Historical Uses of Botanicals

March 21st, 2002

For thousands of years humans have used plant extracts to relieve pain and enhance well-being. The ancient Egyptians used natural oils extensively to cure ailments and enhance self-esteem, a technique that has developed into the well known art of aromatherapy or holistic aromatherapy. Chinese herbalists have claimed to cure almost every medical condition known to man. For Native American Shamans and Curanderas the leaves, barks and roots of indigenous plants play an integral role in the healing process. Moreover, the roots of many of our highly scientific laboratory synthesised modern medicines can be traced to botanicals. For instance Aspirin, the world's most widely used drug, was originally derived from the bark of a willow tree.

Increasingly Western medicine has begun to look at the healing plants traditionally used by indigenous people to develop new medicines. However, unless they have been genetically modified, plants and plant essences are not patentable. Lacking a profit motive, it is very unlikely that major pharmaceutical companies will ever promote natural substances and their safe usage. As consumers we are on our own and we must take responsibility. One of our goals at Black Pearl Botanicals is to utilize, preserve and make available to you this ancient knowledge.