Authors :
Akash Yadav; Awan Kumar Pandey; Himanshu Jaiswal
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3wbtt7z8
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/nkbm23e9
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1442
Google Scholar
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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.
Keywords :
Introduction, History, Origins of Herbal Medicine, Ancient Civilizations, Traditional Chinese Medicine.
References :
- Kuhn, R., & Lutz, W. (2017). "The History of Herbal Medicine." Springer Science & Business Media. o Overview of herbal medicine across different cultures and times.
- Ghani, A. (2003). Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh: Chemical Constituents and Uses. o A comprehensive guide to the use of medicinal plants in Bangladesh.
- Wang, Y. (2013). "Herbal Medicine and Its Historical Significance." Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. o This article explores the evolution of herbal practices.
- Della, V., et al. (2012). "Ethnopharmacology and the Development of Traditional Herbal Remedies." Phytotherapy Research. o Focus on the historical role of ethnopharmacology in shaping traditional remedies.
- Schulz, V., et al. (2001). Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician’s Guide to Herbal Medicine. o Covers the scientific foundation and historical background of herbal medicine.
- Leung, A. Y., & Foster, S. (1996). Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. o Contains historical insights into the uses of medicinal plants in various societies.
- Coon, J. T., & Ernst, E. (2004). "Herbal Medicine: A Classification of Types." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. o A historical classification of herbal medicine types.
- Bhattacharyya, S., & Chakrabarty, S. (2007). "History and Development of Herbal Medicine in India." Ancient Science of Life. o Focus on India’s rich tradition of herbal medicine.
- Bodeker, G., et al. (2005). Traditional Medicine in Asia: Its Role and Future. o Explores the history of traditional medicine practices, including herbal medicine in Asia.
- Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2005). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. History of Traditional Herbal Medicine · Discusses the modern approach to herbal medicine, with historical context.
- McGuffin, M., et al. (1997). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. · Examines the historical safety and regulation of herbal remedies in the U.S.
- Wren, R. C. (1988). The Medicinal Plants of the Bible. · Looks at herbal medicine through the lens of biblical references.
- Houghton, P. J., & Howes, M. J. (2009). "The Global and Historical Impact of Herbal Medicine." Biochemical Pharmacology. · Reviews the worldwide influence of herbal medicine throughout history.
- Liu, J., & Zhang, L. (2017). "The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Healing." Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. · A historical examination of Traditional Chinese Medicine, focusing on herbal remedies.
- Farnsworth, N. R., & Soejarto, D. D. (1991). "Global Importance of Medicinal Plants." In Biodiversity. · Discusses the history of herbal medicine from a global biodiversity perspective.
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.
Keywords :
Introduction, History, Origins of Herbal Medicine, Ancient Civilizations, Traditional Chinese Medicine.