Herbs are our first medicine. They are the medicine of our ancestors and of the future. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is quoted as saying, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”.
How Safe Are Herbs?
Roughly half of all modern pharmaceuticals were either derived from herbs or inspired by herbs. Herbs are whole and complete forms of medicine. They are often the safest forms of medicine.
There are very few poisonous herbs in the herbal medicine pharmacy. The difference between an herb being medicinal or poisonous is its dose.
Although, most herbs you see sold in stores as supplements are generally regarded as safe, it is recommended that you consult with a professional herbalist who understands the contraindications of herbs and any potential adverse cross reactions to other herbs and drugs that may be taken.
Herbs are not one-type-fits-all. Depending on the person’s constitution, physical makeup, and health, a trained herbalist may use any number of single herbs or herbal formulas to treat the person’s problem.
How Are Herbs Used?
Herbs can be used to alleviate symptoms but work best when directed at the root cause of the problem or disease.
Herbs can be used anytime. They are used in acute and chronic phases of injury and disease. They are used internally and or topically. Some herbs are used over long periods of time such as herbal tonics.
What to Expect
Herbal consults range from $50-$75 depending on the complexity of the case.
Herbal formulas range from $5-$65. Most bottled herbal formulas are $25.
SOHMA has the most popular herbal pharmacy in the Long Beach area.
Dr. Daniel Hoover, founder of SOHMA, has a masters degree in both Western and Eastern herbal medicine which is rare to find a practitioner with both disciplines.
