Without herbal medicine, modern medicine wouldn’t be in the advanced stage that it is. Humans have relied on plants for thousands of years – not only for nutrition, but to ease ailments that develop in the mind and body. Indeed, herbal remedies have helped humanity survive countless diseases. Over time, this esoteric science has become much more precise as we learn the specific medicinal value in herbs. We know that our ancestors used herbal remedies because archeologists have excavated evidence worldwide indicating that plant-based treatments were common.

As time proved some assumptions right, our ancestors passed the teachings about herbal treatments down through familial lineage. They also made texts to help others study and learn about the techniques used in taking a natural approach to healing. It was from our ancestral roots that modern-day pharmaceutical companies derived their synthetic drugs today. They work to try to recreate the natural effects herbal treatments deliver to the human body. Aspirin, for example, was made as a replica of the substance found in willow bark that provides a natural pain reliever.

Botanical treatments do not provide the same side effects that synthetic drugs do, which accounts for the reason why many modern-day consumers are steering away from man-made compounds and concentrating on the return to their roots of herbal remedies and natural treatments. When our ancestors started cultivating plants for their own use, they included herbal gardens that provided immediate access to particular plants they found soothing for their ailments, including aloe, peppermint, mustard, and more.

As the cultures started to merge throughout the years and travelers started exploring the world, thoughts were exchanged and treatments one culture found useful were now in the hands of another culture who previously didn’t have access to such findings or even the plants themselves, before trade. Herbs were so vital to our ancestors that they became a part of religious rituals and were highly valued.

I find it intriguing that ancient cultures which had no known contact with one another all used herbal remedies in similar ways. Indeed, they really were on to something. And modern medicine is starting to notice. One excellent example is in the treatment of malaria, which has baffled doctors in its ability to resist treatment. This destructive parasite, but, is now being treated more and more with a “new” antimalarial drug called Artemesinine.

Upon closer examination, we find that Artemesinine is simply an extract of an ancient Chinese herb called Qinghaosu, which has been used in China for ages to treat fever. The “drug” was originally talked about in classic Chinese medicinal texts written more than 2000 years ago. Pretty incredible, huh?

Another example is Gloriosa superba, a wild plant that thrives in damp tropical environments like Zimbabwe, southern India and Sri Lanka. Time-honored Ayurvedic medical practitioners in Sri Lanka use a paste derived from its roots to care for scorpion stings and insect bites.

Although all parts of Gloriosa contain the alkaloid Colchicine, which is well known as a remedy for gout and rheumatoid arthritis, the most potent concentration is found in the roots. Today, the seeds and roots of Gloriosa provide Western drug companies with colchicine to treat gout sufferers. I can go on and on.

So what is the point I’m trying to make in this article? Well, isn’t “fasting” a type of ancient medicine? Indeed it is. Juice fasting, in its most elemental form, is herbal medicine at its most powerful and finest. Taking a break from solid food and taking in only juice made of fruits and vegetables has very powerful healing qualities.

Many have been cured of chronic diseases, including the dreaded cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, it is opinion that the more medicine advances, the more it will return to the past and re-learn many incredible cures available to us through herbs.

You can start to experience this in your own life. First of all by reading these types of articles, and secondly by taking an increased interest in your health and how herbal medicine can help. See your doctor and question him or her which herbal remedies are available to help you treat whatever condition you may have. If you are healthy, a visit to a holistic medicine practitioner is sure to be a huge eye-opener to the possibilities. In the meantime, why not start a juice quick?