SOHMA Integrative Medicine

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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 are The Top 10 Herbal Medicines

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Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and are the building blocks to modern medicine.

Herbal medicines are the oldest remedies used by people. For a long time, modern pharmaceuticals pushed herbal medicines to the wayside, but recently there has been an increase in popularity for herbal medicines again. The reason being is they are more affordable and easier to obtain than typical pharmaceutical medicine. 

Herbal medicine is typically safe to consume but we at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA recommend you consult a professional herbalist in assisting you when looking for extensive treatment. As they will be knowledgeable in what herbs can negatively counteract with each other, or other medicines you may be taking. 

Join us, as we talk about 10 herbs with medicinal properties that can be helpful in reducing pain, recovery and healing.

Garlic

Garlic has been used in cooking for as long as it has been used as a herbal remedy. Garlic has been used as a supplement for conditions associated with heart and blood vessels. Commonly used in patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The topical use of garlic may be effective at healing wounds, reducing scarring, and skin rejuvenation.

Peppermint

Also known as water mint or spearmint is a common plant in North America. The leaves and oil of the peppermint plant have been used to help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among other digestive problems. It has been used to reduce symptoms of the common cold and headaches. The oil in peppermint can be applied to the skin to help with joint and muscle pain as well as itching. In aromatherapy peppermint oil has been used for treating the common cold, improving mental function and reducing stress.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a native flower with nine known species in North America. Natives used echinacea for thousands of years as medicine. It is used as a supplement for the common cold and other infections as it may promote and boost your immune system.

Dandelion

The humble dandelion thought by most to be an unwanted weed actually has several uses. All parts of the dandelion are edible. The root of the dandelion can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute for people who are sensitive to caffeine. In tea, the flowers and leaves act as a diuretic that can be used for digestive problems.

Valerian

Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is a flowering plant that has historically been used as medicine. Valerian has been used as a supplement to help with insomnia, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It has also been known to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of menopause.

Lavender

Lavender has a beautiful aroma that the ancient Romans used to clean and wash. Today Lavender’s fragrance is used in soaps and cosmetics. Its use in aromatherapy and as a supplement can help with anxiety, depression and digestive conditions.

Ginger

Known as one of the best superfoods, in Asia ginger has been used as a medicine for more than 1,500 years. As a supplement ginger has been known to help with nausea and vomiting linked with pregnancy. Ginger supplements may also be helpful with menstrual cramps. It also contains high nutritional density per portion. It also contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used in China and Japan for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The tea contains caffeine, so it can be used to retain alertness and can be used as a substitute for coffee. Green tea has been used to relieve digestive symptoms and headaches. It may also provide positive effects on weight loss and liver disorders.

Cinnamon

Used for thousands of years as a spice, cinnamon has been used in traditional herbal medicine in places like China, India and the middle east. Cinnamon supplements are used for upset stomach, diarrhea and gas, and can also be used to stimulate appetite. Cinnamon tea is also used to reduce symptoms caused by the common cold.

Aloe Vera

A cactus-like plant, aloe vera has been used topically for skin conditions. Aloe vera has been used to reduce itching, acne and soothe sunburns. Research suggests aloe gel may speed up the healing of burns as well.

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 is an Herbal Pharmacist?

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A Professional Herbalist will know the right combinations of herbs to treat ailments in a natural way.

In modern days with medicines being in the shape of pills or injections, we need to remember that humans’ earliest forms of medicine were herbs. It’s safe to say that roughly half of all pharmaceuticals today are either derived from herbs or inspired by the effects of herbs. Herbal medicine generally is safe for consumption but it is recommended for you to consult a professional herbalist to assist you for more important treatments.

Today we are going to talk about what an herbal pharmacist is and how they can help you when choosing a natural treatment.

Herbal Pharmacist

Also known as a professional herbalist, a herbal pharmacist uses herbs to treat different kinds of conditions and ailments. When looking for herbal medicine, you’ll have a consultation with the herbal pharmacist to get to the root cause of your symptoms. Since herbal medicine can interact with each other in less than ideal ways, we at SOHMA of Long Beach CA highly recommend you consult with a professional herbalist who understands if there are any contradicting herbs that can have an adverse reaction to each other, and other prescriptions you may be taking. 

Herbs are unique much like our patients. Depending on the person’s physical health and build, a trained herbalist will decide whether to use a single herbal treatment or a herbal formula to treat each patient. Even two people with identical ailments may be given different herbal remedies based on their constitution.

A herbal pharmacist may also consider using other forms of alternative medicine such as topical creams and ointments. A herbal pharmacist will attempt to find herbs based on your symptoms or pattern of ailments you describe during the consultation with the herbal pharmacist.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine used by people, predating recorded history. Medicine derived from herbs can be used in preventative care, relief from symptoms caused by disease and infection, or simply boost energy or relax. Many herbal remedies are taken as teas or supplements. 

Compared to their pharmaceutical counterpart, herbal medicine is more affordable than conventional medicine and easier to obtain. In many cases, herbal medicine has fewer negative side effects. Unfortunately, many times herbal medicine is ignored when compared to modern drug therapy. Regrettably, many people miss out on many of the health benefits of herbal remedies. 

Common Beneficial Herbs  

Although dedicated herbal pharmacies like the one at SOHMA can provide supplements and treatment options, you can purchase many herbs at your supermarket. These herbs can be added to your daily routine to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Chamomile – Chamomile can be used as a tea for minor digestive problems. Most commonly, chamomile tea is used to help relax and de-stress. Helping with conditions like anxiety, and insomnia. With no major side effects having multiple cups of chamomile tea a day is fine.

Turmeric – Turmeric has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years. Recently it’s been discovered that turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Though in high doses can cause headaches or irritate the stomach and skin.

Peppermint – Another herb that can be used as a tea, peppermint is used to soothe a sore throat and coughing caused by a cold.

Lavender – Lavender is a versatile aromatic herb that can be used as a sleep aid when combined with chamomile or simply sprinkle the flowers on your bed. It can also help with headaches.

Ginseng – This root is usually dried to be used as a powder, but can also be drunk as tea. It’s often used in Chinese medicine to boost your immunity, energy levels, and brain function.

These common herbs can elevate your lifestyle, however, should not be used to treat serious conditions. 

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 Is An Herbal Pharmacy And Why You Need To Know

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What is an herbal pharmacy?

An herbal pharmacy is a place where traditional medicine practitioners create herbal formulas based on traditional recipes that date back thousands of years. Often stocked with raw fresh or dried herbs, spices, seeds and roots.

Herbal medicine is rooted in ancient Chinese medicines used and practiced before other alternative medicines like acupuncture or cupping. Before the invention of pharmaceuticals, herbal formulas and remedies were used to treat ailments of their time.

While in modern times pharmaceuticals have surpassed the use of herbal remedies, they are steadily on the rise now that people are recognizing and searching for alternative and natural forms of healing.

There is a large range of traditional and modern formulas as well as combinations of herbs that may be used to establish a baseline and produce individualised formulas. These can be adjusted according to changes in your body. The formula can be changed or modified to parallel these changes.

There are many ways in which herbal remedies can be applied. The most common of which is a liquid form, consumed in the form of an herbal tea or tincture. Another form is topical applications in the form of essential oils.
At SOHMA we have our own herbal pharmacy. This allows our patients to make the best choice for them while they are searching for alternative methods to improve their physical condition.

Herbal Teas and Tinctures

Possibly the most common way to consume herbal remedies is by drinking it in the form of a tea. Some teas can be used to help unwind, boost the immune system and even reduce pain and soreness. Many of the same herbs used in teas are used in their oil forms, for the same benefits as well.

To help unwind after a hard day of school or work, have some chamomile or peppermint tea, chamomile is a favorite to help calm and soothe the mind, helping you relax and even aid in falling asleep. Peppermint contains menthol which is a natural occurring muscle relaxant.

To Boost your immune system consider dandelion, ginseng or cayenne tea. Dandelions are most commonly associated as a garden weed, it is not only edible but used in herbal teas as it contains high levels of antioxidants that help eliminate toxins and assist the immune system against infections. 

Ginseng tea is used in Asia to increase overall health producing more white blood cells and even shortening the common cold.

Commonly used to spice up food dishes in the kitchen, cayenne tea is surprisingly a good choice for sore throats. The capsaicin in the pepper helps thin out the mucus irritating your throat.

Turmeric tea can be used to help reduce swelling as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can soothe some pain from arthritis, migraines as well as muscle pain from a workout.

Some people may not be familiar with what tinctures are. But tinctures have been around for thousands of years as well. Usually a tincture is a concentrated extract from herbs, spices, seeds or barks. Unlike teas, tinctures use alcohol or vinegar instead of water. The alcohol or vinegar pulls the active ingredient from the plant parts making it much stronger than tea. Inexpensive and easy to make, tinctures can be prepared at home.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy works through skin absorption, and the sense of smell using:

  • Diffusers
  • Inhalers
  • Bath salts
  • Oils 
  • Creams
  • Lotions for Massages

These can be used alone or in any combination and can help reduce pains, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, soothe joints and boost immunity among other benefits. Fortunately there are many different oils in the market.

Essential Oil Massages and Baths

Combining essential oils during a massage is also very common. Your body can absorb the oils through the skin to gain their relaxing and healing properties. Many of the essential oils derived from herbal teas can also be used here as well with the same benefits. You can do the massages yourself just pick your favorite oil and warm it in your hands before you begin massaging the affected area.

Consider using essential oils in the bath. Not only will the warm water relax your body, the smell of the oils can aid with relaxing the mind. The body can also absorb the oils infused in the water to help ease tension or soreness depending on the oil used.

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.