Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Ancient herbal medicine, which was conceived by ancient civilizations, is thousands of years old. Across various cultures, herbs have been used to cure illnesses, enhance well-being, and balance the body. This abstract explores the history and evolution of herbal medicine, from its earliest stages in prehistory to its role in modern integrative health practice. Medicinal plants have been found to date back to their earliest use in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and India, where plant remedies were documented by ancient practitioners and developed their first medical Traditional Healing Systems Ayurveda. Greco-Roman classical herbalism further institutionalized plant medicine, which subsequently influenced subsequent medical traditions. During the Middle Ages, Islamic scholars and Christian monks conserved and developed herbal lore, which resulted in a Renaissance flowering of interest in plant medicines. During the twenty-first century, despite the expansion of pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine has seen a resurgence, driven by a renewed interest in holistic and natural approaches to health care. The article highlights striking historical developments, legendary medicinal herbs, and the persistent significance of herbal medicine in the modern health care scenario. Through scientific research, several ancient remedies have been verified, reaffirming the relevance of herbal medicine in modern times.
Authors: Akash Yadav, Awan Kumar Pandey, Himanshu Jaiswal
Language: English
Topic: History of Medicine Studies
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4410076417