Herbs and mushrooms

Herbs and mushrooms

Herbs are worshipped globally, by all generations and in all forms. No wonder, since according to the World Health Organization, herbal treatment, or phytotherapy, is the most widely used way to fight diseases. They are applied to wounds, used in decoctions, eaten, made into syrups, pressed into juices and used to make ointments. Those who know them have a recipe for long well-being.

Famous appellations or ''How it all began?"

Dioscorides, Galen, Avicenna. Do these names smell a bit herbal to you? The phytotherapists of old were obsessed with the health effects of plant substances. And that is a good thing. They gave rise to many useful herbariums and natural history books on plants. We can still have a look at them today. The first references to healing with plants date back to 3000 BC. Sumerian clay tablets even contain full instructions for the production of a medicinal remedy - the basis of which was garlic. Ancient Egypt wrote the history of phytotherapy on papyrus, China created a comprehensive herbarium at that time. Even the Jewish king Solomon kept a herbarium of three thousand entries in the 10th century BC.

Herbs fascinated Aristotle's pupil Theoprastus (Natural History of Plants), the Greek physician Dioscorides (On Medicines) and Galen. The latter included his findings in many herbaria and writings. In the Middle Ages, herbalism was practised by monastic residents such as the abbess Hildegard. In Persia, Avicenna (Ibn Sina) was noticed for his botanical knowledge.

And so we could go on. In the 16th century, the alchemist and philosopher Paracelsus entered history and laid the foundations for pharmacy. Plant and animal medicines were joined by substances obtained by chemical means. But even he did not reject the tried-and-tested old remedies.

Back to nature

Our grandmothers did not say in vain: ''Every herb has its purpose.'' Indeed, every plant growing in a field, forest or meadow can benefit our health. So why not take advantage of them? Experience with roots, leaves, fruits and barks of many plants is thousands of years old.

Vascular system: Those who suffer from varicose veins will find that milk thistle helps their vascular system to function normally. Indian pennywort and St. John's wort are also beneficial in this matter.

Digestive system: Sage helps with digestion and cleansing of the body.

Extrectory system: The normal activity of the excretory system is supported by spearmint, pennywort and nettle, the metabolism is favourably affected by milk thistle or lemon grass.

Nervous system: Mental health and relaxation are positively affected by moringa leaves. Ginkgo and jiaogulan decoctions contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Reproductive system: Hormonal balance and reproductive organs are soothed by bindii. Musculoskeletal system: Cinnamon and umbilical cordgrass contribute to the normal functioning of muscles and joints.

Skin: It is well known, that a normal skin condition can be achieved by rubbing wounds with nettle decoction or by using an infusion of spearmint or chamomile.