History of Herbal Medicine
                     HISTORY OF HERBAL 
MEDICINE
Introduction
• While the use of healing herbs has a reputation for being “new age” or being 
popularized by recent research, the use of herbs can be traced back for thousands of 
years. 
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History of herbs
• The history of herbs as medicine has deep roots in tradition and even in rebellion, 
and it spans continents and economic class systems. Herbalism has a unique way of 
combining cultural tradition, food, and botanical wellness for everyone.
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Ancient Herbal Remedies
• This is evidence that plants have been at the core of nutrition and health since long 
before recorded history, and we see continued use of plants through the ages.
• Around 1500 BCE, the Egyptians created the Ebers papyrus, a compilation of 
medical texts that contains over 700 formulas.
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Greeks and Romans Herbal 
Remedies
• The ancient Greeks and Romans were also known herbalists. Hippocrates, 
considered the “Father of Western Medicine,” was a famous Greek physician who 
believed the body became diseased through natural causes and not by a curse from 
the gods or superstitious reasoning.
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Modern Medicine
• Modern medicine followed up on this in the 1800’s, when scientists uses the active 
compounds from Willow to make aspirin. 
• The ancient Greeks were also big fans of Elderberry, which is becoming hugely 
popular again today for its powerful immune-boosting benefits.
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Ayurveda
• Ayurveda translates to “Science of Life” in Sanskrit. Ayurveda has been traced back 
to 3300 BCE and integrates practices of yoga, meditation, astrology, and herbalism. 
• Ayurvedic healing systems are based on four compilations of knowledge called Yajur 
Veda, Rig Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda. 
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Herbalism into the 18th 
Century
• The great age of herbalism is said to have occurred from the 15th century to the 17th 
century. Herbal books were becoming available in English, having been translated 
from Latin and Greek. 
• One of the first herbal books to be published in English was Grete Herbal in 1526. 
Source: www.newchapter.com
Modern & Future Herbalism
• The idea of herbalism being a taboo subject appears in history multiple times, from 
the botanical ties to witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials to the way medical students 
are educated about herbalism.
• Fortunately, in the last 50 years or so, herbalism and folk medicine have once again 
been revived. 
Source: www.newchapter.com
Conclusion
• Herbalism has an exciting history. It has always been a healing tradition established 
for the people and by the people. Herbalism has spread through the knowledge of 
medical rebels and outsiders.
Source: www.newchapter.com
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