The history of the use of herbs dates back to the time of the early men, who had the crudest tools as his implements and used stones to start his fire. The art of using herbs to enhance his health must have come to the early man in the most unscientific way. Some of us may want to believe that he used his instincts to identify poisonous and non-poisonous herbs while some of us will accept that there were external forces or invisible helpers who guided the early man to know what he could eat freely to keep fit. No matter which one is accepted, the truth is that the early man used herbs in their raw form and cooked form to keep fit. Since that time, the use of herbs has been known and accepted by all nations on the surface of the earth.
This has therefore been known as the first art of treatment available to man.
Then came the other methods with the urge in man to improve his living conditions which we know as development and civilization. Since this urge to develop in every direction arose, nothing has been left in its natural state, including the use of herbs. Ways have been found to improve scientifically on every thing and this has contributed immensely to the welfare of mankind. Thanks to the thinking ability in man-science evolved. This was regarded as great and is still acclaimed today as the greatest achievement by human brain. In this regard, one may not want to agree with mankind in every respect. And one such example is the present day attitude of most people to the use of herbs, in their natural state, in the treatment of diseases. The modern man wants to see and use everything in a finer state whether this finer state is good for him or not does not seem to bother him. This is where the use of herbs or herbal practice has suffered in modern times.
It is however, refreshing to note in recent years that the attitude generally is changing. This is very good because what should be recognized by every well-meaning person and every well-meaning organization is the well-being of the people. This being so, nothing offered for the well-being of the people should be rejected or looked down upon. Criticism should be constructive and genuine. Highlighting the flaws in a particular practice should not be the order of the day for flaws can be found in every practice.