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HERBAL MEDICINE Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the world´s population presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Herbal medicine is a major component in all indigenous peoples traditional medicine. WHO notes that of 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, about 74 percent are used in modern medicine in ways that correlated directly with their traditional uses as plant medicines by native cultures. Major pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting extensive research on plant materials gathered from the rain forests and other places for their potential medicinal value. Herbal medicine involves the use of any or all of the different parts of plants (roots, leaves, stems and seeds) to treat illnesses and maintain health. Medicines are given to improve the body's natural functions and to restore a natural balance of health. Herbal medicines can be given in many forms, such as liquids, infusions, tablets, creams and ointments. |
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