Western Medicine

Herbs have a long tradition of medicinal use to treat a wide variety of illnesses with varying success.  Prior to the 19th Century most remedies were herbal.  Main stream medicine still makes use of many herbal products; albeit often indirectly.  Examples include: digitalis (Foxglove, used to treat heart conditions), Atropine (Deadly nightshade, used for heart conditions and used by opticians to dilute the pupils of the eye, hence the Latin name for Deadly Nightshade, Atropa Belladonna – Beautiful Lady), Aspirin (acacia bark, used as a pain killer), quinine (malaria) and opiates (poppy derivative, used to treat pain).

Marijuana is an example of a very contentious plant.  In parts of the US (California) it has been prescribed for medicinal use (where other pain killers are ineffective (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis [MS]).  It is also used as such in other countries (e.g. trials have been conducted on its use within the UK and Europe).  In much of Europe it is ‘tolerated’, but remains illegal.  Holland, with a very progressive attitude to many issues (voluntary euthanasia is legalized) has legalized its general (recreational) use.

Although herbal medicine was practiced within monasteries, and by early doctors, the use of herbs also has very negative associations with witchcraft and superstition.  From the middle-ages through to the eighteenth century the successful use of herbs could be open to misinterpretation.  In particular if you had a black cat and didn’t get on too well with your neighbors …… at the same time the medical profession was relying on astrology and leeches.  As an aside; leeches have made a comeback for their anti coagulant properties. They are useful in treatments such as skin grafts for burns.