Herbs are the original medicines. Many drugs produced today are derived from natural substances. The word drug is derived from the medieval French word drogue which means to-dry because medicines consisted mainly of dry herbs. As with drugs, herbal medicines must be prescribed by qualified and experienced practitioners and safety issues must be addressed, specifically in relation to drug-herb interactions. Quality is also a major concern with herbal medicines and another reason to ensure that the products you are using are genuine and safe, while having a beneficial effect.

Herbal medicine is an aspect of natural therapy gaining popularity in Aotearoa. New Zealand native plants have been used effectively as part of traditional Rongoa Maori. Herbs have nutritive value and are part of a good diet. An individual plant may contain a collection of constituents which have synergistic action, such as an antioxidant which protects the liver and a bitter action which stimulates digestion. Most of the world relies on traditional herbal medicine due to unavailability of modern drugs or funding. The benefits of traditional medicines are often backed up by modern research.

Herbs in their natural state can’t be patented at this point in time, which makes them more accessible and more affordable than many synthetic drugs. Many common garden herbs including weeds are useful medicines when used appropriately. GMO threatens accessibility to plants by making them patentable products which can’t be reproduced. Some are altered to resist large doses of pesticides, in turn promoting chemical damage to our environment. This is why it is important that individuals and seed banks maintain heirloom seeds to protect future generations from a restrictive and altered “commercial” food supply. Organic is best when you consider both foods and herbal medicine.

The New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists is a professional body for trained naturopaths, and contains information about herbal medicine in New Zealand.