Herceptin hylecta

Herbal therapy refers to the use of plants and plant extracts for medicinal purposes. This practice, also known as phytotherapy, has been a part of human culture for thousands of years and continues to be a popular form of alternative medicine today.

History

The use of plants for healing purposes predates recorded history and forms the origin of much of modern medicine. Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources: a century ago, most of the few effective drugs were plant-based. Examples include aspirin (from willow bark), digoxin (from foxglove), quinine (from cinchona bark), and morphine (from the opium poppy). The development of drugs from plants continues, with drug companies engaged in large-scale pharmacologic screening of herbs.

Principles

Herbal therapy aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself. Different herbs act on different systems of the body. Some herbs that are commonly used in herbal medicine, and their traditional uses, include: echinacea (to stimulate the immune system and fight infections), ginkgo biloba (to improve circulation and cognitive function), St. John's wort (to treat depression and anxiety), chamomile (to aid sleep and support digestion), and garlic (for cardiovascular health and immune support).

Practice

Herbalists, practitioners of herbal therapy, must learn many skills, including the wildcrafting or cultivation of herbs, diagnosis and treatment of conditions or prescribing of herbs, and preparation of herbal medications. Education of herbalists varies considerably in different areas of the world. Lay herbalists and traditional indigenous medicine people generally rely upon apprenticeship and recognition from their communities in lieu of formal schooling.

Safety and efficacy

The safety of herbal therapy depends on the formulation, preparation, and administration of the herbs. Adverse effects can occur from contaminants such as heavy metals, or from adulteration by other, more potent drugs. Furthermore, the efficacy of herbal therapy is a contentious issue, with some studies showing beneficial effects, while others show no effect or even harmful effects.

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• Herbalism in traditional Chinese medicine
• Ayurveda
• Homeopathy