History of Herbal Medicine

In ancient times, leaves, barks, flowers, roots and berries were used for their medicinal values. The remedy to ailments lay embedded in the vast expanse of nature. It was observed that when animals were sick, they nibbled on bitter herbs (which they wouldn't normally eat) to get better, even though these same herbs were not safe for humans to digest. Let us try and further explore the rich history of herbal medicine.

History of Herbal Medicine

The use of recorded herbal medicines can be traced back to about 5000 years ago when the Sumerian's used plants such as thyme and laurel as a remedy for ailments. The marshmallow root, one of the oldest forms of herbal medicines, was a common grass that was chewed thoroughly to get relief from stomach upsets. The Ancient Egyptian period was known to have extensively used mint, garlic, coriander and indigo for its medicinal purposes. The Old Testament in the Bible too reveals the use of herbs such as mandrake, caraway and vetch.

Shennong Bencao Jing, the first Chinese book on herbal medicines, was written during the reign of the Han Dynasty and dates back to a period that is believed to be 2700 BC. This book provides information on the medicinal use of three hundred and sixty five plants. It also talks about the ma-Huang shrub (Ephedra) that was used for the treatment of common cold and hay fever.

The Ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, who is considered an accomplished figure in the 'history of medicine', propagated the use of herbal drugs supplemented with proper rest and diet. Another physician, Galen, advocated the medicinal use of a mixture of mineral, animal and plant ingredients. Dioscorides, another Greek physician wrote De Materia Medica, which is one of the most important books on herbal science that included a comprehensive summary of the remedial use of over five hundred plants.

In India the traditional form of medicine, Ayurveda, saw extensive use of turmeric in early 1900 BC. The use of minerals and herbs in specific proportions was suggested by the then physicians Sushruta and Charaka. The ancient Sushruta Samhita, a Sanskrit text, showcases the use of seven hundred plants used for their medicinal value.

It was observed in medieval times that the grand old ladies of a community - often referred to as 'wise-women' - prescribed herbal medicine for treatment of disorders that claimed to heal people with demonic spirits. In the latter years these women were made targets of mass witch hysteria. The Canon of Medicine, written by Persian physician and scientist Avicenna is a fourteen volume book that contains a perspective of eight hundred tested drugs, minerals and plants. A section of this book is devoted to the medicinal uses of sandalwood, nutmeg, myrrh, senna, and cinnamon.

In 1597, English herbalist John Gerard wrote a book called The Herball or General History of Plants which became immensely popular. The use of herbs for medicinal purposes was popular until medical science came into existence.

According to the World Health Organization, eighty percent of the population around the world uses herbal medicine for its health benefits. Although herbal medicines are easily available throughout the world, it is advisable that they be taken in consultation with a physician.