In This Chapter
■The history of herbal medicine
■The biological foundation of herbal
medicine
■Herbal diagnoses and therapies
■Learning about and trying herbal
medicine6 Herbal Medicine
6 Herbal Medicine.
Also known as botanical medicine or phytotherapy(phyto means plant),
herbal medicine is used by 80 percent of the world’s population.
According to a national survey by Preventionmagazine, adults in the
United States spend an average of $54 a year on herbs, resulting in a
$3.24 billion-a-year business. In some cases, herbal alternatives are giv-
ing prescription drugs a run for their money. For many conditions, herbs
are the treatment of choice because they are milder and have fewer side
effects than prescription drugs. In the past, herbal medicines were avail-
able only in health food stores, but they now can be found in main-
stream supermarkets and pharmacies.
~”herbal medicine 83
~”medicine;herbal 83
~”botanical medicine. See
herbal medicine 83