Ancient Science of Herbal Medicine

Rosemary

The Romans believed the use of rosemary improved their memory. When applied as an infusion (a tea) it removed dandruff and added luster to the hair.

Comfrey

Made into poultices, Comfrey had a reputation for helping to mend broken bones. Teas were made from the ground root to treat sore throats. It was also used in soothing creams.

Almond

The oil was pressed from almonds and used as a moisturizer. Ground almonds were made into a cleansing facial scrub.

Aloe

Aloe was used by the South- western Native Americans to smooth wrinkles and prevent baldness. The juice of this plant soothed minor burns and insect bites.

Ginseng

In the Orient this herb is con- sidered an aphrodisiac and believed to promote youth and a long life. It was often used as an appetizer and mild stimulant.

Garlic

The herb has been used since the days of ancient Egypt. It was used as a treatment for earache, low blood pressure, and diarrhea. It's antiseptic and stimulant properties were much used to aid many illnesses.

Basil

The monks of India valued the strong scent of this herb to aid them in meditation. It was also used to repel insects and drank as a tea to relieve headaches.

Clove

The Chinese used this herb as a breath freshener. Oil extracted from this plant had antiseptic and anesthetic properties that helped to relieve toothache and nausea.

Cider Vinegar

Since ancient times cider vinegar was praised for its many medicinal virtues. It was thought to increase energy and aid with insomnia. Added to water, it relieved skin irritations.

Chamomile

The flowers of this sweet-smelling herb was used as an infusion to soothe insomnia and toothache. It made a lightening rinse for blonde hair and was popular planted as a lawn.

Rose Water

This herb has been used by women throughout the ages to promote and maintain a youthful skin. It has also been made into creams and masks.

Honey

Honey was used as a mild sedative and source for quick energy. Honey was also applied externally to soothe and nourish the skin.

According to an Irish Folk legend, medicinal herbs sprouted from the buried body of a fallen hero. The curative powers of each herb depended on the area of the hero's anatomy from which the plant grew. Legend says mankind became careless and mixed up the herbs. We're been trying to sort them out ever since.

The use of herbs dates back to ancient Egypt and Biblical times. The Greeks and Romans studied and wrote about herbs, and used them in medicine and cooking. Hundreds of herbs were used by early physicians to treat everything from aching feet to internal disorders. Women used them to hide the unpleasant odors inside castles and peasant huts with dirt floors.

The study of herbs spread throughout Europe. Medieval monasteries were centers where they were collected and cultivated. During the Renaissance, there were books published known as herbals.

In America herbal medicine began with the Native Americans. They knew how to treat scurvy centuries before Vitamin C was discovered, and demonstrated their ability to heal their gravely wounded warriors during the Indian Wars. Their reputation became so great, it was not unusual to find them serving as doctors in isolated frontier areas. Their knowledge of herbs was particularly important to the early settlers who were unfamiliar with New World plants.

Colonist soon learned the value of native herbs, and each new wave of immigrants brought a new collection of herbal remedies. By the 19th Century many of these remedies were patented and sold. Modern drugs have replaced most of these remedies, but 40% of the drugs sold today contain ingredients derived from herbs.

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