The Use of Herbs

Posted by Sharon Falsetto Mar 10, 2009

The history of medicinal herbs is long, although in the early years, knowledge of herbs was past on verbally rather than through the written word. In sixteenth century England, herbals became common and this interest grew throughout the seventeenth century with the appearance of The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper, a well known English herbalist.

Many herbs are used medicinally, aromatically and for culinary purposes, resulting in different types of herb gardens. The medieval 'cloister' gardens were attributed with starting the trend of growing herbs in different gardens. Many herbs could be found in the different herb gardens including dill, marjoram, rosemary, chamomile and lavender, although the latter are not commonly associated with the term 'herb' today but are used in aromatherapy.

Many native tribes have used various 'herbs', often native plants; the Maori tribes of New Zealand have used many native plants, such as the manuka and pepper tree for medicinal purposes. The Native American Indians have studied and used healing herbs for many years too. Native American healing herbs include black birch, hops, sundew, horsemint, witch hazel, black haw and many others.

Today, many herb gardens are found in botanical gardens and arboretums; here in Arizona there are a number of arboretums and botanical gardens including Tuscon Botanical Gardens in southern Arizona, Flagstaff Arboretum in northern Arizona and Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens in southern Arizona.

Today, many herbs and plants are also used in the practice of aromatherapy, with the extraction of the essential oil from the relevant part of the plant. Herbs such as valerian, marjoram, rosemary and sage are used in cooking, aromatherapy and in other medicinal purposes. Herbs have many, many uses and are one of the most versatile of the plant species! However, all herbs should be used with caution, if you are unfamiliar with the powerful properties which they possess.