Herbal medicine is the oldest known form of healthcare, combining a broad spectrum of plant medicines with significant medical applications. Herbal medications operate in basically the same manner as their pharmaceutical counterparts, that is via their chemical makeup.

In the past 150 years, the naturally occurring, biologically active compounds found in plants have been utilized to synthesize pharmaceutical drugs. However, the active compounds from plants can function effectively when taken as teas, tablets, essential oils, ointments, extracts, or other forms. Herbal medicine has a great deal to offer when used to facilitate healing in chronic, ongoing problems.

In addition, herbal remedies can be used to treat numerous minor ailments, such as digestive disorders, the common cold, insomnia, headaches, and a host of other problems traditionally treated by nonprescription, over-the-counter medications. Increasingly, many aspects of herbal medicine have been supported by rigorous scientific research.