Winter time can go two ways for folks - a time where some enjoy all the delectable flavors the holiday season has to offer, or a time where people can get a head start on their New Year’s resolution of living a healthier lifestyle.

At Artesian Health Foods in Tracy, those looking to better their body and minds can do so year-round.

Artesian Health Foods was founded in 1978 in what was originally a wholesale grocery store. Under the ownership of Christine Parrish over 20 years ago, the store expanded its selection to offer a wide selection of natural health remedies. Located at 2251 Grant Line Rd. in Tracy for the past 10 years, the store has become a staple in the community, offering a variety of vitamins, herbal formulas, homeopathic remedies, diet aids, gluten-free foods, teas, tinctures, breads, all-natural oils and other personal care products

In April of this year, Parrish handed the reins to loyal customer Rashi Sandhu, who has continued the legacy of promoting optimal health and wellness.

“I’ve been a customer of this store for quite a while,” Sandhu said. “I’m a mother, and my children were constantly getting sick. Of course, I was treating them with traditional medicines like Tylenol, etc… I was tired of treating them with antibiotics, so once I found alternatives and I saw they worked and my son was healed even faster with less side effects, I became such a huge believer in these things. I decided that I wanted to go this route. I started seeking out people that were herbalists and naturopaths and I started reading their content, watching videos and just really educating myself. This store helped me a lot.

“When I learned that the owner at that time, Chris, was getting ready to retire, I just kindly approached her and I said, ‘Hey, whenever you’re ready, I would love to take over the store, I would love to be the next owner.’ We were actually in conversation for about three years. This past year, she said she was ready, so I’m very  grateful that she gave me the opportunity. It’s been a blessing to be able to help people. I’m happy to take care of the community as much as possible.”

Sandhu explained that one of her primary goals is to educate the public on the importance of taking care of one’s body. The store also has books on hand for customers to use as reference and her staff has years of experience in natural health remedies. For those not in the store, there are facts, tips and tricks on their social media channels - Artesian Health Foods on Facebook and at @ArtestianHealthFoods on Instagram. Each month, the store hopes to focus on different themes on their social pages.

“We want to be a resource for our communities as much as possible. We want to educate and share as much information as we can. We want everybody to feel their best because,” Sandhu said.

Sandhu also credits social media personalities like Barbara O’Neill for there being such a big shift in people experimenting in healthier lifestyle habits and remedies, like the use of herbs, which have been selling well in recent weeks.

Other popular items year-round at Artesian Health Foods include gluten-free foods, including traditional groceries, local honey, raw milk, multivitamins and magnesium.

“Magnesium is definitely one of our most popular and most sought out products here. We also have a lot of people that come in for vitamins like multivitamins, because they’re tired of buying the multivitamins from places like Walmart or Target or Costco,” Sandhu shared.

What’s the difference, though? According to Sandhu, vitamins from national retailers usually contain synthetic ingredients, leading people to come to Artesian Health Foods for more natural options.

Come winter time, customers are also focussed on boosting their immunity, as it’s the time of year where colds, the flu and other illnesses tend to thrive. Luckily, there is an entire immunity section at the very front of the store.

And with different seasons, there are different flavors on tap. Indeed, there are drinks on tap at Artesian Health Foods. It’s kombucha to be exact. Like many other health remedies, kombucha, a fermented beverage, has grown in popularity over the past few years. While the drink, which usually comes bottled, can sometimes be hard to find, the Tracy store is one of the only in the region to serve it on tap. Customers can fill up a regular sized glass, or purchase a refillable 32-ounce growler.

“I don’t know if there’s anybody else around here doing this,” Sandhu said. “Every now and then, I will switch it for a seasonal flavor. Every now and then I also want to bring in new flavors.  

“Overall, it’s a pretty fun experience and people just love it. Not just the drinks, but the experience as a whole. Like I said, I’m incredibly grateful to be in this position and help people better themselves. I love it.”