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.