With the use of herbs, we are moving more towards the medical field. However, the use of herbs can be found extensively in the garden and kitchen tips of many self-help traditions. This is not surprising as traditional herbal medicine was taught by using the herbs themselves and experiencing their effects. Some herbs work in your favor, while others may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms. The important thing was to learn about the herb through an empirical (experience-based) approach. The unwritten rule was that you should not prescribe anything that you have not tried yourself.

Regarding herbal medicine, there are two groups of herbs used: single herbs and compound formulas. Herbs can be consumed in many ways, such as in tea, rice pudding, oatmeal, or soup. You can use them in food, or in some cases, you can take them directly, but most of the time, you boil the herbs and drink the infusion.

Compound herbs are carefully matched to each other, with each herb having a specific function. Dosage, frequency, and duration of use are determined. It is important that the doctor always checks how the patient’s situation is evolving so that adjustments can be made in a timely manner. Everything is dynamic and subject to change, including your and my health condition. This means that it is almost never the case that you will use certain herbs continuously. You use them for a specific purpose, and once that purpose is achieved, you stop taking them.