Long before recorded history,
man was using wild herbs for food and medicine.
Over time he learned that some plants were safe to eat and others caused
poisoning and death.The first documented use of herbs appeared in 2000
B.C.in Babylon. It was described how to prepare and administer herbal cures. In early biblical days
the Hebrews used herbs as foods. The only plant put to medicinal use was
the mandrake root, which was widely used as a painkiller. Although they were aware of the
healing properties of many herbs they believed that man should not interfere with the
purpose of God, the great healer, by trying to heal himself. Over time this tradition changed.
The later Prophets decreed that the power to heal
diseases had been granted
by God to physicians in return for their prayers.Throughout time herbs have been used for
food, medicine, cosmetics, perfumes, dyes, disinfectants and the ancient art of embalming.
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