The science of natural remedies is as old as man. Humans observed and learned from nature. Through centuries of trial and error, natural solutions for various diseases were written down. Hippocrates and a host of ancient Greek scholars wrote some of the first Pharmacopeia.
In the East, in India, Charaka and Susruta compiled the natural remedies knowledge available to man in their magnum opuses Susruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. This documentation is dated somewhere in the first millennium BC. The exact date of these works is not available. These formed the basis of Ayurveda.
In China, Sheng Nung’s similar work on natural remedies was done, and from there was born Traditional Chinese Medicine.
These ancient works’ common themes are food, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. Yoga, tai chi, and qi gong all have their origin that goes back to early parts of human history and would be dated to the first millennium BC.
Most modern medicine stands on the shoulders of these ancient systems. Indeed, a majority of current drugs are of plant origin. Vincristine used in cancer chemotherapy has its origin in Vinca rosea. Aspirin, the common drug origin, is plant-based. There is vibrant and active research worldwide to study and validate solutions mentioned in ancient natural medicine-based records. Curcumin found in turmeric spice is another chemical likely to provide us with cancer medicine.
As I researched for my books on herbal medicine and natural remedies, I encountered hundreds of scientific studies supporting many ancient applications in Ayurveda, TCM, Yoga, meditation, and tai chi.
My books on natural remedies:
Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants
Asian herbs and their wondrous health-giving properties
Natural solutions for diabetes, cancer, and obesity (a tri-series)
Nutrition Facts a guide to good health