|
There is no easy answer to the question. However, the dictionary defines herbs as a flowering plant whose stem above the ground doesn’t become woody. Officially the US government classifies herbs as food. A better definition would be all kinds of natural substances, all coming from plant life, such as roots, berries, leaves, flowers, stems, bark and fungus.
Another way to define herbs is by examining what they are NOT. Herbs are not drugs. Although many drugs have been made from herbs, the herbs themselves are not drugs. Herbs are not vitamins, even though they contain vitamins. Herbs are not enzymes, even though they have enzymes in them. Herbs are not minerals, even though they have lots and lots of minerals in them.
The simple fact is that herbs are food. They are foods that activate some normal and natural responses in our bodies. These responses can be used to significantly improve and maintain health in a less dangerous, less intrusive, and much less costly ways than mainstream Western-style M.D.-based medicine.
Herbs are not magic. But herbs work in our bodies because they have definite actions and they work in specific tissues and areas of the body. This is because of the four actions possessed by herbs. The first action is aromatic, which means these are hot herbs that activate and stimulate. Next is bitter herbs, which are wet and loosen and lubricate. Mucilaginous herbs are cool and they soothe and absorb. Astringent herbs are dry and they tone and tighten.
So, it is important to know what kind of health condition you’re working with in order to choose the right herb. But the good thing is, even if you don’t choose the best herb for the condition, there will be no ill effects. In fact, some benefits will be obtained anyway.
|
