The healing powers of herbs have been used in many different civilisations down through the ages. The Chinese have been using herbal medicine along side acupuncture for over 5000 years. Almost every major culture has at one time used herbs as its main or only source of medicine. The system of medicine currently in use, which we refer to as orthodox medicine, has its roots in herbal medicine. The main source of drugs in the highly technical and scientific approach of modern pharmacy is plant based. Steroid drugs may be synthesised from the wild African Yam (Dioscorea); Aspirin is derived from varieties of Meadow sweet (Spirea) or Willow.

Plants are treated as a source of specific bioactive chemicals that can be analysed, extracted and used to make drugs and pharmaceutical companies have encouraged the belief that their drugs, containing synthesised plant ingredients are somehow more effective than the plants as a whole; but in truth, by taking the active principle from the plant and leaving the rest, the balance of its healing virtues may be lost.

Herbalists therefore adhere to the governing principle of “Synergism” they believe that the strength of the sum of the parts is greater than the strength of the individual parts and so Herbalists prefer to use plants in their entirety in their medicines. As an example, a pharmaceutical drug derived from the extract of a plant, and used, say, as a diuretic, might work vigorously but could deplete the patient's reserves of potassium. This in turn might need to be administered in the form of another medicine. If an herbal medicine was given, possibly Taraxacum [Dandelion] the diuretic effect would be gentler, though none the less sure, and the plant itself being rich in potassium would ensure that the correct balance of the body was maintained.

Homeostasis
The maintenance of balance within the body is of vital importance to our heath, our bodies are constantly adapting to external and internal influences. If our body becomes too hot we sweat so that heat can be lost from the surface of the body, thereby keeping the internal temperature at the optimum level. We maintain a steady state in our bodies of not only temperature but also blood sugar, fluid levels and the composition of the blood. Our bodies are continually regulating our internal functioning and maintaining equilibrium in the face of every sort of threat, whether it be from pollution, toxins, stress or bad diet. It does this through a process called Homeostasis. If the body did not maintain Homeostasis we would not survive for very long.

Herbalists believe that healing takes place almost as an extension of this homeostasis, so that as the body strives to maintain equilibrium, it also strives to maintain health and keep us free from disease. Herbalists, recognising this, use herbs to help the body's own momentum towards healing and work towards integrity of the system as a whole.

A herbal medicine chest for children
There are very many different herbs (perhaps over 2000) for use in many different conditions so which are the most useful herbs to have at home, ready to administer to a sick child?

The wide array of Herbs available can be a daunting prospect to the beginner. Some Herbs may already be available to you from your kitchen cupboard, for instance, garlic, oregano, coriander seed, cloves and cinnamon. Other herbs, such as Nettles, Chickweed, Borage and Dandelion may have plagued your gardening efforts, but you will love them a little more when you learn of their therapeutic benefits. Others can be very easily grown in the garden or in pots so that you have a fresh supply to hand when needed including Sage, Rosemary, Peppermint and Thyme. Less common herbs can be bought from a reputable Herbal supplier.