The study of herbal medicine dates back more than 5000 years. It was developed by the Sumerians who used their well-established medicinal practices for many plants like laurel, caraway and thyme. The first known Chinese herb book, released in 2700 B.C., lists over 360 medicinal plants and their uses. Many early civilizations used herbal medicine as the first form of healing power, including the Egyptians of 1000 B.C., and the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Safety with herbal medicine

Herbs have been used widely around the world and can be very helpful to the body, as long as they are used properly. Safety with any type of  herbal treatment is essential to one's overall health and well-being whether it is allopathic or alternative in nature.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with herbs is that they are medicinal and should be treated with the same care we use when handling prescription drugs. Many herbs can be harmful in large quantities or prolonged use and may become addictive. They should not be used without the proper guidance of a health care professional.

Another important factor to remember is that more is not better. Many people feel that if a little dose makes them feel better, then more will make them feel fabulous. Herbal doses should be controlled, as with any type of medicine. Herbs are meant to work slowly with the body and its own natural defenses. A person taking herbal medicines should maintain a healthy diet and exercise to ensure that the overall effect of the herbs on the body is positive.

If the herbs are not working for an individual, then they may have a wrong combination of herbs, a wrong dosage, or they are not adhering to a proper health regimen. When this occurs, consult a health care professional for guidance as to what will work best for you.

Always tell your doctor what herbs you are taking. Herbs are still medicine even though most labels list all-natural ingredients. When mixed improperly with prescription drugs, herbs can have an adverse effect on the body. 

Herbal medicine is becoming more mainstream and many physicians are learning about its benefits. The Springfield area has many herbal professionals, naturopathic doctors, Chinese medicine practitioners, and other professionals that are trained in the proper use of healing herbs.

Following these guidelines will help you get the most from your herbal treatments. Just remember to always treat your herbal medicines with care and they will do the same for you.

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Herbal glossary

Alterative helps to restore normal health, cleanses and purifies the blood, and gradually restores normal bodily functions

Analgesic relieves pain

Anathematic helps kill and get rid of parasites in the body

Antibacterial destroys or stops the growth of bacteria

Antibiotic destroys or stops the growth of microorganisms in the body

Antifungal destroys or stops the growth of fungi, such as athlete’s foot

Anti-inflammatory reduces or counteracts inflammations

Antioxidant inhibits or prevents oxidation

Antispasmodic relieves voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms

Antitussive prevents or eliminates coughing

Antiviral inhibits or eliminates a virus

Aphrodisiac creates or enhances sexual arousal

Aromatherapy relies on the aroma of healing plants to stimulate healing, relaxation, mood alteration, and overall well-being

Asthenia is the loss of or lack of strength, usually affecting the muscular system

Astringent firms organs and tissues as well as reduces excretions

Bolus is an herbal suppository inserted in the vagina or rectum

Calmative is the soothing action on the body’s systems

Carcinogenic causes cancer

Cardiac is of or relating to the heart

Carminative relieves intestinal gas and accompanying annoyances

Catarrh is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and breathing

Cathartic is a strong, fast-acting laxative

Cirrhosis is the loss of tissue function of an organ

Decoction is an extract made by putting the parts of a healing plant into water and bringing it to a boil, then cooled and strained for medicinal use

Detoxicant eliminates toxins

Diaphoretic increases perspiration

Emollient protects and soothes the skin

Essential oils are plant oils, usually highly scented, extracted from healing plants for healing applications

Fomentation is a hot compress made by soaking a cloth in a decoction or infusion, then applying it externally

Hemostatic stops the flow of blood

Infusion is a medicine made by pouring boiling water over an herb or adding an herb to boiling water, similar to a tea

Ophthalmic soothes and heals the eyes

Poultice is a plaster applied externally, usually hot

Prophylactic aids in warding off diseases

Salve is the same as an ointment

Tincture is a medication derived from the medicinal agents in herbs being dissolved into alcohol

Tonic stimulates the overall body systems

Vasodilator relaxes the blood vessels

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This site was prepared as a collaborative effort by Crystal Green, Tasha Smith, Carole Petty, and Joan Keiffer.