From time immemorial, humankind has been in search for plant, animal and other materials that could be used to take care of the pains, deformities, ailments and diseases that affect some of the unfortunate members of our society. Man as a unique creation of god is but a part of the universe. Like other living creatures, man has provided with food, fuel, fodder, housing material and herbal medicines from the forests where they live.
Health care, which was a part of the traditional culture of the people, has become a profession in the modern industrial world. Synthetic drugs created by the affluent and influential pharmaceutical industries have given rise to side effects, which are more dangerous than the diseases they claim to cure. The world’s attention has again turned to traditional medical systems.
The history of medicine can be linked with the remote past. Although modern medicine, or allopathy, has been accepted by a large portion of the population of the world, only in recent years has there been a new look at natural remedies, home remedies and simple ways of using plant materials which are so easily available in one’s own backyard or in the neighborhood.
Plants are integral part of nature. Nature reflects the creative powers of a living God. The physical beauty and its chemistry are of immense importance to humankind. They are the life-sustaining force on earth. Jethro Kloss, naturopath, says that there is a wonderful science in nature, in tress, herbs, roots and flowers which man has never fathomed. He further states if true remedies are found in nature then poisonous drugs and chemicals would be eliminated and sickness would be rare.
The plant kingdom has many properties that are conductive to health, to secure the best results from the use of plants as remedial agencies; they must be used consistently over a sufficient period of time.
Humankind in recent decades has alienated its
elf from nature. This distance and indifference has caused problems