National Herb Day: Honoring Nature’s Oldest Medicine
Explore the timeless benefits of herbs in cooking, healing, and everyday wellness
From Ancient Remedies to Modern Health
The first Saturday of May is National Herb Day, a celebration of the medicinal benefits of herbs and their impact on both conventional and alternative medicine. Learn more about the history of herbs and why 80 percent of people use them to promote their health and well-being today.
Background of National Herb Day
The green portions of plants that are used for food or medicine are referred to as herbs in botany. Since the beginning of human civilization people have utilized herbs for both cooking and medicine. The use of herbs 60000 years ago is supported by well-preserved archaeological evidence. Herbal remedies were first used by Neanderthals, the ancestors of modern humans. In a sense herbs predate recorded history and are the source of a large portion of contemporary medicine. Pollen and other plant remnants have been found by archaeologists close to graves suggesting the use of herbs.
Virtually no civilization has not benefited from the use of herbs. Different cultures used herbs including the Sumerians Egyptians Indians and Chinese. They enumerated hundreds of medicinal plants on 5000-year-old clay tablets. Texts such as the Papyrus Ebers in Egypt describe illnesses cures and about 850 medicinal plants. Even today many people follow the Indian medical school of Ayurveda which treats illnesses with herbal and natural remedies. Since 4000 B. C. many herbs have been used in Ayurvedic medicine.
In the Middle Ages when most cultures believed that herbs had spiritual properties the study and application of herbs flourished. For instance basil leaves are considered sacred in India. The influence of chemical medications and the expenditure on pharmaceutical research and development have also contributed to a resurgence in the use of herbs during the past four decades. The HerbDay Coalition established National Herb Day in response to the increasing demand for herbs and to raise awareness of their significance.
Timeline of National Herb Day
- 6,000 Years Ago The Rise of Ayurveda
The prevalence of Ayurveda and medicinal plants is mentioned in the Hindu Vedic texts known as the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda.
- 5,000 Years Ago Sumerian Texts on Herbs
On clay tablets the Sumerians recorded hundreds of medicinal herbs.
- 1526 A.D. The First English Herbal
Grete Herball the first herbal in English is printed by Peter Treveris.
- 1600 – 1700 The Era of Bubonic Plague
Due to their failure to combat the bubonic plague herbal remedies are becoming less and less popular.
Activities for National Herb Day
- Purchase Products Made from Herbs
Products made from herbs are high in nutrients and therapeutic benefits. Invest in products made of herbs for everyday use.
- Organize a Party with a Herbal Theme and Invite Friends
Invite your friends to a party with a herbal theme. Make food and décor in the shapes of the different herbs that are found in your area.
- Establish a Garden with Herbs
In your backyard plant a herbal garden. As you gradually broaden your horizons, start with herbs that are already readily available in your area.
Some Facts About Herbs
- For Dried Herbs the Flavor is Stronger
The flavor of dried herbs is stronger than that of fresh herbs but both can be used.
- Botanists and Herbalists
Herbalists were the name given to botanists in the Middle Ages.
- The Book of Plants is called Herbal
A herbal is a book that includes plant names, myths, tales and descriptions.
- Users of Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines are used by 80% of the global population.
- Germany’s Herbal Medicines
Germany offers between 600 and 700 plant-based medications.
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Why to Love National Herb Day?
- Minimal Adverse Effects
Compared to contemporary medications herbal remedies have fewer adverse effects. Certain herbal medicines are effective against many lifestyle diseases despite the fact that they may not be as quick as modern medicine.
- Advantageous to Health
Herbs are healthy for you. They have therapeutic benefits and are nutrient-dense.
- One More Choice
A second choice for treating a variety of lifestyle diseases is herbal medicine. Herbal treatments can be used to manage serious illnesses like diabetes.
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