People around the world depend on herbs and "alternative" forms of medicine. From aromatherapy to Zen meditation, there are many methods that deliver excellent results.

Most "alternative" systems have been around for thousands of years. India produced the first medical system, Ayurveda or the "Science of Life," 6000 years ago. Oriental medicine, around for more than 5,000 years, combined such specialties as herbal medicine and acupuncture.

The Bible references herbal medicine many times in the Old and New Testaments. One verse, Proverbs 27:25 reads, "The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered." Back in the days of King Solomon, people depended on God and herbal remedies for all their health problems.

All cultures utilize native herbs for healing. Herbal medicine has many attractions. It can be broad-based for complete body support or specific to a particular problem.

Herbal medicine is relatively inexpensive. Herbal medicines are a foundation, working through the glands to nourish the body's basic elements. Herbs are not addictive. Herbal medicines do not overwhelm the body's immune system.

Herbs have gone through centuries of testing and produce expected results. They work best in their natural state and require no complicated processing. Herbs protect and heal with little danger of toxicity. They can be taken on an empty stomach. Herbs address the symptoms and the causes of a problem. They rarely cause side-effects (although anything taken in excess can cause problems). Herbs cleanse, lubricate, and tone specific parts of the body.

Many schools are located around the United States to accommodate the growing demand for professional herbalists. There is the Clayton College of Natural Health, the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, the East West School of Herbology, the North Carolina School of Holistic Herbalism, the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the Tai Sophia Institute (which offers a Master of Science Degree in Herbal Medicine).

Students of Herbal Medicine quickly learn the meaning of "synergy." Synergy is a governing principle in preparing herbal remedies. Synergism states that the strength of the sum of the parts is greater than the strength of the individual. An example is the combination of ginseng and licorice. The synergy of the two herbs makes a medicine that is many times more effective than either herb alone (ginseng and licorice work together as a powerful immune system stimulant).

Modern herbal therapists gather as much information as possible about the people they treat. Discussions center on complaints, symptoms, current treatments, medical history, past injuries, lifestyle, sleeping patterns, diet, emotional state, work and environmental hazards. Herbalists agree that treatment plans must address the whole person - mind, spirit, and body.

In a world full of sickness and disease, herbs offer many benefits. They are readily available, easy to use, safe, and can help most any problem. For more detailed information about herbal medicine, visit a local library, utilize the internet, or sign up for a class.