Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions. Many of these phytochemicals have beneficial effects on long-term health when consumed by humans, and can be used to effectively treat human diseases. At least 12,000 such compounds have been isolated so far; a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total
Studies in the United States and Europe have shown that their use is less common in clinical settings, but has become increasingly more in recent years as scientific evidence about the effectiveness of herbal medicine has become more widely available.
Herbalism is the study and use of medicinal properties of plants. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.
Warning: What is written here is for interest purposes only and not as a replacement for proper medical advice or treatment. Herbs can interact with some drugs, be not suitable for some people (especially those who are pregnant), or occasionally have some side effects