Herbalism
Herbalism, the use of plants to heal and sustain health is also referred to as herbal therapy and phytotherapy. Phytotherapy is a Greek word that simply means plant therapy. Herbalism is gaining momentum in the west as people are turning more and more to natural methods of healthcare.
The practice of herbalism dates back as far as the origin of man. Written records date back five thousand years to the Sumerians. Ancient Egyptians are also known to have used herbs for medicinal purposes and even embalming.
In medieval Europe, the use of plants as medicine changed very little. Most of the documentation for herbal medicine was done by monks. Since monks also maintained herb gardens, monasteries became the medical hub of medieval times. Of course, 'wise-women' who had knowledge of herbs and their medicinal uses were also consulted if one did not have ties to the monastery.
Until the second millenium, herbs held a prominent position in medical practices. When physicians and fast acting synthetic drugs came on the scene, herbology was almost suffered extinction while chemical medicine became the orthodox system.
continue to Herbalism Part 2