Herbalism: Using Mother Nature's Gifts for a Healthy Lifestyle

Herbalism, when practiced with knowledge and understanding of Mother Nature's gifts, is a safe and effective alternative and complement to scientific medicine.

The History-
For centuries herbs have been widely known for their culinary use to enhance and alter the flavors and scents of foods all over the world. But what is little known is that herbs have also been widely used for centuries by men and women of all cultures to prevent, ease and cure ailments ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to life-threatening and contagious diseases.

Herb plants have grown wild all over the world since the beginning of time and it was out of necessity that many cultures experimented and developed their skills in using them. This became a way of life and a very effective means of aiding the sick and injured.

Unnecessary Fear-
Herbs were used by healers until the beginning of the fourteenth century witch hunts in Europe. At that time, anyone found or suspected of using herbs in any medicinal fashion were considered witches and burned at the stake or tortured to death for offering natural healing solutions to others. The result was nearly three hundred years of fear and misunderstanding of these natural wonders.

For nearly one hundred years it was illegal in the United states to grow, gather or create your own medicines. During this time, scientific technology became the number one preference of medicine in the western world.

The Reality-
When herbs are used in unison with traditional medicine, it is always a winning combination. Traditional medicine treats the symptoms and offers a quick fix to most ailments. Herbs, on the other hand, are used to get at the root of the problem and to develop and maintain an overall balance and well-being of mind and body. The use of herbs can be a preventive measure in maintaining your health and often avoiding unnecessary and expensive trips to your doctor's office.