 History Of HerbsSince the beginning of time Herbs have been with us. Man has used herbs to treat his illnesses for thousands of years. Most of the world's people continue to use herbs to the benefit their bodies. The reason being that herbs are safe and extremely reliable, with no side effects. They put the body in tune with nature as God intended. The bible tells us many times to use herbs for the benefits of the body's health. In Genesis, God tells us, "I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." In Ezekiel, the Lord says, "the fruit of the tree is for man's meat, and the leaves for man's medicine |
Herbs in LiteratureIn literature, the use of oil infused with herbs was mentioned in the Kama Sutra (don't ask, read it for yourself!!), |
 Egyptians and HerbsAncient Egyptians were highly skilled with herbs. The Papyrus Ebers, an ancient text written in 1500 BC, contains references to more than 700 herbal remedies, including herbs such as aloe, caraway seeds, poppy and garlic. |
The Chinese and HerbsThe Chinese have practiced herbal use for 5000 years. There is one Chinese medical text written 2700 BC in which thirteen herbal prescriptions were listed. The Chinese are noted for their knowledge and use of ginseng. Many Chinese believe regular use of this herb prolongs life. |
The Greeks and HerbsHypocrites, "the father of medical literature" as he is called, was so far as we know the first man to practice medicine as an art. Hypocrites believed and taught that in nature there was strength to cure disease. Often, Hypocrites used diet and herbs as the basis of treatment. |
The Romans and HerbsThe medical inheritance of ancient Egypt passed to Greece, then to Rome. The Roman Empire used herbs as remedies quite extensively. Mandrake herb was used in Roman times as an anaesthetic.
The Romans brought to Britain many of the popular varieties of herbs that we enjoy today. They grew herbs in their villa gardens, and many of these herbs survived the cold conditions. The Romans used herbs not just for medicinal purposes, but also for flavourings for their feasts, and probably to disguise slightly off food!! After the fall of Rome, the monasteries continued to grow herbs in their gardens, and recorded their uses in their manuscripts. The Normans also used herbs heavily…probably for the same reason the Romans did! |
 The Elizabethans and HerbsThe famous Elizabethan herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper, made the growing of herbs very fashionable. Many great houses of that era have beautiful herb gardens, the most famous being at Hatfield House, in Hertfordshire, where Elizabeth I spent time in her youth. Another herb garden well worth a look is Buckland Abbey in Devon the home of Sir Francis Drake. It is small, but well-laid out. Also nearby is Buckfast Abbey, an ancient Cistercian monastery, with an excellent example of a herb garden.
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