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Women's Wellness Herbal Traditions For thousands of years, herbal medicine has been practiced around the world. Formulas for power, energy, healing, relaxation and more have even been found on ancient Egyptian scrolls. There are the three basic philosophies from which herbal medicine has evolved. Chinese herbal medicine Written records for Chinese herbal medicine date back over 3,500 years; one-fifth of the world’s population still relies on this healing system for primary care. Chinese doctors treat the whole person by examining medical history, birth constitution, living habits, and home environment. According to the Chinese, most health problems are caused by deficiencies in some system of the body, for example the digestive system or the reproductive system. Chinese doctors help rebalance an individual’s entire body by strengthening the system that’s weak. The Chinese also use tonic herbs like astragalus, ginseng and foti to prevent health problems. Ayurveda Pronounced ‘eye-your-vay-dah.’ This 5,000-year-old philosophy and healing system from India is based on each person’s unique constitution, body type, personal habits, emotions and behaviors. Each one of us is made up of varying amounts of the elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether – that determine our individual constitution. Ayurveda is about balance and inner harmony. Once you have identified your constitutional "type," you can choose the herbs that will balance your entire being — body, mind and spirit. The fascinating art of ayurveda includes the medicinal powers of culinary spices and herbs that play an important role in creating the irresistible flavors of Indian cuisine. Western herbalism This tradition started when prehistoric people learned through trial and error to treat physical complaints with plants. The basis of modern medicine in the West dates back to Greek herbal medicine and its famous doctors like Hippocrates and Galen. The 1400s – 1600s are officially referred to as the "Golden Age of Herbalism." In Germany and France, a strong herbal culture has continued, often used in harmony with allopathic medicine. Native American earth-centered healing has shaped American herbal tradition and has given us such important roots and herbs like echinacea. |
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