Page 67 - Panama City Living Magazine

Name a few of the must-haves and staples
in your apothecary with a brief description.
There are a few Chinese traditional patent formulas and simple Western herbs I always keep on hand. These herbs are for digestion, trauma, and anxiety, things we all experience. For basic overindulgent digestion issues, my go-to is Bao He Pian. This is a simple formula that contains an herb called hawthorn. Western herbalists traditionally use this herb for heart-related issues, but it is also used for digestive issues in TCM. In a pinch, fennel seed or a piece of citrus peel can help ease an upset stomach. These are simple herbs that anyone can use and easily get. For trauma, I keep two things in stock and I’ve given these to many customers, as well as to my own family. One formula is called The Great Mender and it is typically used for physical trauma. It could also be given to someone in shock. I’ve used this formula multiple times and it has proven to be indispensable in my clinic. The other formula is for external use and I make this myself. It’s called Dit Da Jow. I have a couple of different varieties that I make with a variety of herbs soaked in alcohol and these are applied directly to an injury to assist in recovery. I make a general formula to help some people who may suffer from anxiety or overactive minds. I wouldn’t give these to everyone, only when appropriate because this formula can also act as a sedative. We make this as a tea in the coffee bar and also as an herbal extract. It contains scullcap, wood betony, chamomile, catnip, and peppermint. I’ve used a small dose of this formula to also help with minor stomach upset. Lastly, I wouldn’t go without Albizia julibrissin, also known as mimosa or Persian silk tree. This is considered an invasive plant in Florida, but its healing properties are incredible. I make my own herbal extracts from the flower and the bark every spring. This is called the Happiness Tree in Chinese herbalism and it can assist in relieving anxiety, depression, and stress.
What does your work consist of? How do you work with your clients?
I use a variety of Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbs in my practice. I make suggestions for herbal formulas that I think are the best for the condition presenting itself. I often see suspicion from customers about taking Chinese herbs. I understand people’s concerns about safety, though we research and stand behind what we carry. When you see a skilled herbalist, they are usually going to suggest a combination of herbs. These can be in the form of whole herbs to make a tea, patent Chinese formulas where the herbs have been ground and compressed into tablets or teapills, powders or granules to be taken in water, or tinctures which are herbal extracts. The herbalist will try to give the herbal formula in the form that will yield the best compliance from the client, whether it’s a tincture or tea, or in other form. I think there is also a misconception that all Chinese herbs are somehow dangerous and Chinese herbalism is a mysterious practice. In a very basic context, it is simply a way to energetically define an illness and give herbs with the appropriate energetics. Chinese herbalism has a long history behind it and a very diverse and expansive herbal library. You’ll see a lot of things like bark, roots, seeds, berries, flowers, and minerals.
www.PanamaCityLiving.com • March—April 2020 • 67