Long before synthetic medications existed, plants were one of the only sources of medical treatment, and given their natural roots, you can be assured that there are no artificial or animal-derived ingredients contained in them. Not to mention, there’s the added bonus of avoiding plastic and potentially toxic chemicals, too. While it may seem ‘hippy’ or off the beaten track to make your own, plants are more commonly used in modern medicine than you may realise. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it’s estimated that 80 per cent of the global population still uses traditional remedies, such as plant-based medicine, as their primary healthcare tools. Meanwhile, the UK herbal products market is said to be worth £485 million (yahoo.com). Maybe there is more to these flowers and plants than just a pretty face?
“Medicinal plants are any plant with medicinal benefits – they can help you relax, give you energy, and heal a massive range of illnesses,” says Natasha Richardson, medical herbalist, founder of Forage Botanicals and author of Your Period Handbook: Natural Solutions To Stress Free Menstruation (foragebotanicals.co.uk). “I have treated endometriosis, lupus, Lyme disease, infertility, menopause, arthritis, and many more – the range of problems a herbalist can support is quite remarkable.” ›