Nam Bac Hang
Some might say it is an old-fashioned apothecary, with natural potions, teas, herbs and leaves conjuring visions of “Romeo and Juliet”’s Friar Lawrence, innocently mixing planta to bring the couple together. But with a back wall filled with almost 200 quart-sized jars containing sinewy roots, black barks and odd-colored stones and beans, some might also think it Chinese Voodoo. Either way, the Nam Bac Hang Herb shop is a far cry from CVS or Walgreens. Much of the medicine is ginseng-based, with dozens of forms of the natural energy elixir, including Red Kirn, Polygonum, Salva and other forms. The store also sells natural cures such as Peony Root, Susserea Root, Angelica Root, natural Chinese Viagra and many other novelties and notions within those jars. The business also advertises acupuncture services, and a medical procedure called Guasha, where skin is scraped off of your back with a spoon-like tool which is apparently good for healing.
243 West Cermak
Best of Chicago 2009
