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Historical Perspectives on the Use of Herbal Preparations to Promote Health^1,2,

Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Martinez, CA 94553 University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616

Herbal products continue to be popular among the American public for the treatment or prevention of a number of ailments. The medicinal use of herbs is deeply rooted in human history and folklore, and has been incorporated into the traditional medicine of virtually all human cultures. Strong religious and mystical beliefs have been associated with the healing properties of many herbs. These beliefs, together with the definite physiological and pharmacological effects of various herbs, as well as their economic potential, have been instrumental in the development of human medicine. Despite advances in our understanding of the medicinal and toxic properties of many herbs, the consumer today is confronted with misinformation concerning the efficacy of herbs that rivals the heyday of the patent medicine era. The discussion that follows examines the development of certain concepts throughout history concerning the use of herbs, and how these concepts may help account for the continued popularity of two highly promoted herbs, ginseng and garlic.

KEY WORDS: • nutrition history • natural supplements • herbals • garlic • ginseng

¹ Presented as part of the History of Nutrition symposium given by the American Institute of Nutrition at the 69th Annual Meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Anaheim, CA, April 21–26, 1985. Chaired by D. A. Roe.

² Publication of this symposium was supported by the National Dairy Council.

Manuscript received 9 October 1985. Revision accepted 18 March 1986.