Herbal medicine also known as herbalism is a traditional or folk therapy based on the application of plants and their extracts. This is the oldest form of medical treatment with cave paintings in Iraq suggesting that Neanderthals used medicinal plants 60000 years ago. Written records from 5000 years ago prove that the Sumerians used such herbs as caraway and time medicinally. The fist actual book outlining herbalism is a Chinese volume dating from around 2700 B.C.
Likewise the Greeks, Romans and medieval cultures to the modern world in every country have used plants to treat illnesses and today this is stronger than ever.
Another important factor is that over 7000 of today's modern drugs are derived from plant sources. Many of these were discovered by observing their effects on the human body in traditional healing regimens.
The reasons for the popularity of herbal medicines are many. Firstly, they offer a holistic approach to the treatment of disease. They work on strengthening and balancing the whole system as well as directly on the affected area. Plus they are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as massage or acupuncture.
Plant extracts are especially useful in preventive medicine where they work to normalise many physical factors. Artichoke, for example, reduces serum cholesterol levels, Soybeans contain substances with oestrogen activity which can help with menopausal problems, Echinacea is being touted as a treatment for the common cold and elderberries are said to accelerate recovery from influenza. Then there are powerhouse herbs like garlic which provides multiple benefits for the cardiovascular system including lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressures, and reducing platelet aggregation.
Likewise the Greeks, Romans and medieval cultures to the modern world in every country have used plants to treat illnesses and today this is stronger than ever.
Another important factor is that over 7000 of today's modern drugs are derived from plant sources. Many of these were discovered by observing their effects on the human body in traditional healing regimens.
The reasons for the popularity of herbal medicines are many. Firstly, they offer a holistic approach to the treatment of disease. They work on strengthening and balancing the whole system as well as directly on the affected area. Plus they are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as massage or acupuncture.
Plant extracts are especially useful in preventive medicine where they work to normalise many physical factors. Artichoke, for example, reduces serum cholesterol levels, Soybeans contain substances with oestrogen activity which can help with menopausal problems, Echinacea is being touted as a treatment for the common cold and elderberries are said to accelerate recovery from influenza. Then there are powerhouse herbs like garlic which provides multiple benefits for the cardiovascular system including lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressures, and reducing platelet aggregation.