The Chinese use them. Middle Easterners have utilized them for centuries. And now, Westerners are starting to catch on.

Herbs have been used as a prime ingredient is alleviating illnesses for centuries. Herbal medicine, which originated in Asian countries, is becoming more popular in the West. As Western remedies like over-the-counter drugs become more expensive and less popular, herbal remedies are making their way into mainstream culture.

According to herbpalace.com, herbalism is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Herbalists use the leaves, flowers, stems, roots and berries of plants to prevent and treat illnesses, from the common cold to sinus infections to depression.

Medicines employing herbs have been in existence since the dawn of man. Scientists have found various herbs like marshmallow root, hyacinth and yarrow around the skeleton of a prehistoric man.

Dating back to 2735 B.C., records indicate that the Chinese emperor Shen Nong wrote an authoritative treatise on herbs that is still in use today. In the Middle Ages, herbal remedies were passed down from generation to generation, or by the village herbalist to a promising apprentice.

Herbal remedies that were once harvested by hand are now easily accessible by a trip to a local herbal supply store.

The Herbalist, located on 65th and 21st in the University District, is Seattle's premier store for herbal remedies. Having been in operation for 23 years, various herbal remedies, teas and bulk herbs are available for sale.

Employee David Tucker specializes in Chinese Herbal Medicine, specifically acupuncture and massage. Tucker, who's been involved in the herbal medicinal field for more than five years, believes in the healing power of herbs.

"Although I like to see what the body can do naturally in terms of healing itself, I believe that herbs have amazing abilities to help with health problems," he said.

Tucker said most clients that go to The Herbalist have some sort of health issue, or they want to cleanse. Cleansing releases toxins from the body, and usually requires a strict diet and the omission of mostly everything a person would normally eat.

"It seems to be sort of a fad right now, cleansing to lose weight and get rid of toxins," he said.

Tucker said cleansing is becoming more popular with time.

Other customers, though, are people looking for an alternative to the popular Western ways of medicine. Whether it's because people don't want to take pills, or don't want to spend the money on doctor visits and prescriptions, Tucker recommends herbal medicine as a great alternative to contemporary medicine.

"Herbal remedies are less expensive than traditional drugs, and are more focused on the root cause of the ailment rather than just masking the symptoms," he said.

Even so, it does not mean that going to a doctor won't help or isn't just as beneficial. Tucker does suggest informing your doctor if you're taking any herbal medicines.

"It's the responsible thing to do," he said. "As an acupuncturist, I want to know what all my patients are doing medically."

Medical graduate student Megan Hoane agrees, and said it's better to tell your doctor too much than not enough.

"In medical school they teach you to have respect for contemporary alternative medicines (CAMs). While I do respect them a lot, I think people need to be more informed of the fact that their doctors need to be aware when they are taking anything herbal," she said. "This would greatly reduce the number of drug-herbal interaction side effects that happen in patients."

Both Tucker and Hoane said that anyone on antidepressants, blood pressure medications or who are pregnant should consult their doctor before taking any herbal remedies.

"These are all high-risk groups that should be treated with caution," Tucker said. "When someone like this comes into the store, we tell them to consult their doctor prior to taking anything."

For the most part, Tucker said that herbs help rather than hinder people. As far as why more people don't tell their doctors when they're on herbal medicines, Tucker has several speculations.

"Some people may fear that their doctors will tell them not to take it because they themselves are not informed, or they might also be told that herbal remedies don't work. There's also a fear of being judged by a doctor, for resorting to herbal medicine rather than going the more contemporary route," he said.

Whatever the reason, be responsible and inform your doctor of any herbal medicines that you're taking. As far as those who are skeptical, Tucker encourages people to stop in with any questions.

"We are open to anyone who has questions about herbalism or specific remedies for certain ailments," he said. "Just come with an open mind to alternative medicine, and try to allow, through herbs, what nature intended: for the body to heal itself."

[Reach reporter Stephanie Small at features@thedaily.washington.edu.]