Herbalism is the oldest form of medicine known to humankind, and our knowledge of the healing power of herbs has accumulated over thousands of years. People from every culture explored the natural world around them and used it to furnish sustenance, shelter, and medications. Often the differentiation between food and medicine was slight, but medicine people discovered through trance, journeying, observation and experimentation what was good or bad for the human body.
During the last century, as people moved into the new industrial cities, they lost in touch with the herbal traditions of the countryside. Today there is a revived interest in herbalism. It is being embraced by people seeking an alternative to drug therapy. In most parts of the world herbalism is the main source of medicine, and in recent years interest in Western countries has been boosted by a greater understanding of the ancient traditions of China, India and South America.
During the last century, as people moved into the new industrial cities, they lost in touch with the herbal traditions of the countryside. Today there is a revived interest in herbalism. It is being embraced by people seeking an alternative to drug therapy. In most parts of the world herbalism is the main source of medicine, and in recent years interest in Western countries has been boosted by a greater understanding of the ancient traditions of China, India and South America.
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