-History-

• Evidence shows that the first actual use of herbs to heal was by the neanderthals, over 60,000 years ago.
• The first documented use of herbal medicine belongs to the ancient Sumerians about five thousand years ago.
• Thyme was the very first herb used in ancient times and its name came from the greek word 'thymus'meaning courage. Warriors would take this herb to make them fight better.
• The earliest known Chinese document was compiled in 2700 B.C. and it included over 365 substances.
• Around 1000 B.C., the Egyptians started to use herbs that are still in use today including cilantro, mint, and garlic.
• In the past 2000 years, however, numerous accounts on the healing power of herbs have surfaced, disclosing the information of many experiments.

-What it is-

The simplest and most natural form of medicine is herbal medicine. Herbal medicines are prepared from a plethora of plant materials including the leaves, stems, roots and bark as well as the flowers, fruits, twigs, seeds, and exudates (material that is secreted by the plant). Primarily used for treated mild conditions or soothing chronic illnesses. While western scientists believe that these botanical plants are effictive because they contain chemicals that aide diseased areas, Chinese doctors prescribe the plants because such medicines decrease or decrease the patients vital life energy (Ch'i).

Internally, herbs are used in three major ways. They are to eliminate toxins from the body (blood purifiers, diuretics, laxatives), build and maintain the body (herbs that allow body to heal itself), and to tone the body (herbs that tone the organs). Herbs have many healing properties.

Their smell is the first property that interacts with the body, and can start the healing process right away (aromatherapy). The taste that they have can also heal the body such as a sour taste cleansing the body, or a salty taste balancing the amount of water in the body. A sweet taste is nuturative and a bitter taste fights inflammations. Whereas a pungeant taste will clear your respitory tract.

The World Health Organization estimates that over eighty percent of the worlds population still relies on primitive and natural medicines to cure diseases. Even today twently-five percent of pharmacutical drugs come from herbs and plants.

-Ways to Prepare Herbs-

• Infusion - this is much like a tea of an herb. They are usually light and crisp in their taste.
• Decoction - this is a boiling down to a rich mixture any bark, root, seed, or rhizome.
• Tincture - this term refers to an herbal solution in alcohol. They are very concentrated, and have a long shelf life.
• Powder - this is the powder from a crushed herb or seed that can be mixed into many substances.
• Bath - A bath drawn with a powdered salt form of an herb, or mixed with a vile of an essential oil refreshes the body and the soul.
• Smoking - A controversial issue, but still traditional, smoking herbs can have cleansing properties. It is not reccomonded in today's society.

-Herbs and Their Benefits-

Herbs help your body in many ways, and effect different parts of it. Some herbs are stimulants, or depressants, or they can relax your muscles. They effect your respitory system, reproductive system, and even your circulatory system. Here are a few common ones.

	Black Cohosh - This plant from the Native Americans is an excellent way to relax and normallize the reproductive system.
	Dandelion - A cleanser, this plant helps in digestion and urinary track.
	Eucalyptus - A great fever remedy, it also protects against influenza.
	Nettle - This herb helps in the reproductive system and skin.
	Red Clover - Primarily, it improves the skin. It can also be used as a cough depressant.
	Tumeric - Reduces obesity and long known to soothe the stomach.
	Valerian - This herb mainly serves as a relaxant and to reduce spasms.