Botanical medicines are made from plants and taken for medicinal purposes. Botanical medicine (herbal medicine) has been used for thousands of years. Today, 80% of the world’s population uses plants to treat illness. Many conventional drugs used today were originally derived from medicinal plants. Plants are used medicinally because they do not have high toxicity, accumulate in the body, or cause habituation or withdrawal symptoms.
Herbs are used to enhance immune function; improve digestion; normalize bodily functions; destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi; soothe irritated tissues; calm nerves; and relax muscles. Even though scientific studies are validating the use of many herbs, herbal practitioners still prescribe herbs based on empirical evidence and tradition.
