Herbs and Why They Work

As long as mankind has walked the earth, we have relied on natures abundance to cure our ills. The earliest recordings of man using plants for medicinal purposes is around 1550 BC.
Aristotle and Hippo-crates the early "doctors" or "Medicine Men" developed systems of medicine using herbs.
Today 25% of prescription drugs and 60% of our over the counter medicines are produced from plants. For example the common aspirin is from willow bark.
Herbalists believe that plants are a perfect expression of nature and represent balance. For deep healing to take place in our natural body it is necessary to use the natural elements found in plants that grow in the wild. Herbalism looks to treat the whole person not just a symptom.
First of all, the body needs to be cleansed and eliminate toxins. After this, herbs are used to stimulate the body's self-healing powers and remove the underlying cause of illness. Then the herbs are used to nourish and tone all the organs and systems of the body from the inside out.
Herbs can also be dangerous if not used properly, if you choose to follow a natural approach to your health with herbs make sure you are dealing with a trained herbalist or if you are interested in trying a natural herb to replace an over the counter product make sure you go to a reputable source and that you educate yourself on the properties of the herb and how it works in the body.

Herbalism: How does it work?
The Facts:
Beyond our use of them in cooking, herbs have been used as a potent form of medicine for centuries by the Chinese, Native Americans and Shamans, to name a few.
Alongside advances in medical science, they still remain one of the most widely prescribed remedies throughout the world and have proved to be an effective treatment for a variety of acute and chronic conditions.
Statistics say they are used safely and successfully by 80pc of the world's population today. In the UK alone over £40m a year is spent on over-the-counter herbal products.
Remedies include bottled tinctures, fresh, dried or powdered plant elements, herbal infusions, teas, compresses, poultices and ointments.
The effect of the herbs differ, but the general purpose is to improve and strengthen the overall functioning of a particular organ or system.
The Evidence:
Herbs are used for a variety of ailments including digestive problems including IBS, skin complaints, asthma, chronic fatigue, urinary and gynaecological problems, premenstrual and menopausal syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and migraine. The best known clinical trials regarding herbalism have been on the effectiveness of St John's Wort in treating mild to moderate depression.
Other studies show echinacea to be effective on boosting the immune system. In the EU, all herbal medicines must have a proven track record of safety. As herbs can be toxic ,it is essential to consult a qualified medical herbalist.
- Niamh Cooper