Inside Tea of Life Apothecary: A Chillicothe Nurse’s Guide to Cold Season

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Ross County

Angel Altman spent nearly three decades in nursing before she opened an herbal wellness shop in downtown Chillicothe. This fall, Tea of Life Apothecary moved into a bigger home at 19 West Second Street, with more room for products and classes. With cold season arriving, Altman shared the advice she gives Ross County families for staying ahead of it.

Start before anyone gets sick

Her first steps are around the house. Change the furnace filter on the manufacturer’s schedule, and vacuum out ducts and vents to cut down on the dust and allergens circulating indoors.

Second are the everyday habits: wash hands regularly, get enough rest, and eat balanced meals. Germs spread when we touch our eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, she points out, which is why handwashing does so much quiet work.

Third, she suggests talking with your own healthcare provider about a supplement routine. The foundation she discusses with customers is a methylated multivitamin, vitamins D and K, vitamin C, zinc, and a magnesium complex. She also keeps herbal teas on hand as part of a wellness routine, including the shop’s Nature’s Defender and Breathe Easy blends and its Antiviral, Elderberry and Honey, and Olive, Oregano and Thyme tinctures. Her caution comes with them: these are traditional herbal products for general wellness, not a substitute for medical care, and no tea is a promise that someone will not get sick.

The two blends everyone asks about

Once the furnace kicks on and everyone is indoors, two blends lead her counter conversations. Histy, her seasonal allergy blend, combines nettle, elderflower, chamomile, ginger, and rooibos. Customers with severe histamine responses often add perilla powder to strengthen it.

The other is Dandelion and Milk Thistle, her number one choice as a gentle daily tea for liver and digestive support. When Altman says “detox,” she means supporting the body’s normal functions, not a quick cleanse and not a replacement for medical care. She recommends the blend before starting any kind of systemic cleanse, so the liver is supported first.

More than a tea shop

The new space also houses SA Integrative Health, which offers one-to-one visits for people who want a more targeted approach, while the apothecary hosts group classes on health topics. A first visit starts with the bigger picture: health history, lifestyle, stressors, previous illnesses, and goals, not just a list of symptoms. Care may include education, lifestyle support, herbs, supplements, or other integrative services, and the approach is meant to work alongside conventional medical care. Altman always encourages people to talk with their prescribing provider before changing a medication.

After trick-or-treat

For families coming off Halloween night, her advice stays gentle. Make handwashing part of the fun when the candy haul comes home, keep hand sanitizer of at least 60 percent alcohol around when soap and water are not, and keep regular meals and snacks with protein in the routine while kids enjoy their candy in moderation. Tea can be a cozy family ritual, too; the shop carries several flavors children enjoy, including caffeine-free options.

Try it at home: Spiced Honey

From Altman’s Nurse’s Herbal Guidebook for 2026, this is the simple recipe she recommends for the season. Stir the spices into one cup of raw honey:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• A small pinch of black pepper

Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily, and two to three servings spread over a day when you are feeling under the weather. For a stronger serving, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and take it right away. Maple syrup works in place of honey for anyone who prefers it. One firm rule: honey should never be given to children younger than 12 months.

Tea of Life Apothecary is at 19 West Second Street in Chillicothe.

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