What is herbalism?

Herbalism is an ancient field of human knowledge, generally defined as the study and use of plants (leaves, stems, barks, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits), for therapeutically and nutritional purposes.

Herbalism also uses plants and herbs, to promote good health, general well being and to prevent disease.

Finally, almost a quarter of all modern drugs prescribed by conventional doctors, are derived from plants e.g. aspirin from willow bark (Salix spp.), digitalis from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), vinblastine from Madagascar periwinkle (Vinca rosea) etc.
Therefore, herbalism is very much present in our daily lives and is part of our human heritage.

Herbalism is everywhere around us

"Herbalism has evolved throughout the centuries, being constantly re-discovered by humans, as a reliable source of pain relief and wellness". 

Around three quarters of the world's population make regular use of Herbalism, specially in developing and third world countries.
And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), aprox. 80% of the world population relies on herbal medicine, as a form of primary health care.

Thus, herbalism is everywhere in the planet, and can be easily found in the most remote corners of the Earth.
Herbalism can also easily be found in our own homes in many daily products: food, drinks toothpastes, shampoos, hygienically household products, remedies, cosmetics etc. Look around and you will see it!

Why is herbalism so present in our lives?

Because, herbalism is widely accepted and accessible to all of us, easy to buy and to use.
Practically anyone, anywhere can buy natural vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies. These can easily be bought in health shops, supermarkets or street markets.

And one doesn't need to be rich, an apologist of herbalism or an expert, to purchase and use herbal medicine.

And there was never before such a wide offer of herbal products as today!
Herbalism is very much present and alive, regaining daily increased interest and new fans worldwide.

Modern herbalism

Despite the fact, that modern medicine boomed in the late 19th-20th century (mainly due to the discovery of penicillin), both 21st century European and Americans, are slowly rediscovering the wonders and powers of herbs and natural medicine.

Likewise, for a few decades now that developed western countries are consuming ever-increasing amounts of traditional Chinese and Tibetan herbs and formulas. 
Only in North America between 1996-1998, the herbal market increased 60%, (at a rate of 10% a year), showing a great deal of interest by single individuals and families.

And according to the many experts, people aged between 30 and 45 y. old are the biggest users of herbalism and alternative healing in general.

Many people also believe, that this "boom" relates to an increasing public awareness about herbal medicine, along with dissatisfaction towards conventional lab drugs.
People also seem increasingly more interested in returning to natural, organic health solutions and food.
Besides, most people believe, that herbal remedies have less side effects than synthetic drugs, and are far more affordable to larger segments of the population.

And as a result of all these factors, our society is getting more "herbal than ever before".
We are increasingly more aware about nature's importance in the promotion of good health and general well-being. And this can be easily perceived, by the increasing interest of people in natural and organic food, natural cosmetics, natural medicine, natural household products etc.

Additionally, some people are spending more and more with herbalism and alternative healing therapies, whilst others are profiting from this area. And only in the UK, this market represents an average between £130 to 200 m. a year.  
The returns from this line of business are expected to increase in the coming decades, which may lead countries and governments to the creation of statutory measures and laws, restricting the production, consumption or practice of this type of healing.

Finally, Herbalism also acts as a complement to traditional and pharmaceutical based medicine.

To read more about this and other herbal issues, please check our articles.

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Herbalism in practice
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Teas and herbal infusions
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