Long before the age of modern medicine, people in Europe used plants to support their health and well-being. This traditional lore is the basis of Western herbalism as we know it today.
Where Does Western Herbalism Come From?
Europe’s healing know-how has its roots in the ancient Greek world; for example, Hippocrates was the first physician whose writings describe a non-magical approach to health support. Eventually, people realized that different plants had different beneficial properties, and what they discovered was documented in written texts.
This knowledge was carried to North America by European colonists, where they learned about plants that various Native American cultures used in health support—and added these herbs to their kits.
How Does Western Herbalism Work Today?
For more than a century, herbal traditions fell by the wayside in the US as physicians turned to practices, such as surgery and pharmaceuticals usage, that eventually became known as conventional or standard medicine.
People rediscovered the power of herbs in the 1960s and 70s. This has led to a revival of Western herbalism.
Has Research Been Done on Western Herbs?
This revival has included studies into plants used in traditional herbalism. Much of it has found scientific backing for traditional usages, such as the use of hawthorn for heart support.
As a result, herbalists know more today than they ever did about the active substances in various plants as well as how they work within the body, how absorbable they are, etc.
What Is Standardization?
Science has also affected herbalism through standardization, a process designed to ensure the consistency of herbal extracts through careful production practices and by including a minimum amount of an herb’s main active ingredient in each serving.
What Are Some Commonly Used Western Herbs?
Herbs commonly used by Western herbalists include:
- Bilberry: the plant produces fruits similar to the blueberry; supports healthy eye function*
- Goldenseal: a plant native to eastern North America that contains a substance called berberine, which supports healthy blood sugar levels and fat metabolism*
- Hawthorn: a small tree that grows in temperate regions around the world; supports heart health*
- Milk Thistle: native to southern Europe; supports healthy liver function*
- Olive Leaf: from the same tree that produces the fruit; promotes a healthy immune system*
Can Western Herbalism Be Used with Regular Medicine?
Yes, but if you have a pre-existing condition—and especially if you are already taking prescribed medication—you should always work with a qualified professional to create an herbal supplementation program that best meets your specific needs.
You should also coordinate care with any other practitioners, including standard MDs, you may be seeing.
How Do I Find an Herbalist?
The American Herbalists Guild allows practitioners who meet their education and experience guidelines to become AHG Registered Herbalists; they offer a practitioner directory here.
Many naturopathic physicians (NDs), who focus on supporting the body’s own health-promoting capacities, also employ herbs. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians also offers a practitioner directory.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Consultation with a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner is strongly advised, before starting any regimen of supplementation, a change in diet or any exercise routine. Individuals who engage in supplementation to promote health, address conditions or support any structure or function of the body assume all risks. Women who are pregnant, especially, should seek the advice of a medical doctor before taking any dietary supplement and before starting any change in diet or lifestyle. Descriptions of herbs, vitamins, nutrients or any ingredients are not recommendations to take our products or those of any other company. We are not doctors or primary-source science researchers. Instead, we defer to the findings of scientific experts who conduct studies, as well as those who compile and publish scientific literature on the potential health benefits of nutrients, herbs, spices, vitamins or minerals. We cannot guarantee that any individual will experience any of the health benefits associated with the nutrients described. Natural Organics will not be held liable for any injuries, damages, hindrances or negative effects resulting from any reliance on the information presented, nor will Natural Organics be held accountable for any inaccuracy, miscalculation or error in the scientific literature upon which the information provided is based.
