Interesting herb facts

• Herbal seeds have been found in pre-historic cave dwellings dating as old as 500,000 years.  Our ancestors have always used herbs as food and as remedies.

• The Egyptians studied herbs and used them in medicinal and religious functions as far back as 3500 B.C.  The Chinese began the organized study of herbs in 2500 B.C.  Written records in China have survived enumerating the uses of herbs that date from 100 B.C.

• In the Roman Empire, Pliny wrote a long description of herbal lore and practice and the physician Galen, still revered in modern medical history, also studied the effects and uses of herbs in the early Christian era.

• The discovery of America itself is linked to Western civilization’s search for easier access to rare spices and herbs.  Columbus was, in fact, hoping to open trade routes for these substances when he blundered into the West Indies and the Age of Exploration unveiled the New World.

• In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Europeans like Linnaeus and Culpepper codified herbs and their names (Latin nomenclature) so that the confusion of herbs with multiple names might be easier to standardize.

• Western medicine eventually turned away from “herbalism” and concentrated instead on chemical cures.  It is interesting to note, however, that many of the chemicals and medicines that have been developed over the years are in fact based on active ingredients present in herbs and plants.

• Today’s modern healthy lifestyles are learning to include ancient herbs and supplements as part of a holistic approach to life.  Ginko, Ginseng etc. have never been so widely used.

• Besides medicinal use, herbs have always been part of human food preparation.  Who can imagine a life without Basil, Thyme, Rosemary or any of the herbs we’ve come to love in our cuisine?

• Herb gardens are an easy and fun way to bring healthy, fresh foods and nutrients into your daily life.  Organic herbs and plants should be an essential part of your diet.

• Herb gardens or herbal products bought on-line can be more than just medicine or spice in a tasty new dish.  Think of all the varied uses of herbs such as aromatic bouquets and dried decorations. 

• Aromatherapy owes its existence to fresh, organic herbs.

• Herbs are a part of the human experience.  Over prepared “convenience” foods and “fast” foods have not provided us with the natural herbs that mankind has always enjoyed and used to balance their lives.

• A little easy research and you can make organic herbs, and herbal supplements part of your life.  It’s the kind of knowledge that will set you free to enjoy life fully.