Herbal Medicine: Benefits and Uses

Herbal medicine refers to using plants' seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. It has been practiced for centuries in various cultures around the world.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Herbal medicines are available in health food stores, online retailers, and some traditional pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

herbal medicine FAQ

What are herbal medicines?

Herbal medicines contain active ingredients from natural plants. Their use dates back thousands of years, even before the invention of conventional medicine. While many people prefer herbal medicines to some doctor-prescribed medications, others may use them in combination with prescription and nonprescription drugs.

Why do people use herbal medicine?

Research from a 2018 focus-group study suggests that people may use herbal medicine because they are dissatisfied with conventional medicine. They may also use herbal medicines to: However, a 2017 report published in the Journal of Patient Experience notes that factors associated with the use of herbal medicine include:

Can herbal medicine be used as a modern medicine?

With worldwide research into pharmacology, some herbal medicines have been translated into modern remedies, such as the anti-malarial group of drugs called artemisinin isolated from Artemisia annua, a herb that was known in Chinese medicine to treat fever.

What are herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts. Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including: The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, the use of herbal supplements is common among American consumers.

herbal medicine References

If you want to know more about herbal medicine, consider exploring links below:

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