What to Know About Chinese Herbal Medicine

For thousands of years, herbal medicine has been used to treat acute and chronic conditions. In fact, ancient Chinese and Egyptian writings describe plants being used as medicinal treatments as early as 3,000 BC. Research has found that people in different areas of the world tended to use the same or similar plants for the same medicinal purposes.

In present day, alternative medicine still plays a major role in health care, especially in the past 20 years, as many people have become increasingly dissatisfied with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an increasing interest in natural remedies.

According to an estimate from The World Health Organization, 80% of people throughout the world rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care. In Germany, an estimated 70% of German physicians prescribe plant based medicines. Research in Asia, Europe and the United States is constantly being performed to improve the efficacy and safety of ancient herbal formulas.

What is the goal of Chinese herbal medicine and what conditions may it treat?

The goal of alternative medicine, including Chinese herbal medicine, is to correct unhealthy body patterns and organ dysfunction by bringing the body back into a state of balance (homeostasis) and restoring energy (also known as Qi).
As a Cleveland-area herbalist, Suzie Husami recommends herbal treatments to patients who have more than one unexplained symptom, feel fatigued, who have not responded well to medications, are experiencing side effects, are feeling depressed or anxious, or anyone wanting to live a healthier, more balanced life.

Herbal medicine has been used to treat many conditions and disorders, including allergies, asthma, frequent colds and flu, eczema, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), rheumatoid arthritis, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, migraines, symptoms of menopause, chronic fatigue, infertility, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cancer, and more.

What are the most common herbal supplements?

Chinese herbal medicine is almost always taken in the form of a formula: a group of herbs taken together. The reason for taking them as a group is twofold: to promote the healing properties of each herb while limiting the occurrence of side effects. For example, if the goal of a formula is to decrease pain by increasing circulation, the main herbs showcased in the formula will, of course, increase blood circulation, but there will also be herbs present to mildly counteract this effect – thereby preventing the occurrence of side effects that often occur as a result of only taking one herb alone (as is often done in western supplementation) or by refining an herb down to it’s most basic chemical components (as is often the case with western pharmaceuticals). Some of the most common Chinese herbal medicines in the U.S. include:

• Echinacea

• St. John’s wort

• Ginkgo biloba

• Garlic

• Saw palmetto

• Ginseng

• Goldenseal

• Valerian

• Chamomile

• Feverfew

• Ginger

• Evening primrose

• Milk thistle

• Goji berry

• Reishi mushroom

• Astragalus root

How can I find a qualified herbalist in Cleveland?

It’s best to take herbal supplements under the guidance of a trained provider. Suzie Husami is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in concierge Chinese herbal medicine at Husami Integrative Acupuncture in Cleveland.

With Chinese herbal therapy, your herbalist will prescribe a formula tailor-made for you with several herbs combined together in easy-to-take capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. These formulas are compatible with most supplements or prescriptions that you may currently be taking, and all of our formulas are FDA and GMP compliant. We also offer herbal formulas suitable for vegetarians, vegans, kids, and women who are pregnant or nursing.

What can I expect during an herbal consultation at Husami Integrative Acupuncture?

At Husami Integrative Acupuncture in Cleveland we offer an herbal consultation with every acupuncture treatment. During your first visit, we ask that you bring a complete list of all medications and supplements that you are currently taking.

Your herbalist will talk to you about any symptoms or health concerns you may be experiencing, and about your current diet and health routines.

Oftentimes your herbalist will work closely with a physician or pharmacist to manage your treatment, especially if you are taking prescription medications, as some Chinese herbal medicines can potentially interact with prescription medications.

If you’re interested in learning more about Chinese herbal medicine in Cleveland, please give us a call or send us a text at Husami Integrative Acupuncture: (619) 302-7589.