Address

600 2nd Avenue North
Clear Lake, IA
50428

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+16413571494

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Change

The year was 2006, I had just completed 3 years of herbal medicine study and my husband and I decided it was time for a change. Having grown up in Colorado, I was looking forward to an adventure in a new state with new opportunities. Our search led us to Clear Lake, Iowa. My prayer that I might find a community with alternative healers was answered when I received a call from Mary Curtis who was one of 5 partners that had started The Healing House -just 2 blocks from the home we had just purchased. In 2007 I started working at the Healing House as an Herbalist and Massage Therapist. The house that the Healing House was located had been painstakingly and lovingly refurbished and redecorated. I loved coming to work each day, surrounded by amazing healers but in 2008 the partnership disbanded for a myriad of reasons and they offered to sell me the business and building. Another great opportunity for change and I was now in business for myself. I ran the Healing House Herb Shop, as I now called it, for 8 years-teaching many classes in the community, developing and hosting The North Iowa Herb Fest, running the herb shop and providing massage. Life was great...and then in 2017 change hit again; my dear husband Jerry, retired-deservedly so. This change forced me to start thinking about 401 k’s, Insurance, security...and sure enough an opportunity for a job that offered all these things came up. (I’ve always believed that if the Universe offers, it’s a good idea to look into it, and up to this point-it’s worked out pretty well for me)

Fast forward one year-I took the job-it was a great experience and another opportunity for change. I realized after 10 months that this new job did not fill my soul but it did gave me the opportunity I needed to step away from the Healing House and gain fresh insight. The perspective I gained is my work as an herbalist, nutritionist, health coach and massage therapist is my passion. So back to my shop I came with new purpose and drive. I also came back with an idea for a new name-a name for my business that I choose-one that resonates with me and the path that I walk and that new name is Journey Health Shop.

Why “Journey Health Shop”

-I realize that we are all on a journey-some people may think it’s the destination or the place we end up that matters, but for me its about he path we choose to be on, the choices we make daily, that over time create the journey that is our life. Now I’ve never preached that there is only one path one must walk-life is too colorful for it to be that black and white, and I know there is not a perfect path-lord knows I’m far from perfect in my choices; but if we have an idea of what we want-such as joy, love, good health- then I know the more days you make an actual conscious effort to create those things in your life, the more they actually show up. I also know when it comes to health-which is where I specialize- the more days you choose healthy the more days you may end up having to continue on your path. For me that means more opportunities for joy, for love, for laughs, for travel, for family, for change, for life. I want to help people find easier ways to be on the path to health. Be it either helping you to sift through the quagmire of health information out there, reviewing your vitamins and/or medications, offering the best supplements money can buy, or mixing up an herbal tea or natural remedy for you or your family, my goal is to be the best local Health Shop in North Iowa. With my retired husband by my side and his medical background-I believe we’ll be a powerful resource for people trying to figure out how to combine natural therapies with modern medicine. Together we’ll be able to bring a well rounded -commonsense- approach to health and help you achieve what you desire.