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The practice of herbal medicine dates
back to the very earliest periods of known human history. There is
evidence of herbs having been used in the treatment of diseases and
for revitalizing body systems in almost all ancient civilizations - the
Indian, the Egyptian, the Chinese and even the Greek and Roman
civilizations. Plants were the mainstay of medicine and credited with
mystical and almost supernatural powers of healing. So much so that in
Britain herbs became a focus of superstition, reaching their peak of
importance in the Middle Ages when every village had its witch, and
every witch her herbs and potions. Herbs were also used to counteract
the witches' powers. Garlic, hyssop and wormwood all combated
witchcraft and evil spirits.
Herbs play a significant role, specially
in modern times, when the damaging effects of food processing and
over-medication have assumed alarming proportions. They are now being
increasingly used in cosmetics, foods and teas, as well as alternative
medicines. The growing interest in herbs is a part of the movement
towards change in life-styles. This movement is based on the belief
that the plants have a vast potential for their use as a curative
medicine.
Herbs are used in many different ways. However, the ultimate objective
of their use is that they should interact directly with our body
chemistry. They may be used in various forms like food, medicine,
cosmetics, or fragrance, but in all cases, their active constituents
must be absorbed into the body for deriving the required benefits.
Once they are absorbed in the bloodstream, they circulate to influence
our whole system. The skill of the herbalist is to use this effect to
balance and strengthen the body's own healing mechanism instead of
suppressing or disturbing it, as many modern drugs tend to do.
The active constituents of the herb can enter the body in several
ways. These include consuming the herb orally so as to be absorbed by
the digestive system, application on skin through medicinal poultices
as well as cosmetics for being absorbed in the body through the pores;
application on eyes through lotions and compresses; smelling the aroma
through nose to enable the essential oil being absorbed in the
bloodstream.
Finally, a word of caution. While most herbs have little or no harmful
side effects, some herbs may cause slightly undesirable reactions in
some persons. Therefore, try only one herb at a time, beginning in
small doses and wait and watch for side effects. If there are none,
increase the use or dosage cautiously. Also, not all herbal
applications are effective in every case in every person. And in no
case should these be used as substitutes for professional medical
attention in emergencies or serious chronic diseases. |