Around the world, a large percentage of individuals rely on the power of herbs to help them achieve and maintain their health. They turn to those skilled in the craft of herbal knowledge and other natural products for treatment. In the United States, an increasing number of people are relying on herbs and herbal supplements to help them be healthy. They are also turning to other holistic approaches in their search for a better and healthier future. This is something their ancestors had done for centuries. They had little choice but to rely on natural healing remedies when they were faced with a medical problem.
Early Usage
In the beginning, plants provided early humans with everything. Wild fruits, leaves and roots provided sustenance. They could be used to provide rudimentary clothing and shelter. They chopped, leached, dried, roasted and cooked them. Through experimentation, early humans also learned that some plants were benign, others quite tasty and still others fatal.
In essence, when humans were hunter-gatherers, they were the largest experiment on the planet. Through trial and error they discovered what plants were to be used for what purposes. They found some were delectable while others were bitter. Some were fine for weapons while others made wonderful poultices for wounds. During the process they also found many plants they considered sacred or magic. Some achieved this status because they healed; others because they were hallucinogenic.
In both the New and Old Worlds, the exploration of plants followed similar lines. In Mexico and Egypt, the awesome power and versatility of plants became know and a body of knowledge emerged. Sometimes this was immortalized in myths, legends and religion. At other times, the information became catalogued in writings. At a later date some plant knowledge emerged as pharmacopeia. In India, China, Egypt and Assyria, the first medical records of plant usage emerged.
The Ayurvedic writings, contain information on plants and usage. In Egypt, Imhotep emerges as the first physician. Information on medical herbs and other substances is recorded in the Ebers Papyrus (ca 2000BC). In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians had developed their own system. Their first herbal dates from around 2,500BC. In Greece, from Asculepius onwards (real or a God), the development of herbal medicine and medical practices grew hand-in-hand. This was to continue until the Dark Ages under Christianity took multiple steps backwards. Fortunately, in the East, the tradition continued to thrive and grow making it possible for a revival.
Reviving Natural Healing Remedies
Today, many in the modern medical profession are beginning to incorporate traditional healing methods. The pendulum is slowly swinging towards a balance of traditional natural healing remedies with modern medicine. This allows individuals choice and the chance to enjoy the benefits of both worlds.
