| From the ancient courts of the pharaohs to the | | | | alternative therapies of some type. Herbal |
| aisles of our modern health food stores, the | | | | medicine is foremost among these. However, the |
| amazing world of herbs and their mythical lore | | | | re-introduction of herbs into western culture has |
| have fascinated mankind. Stories and legends | | | | not occurred without friction. |
| about the secret powers of herbs can be found | | | | The market has been flooded with all kinds of |
| all over the world, and detailed volumes outlining | | | | herbal remedies. In response, the FDA has |
| their specific uses have been treasured by both | | | | introduced a number of laws that prohibit herb |
| kings and peasants. This article will explore many | | | | manufacturers from claiming medical benefits |
| facets of these natural herbs and examine their | | | | resulting from the use of these products. But |
| important role in both ancient and modern | | | | increasing numbers of medical doctors are |
| societies. | | | | recognizing the value of herbal medicine and some |
| Herbs have been used throughout history for | | | | of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies |
| medicinal purposes, to produce cosmetics and to | | | | have introduced lines of herbal products. |
| preserve and enhance the quality of food. In | | | | Despite the attempt to slow down the |
| ancient times, healing formulas existed for almost | | | | popularization of herbs, this healing modality is |
| every know disease. Specific conditions were | | | | here to stay and to flourish. The amount of |
| treated with a variety of methods such as | | | | documented research is increasing every day, and |
| tinctures, teas, compresses or by inhaling the | | | | pioneering physicians have introduced a variety of |
| rejuvenating fragrances of essential oils. Even | | | | herbs including garlic, echinacea and St. John's wort |
| magic love potions could be obtained by those | | | | to millions of Americans. Some of the world's |
| who desired amorous pleasures. | | | | foremost experts in herbology are James A. |
| Perhaps the most universal use of herbs, past | | | | Duke, Ph.D., Charles Schultz, M.D., and Gary Young, |
| and present, is as additions to virtually every type | | | | N.D. Their lectures and books have popularised |
| of food. In accordance with Hippocrates' | | | | today's best-selling herbal products and explored in |
| admonition to "Let food be your medicine," | | | | depth the science, power and magic of these |
| culinary herbs are used in every culture to | | | | herbs. |
| prevent spoilage and to increase the digestibility | | | | From the rain forests of South America to the |
| and healing properties of foods. | | | | depths of the world's oceans, scientists are |
| Modern science is beginning to rediscover and | | | | discovering an increasing number of plants with |
| confirm the healing power of herbs. The story of | | | | medicinal properties. Yet we may be just |
| herbs involves a journey to all of the continents | | | | scratching the surface of a tremendous natural |
| of the world and includes the methods of herbal | | | | resource that can provide cures for deadly |
| practitioners such as the ancient apothecaries of | | | | diseases including cancer and HIV/AIDS. The vast |
| Celtic Britain, the medicine men of the American | | | | cornucopia of powerful herbal remedies promoted |
| Indians and the highly skilled herbalists of ancient | | | | through mass merchandizing and the the glitzy |
| China. | | | | advertising campaigns of the twenty first century |
| Natural medicine and herbs are experiencing a | | | | bear testimony to man's inherent belief that the |
| global renaissance. For example, nearly 50% of | | | | primary source for health and rejuvenation has |
| the United States population currently uses | | | | always been and always will be nature's pharmacy. |