History

• The Chinese first documented herbal medicine around 1200 B.C. In many cultures, medicine men, shamans and wise women handed down the knowledge of medicinal herbs orally from one generation to the next. Old pharmacopoeias such as Gerard's Herbal in the 18th century and Culpepper's Herbal in the 19th century brought the knowledge of medicinal herbs to the public at large. Today, numerous books on herbal medicine are available at any bookstore.
  
  

Significance

• Medicinal herbs of one type or another grow all over the world. Much of modern pharmaceuticals are based on herbal medicines. Aspirin, digitalis and morphine all are derived from medicinal herbs and plants. As science and the medical community learn more about the properties of various herbs, more medicinal herbs will become available from around the world.
  
  

Features

• Many medicinal herbs are easy to grow in flowerbeds or backyard gardens. From echinacea to help boost the immune system to garlic as an antibiotic, medicinal herbs are being researched and grown at major universities where their healing abilities are studied and documented.
  
  

Effects

• Medicinal herbs are used to boost the immune system, relieve allergy symptoms, act as a painkiller and cure disease. Many have had numerous scientific studies that prove their effectiveness. Many others, such as the opium poppy, have been used not only for good medicines such as morphine but also as drugs such as opium and heroin. Marijuana is probably the best-known misused medicinal herb.
  
  

Considerations

• Natural healers such as herbalists and naturopaths use only medicinal herbs in treating their patients. Many mainstream doctors recognize the benefits and use herbs along with traditional medicine in the treatment of their patients. Medicinal herbs, while most are easy to grow, are also available in health-food stores and many major retailers. Seeds for medicinal herbs can be found in many garden centers, in seed catalogs and online.
  
  

Warning

• Consumers should always consult with their medical professionals before using any medicinal herb. Many herbs can affect how other medicines being taken work and sometimes severe side effects or reactions can occur.