Herbal Healers

You may not realize it, but herbs are everywhere in your life. The mustard you put on your hot dog is made from an herb. Many of the items in your salad are herbs. Herbs add flavor to your food—basil can add a hint of mint to your cup of tea, ginger can make your food spicy, and dill can add the taste of pickles to any dish.

More than Flavorful
There are other uses for herbs besides adding extra flavor to your favorite foods. Because herbs are plants that are filled with vitamins and minerals, people have used them as medicine for centuries. Some scientists believe that herbs should be used in addition to any medication prescribed by professionals. Many agree that herbs are a natural, tangible way of bringing balance and health back to one who is sick.

People have used herbs for medicinal purposes dating as far back as 2700 BCE, when a Chinese herb book listed 365 plants and their uses. The Chinese Emperor Chi'en Nung named the book Pen Tsao. Ancient Egyptians also used herbs such as garlic and indigo as flu remedies. Even American Indians, Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas had sophisticated herb-based healing systems, though medicinal herbs in those times were usually mixed with forms of magic and superstition. As time has progressed, however, herbs have been put to scientific tests, and many have proven to possess remarkable curing powers.

Here is a sampling of herbs that are commonly used today for healing purposes.

Chamomile
Having a fresh aroma that resembles apples, this delicate herb is a favorite in many gardens. This popular beverage herb can calm nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent or heal ulcers, and help fight infection.

Garlic
This herb, a favorite among chefs around the world, is a root that grows in the form of a bulb. Each bulb contains cloves of garlic. Garlic is a strong, natural antibiotic. Before penicillin, it was often given to fight infections. It can also reduce cholesterol levels and help prevent the formation of blood clots that trigger heart attacks. Many call garlic the miracle herb because it has so many health benefits.

Slippery Elm Bark
Rich in nutrients and easy to digest, this sugary plant can even be made into food. Slippery elm bark can soothe sore throats and upset stomachs. It is often found in cough drops and throat lozenges.

Spearmint and Peppermint
Often popular flavors, these herbs can do more than add the flavor of mint to a cup of tea or piece of candy. Tests have proven that they can reduce the chance of indigestion or upset stomach if taken after eating a large meal.

Devil's Claw
Though it has no odor, devil's claw does have a bitter taste. Like garlic, this herb is a root. Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this herb in treating joint conditions, such as arthritis and small joint disease. Devil's claw can also help those who suffer from lower backaches. It can even be applied topically to sores and other skin lesions.

Ginger
Another herbal root, ginger is useful for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate motion sickness or indigestion. In fact, researchers found that powdered ginger is more effective than many common motion sickness medications. Ginger can also help with the body's circulation of blood.

Herbal Roots
Where did all of these herbs come from? Herbs originated from all different parts of the world. For example, popular herbs such as chives, gale, and juniper were first cultivated in Europe. Other herbs such as sage, lavender, and rosemary came from the Mediterranean region. Ginger, lemon grass, and lime herbs originated in Asia, and sesame came from Africa. America is even believed to be the origin of some herbs, such as oilseed, pumpkin, and chile.

In a recent study of 76 popular herbs, however, most had Asian origins. Many historians believe that this is due to China's early use of herbs for medicinal purposes. Below is a map that demonstrates the number of herbs that came from different parts of the world based on the recent study.

Research before Remedy
Should herbs be used more often as forms of medicine? Not all herbs are beneficial, and it is important to study herbs before eating too many of them. In fact, some herbs, such as foxglove, will make you feel sick instead of help you feel better. But the use of herbs for medicinal purposes is growing, and it could not hurt to research the topic further and discover more about what can be one of Mother Nature's more helpful contributions!

Look at the map in the essay. Which is a pre-reading question that a reader should ask? A. Why do so many herbs originate in Asia? B. Why do people use herbs? C. What are the most popular herbs?