SOHMA Integrative Medicine

We offer the best of Eastern & Western medicine without using drugs or surgery

Herbal Preparation

What Herbs are Proven Effective by the Department of Health?

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Herbs were the first medicine used by people. For thousands of years herbs have been used to treat illnesses and ailments. In modern history pharmaceuticals have replaced herbal remedies. Although many pharmaceuticals used now were derived from herbs or mimic the the benefits of herbs. In more recent times herbal medicine and supplements have made a bit of a resurgence. For a variety of reasons including them being more affordable, and easier to obtain compared to their pharmaceutical counterparts.

Today we’ll go over 10 medical plants endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH). These have been scientifically validated to ensure their safety and efficacy.

What is Herbal Medicine?

First let’s understand what herbal medicine is.

Herbal medicine is a product made from plant leaves, roots, seeds, berries, bark or flowers that are useful in treating disease or maintaining health. When the herbal medicine is taken by mouth it is called an herbal supplement. 

Although many herbs and supplements sold in stores are considered safe, it’s highly recommended that you consult an herbalist who can direct you to high quality supplements. Most herbal supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals. This can result in a contaminated product or a product that isn’t as potent as described on the label. Consulting an herbalist will also shed light on any adverse reactions herbal supplements may have with medicine you may be taking.

10 Medicinal Plants Endorsed by the DOH-PITAHC

Akapulko

The akapulko plant commonly known as Senna or Ringworm Bush is a small tree known to contain chrysophanol acid. Chrysophanol acid has been shown to be effective when treating conditions such as scabies, eczema, insect bites and other skin infections.

Ampalaya

Also known as Bitter Melon, has been used in China for centuries for medicine and cooking. The leaves of the ampalaya plant have been used to lower blood sugar levels. Though blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly to avoid any complications.

Bawang

A Philippine variety of garlic has been known and used during World War II because of its antibacterial properties. Garlic contains a compound known as allicin which acts as an antiseptic. The leaves and bulbs can also be used to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Bayabas

Commonly known as Guava, these fruit trees can be seen in many homes in southern California. The fruit can be eaten as a snack, but can also help with diarrhea. While the leaves can be used as an antiseptic.

Lagundi

The leaves from the Lagundi tree also known as Five-leaved chaste tree have been shown to prevent the body from producing leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are released when having an asthma attack. It can also be used to treat coughs, the common cold and fevers.

Niyog-niyogan

Also called Chinese honeysuckle, the Niyog-Niyogan’s leaves can be applied to the head to relieve headaches. While the seeds can be taken as an  anthelmintic.

Sambong

The sombong leaves and flowers are used for a variety of conditions including fever, choughs and headaches. It can also be used as a diuretic, and it can dissolve kidney stones. 

Tsaang-gubat

Also called wild tea or scorpion bush, in folkloric medicine the leaves have been used to treat diarrhea. In recent years, products made by Tsaang-gubat  can help with gastroenteritis. Or tea can be made and gargled to prevent cavities.

Ulasimang bato

Also known as peperomia pellucida, the ulasimang bato is a small herb with heart shaped leaves known for its analgesic properties. The leaves can be made into an infusion or salad to help relieve pain caused by gout or rheumatic pains. It can also be used topically for boils and abscesses.

Yerba Buena 

Commonly known as peppermint, yerba buena has been used for centuries as tea and as a pain reliever. It is still drunk as a tea to reduce cough, nausea, and dizziness. It’s also used to reduce pain and pruritus which is an uncomfortable sensation of itchiness.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

 What can an Herbalist Help With?

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Herbalists prepare specific recipes tailored to you.

To first understand what an Herbalist can help with, first we need to understand what an Herbalist is.

Simply put, an Herbalist uses herbs to help treat different kinds of conditions, ailments and their symptoms. Herbalists attempt to find the root cause of illness. Practitioners will often choose herbs based on the symptoms or ailments a patient describes during the consultation. They will also perform a clinical exam, inspecting certain areas of the body and create a personalized prescription. 

An Herbalist’s knowledge cannot be understated. Join me as we go through what an Herbalist can help with as well as how an herbalist can help.

Herbs for Treatment?

Yes! 

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine still used today. In recent years the popularity of herbal medicine has increased due to it being more affordable and easier to obtain compared to conventional medicine. In many cases, herbal medicine may have fewer and milder side effects. Some of the most common beneficial herbs can be purchased at your local supermarket such as chamomile, turmeric, peppermint, lavender and ginseng. Though we highly recommend you have a conversation with a professional Herbalist before attempting to treat your symptoms on your own. 

Why Consult an Herbalist?

In today’s age of computers and smartphones it’s easy to have the misconception that you have all the answers at the palm of your hand. Although this can be true in some cases, we believe you shouldn’t take that risk when it comes to your health. An Herbalist specializes in treating patients with natural herbs. They understand how herbs help with your condition. And more importantly they can tell you what herbs not to use.

Like all medicines, herbal medicine may have some side effects. It’s an Herbalist’s job to talk with you and understand what medicine you may already be taking. Whether it is other herbal medicine or pharmaceuticals prescribed from your doctor. An herbalist can help you understand that some herbs can have heightened side effects when combined with a prescription treatment from your doctor.

Some examples include; if you are on some contraceptives you should avoid supplements that contain St. John’s wort. St. John’s wort is commonly used as a mild antidepressant, but when used with contraceptives can cause irregular bleeding or an unplanned pregnancy. Ginkgo biloba is a natural anti-inflammatory commonly used to treat arthritis and migraines. Using it with other blood-thinners like warfarin or aspirin can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

Laxed Regulation on Herbal Medicine

Unlike pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine does not have strict inspections for safety or efficacy. The herbal supplements we carry at SOHMA are hand-picked and held to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With the increased use of herbal medicine and supplements, it’s unfortunate that there is a lack of regulation for herbal medicine. Many companies out there are just in it to make a quick buck and aim to take advantage of less fortunate people. Lack of dosage instructions for claimed effects may not be property stated and unknown growing and processing conditions can result in contaminated or diluted products. This makes it difficult for consumers to reliably purchase high quality products. Herbalists can help filter out much of the unwanted herbal medicine on the market.

Although herbal remedies are natural, you should also talk to your primary care provider to let them know you’re looking to treat your conditions with herbal medicine. Understand that herbal medicine is used to attempt to treat the root cause of your condition and typically will work slower compared to conventional pharmaceuticals.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

Herbal Pharmacies and How They Can Help Your Health Routine

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What Are Herbal Pharmacies?

Herbs and herbal medicine have been used for thousands of years to not only treat ancient illnesses and injuries, but in recent ones as well. In modern times pharmaceuticals have become the more common choice for most people, but herbal remedies have been used by others looking for alternative medicine.

Maintaining a healthy routine is one of the most difficult aspects of living a healthy life. Herbal pharmacies are another tool you can use to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Although you can go to dedicated herbal pharmacies like the one at SOHMA Integrative Medicine Center, you can also buy many herbs at your local supermarket. Many common herbs can be added to your health routine in order to elevate your lifestyle.

Elevate Your Lifestyle With Common Herbs

Having a poor diet is very common in our extremely busy lives. Poor eating habits can include both over and under eating, basically not having enough healthy foods required for a balanced diet, or consuming foods with low fibre and high in fat and or sugar. Poor diets can impair your daily wellbeing, health, and reduce your ability to lead an active and enjoyable life. Stress, exhaustion and capacity to work long term can be short term issues poor nutrition can cause. It can also lead to other illnesses and health problems like:

  • Eating Disorders
  • Depression
  • Cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Tooth Decay

A simple way of elevating your lifestyle to be more healthy is by including common herbs that can be store bought at a local supermarket in your everyday meal. Herbs like chives and garlic have been positively linked with cancer prevention. Studies have shown that compounds in garlic help DNA repair itself, not only slowing the growth of cancer cells but also decreasing inflammation. While ginger and dandelion are great for maintaining a healthy digestive system due to its ability to help neutralize and disperse the build up of oxidative cases that can cause stomach pains and cramps. Cinnamon can help regulate your blood sugar by imitating the effects of insulin to increase glucose transport into cells. Rosemary and parsley are not only delicious flavors, but also help with keeping your heart healthy.

Modern and Traditional Medicine

Herbalists should not replace a health professional or doctor, but may be used as a complementary treatment. Sometimes you may visit a herbalist for non medicinal treatments like consultation about lifestyle habits to reduce stress, pain, or help with your sleeping habits which is an important part of overall body recovery.

Modern pharmaceuticals and traditional herbal therapy have many commonalities. Over half of modern medicine was either inspired or derived from traditional herbal remedies.

Although most herbs bought in local stores are regarded as safe, they are not usually the same for everyone. Depending on your condition, physic, constitution and overall health, a consultation with a trained herbalist is recommended.

Before you make a consultation we recommend you first get a diagnosis from your primary care provider. A problem well stated is a problem half solved. Meaning that knowing what the root of the problem is, is equally as important as the treatment itself.

Once the root of the issue is found, consult with a professional herbalist who understands the contradictions of herbs and any adverse reactions that can occur when crossing herbs and the medications.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

Herbalists And How They Can Be Part Of Your Treatment

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What is a herbalist?

People have turned to herbs for thousands of years, using powdered supplements, teas, tinctures and creams to aid in treatment of everything from skin rashes to mild depression. Herbal medicine often referred to as herbalism is the study of plants for medicinal purposes. Many different historic and modern cultures have used herbalism in treatments to aid recovery and assist bodily functions.

What does a herbalist do?

Herbalists attempt to find herbs based on your symptoms or pattern of ailments described during consultation. The herbalist may recommend the use of one herbal treatment of a combination of herbal supplements. Common forms of treatment include:

  • Teas
  • Liquid or Powdered Herb Capsules
  • Creams and Ointments
  • Essential Oils

Herbalists should not replace a mental health professional or doctor, but may be used as a complementary treatment. Occasionally you may visit a herbalist for non medical treatments like advice about lifestyle habits to reduce stress, pain, or help with your sleeping habits; Which is an important part of overall body recovery.

Many people suffer with mobility challenges and pain that can limit their lifestyles. Combining your treatment with herbalism can accelerate your body’s natural healing especially if you use common oils like chamomile, lavender and caraway.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been passed down for generations  to help the body release tension. By manipulating the soft tissues like muscles and tendons you can help heal the body from most of your chronic pains. If the massage itself seems to be lacking in reducing pain, ask about incorporating essential oils and creams to your massage specialist. There are thousands of different combinations of herbs that can be used to help with loosening and relaxing your muscles, or ease muscle pain and support immune system function. 

Caraway, also known as persian cumin or meridian fennel is a great herb used to help with many symptoms. This herb is used to alleviate symptoms from the common cold, reduce stress, and anxiety. A massage with carray oils can also ease muscle pain and support immune system functions.

Chamomile is a soothing flower mainly used in teas to help relax and aid in sleep. Traditionally it has been used to help treat muscle and joint pain caused by inflammation, cramps, muscle spasms and rheumatic pains. This herb is great for patients experiencing stress to do physical pain.

Besides its amazing scent lavender has, it contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Most commonly known for its relaxing benefits, lavender is a surprisingly versatile herb. It can be used topically for cuts, bruises and other surface irritations. In massages lavender is used to relieve pain and promote relaxation.

Insomnia

Nothing is more important to physical recovery, relief of stress and anxiety than sleep. Although you feel as if you are doing nothing during the period of time you sleep, your body is very active repairing itself at the cellular level. A proper sleep cycle also helps with overall mental health. Lifestyle changes may be needed in order to properly get the rest desired for recovery, a simple way to start is with herbal teas.

Chamomile is by far the most common and readily available tea, it has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy to reduce anxiety and treat insomnia. Often regarded as a mild tranquilizer for sleep inducers, its calming effects may help with initiating sleep.

Lemon Balm is an herb from the mint family, and can be used to soothe symptoms of stress in order to help you relax. When combined with valerian root can help reduce restlessness and promote a healthier sleep pattern.

Made from the purple bud of Lavender flower, lavender tea has been used for years to settle nerves, calm anxiousness, reduce stress and aid in sleep. This herbal tea has made a recent resurgence due to modern stresses that tend to overwhelm one’s sense of stability.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us if we are right for you. Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.