Herbal
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine (pronunciation: /ˈhɜːrbəl ˈmɛdɪsɪn/), also known as phytotherapy (pronunciation: /ˌfaɪtoʊˈθɛrəpi/), is a type of alternative medicine that uses plants or plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. The term "herbal" is derived from the Old English word "herb" (pronunciation: /hɜːrb/), which means "grass, plant, or herb."
History
The use of plants for healing purposes predates recorded history and forms the origin of much of modern medicine. Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources: a century ago, most of the few effective drugs were plant-based. Examples include aspirin (willow bark), digoxin (foxglove), quinine (cinchona bark), and morphine (poppy). The development of drugs from plants continues, with drug companies engaged in large-scale pharmacologic screening of herbs.
Types of Herbal Medicine
There are several types of herbal medicine systems that are used today: European, Native American, Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbalism. Some common herbs used in herbal medicine include Echinacea, St. John's Wort, Ginkgo, Garlic, Saw Palmetto, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Valerian, Evening Primrose, Milk Thistle, and Kava Kava.
Safety and Efficacy
While herbal medicine is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that pharmaceutical drugs are, it is still important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you are thinking about using an herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources and talk to your health care provider.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Herbal
- Wikipedia's article - Herbal
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