History of herbalism

History of herbalism

History of herbalism

Herbalism, also known as phytotherapy, is an alternative medical practice that includes the use of plants and its components for the treatment or relief of diseases and symptoms. This practice has a long and fascinating story that goes back to the beginning of mankind. In this article we take a look at the history of herbal science and how it has developed over time.

Early beginnings of herbalism

The history of herbalism goes back to the time of the early humans. Even thousands of years ago, people used plants for medical purposes. It is believed that the first traces of herbal applications were found in Mesolithic graves in Spain that are 60,000 years old. The people at the time may have had an intuitive understanding of the healing properties of plants and used them to relieve pain and diseases.

Also the old civilizations such as the Egyptians, Sumerer, Greeks and Romans had far -reaching knowledge of the use of herbs. In Egyptian hieroglyphs there are numerous indications of the use of plants for medical purposes, and the old Egyptians were known for their extensive knowledge of medicine. The "Ebers Papyrus", which from the 16th century BC BC comes, contains a collection of over 700 recipes and instructions for using herbs.

The origin of herbalism as formalized practice

While the use of plants for medical treatment was practiced in many cultures, it was the Greek doctor Hippocrates who in the fifth century BC. The basis for modern herbalism laid the basis. Hippocrates are considered the “father of medicine” and developed a holistic medical system that included the use of herbs.

His work "Corpus hippocraticum" contains numerous descriptions of plants and their medical properties. Hippocrates also developed a theory of the disease based on an imbalance of the four body juices and could be restored by the use of herbs. This approach shaped later medical practice and had a major impact on the development of herbalism.

herbal science in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the knowledge of herbal science was further developed by various cultures. In particular, the study of ancient medical texts and Arabic medicine contributed to the expansion of knowledge about the use of herbs.

In the 16th century, the Swiss doctor Paracelsus published a groundbreaking treatise on the use of plants for the healing and treatment of diseases. It emphasized the importance of individual plant components instead of only using whole plants, lying the foundation for modern phytotherapy.

The Renaissance was also a time of the great discovery spirit, and the explorers brought many new plants from other continents to Europe. These new plants were intensively researched and their medical benefits were documented in the books of the time. This time of growth and the expansion of herbal knowledge laid the foundation for modern herbalism.

The development of herbalism in the 19th and 20th centuries

In the 19th century, herbalology experienced a renaissance due to the growing interest in natural medicine. Many new plants were discovered and their medical properties were examined. At the same time, scientific progress led to the identification and extraction of active ingredients from the plants, which contributed to a better understanding of the mode of action of herbs.

In the 20th century, herbalism was partially displaced by the progressive development of modern medicine and the introduction of synthetic drugs. Western medicine focused more on the use of chemically produced medication, while herbalology was often considered a traditional and unscientific remedy.

Modern herbal science

In the past few decades, however, interest in herbalology has increased again. In the course of a more comprehensive acceptance and an increased focus on alternative medical practices, herbalology is now regarded by many people as an effective addition or alternative to western medicine.

Numerous scientific studies are carried out to examine the effectiveness and safety of herbs. There are also institutions and organizations that devote themselves to researching and promoting herbalology. Access to herbs and herbal preparations has become easier because they are available in many pharmacies and health food stores.

FAZIT

The history of herbalism is rich in tradition and knowledge. Through the millennia, people used herbs to relieve symptoms and illnesses. From the early experiences of ancient civilizations to modern scientific research, herbalology offers an alternative way to support health. With the growing recognition and the increased interest in herbalology, this practice can make a valuable contribution to holistic health.