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Medicinal plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for various functions, including defense and protection against insects , fungi , diseases , and herbivorous mammals .
It has been used as a "lung herb". [82] Other traditional uses include as an expectorant, astringent, and to treat bronchitis. [83] The essential oil of the plant has been used for centuries as a general tonic for colds and coughs, and to relieve congestion of the mucous membranes. Glycyrrhiza glabra: Licorice root
Archaeological evidence indicates that the use of medicinal plants dates back to the Paleolithic age, approximately 60,000 years ago. Written evidence of herbal remedies dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who compiled lists of plants. Some ancient cultures wrote about plants and their medical uses in books called herbals.
This plant was harvested for its roots and used in teas to also treat diarrhea. [11] More popularized herbs from the past come in the form of adaptogenic plants such as the Siberian Ginseng plant and the Rhodiola plant. These plants have been turned to throughout history and into the modern day for their effects.
The Peterson Field Guide Series A Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs. Houghton Mifflin Co, New York. ISBN 0-395-83807-X. A field guide with photographs of each plant and descriptions of their uses. C. Garcia & J.D. Adams (2005). Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West - Cultural and Scientific Basis for their Use. Abedus Press ...
Fragrance: used to add a pleasant odor to food, medicine, or other consumed or partially consumed items (such as incense, candles, or lotions) Dye: used to alter the color of food, medicine, or other consumed items Ritual: ingested or partially ingested (eg used as incense) as an important component of a cultural or religious ritual
The use of plants for medicinal purposes, and their descriptions, dates back two to three thousand years. [10] [11] The word herbal is derived from the mediaeval Latin liber herbalis ("book of herbs"): [2] it is sometimes used in contrast to the word florilegium, which is a treatise on flowers [12] with emphasis on their beauty and enjoyment rather than the herbal emphasis on their utility. [13]
Herb garden. In herbal medicine, a herbal tonic (also tonic herbs, tonic herbalism) is used to help restore, tone and invigorate systems in the body [1] or to promote general health and well-being. [2] A herbal tonic is a solution or other preparation made from a specially selected assortment of plants known as herbs. [2]