Welcome to HelpfulHerbalist.com: Your Guide to Herbs, Herbal Medicine and More!
You have reached the foremost gateway to information about herbs on the Internet, including a guide to all medicinal herbs, herb recipes (you can add your own too!), details on growing herbs of all kinds, and more. We have also searched the Internet for the best places to buy herbal products, including medicines, supplements, seeds and other products.
The Low Down on Herbs
While the mention of herbs may have you calling to mind some of your favorite culinary flavorings or perhaps even the notion of alternative medicines, herbs are of a much greater importance than Western society typically acknowledges. Although it is true that herbs occupy an unquestionably important role as spices and flavorings in cooking, and that they continue to play a key role in the history and development of medicines, herbs also have many other important uses, including as preservatives, cosmetics, scents, natural pesticides, and dyes.
In fact, herbs can be defined as any plants which have a use. This is the definition we will be working with at the Helpful Herbalist as we attempt to raise awareness of the many ways that herbs can be of use to our society, particularly in terms of their abilities to improve, restore, or maintain health and wholeness.
New Age or Ancient?
Although some may mistakenly think that the use of herbs is ‘new age,’ the opposite is actually true. The use of herbs dates back to the beginning of humankind, when hunters and gatherers used and consumed wild plants, and has experienced surges of popularity and understanding throughout the ages. In terms of their link to medicine, the practice of using herbs for medicinal purposes also dates back to ancient times. In fact, herbal medicine has been recognized as the oldest and most widely used form of medicine in the world.
The Chinese, for example, have practiced herbal medicine for over 5000 years and in India, Ayurvedic medicine is another ancient, holistic approach to health that recognizes the importance of herbs.
While the misuse of plant-derived drugs, including alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, is widespread in contemporary society, it is also important to keep in mind that many of the world’s greatest healing agents have been derived from the plant kingdom. Although some plant-based drugs are losing out to synthetic alternatives, many of our medicines used today are still derived either directly or indirectly from plants.
As what has been labeled the ‘green wave’ continues to gain momentum, and people increasingly recognize the deteriorating state of our planet and our health, many are also becoming more aware of the importance of adopting more natural ways of living that will benefit both humans and the planet.
The Many Uses of Herbs
By joining in the growing trend of rediscovering herbs, we here at the Helpful Herbalist are striving to provide an introduction to the seemingly endless possibilities that herbs offer, including their contributions to healthy eating, their potential as natural remedies for almost any bodily affliction, and their uses for household and cosmetic products that are free from harmful chemicals.
We will also provide information on growing your own herbs, including both indoor and outdoor herb gardens, an A to Z guide to herbs that will be continually updated and expanded, as well as a forum where visitors are invited to add herbal recipes for everything from their favorite main courses and marinades to salves and herbal teas.
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