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Overview
of Medicinal Herbs
Using herbs for healing
has been a part of many cultures throughout history. Many still
use them as their primary medicine.
Much of our western herbal knowledge was passed down through the
ages, though a lot of this knowledge was lost in the Medieval times,
and then again in the Industrial Revolution when allopathic(or modern)
medicine came into the forefront.
Dissatisfaction with
allopathic medicine has brought back interest in alternatives, such
as medicinal plants and their uses, for our health care. There's
been a resurgence in Herbalism in the last 20 years in the U.S.
and many people as now looking at herbal remedies as a choice for
some of their medical problems or as preventative medicine.
There are many herbal
products offered, mainly in health food stores, that are already
prepared for use, although some people are showing interest in learning
about plants, their medicinal values, how to propagate them and
prepare them for use in healing. Popular preparations include herbal
extracts(which are alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar based), teas, compresses,
and salves.
Many herbs offer a safe
and gentle action on the body systems. These tonic herbs strengthen
and nourish, often times helping several body systems at the same
time. Lots of these herbs are easy to grow and require a minimal
amount of care.
Bringing our healing
into our own hands can be rewarding . Many times our medicine can
be found right in our own little garden.
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