Herbalism: A Brief History of Herbal Medicine

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.

Cutesy Kiwi Packs Powerful Punch.

Kiwi Health Benefits

Don't be fooled by it's fuzzy wuzzy exterior and oh-so-cute green and black polkadotty flesh. This adorable little guy is anything but demure. Such a small fruit (about the size and shape of an egg) contains 120% of daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Potassium speaking, it gives the banana a run for it's money. And don't be put off by the fuzz of the skin. The skin is also edible and contains loads of antioxidants (be sure to get organic to avoid pesticide residue). Eating 2-3 kiwis a day is said to have the same blood thinning effect as an aspirin regimen and without any of the harmful side effects! Puree a kiwi into a marinade, and it acts as a natural meat tenderizer. Also, kiwi may be used to help control asthma. Multiple studies have found that "regular inclusion of kiwi fruit in the diet exerts beneficial effects on children with respiratory symptoms associated with asthma."

With all the nutritional value and health benefits of kiwi, it should be a household staple, but surprisingly, it is not frequently on the average American menu. As an informal experiment, 40 school aged children were shown pictures of kiwis both cut open and whole. None were able to identify the berry, with most saying it was a potato.

Kiwis have a very tangy, sweet flavor and contain crunchy little seeds not unlike the seeds of a fig. It makes a wonderful addition to cereal, fruit salad, fruit smoothie, or just eaten whole. However you decide to eat it, this versatile and tasty berry deserves a place at your dinner table. 



Additional Reading

Kiwi and it's Many Health Benefits


Best Foods for Preventing and Alleviating Asthma Symptoms