This is the oldest form of medicine known to man.

Hippocrates, who is recognised as the 'Father of Medicine' lived in the fourth century B.C. and in his writings are records of herbs in the treatment of disease.

They played a very great part in treating the sick during the Middle Ages and quotations from old herbals help us to understand the amazing work done by herbalists in far off days.

There seems to be a reviving interest in herbal medicine once again due, no doubt, to the fact that so many people find that drugging is not the answer.

Herbs are natural remedies containing not only healing properties, but minerals and vitamins which have a profound influence on the human economy - the blood, nerves, glands, metabolism and all the processes vital to life.

Their action is safe and soothing, they do not suppress and have no side effects.

Most herbs have more than one action. For instance chamomile expels flatulence, calms the nervous system and acts as a tonic. Cinnamon is aromatic, it causes contractions of the tissues, produces energy and eases griping pains and flatulence. Irish moss soothes the whole of the alimentary tract, helps the chest and longs and is nourishing.

Herbs are foods as well as medicines because they contain starches, sugars and protein.

They may be taken over a long period and in conjunction with homoeopathic remedies.

The following list of herbs is a very brief one, owing to limited space, but it is certain that regular does of herbal remedies over a long period will help to remove excess uric acid from the system, aid digestion and bowel movement, tone up the system generally and supply more energy.

Herbal teas should be substituted where possible for ordinary tea and coffee. They are pleasant and refreshing and help to purify the blood. They can be made in a teapot just as ordinary tea which is quick and simple.

The following should be studied carefully and the most appropriate herb or herbs taken daily.


Birch (Betula Alba)

Bitter, astringent.

Coleridge talks of this tree as the 'Lady of the Woods'; it is very elegant and after rain gives off a fragrant odour.

The young shoots, leaves and bark are all used for healing purposes but the leaves help to ease the pains of rheumatism and gout.

A pint of boiling water should be added to 1 oz of the dried leaves and left to cool. When strained a wineglassful should be taken 3 times daily.