Herbal Medicine, also known as Herbalism and Phytotherapy, is folk and traditional medicinal practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts.

Finding healing powers in plants is an ancient idea. People in all continents have long used hundreds, if not thousands, of indigenous plants for the treatment of various ailments dating back to prehistory. Herbalism is therefore the oldest known form of healthcare. Among non-industrialized societies, the use of Herbalism or Herbal Medicine to treat disease is almost universal.

Herbal medications operate in basically the same manner as their pharmaceutical counterparts, that is via their chemical makeup.

Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds. Active compounds from plants can function effectively when taken as teas, tablets, essential oils, ointments, extracts, or other forms. Herbal medicine has a great deal to offer when used to facilitate healing chronic illness and minor illness.

Rigorous scientific research in the last century supports the effectiveness of herbal medicine. In recent years, the search for drugs and dietary supplements from plants has accelerated thus making their use very popular.