Joneshill owns Remedies, a small business just off Highway 36 West in Rose Bud, where he said people from all over the country have come to him for a different kind of healing.
RPCV Barry Joneshill offers 'remedies towards wellness' at roadside shop
Rose Bud man uses herbs to heal: Barry Joneshill offering 'remedies towards wellness' at roadside shop
By Amber Dillon
The Daily Citizen
Thursday, July 28, 2005 9:04 PM CDT
Caption: Barry Joneshill, owner of Remedies in Rose Bud, sits in front of a rosemary plant Wednesday. Joneshill, who claims to be medically clairvoyant, sells a line of herbal supplements to help heal the human body and soul. (Greg Benenati/The Daily Citizen)
Some people have called him a "witch doctor." Others might say he's a guru.
But Barry Joneshill of Rose Bud is, by all accounts, part of a minority in the world of healing -- as he sells his own mix of herbal alternatives at a roadside store in the hills of Rose Bud, including remedies against immune disorders such as AIDS and another one that he said reduces cancerous growths.
Joneshill owns Remedies, a small business just off Highway 36 West in Rose Bud, where he said people from all over the country have come to him for a different kind of healing.
"I just offer alternative thoughts to healing," Joneshill said.
Joneshill also sells his own line of remedies through his own company, Thaumaturge -- a business branch off the international company, Naturemost.
Thaumaturge which means "sorcerer" in Greek, markets 26 herbal concoctions formulated by Joneshill. These "remedies towards wellness" include Nu-Squeeg, an "immune booster" claiming to address immune disorders such as influenza and AIDS; Nu-Tombac, labeled an anti-cancer and fibrous growth aid; and Nu-Redact, a remedy purportedly addressing chronic illnesses such as bronchitis and congestion.
"Every herb has a personality," Joneshill said. "And an herbalist sees exactly where an herb fits in [with healing]."
Joneshill claims to hold a doctorate degree in naturopathy (N.D.) from The Clayton School in Birmingham, Ala., and a doctorate in divinity from Indiana University. Indiana University does not have a divinity school, and denies that Joneshill holds a degree from them.
Though Joneshill said he has been called "the witch doctor," he truly believes in the power of natural remedies. He said some call him a guru.
On Thursday, the store was busy with single people, couples and families with children whom Joneshill advised on various ailments.
"There are more answers outside the textbook than inside the textbook," Joneshill said. "I want to know what people don't know."
Joneshill calls his line of remedies, as well as other herbal mixtures, alternatives to mainstream healing. He is not, however, discrediting modern medicine or physicians, he said.
"They're wonderful people, they've worked hard and they believe in it," Joneshill said. "My job is for the people who want a different route for reaching the same goal."
"All the knowledge that we have on this planet is a hundred years old -- it's almost obsolete," Joneshill said, adding that, today, people are not addressing the real issues within their own bodies. "People are taking antibiotics four or five times a day to knock something out."
Joneshill said herbalists are fascinated with what he calls "the encoding" of an herb that will make aide in people's health and has always been fascinated with Genesis scripture stating that God made every herb and tree bearing seed.
"Every plant has life in it," Joneshill said. "I believe that everything here on the earth is not random -- it has an encoding that will fit into a person."
Joneshill's beliefs in herbal healing also transcend into a deep rooted faith in God and the power of healing spiritually as well as mentally.
"I just feel we are responsible for our bodies because they are the temple of the holy spirit," Joneshill said. "What's good for the body is good for the soul."
Joneshill holds a 1969 bachelor's degree in fine arts from Harding University, where he also minored in biological sciences. He then taught math and science as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa before moving to Alaska where he received a master's degree in education at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. He then taught for 20 years.
Joneshill said he has been called "medically clairvoyant."
"I have allowed it to wear on me and it's been oppressive at times," Joneshill said. "But I know what my job is and I get it done."
One quick tip for people unsure about homeopathic medicine is that the herb sage can be used for many different purposes.
"When in doubt, you take sage," Joneshill said. "Sage is a powerful, powerful herb -- the Indians knew about it."
Joneshill said he suggests people drink sage tea for its benefits.
Besides the store, Joneshill also has a farm in Rose Bud, where he grows his own herbs, which he harvests and ships to Connecticut.
Along with a wide variety of herbal cures, Joneshill also showcases his own artwork in a separate room within the store.
"I've always wanted an art gallery," Joneshill said, adding that his self-made business is his dream come true.
Joneshill also said he is no longer affiliated with any one religion, but maintains that he wants to bring physical relief as well as advise people on tapping back into their spiritual side.
"What's the use in being here if you're not exemplifying the life you believe in," Joneshill said. "I believe nothing happens by chance."
Joneshill has been in Rose Bud for three years. He formerly owned Country Natural in Paragould.
