Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of healthcare, with a history spanning thousands of years across diverse cultures worldwide. It involves using plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes to treat illness and maintain health.
Unlike conventional medicine, which often isolates and synthesizes active compounds, herbal medicine typically uses the whole plant or specific parts (leaves, roots, flowers, seeds) to provide a complex array of constituents that work together synergistically.
Steeping herbs (usually leaves and flowers) in hot water for 5-15 minutes. Ideal for delicate plant parts that release their properties easily.
Simmering tougher plant materials (roots, bark, seeds) in water for 15-60 minutes to extract their medicinal compounds.
Extracting herbs in alcohol and water to preserve their properties for longer periods. Tinctures are concentrated and have a long shelf life.
Herbs infused in oils and combined with beeswax to create topical applications for skin conditions.
If you're new to herbal medicine, here are some tips to begin your journey safely: