From the earliest times mankind has used plants in an attempt to cure diseases and relieve physical suffering. Primitive people in all ages have had some knowledge of medicinal plants, derived as a result of trial and error. These primitive attempts at medicine were based on speculation and superstition. Most primitive people have believed that disease was due to the presence of evil spirits in the body and could be driven out only by the use of poisonous or disagreeable substances calculated to make the body an unpleasant place to remain in. The knowledge regarding the source and use of various products suitable for this purpose was usually restricted to the medicine men of the tribe. As civilization progressed the early physicians were guided more and 'more by their observations. In all the early civilizations there was much interest in drug plants. In India many drugs were in use. There are Sanskrit writings in existence which tell of the methods of gathering and preparing drugs. A Handbook of Medicinal Plants is a comprehensive and scientifically accurate guide to the best-known and most important medicinal plants, including those of special commercial or historical interest.

The use of various herbal remedies and preparations are described throughout human history representing the origin of modern medicine. Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources: some of the most effective drugs are plant based, such as aspirin derived from bark of willow, digoxin derived from foxglove, quinine derived from the bark of cinchona, and morphine derived from the opium poppy. The development of drugs from plants by drug companies encourages large scale pharmacological screening of herbs. Chinese herbalism is the most dominant of the ancient herbal traditions. It is based on concepts of yin and yang and of Qi energy. Chinese herbs are considered "cooling" (yin), "stimulating" (yang) and are administered in combination according to the deficiencies or excesses of these qualities in the patient. Modern Western herbalism focuses on the effects of herbs on individual body systems rather than taking a holistic approach: herbs may be used for anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, expectorant, antispasmodic, or immunostimulatory properties. It is estimated that around 80% of the worldwide population uses herbal medicines, mainly as self-prescribed products. This type of herbal drug use is typically based on a simple matching of a particular herb to particular disease or symptom.

Herbal medicine is also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, and is defined as the use whole plants or part of plants to prevent or treat illness. Plant parts used include seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers.

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