noumeno

The Power Of Herbs

Botanicals and herbs have been used been used by humans for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Once thought of as the oldest known herbal book, "Devine Farmer's Classic of Herbalism" compiled approximately 2,000 years ago in China, is young compared to other written records regarding medicinal plants found in Egypt which dates back to 1500 B.C.
Other writings from India, which document the medicinal uses of hundreds of plants date back to 700 B.C. The medical benefits of plants were discovered by humans all over the planet thousands of years ago. While advances in synthetic drugs has grown exponentially in the last 100 year, the World Health Organization estimates that (outside of the US) 75-85% of the world population still rely upon botanical medicines as their primary source of health care.

From helping to heal the pain from arthritis (Tumeric), or lowering blood sugar (Cinnamon), to soothing the blisters from a burn (Aloe), or preventing nausea (Ginger), your garden can also double as your medicine cabinet.  Educating yourself on the strength of the plant world can open up a world of remedies and help you become more in tune with the power of the natural world. Whether you need help falling asleep (Hops or Saint John's Wort can help you out), or need some assistance in the opposite realm (grab some Ginseng), you may not need to go to your local pharmacy--but, instead to your local herb garden.  In fact, that is just what your ancestors did.  History shows us that all over the world, in all different cultures, the original pharmacy wasn't a building full of bottles filled with pills derived from synthetic chemicals...but, a garden full of plants and herbs.

by melissa

LINKS:
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/botanical-medicine/how-long-have-humans-used-botanicals

http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/25-healing-herbs-you-can-use-every-day

http://www.herbslist.net/