The Truth and Mystery of Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines have been used throughout history by people the world over and while it is difficult to determine the exact beginnings of herbal medicine, remains from archaeological digs show that plants were used by early civilizations in burial rituals and other ceremonies.
Herbal medicines were the only remedies known to man before the advent of modern medicine which has only been around for about 300 years. Many of the conventional drugs we now use are based on herbs and herbal remedies of ancient times. Nearly a quarter of all prescription drugs in the US contain an active ingredient that has been derived from a plant. Some of these ingredients are from actual plant extracts while others are man made chemicals based on the active properties of a plant.
Herbs and Modern Medicine
Some examples of modern day medicines based on ancient herbal medicine wisdom can be found as close as our own medicine cabinet. Salicylic acid, a compound that is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin, was originally derived from white willow bark. The opium poppy gave us morphine and codeine as well as laudanum, a tranquilizer used during Victorian times. And Vincristine from the periwinkle is used to treat certain types of cancer.
Before the discovery of antibiotics, Echinacea was one of the most widely used of herbal medicines in the United States. It was prescribed to fight a variety of infections and today it has been proven by researchers to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that help fight disease.
Old Traditions Return
Today, there seems to be a growing trend to return to the old but proven ways of herbal medicines, as many people are looking for an alternative route to traditional medicines and cures. They may feel that modern conventional medicine isn't helping them or that the treatment may be too expensive or they may simply opt for a more natural holistic approach.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a versatile herb, with a strong scent and flavor that is used in sweet dishes, such as desserts, and savory dishes, particularly with lamb and also in Thai dishes. However, peppermint is one of the medicinal herbs that are useful for treating stomachaches, helping to ease some of the irritation. Peppermint also has antiseptic properties and can act as a muscle relaxant when applied topically; in Greek times, athletes rubbed peppermint on sore muscles.
Lavender
The next of our medicinal herbs comes from the same family as mints, though they come from a plant more commonly associated with fragrance than use in food. Lavender's antiseptic properties are so well-known that in World War II, it was used to disinfect floors and walls in hospitals. In addition to the antiseptic properties, lavender is considered to be a relaxant, and can be used to relax before bed time when infused with water and drunk as a tea. However, among medicinal herbs, lavender is also one that can sometimes cause small allergic reactions, so be careful with it and especially avoid ingesting this herb during pregnancy.
Sage
Sage is another of the medicinal herbs with known useful properties. Used in the past to treat sore throats, sage comes from an evergreen bush and can be used internally or on the skin. Internally, this herb can treat sore throats, indigestion, and help ease symptoms of depression. Sage is particularly useful among medicinal herbs for women, who can take this herb to treat excessive lactation when nursing a baby, as well as treat problems associated with menopause. Externally, this herb can help treat skin infections. As we can see, most of these herbs not only have useful properties when taken internally, but are useful when used on the body as well, often due to antiseptic or antibacterial properties. Because of their usefulness, it's a great idea to keep fresh herbs around, not just for cooking, but for helping to treat what ails you.
