Herbs and Wellness. Join the conversation with Baraah Attal, TCM Practitioner, in where we talk about achieving a better quality of life by combining herbal medicine, acupuncture and preventive medicine. Baraah’s graduate education, practical experience working in conjunction with MDs and holistic practitioners, and her skill explaining health benefits, make this episode a special one.
Herbs and Wellness. Join the conversation with Baraah Attal, TCM Practitioner, in where we talk about achieving a better quality of life by combining herbal medicine, acupuncture and preventive medicine. Baraah’s graduate education, practical experience working in conjunction with MDs and holistic practitioners, and her skill explaining health benefits, make this episode a special one.
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Herbs & Wellness - The Story Behind Eashab Herbs with Baraah Attal, Founder and TCM Practitioner
Rosie (00:18):
Welcome back to Life 100 Podcast, this is Rosie, and it is so good to spend this time with you. In today's episode, we are going to talk about achieving a better quality of life by combining herbal medicine, acupuncture and preventive medicine. And to explain it all our special guest is Baraah Attal, a certified TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner who studied this subject for years. Her graduate education, practical experience, and her skill explaining all the benefits will make this episode a special one. So Baraah, welcome to the show.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (01:07):
Thank you so much for having me today.
Rosie (01:10):
It is a pleasure to spend this time with you, and I just can't wait to hear all the good information you're going to share with us. So tell us about your background and what inspired you to study this particular field.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (01:23):
I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine here in Austin, Texas, which is a form of holistic medicine, and it is a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition therapy, and cupping therapy. And the reason why I chose this specific field to get into is because before this, I was a nutritionist and a weight loss counselor, and I used to help people lose weight. And I was working at a weight loss clinic, and I saw how much nutrition therapy can really help with people's health. And I saw people get off their blood pressure medications, of course, with their doctor's supervision. And I was like, I have to do more. I have to go back to school because if just nutrition therapy did this, there has to be more. So with my education, I'm able to help treat people with herbal medicine. And I have seen people's health really changed for the better.
Rosie (02:27):
This is so great because we know that there is a need for holistic medicine, there is a need for your knowledge. And depending where we come from different cultures, different countries, there are different herbs that you can apply. Now we share in common that we love to travel and that we enjoy learning about different cultures. And you mentioned the different herbs depending on different countries, how your travel and how your education, those two combined, have influenced the development of your product line and how you integrate all those concepts to bring a customized treatment for your clients or your patients.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (03:10):
Yes. So I grew up middle Eastern and there are certain herbs that in my household and my mom and grandma would suggest. For example, sage, for stomach ache, any type of cramps or anything like that. I grew up with that, and when I went to school for Traditional Chinese Medicine, we learned the Chinese Materia Medica and there were over 300 herbs that we learned and how to formulate them. It was really, really nice that I was able to know two different types of cultures of herbalism and also Western herbalism, the herbs that you find in your own backyard here. The knowledge of all those three is what really motivated me to start my herbal business, which is called Eashab Health and Wellness. So eashab actually means herbs in Arabic. And a lot of my herbal formulas have a combination of Chinese herbs, middle Eastern herbs, and also Western herbs, because I was really honored, thankful enough to be able to learn these different kinds of things. And it's just amazing what different cultures use for treatments in their everyday life.
Rosie (04:23):
Yes. And the exciting part about it is that for instance, when I go to your Instagram and I go to learn about it, what you do is so beautiful because not only it looks amazing, but also you give the ingredients, but how it benefits all of us. So for instance, from your product line, what is one of the things that you can share with us and the benefits of it?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (04:44):
One of the popular things that I have on there as my product line is my elderberry DIY kit. I actually formulate portioned out. I have four herbs portioned out in a bag and I include the cheesecloth in it. So I have directions in the back to make the elderberry syrup. And all you have to do is boil the herbs with water, strain it with the cheese cloth and just add, honey, you keep it up in your fridge for like eight weeks. And the elderberry is a great antioxidant. It's proven to cut the duration of your cold or flu. And it's also really good to help boost your immune system. So if you feel like you've been around a lot of people that are sick, you could take a tablespoon a day. And if you do get sick, you just take three tablespoons during your sickness a day until you feel better.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (05:42):
So it's just a great syrup to have at home. If you could wake up, like, has the practice take a tablespoon just to kind of boost your immune system. And the fact that I had it as a DIY kit is because my goal is to really educate people on herbs because, in having people actually cook the herbs is also a medicinal property that we learned in school, like touching the herbs, cooking. It is all an experience of its own. And like with holistic medicine, the interest has rose a lot. A lot of people were like, we have Western medicine, what about Eastern medicine? And my goal is to bridge the two together and for people to really, really understand herbs and how to take them safely. During my schooling, I had a lot of internships at doctor's offices, and we were able to integrate the holistic side with both worlds, working together as made such a difference in patient's health.
Rosie (06:40):
And it does because my mother, she received acupuncture, herbal treatment and worked for her so beautifully. And I saw the benefits from it. I have such an amount of respect for what you bring to all of us. Not only that, but what I have learned from your postings is that different parts of the plants have different healing properties. Can you tell us a little bit about that since that is something that is not well known?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (07:08):
Yes. So there're some plants that the leaf can, for example, treat high blood pressure and then the root of the same plant can treat low blood pressure. Every plant is so specific and every single part of the plant has a specific treatment. So it's really, really interesting to see how specific herbal medicine is. And it really brought to my attention because on the internet, you could be like, what's good for stomach aches. It could say this one, herb is good for stomach aches, but to really understand the herbal knowledge, like what part of that herb is good? Is it the leaf? Is it the root? So that's another reason why, or a little education is so important.
Rosie (07:52):
All the training and practical knowledge that you acquire, not only in your studies, but also in the doctor's offices, for the person who is new to this, can you tell me how this education takes place, how much you need to learn, how much you need to apply, and the rigorous time that is invested to bring benefits to the client?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (08:15):
For example, a TCM practitioner, it was four year graduate program and it was an intense four years. We would have classes and we would have clinics. And after that, we do four national board exams, it was really intense. Yes. Like for example, when we would see patients come into the clinic, they would bring their herbs and they would bring the supplements. And a lot of it was what they heard is good for you. So they would order a lot of it. But the reason why our schooling in the herbal knowledge was so intense is because we also learn drug-herb interaction. A lot of herbs, they interact with drugs. If you're taking high blood pressure, diabetes, whatever drugs you're taking, it's very important to sit down with a herbalist, a TCM practitioner, there's also naturopathic doctors. There's numerous types of holistic practitioners. So I would really recommend to find someone in your area and go sit with them as if you were to go sit with your doctor, like your MD. And also have both worlds work together. Tell your doctor that you're seeing a TCM practitioner and have it hand-in-hand because I feel like the times that we live in now, both worlds are starting to integrate together. And I've seen that a lot and it's better for us and the patient's health when we both know what herbs you're on, what drugs you're on. So that's very important.
Rosie (09:48):
That's very important. It's like integrating holistic herbal medicine and preventive medicine all together for the benefit of the patient. Now, when they go for the first time, what should they expect? Or what kind of question will be good to ask for the person who has no experience in this particular medicine?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (10:10):
A lot of questions. We ask so many questions about your health, from your sleep to bowel movements, to stress, to nutrition, many, many questions. I remember when patients would come, they would be like, you need to know about my sleep. And when I eat and my stress level and pain, headaches, all of it. In holistic medicine, we try to find the root cause. So we ask all these questions just to see if there's any imbalance in the body. And we believe that the body is one and you total mind and body works together. So we ask all these questions and then we go back and look at your symptoms and come up with a acupuncture plan. And we pick puncture points all around the body to help the body go into balance and homeostasis. So we want the body to fix itself, rather us fixing you. Helping the body go back to balance and the acupuncture treatment, we put in the needles and the needles don't hurt at all. That's another thing that people are kind of scared of.
Rosie (11:21):
Yes, I learned that with my mother. She said, no, no, it doesn't hurt at all.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (11:26):
Does not hurt at all. I've had people that are terrified, I put in10 needles, and they are like you've put in the needles? Okay, I can, I can do this more often.
Rosie (11:36):
Because people are scared of needles. People are scared of the unknown. And that's so important to know what to expect.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (11:42):
Exactly.
Rosie (11:44):
That is so good. So when they go and they say, "I want to try these herbs and teas", what will be the best way that they can bring the information that they will be ready for you to be able to assist them?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (11:59):
Right now, I started my business. The products that I have are immune boosting , and I think that's very important, especially with COVID and the times that we're living in, I feel like focusing on your optimal health, which is making sure your immune system is working the way it should making sure your stress is down your sleep is good. You're having regular bowel movements. So my products are just really helping with the aspect of immune boosting. I have a immunity tea that you could take every day. I have a magnesium rub that helps with sleep, and I have a herbal chest rub that helps if you do get stuffiness or chest congestion, it can help soothe that I have my website and I also have an Instagram for that. It's also on Etsy as well. Right now, I'm focusing on the herbal part. So I really believe that herbal medicine can help people so much.
Rosie (13:00):
Absolutely. And when they go and visit your website, your Instagram, other social media, and they place the order from that point, what can they expect?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (13:11):
I have my personal Instagram, which www.instagram.com/Baraah_a and that Instagram is more herbal education, holistic education. My personal brand, I like to feature herb of the week. And a lot of the herbs are mostly that you could find in your home. And I list out the benefits of that. Certain herbs have a lot of benefits in them. And then I have my Eashab Herbs, www.instagram.com/eashab.herbs where you can just order herbs, and I have a lot of the instructions in the packaging. The goal for Eashab Herbs is to have it in your home, kind of everyday boosting, or if you're sick, it helps you get through it.
Rosie (13:53):
Of course. And then all the steps are there listed. If they have any questions, they can also reach you. The packaging is very comprehensive. It has all they need to start.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (14:04):
Exactly. The only thing that's like a DIY kit is the elderberry. Everything else is ready to go. And yes, people can reach me anytime. Even if anyone wants to have me find herbalists or to see a practitioner, naturopathic doctor in their area, I have resources to where I can help find someone in their city or state. And if they have questions about any herbs or Eashab Herbs or how to use it, anyone can message me anytime.
Rosie (14:33):
Awesome. And I know you are based in Austin, Texas. People can order from the United States or from other places as well?
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (14:42):
Right now, I just have it from the U.S. Okay,
Rosie (14:44):
Perfect. From the U S they can order, and then you are available to answer any questions if they need to.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (14:52):
And I also get a lot of my ingredients from local Austinites. So when I go to Mueller Park, I usually get the ingredients from local Austin businesses.
Rosie (15:01):
That is great. What a great way to not only support the community, but to improve your quality of life. Yes. Mueller is one of my favorite places. It's just an experience all in itself. Wow. This is so exciting! This is so great. And we need this so much, especially after, like you said, the pandemic people are going through a lot of stressful times, and it's just so welcoming to know that there are alternatives that in combination with your regular medicine, preventive medicine, it can improve your quality of life. This is available to everyone, and that is the importance of it. Absolutely. Before we go, I want you to share where we can reach you, your social handles and about your product line.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (15:47):
I have my personal is www.instagram.com/Baraah_a and my business handle is www.instagram.com/eashab.herbs. It's also on Etsy. And my website for my business is www.eashabherbs.com.
Rosie (16:15):
Beautiful. Well, this has been amazing. And what a great way to conclude this informational conversation that we had. I know this is going to help so many people starting with me, and I'm so excited to bring this because there is always so good to know alternatives that we have available at our reach that will improve our quality of life. So with that, I would like to thank you for coming to the show. I know this is not the last time you're going to be here. And as your product line increases, you are welcome to reach out and let us know because we all benefit from it.
Baraah - Eashab Herbs (16:55):
Thank you so, so much for all that you do.
Rosie (16:57):
Our pleasure. It's our pleasure. I can't wait for you to come back to the show. Okay. Bye. So until next time, thanks for listening and like, comment, subscribe on the website or on Instagram. Go ahead. Stay in touch 'cause Life 100... Here we go!
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