The first written record of herbal medicine dates back to the Sumerians, more than 5,000 years ago. After that, we find many other historical traces of herbalism, including Chinese herb books from 2700 B.C., Old Testament references to herbs, and a first century A.D. Greek encyclopedia of 500 herbs.
Who Uses Herbal Medicine
In Kate Kelly's "The History of Medicine: Early Civilizations Prehistoric Times to 500 C.E" she attributes the title of "the world's oldest surviving medical text," to the Ebers Papyrus, she goes on to say that "(It)mentions 876 herbal formulas that were used by Egyptian herbalists." This document dates back to 1,500 B.C. A naturalist or homeopathic doctor may provide many of these items in a powder or pill form, but there is no need to spend exorbitant amounts on extracts when they can be found down to the local nursery.
This is a list of common plants that most people don’t realize have medicinal properties. Each of these can be grown in a home garden and, unless indicated otherwise, the leaves can be made into tea or eaten as part of a salad.
Medicinal Plants UsesAccording to author John Heinerman there are several common plants that have extrodinary healing powers. Here are ten that can be planted in almost any garden or even in a container garden. They are easy to grow and have extensive healing reputations.
- Borage (Borago officinalis): Borage is believed to help people who have arthritis, thanks to its reported anti-inflammatory properties. It also has been used for fever, nervousness and fatigue.
- Burdock (Arctium lappa): Burdock comes from Europe and the northern U.S. Herbalists claim it's the best blood cleanser nature has to offer, and it's often used for arthritis and neuralgia. It is also believed that burdock has diuretic qualities that are helpful for urinary tract problems.
- Catnip or Catmint (Nepeta cataria):This aromatic herb is not just for cats. Herb users have known for centuries that catnip has a lot to offer humans. They have used it to relieve pain, muscle spasms, nervousness, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea and bronchitis.
- Chickweed (Stellaria media): This herb is found all over the world. It is believed to cleanse the blood, to soothe irritated mucous membranes, to relieve nasal and lung congestion and to help the user lose excess pounds. (For weight-loss, chickweed should be taken before meals.) Some people claim it may help to clear plaque from blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare): Herbalists frequently turn to fennel seed for many ailments, including stomach cramps, flatulence, fatigue, mucous accumulation and water retention. Some people also say that it has helped them to lose weight.
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): The list of uses for goldenseal seems to go on forever! It has been used since the beginning of recorded herbal history. At one point, it was used as an antibiotic before the discovery of penicillin. In modern times, goldenseal is used for constipation, nausea, nasal and lung congestion, inflamed mucous membranes, coughing, bronchitis and the common cold.
- Lobelia (Lobelia inflata): This native of the eastern United States has dozens of uses. But it is perhaps most well-known as a sedative. It also is believed to help such conditions as bronchitis, the common cold, allergies and headaches.
- Speedwell (Veronica officinalis): Speedwell is widely used throughout the world and has a long tradition in herbal medicine. It has been used for migraines and most kinds of gastrointestinal troubles.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Almost everyone who enjoys the healing secrets of herbs makes sure that some yarrow is always available. This hard-working herb is said to have a soothing effect on irritated and inflamed mucous membranes. Some people claim it also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for arthritis, gout and hemorrhoids.
- Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): Yellow dock may be the last herb on this list, but it certainly is not the least when it comes to healing secrets. This versatile herb and old-time remedy is used for mucous accumulation, bronchitis, emphysema and to help purify the blood and lymph glands. Some people also claim that it can enhance physical endurance. Because of its high vitamin A contact, yellow dock also is believed to benefit people who have night blindness.
Medicinal herbs, if taken in moderation, are no different than over-the-counter medicine. It is suggested that anyone who chooses to use medicinal herbs also make it known to their primary physician in case there are any side effects or unseen complications. It is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to monitor his/her own health.
The Food and Drug Administration classifies herbs as a food supplement. Therefore, no medical claims can be made about them, and this article makes no such claims nor guarantees of any kind.
Resources
Kelly, Kate. The History of Medicine: Early Civilizations Prehistoric Times to 500 C.E. New York, NY, Facts on File, 2009.
Heinerman, John. Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs & Spices. Prentice Hall Press, December 21, 1995.
Kenneth Sleight - Ken Sleight is a resident of Haslett, Mi. He was voted among his friends as, "most likely to be the phone a friend on Who Wants to be a ...
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