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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Herbalism: A Brief History of Herbal Medicine


Lavender
Before there was Tylenol, Wal-mart pharmacy, or big phramacutical companies people relied on mother earth to provide their medicines. Herbal medicine or botanical medicine is the earliest known form of medical care. Ancient people used the bark,berries,roots,flowers and seeds to meet their medical needs.

What is the history of herbal medicine?

Throughout history ancient civilizations have documented various herbs that were beneficial to their society.

In 1500 B.C., the Egyptians wrote what is known as the Ebers papyrus , which has over 850 plant medicines documented ,including ones that are still utilized today such as, garlic,aloe vera, and castor bean.

1900 B.C.  In India, turmeric was used in Ayurveda medicine. Today there are 71 clinical trials underway or completed studying the medicinal uses to turmeric.

Middle Ages- Monastery scholars in Europe transcribed ancient Greek and Roman  text so they could preserve information on medicines. Medical schools or Birmaristans began to appear in the 9th century in Persia.

1900 A.D.- Post World War I brings the discovery of penicillin and expansion of the international pharmaceutical industry. Herbal medicine starts to decrease in popularity as many societies turn their focus to medicines that are made chemically.

Today- According to the World Health Organization ( the WHO) , 80% of some countries in Africa and Asia use herbal medicine. Twenty-five percent of modern drugs are also produced from plant components.The interest in herbal medicine has begun to grow again  due to the accessibility, affordability and because herbal medicine is now considered a healing art for the people.

What are the benefits of herbal medicine?

  • Herbal medicine helps us to live a more natural lifestyle that is more self reliant.
  • Herbs produce less side effects than conventional medicine.
  • Herbs can be used to improve your overall health.

How can herbs be used?

Herbs can be taken as a daily supplement, herbal tea, and in medicinal infusion. You also can make salves,oils,pills,compresses,
poultices,ointments,tinctures,syrups, and creams using different herbs. Also, herbs may be used together to effectively treat illness.

What is herbal medicine good for?

Herbal medicine is used to treat a variety of medical conditions , such as; irritable bowels, chronic fatigue, insomnia, migraines,rashes,allergies,PMS, eczema, and many other conditions that weren't mentioned.


Knowing that medicinal herbs are very effective, The Feisty Organics have decided to do a blog series dedicated to herbal remedies. We are very excited about writing on this topic and hope you enjoy reading the various articles we will be posting!

Tell us your thoughts.What are your opinions on herbal medicine?

References

Tapsell LC, Hemphill I, Cobiac L, et al. (August 2006). "Health benefits of herbs and spices: the past, the present, the future". Med. J. Aust.


5 comments:

  1. very useful blog you got going. i have not much knowledge on this sort of stuff...this post, and a couple of others, turned out to be pretty interesting reads! :)

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  2. Herbal medicine is kinda like an alternative treatment method to "Herbal Medicines prescription drugs

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    Replies
    1. I think herbal medicines have better benefits.

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