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Herbal medicines are prepared mostly from a wide variety of plant materials — frequently the leaves, stems, roots, and bark, but also the flowers, fruits, twigs, seeds, and exudates (material that oozes out, such as sap). Some minerals and animal substances are also used.
The use of plants for healing purposes predates human history and forms the origin of much modern medicine. A century ago, most of the few effective drugs were plant based. Examples include aspirin (from willow bark), digoxin (from foxglove), quinine (from cinchona bark), and morphine (from the opium poppy).
Chinese herbalism is the most prevalent of the ancient herbal traditions currently practiced. It is based on concepts of yin and yang and of Qi energy. Chinese herbs are ascribed qualities such as "cooling" (yin) or "stimulating" (yang) and used, often in combination, according to the deficiencies or excesses of these qualities in the patient.
Prescriptions are taken in powdered, liquid, or tablet form, either to nourish a deficient condition, or to clear blockages and pathogens.
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