History of herbalism

History of Herbalism is the study of the use of plants for medicinal purposes throughout human history. The practice of herbalism predates recorded history and forms the origin of much of modern medicine. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans in cooking are used for medicinal purposes.

Ancient Herbalism

The earliest records of herbalism come from the ancient cultures of Egypt and China. The Ebers Papyrus from Egypt, dated to around 1550 BC, contains a list of 700 medicinal herbs and how to use them. The Shennong Bencao Jing, a Chinese book on agriculture and medicinal plants, was written around 200 BC and is considered the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeia.

Herbalism in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, herbalism was often practiced in monasteries, where monks would grow and study medicinal plants. The Charlemagne ordered that new medicinal plants be planted in his realm, leading to the spread of herbal knowledge throughout Europe.

Modern Herbalism

In the modern era, herbalism has been both praised for its natural and holistic approach to health, and criticized for its lack of regulation and potential for misuse. Despite this, the use of medicinal herbs continues to be a significant part of healthcare for many people around the world.

See Also

• Herbalism
• Medicinal plants
• Traditional medicine
• Pharmacopoeia

References

History of herbalism Resources
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