As far back archaeology's discovered the remains of herb seed in prehistoric sites, plus drawings of plants and the containers used for herbal products (The Essence of Herbs).
In the United States, herbal remedies handed down from European settlers and learned from Native Americans were a main study of medical care until the early 1900's. The rise of technology and the biomedical approach to health care eventually lead to the decline of herbal medicine. The herbal revival that is apparent today has several causes: general disillusionment with modern medicine, the high cost and side effects of prescription drugs, widespread availability of herbal medicine, and the belief that natural remedies are superior to manmade drugs (The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines).
People always sought help through the herbs, because herbs are natural sources: unlike drugs that produce countless side effects, herbs can realign the body's defenses, helping it to heal itself with no side effects. Herbs have been mentioned in literature such as the Bible. .
"I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed: to you it shall be for meat" (The Natural Source of Healing).
There are many benefits of herbs, for example: herbs help cleanse and purify the body without side effects. Herbs regulate and tone the glands to function normally. Herbs are high in vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that nourish and build the body. Herbs allow the body to have extra energy to heal itself, and finally herbs promote the body's natural good bacteria. Herbs take up substances from the earth and convert them into vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that our bodies use for nourishment and healing. By using the whole plants or herbs, we take in all the vital ingredients they carry. Most herbs contain several active substances, one of which usually dominate and determine its choice as a remedy.