Compared with the precision of modern-day medicine, herbal remedies can seem old-fashioned. But many of today's medicines were derived from plants.
In most cultures around the world, the earliest forms of healing were based on herbs and that knowledge was handed down to each new generation. Written records show herbal medicines date back to 3000 BC in Egypt, China, Babylon, and India. In many countries, herbal remedies are still the only readily available treatment.
They use separate mortar and pestles when preparing medicinal and culinary herbs.
Many herbs are used for healing but should only be taken under professional guidance.
HERBAL PAINKILLERS:
Native Americans used many different herbal medicines. From willowbark they extracted a pain-relieving ingredient used in today's aspirin.