The culinary attributes of herbs and spices over the course of recorded history have often been outstripped by their medicinal value. Undoubtedly at one point in time there was a Neanderthal man picking a plant or root because he knew it would cure his toothache pain.
Many of our common medicines today find their foundations in plant sources such as morphine from the opium poppy and aspirin from willow bark.

The most ancient of herbalists are the Chinese practitioners. They practice the concept of yin (cooling) and yang (warming) and herbs are administered according to deficiencies and excesses in the patient, striving for a balance.
Western herbalists mostly concentrate on the effects of herbs on the various body systems, trying to achieve a natural balance which allows the body to heal itself.
The herb administered is matched to the ailment such as valerian for insomnia and St John’s Wort for stress and depression.

It might surprise people to realize that over 80% of the population in the world uses herbal treatments, mostly self prescribed. Health food stores have become akin to the local drugstore with a myriad of products promoting good health. Unfortunately most herbs and spices are still considered to be food supplements by the FDA and other health governing bodies. This means many if not all the products on those health store shelves are not regulated and tested like “standard” pharmaceutical aids. No one is disputing the effectiveness of these remedies that have been used with success for centuries; however, the quality, source, additives and dosage can be questionable. Always proceed cautiously and ask questions before trying an herbal solution to your ailment.

Some herbal treatments that have been researched and deemed effective and safe are:

• Garlic: reduces the risk of heart attacks through lowering blood fats and cholesterol. Also has antiviral/antibiotic properties which can fight infections, colds and flu.
  
• Ginger: Very effective in controlling nausea, morning sickness and motion sickness,
  
• St John’s Wort: Used to combat depression and stress
  
• ginkgo biloba: used to treat memory loss and Alzheimer’s. Also successful for treating circulation problems and ringing in the ears.
  
• Echinacea: well known to boost immune system and fight infection.

Most of the herbs above are taken internally either in pill form or fresh. There are other methods to treat with herbs and spices using the entire plant for treatments. Seeds, stalks, roots, leaves and flowers can all be utilized for herbal medicines. As stated earlier, most treatments are either taken internally or applied externally. Some common treatments methods include :

• Poultices: Pastes made with fresh bruised herbs or dried herbs and water is smeared on a clean cotton pads and applied directly to the affected area.
  
• Tinctures: All the plant parts are soaked in alcohol, great for storage.
  
• Decoctions: Same principle as infusions but rather than leaves the roots, seeds, bark or nuts are soaked in hot water.
  
• Wash: external application of cooled teas.

We will only be seeing more of these useful herbs and spices in our health care system as the rising cost of modern treatments, supporting research of many universities and drug companies all point to a more natural solution to what ails us.
So next time you sprinkle herbs on a salad or enjoy a spicy stir fry with garlic and ginger be aware you are not only tempting your taste buds but promoting a healthy lifestyle.