Herbal Medicine 101 part 1

Herbs as medicine Have ever seen a cat or dog eat grass and then throw it back up? As gross as it can be, that is a natural remedy in action. Animals know instinctively that nibbling on grass can soothe an upset stomach. I’ve even seen my dog seek out a specific type of grass when she’s unwell! Humans, like their animal counterparts, have used natural herbal remedies dating as far back as 5,000 years ago in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Through trial and error, humans learned what worked and what didn’t, and they passed this knowledge down generation to generation. Even though this knowledge of natural or homeopathic medicine served as a partial foundation for western medicine, many cultures still rely heavily on natural remedies non-urgent, and in some cultures, urgent medical care. Because there were no labs or pharmaceutical companies to blend and market pills, early humans manipulated herbs in a variety of ways to create tinctures, balms, lotions, oils, and teas that were safe to ingest. As science and medicine advanced throughout the centuries, our understanding of what actually worked and what was mere superstition grew. Today our understanding is advanced enough that some choose to treat all of their ailments holistically, with the help of a licensed holistic practitioner, as opposed to relying on conventional medicine. Natural medicine, by its very nature, is safe and gentle on your body, and is often a more efficient treatment, as herbal medicine tends to focus on the body as a whole instead of isolating the illness.