Herbal medicine and its use can be traced back to the dawn of civilisation. In a time before medicines and technology as we know them were even dreamt about, these ancient civilisations made use of what nature had to offer for the healing of their people. Modern medicines used today have their origins in the usage of natural herbal components found by those early civilisations. Over time these have been refined and improved to be used in our modern day health care.
How it All Began
In the beginning, the use of herbs as medicines was a very hit and miss affair. Many people died as the herbs they were given either didn't help, and the patient became worse and died, or the herb administered was in fact a poison and therefore killed the patient. Often the amounts given were in too large quantities; had they been given in smaller and diluted amounts, the treatment might have worked. With practise and time the use of herbal medicine has become what it is today.
Originally, herbs were used for disinfecting wounds or as poultices to draw out poisons. As time moved on it was found that if the leaves of the herbs were pounded into a paste they could be administered directly to patients. Later still, it was found that herbs could be combined with other potent medicines to improve the effect, and eventually herbs were introduced into food and diet for a healthier lifestyle and physical, mental and emotional recovery.
The Use of Herbal Medicine Varies According to Culture
Depending on the traditions, beliefs and customs of different races, there is variance in the use of herbal medicine. For example medical practitioners of the Orient are inclined to incorporate herbs and herbal medicine into their everyday lives. They integrate them into the diet to promote healing, improve the rejuvenation of their bodies and extend life span.
Energy therapy such as Qi Gong and Reiki are very important to the oriental medical practitioner and they combine these therapies with herbal medicines. Whilst the energy therapies, if provided by an experienced practitioner, will stimulate healing from the outside, the herbal medicines, if taken in conjunction, will help to heal on the inside. This achieves total body rejuvenation.
However the North American Indian's use of herbal medicine differed. They used herbal medicine to treat wounds and minor ailments as well as using natural ingredients in their tribal ceremonies to drive away evil spirits or for blessings at weddings and other celebrations. Even today some of these healing traditions are used by the North American Indian.
Uses Of Herbal Medicine Today
Herbal medicine today has a variety of uses for physical ailments such as fever, flu, sore throats and diarrhea. Also herbal medicine is now used to help with mental and emotional problems. Plants such as peppermint are used to help relax a person in times of stress and its minty quality has been used to cool a person's temper.
Herbal products are also used today for improvement in the body's performance and stamina and to increase the body's defences against infection.
Using Herbal Medicine Safely
Compared to synthetic, man-made medicines, herbal medicine is relatively safe to use. However it is of paramount importance to ensure that you will not suffer from any side effects or have an allergic reaction to the ingredients, as the idea is to promote body wellness not create more problems.
The best way to do this is to consult a medical practitioner or medical expert to confirm whether the use of an herbal product is safe or not. Much will depend on your present use of medication and whether the herbal medicine will compliment or interfere with it. As well, just because an herbal product worked for somebody else, doesn't mean that it is right for you, as it could have a reverse effect depending on your body's chemistry.
Information from: -
Herb Palace - www.herbpalace.com
Herbal Remedies Info - www.herbalremediesinfo.com
Herbal Medicine - www.herbal-concepts.co.uk
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