The medicinal benefits of herbs have been known for centuries. Records of Native American, Roman, Egyptian, Persian, and Hebrew medical practices show that herbs were used extensively to cure practically every known illness. Many herbs contain powerful ingredients which, when used correctly, can help heal the body. The pharmaceutical industry was originally based upon the ability to isolate these ingredients, and make them available in a purer form. Herbalists, however, contend that nature provides other ingredients in the same herbs to balance the more powerful ingredients. These other components, though they may be less potent, may help to act as buffers, synergists, or counterbalances working in harmony with the more powerful ingredients. Therefore, by using herbs in their complete form, the body’s healing process utilizes a balance of ingredients provided by nature.

Many people believe that herbs are just as effective as drugs, but without the side-effects. Most over-the-counter drugs should be used with caution - and many of them are not particularly effective. Others can mask important symptoms, possibly leading to misdiagnoses and, ultimately, worse health problems. It is of interest to note that in many industrialized countries today, herbs are prescribed by physicians and prepared and sold through neighborhood drugstores. In developing countries, where access to hospitals and doctors is limited, herbal remedies often are the only generally available for of medicine.

Herbs perform many healing functions in the body, but they must be used appropriately, not indiscriminately. Although herbal remedies are less likely than most conventional medicines to cause side-effects, herbs nevertheless can be very potent. Moreover, not all plant life is beneficial. There are poisonous plants, and some of them are deadly, especially if used for long periods of time. In addition, since herbs contain active ingredients, you should be aware that some of these elements may interact negatively with prescribed medications. It is therefore wise to consult a health professional when there is any question about safety.

As a general guideline, most of the bitter-tasting herbs are medicinal herbs. The pleasant-tasting herbs are potentially less toxic and can be used more often. All plant roots and bark are naturally fungicidal and bactericidal. (If they were not, pathogens would destroy them in the ground.) Certain herbs should be used only for healing purposes, and not for extended periods of time. The active ingredients in most herbs are more potent when the herbs are freshly picked. However, roots, bark, and other herb parts can retain their medicinal value for years if thoroughly dried and kept dry.

Selecting a Herb
The fresh leaves, bark, and roots of herbs can be used in their natural form, or they can be found in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid beverages, bark pieces, powders, extracts, tinctures, creams, lotions, salves or oils. The whole leaves, berries, seeds, roots, flowers and bark of herbs are also dried and made available to consumers.

When selecting an herb, look for it to be "standardized". This ensures a continuity of the effective ingredient.