The effective use of herbal medicine in treating almost everything from minor wounds to major diseases has been well-documented throughout the ages. Indigenous tribes from Asia and Africa have used them for centuries, Oriental medicine is steeped in the use of such healing methods, and even Native Americans were known to use natural healing techniques to care for the sick.

In the Western world, however, medical science has initially shunned the use of herbal medicines and other forms of natural healing in treating illnesses. We pride ourselves in being "civilized" and believe that we know more about medicines and the treatment of diseases than other cultures. Even if other, non-traditional methods have proven themselves effective and practical, we prefer to use more conventional methods and medicines in our homes, hospitals and clinics.

But is it really true that we have no need for herbal medicines? If you answered yes, think again. You may have been using herbs to treat yourself and your family for a long, long time without you knowing anything about it. Most people believe that the modern cures and methods of treatment used in hospitals today have little to do with herbs or with natural healing in general. Little do they know that herbs have been used by medical science even before the discovery of penicillin.

Have you ever wondered what goes into that capsule or tablet that you've been taking every time you've had the flu? Did you ever think about the main ingredient used in making that antacid you've been using for your ulcers? Eight times out of ten, that main ingredient comes from plants. Yes, medical science has been using plants since countless decades ago to extract the most potent ingredients used in making the drugs that we know today. Be it cough syrups, painkillers, or anything else, chances are that one of, if not the, main ingredient came from medicinal plants or herbs.

Alternative healing is making a comeback, and they are here to stay. Holistic remedies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, shiatsu massage, and of course, herbal medicines have been extensively tested by doctors and patients alike, and were proven to be effective and practical. They have been used for almost everything, from calming stressed-out nerves to reducing pain.

Herbal medicines are now packaged in capsule and tablet form to make them more appealing to consumers. Gone are the days when people have to boil some leaves and then drink the awfully-tasting broth. Believe me, there are still some countries which do exactly that. But today, you can find a wide selection of herbal medicines for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. There are herbal medicines for gout, arthritis, rheumatism, and hypertension. There are even appetite suppressors and fat burners for the diet and weight-conscious.

These are just a few of the many ways that herbal medicines can help you and your health. As with all other medicines, however, you have to exercise proper caution and common sense in taking herbal medicines. Several of them can be taken safely without the need for prescription, but it is still recommended to consult the advice of a physician before taking any medication, natural or otherwise.