Herbal extracts and supplements may be considered new and edgy in the modern world, but human beings since the dawn of time, have turned to nature to treat and nurture their health.
In ancient times, when science and technology were not known to mankind as we see now, all ailments and illnesses were seen as supernatural/divine forces by the Gods. Hippocrates (460-370 BC), the father of medicine, and credited to be the first physician of Ancient Greece and western world, completely rejected this notion.
He believed that all diseases and ailments that occurred to mankind was due to the imbalance of 4 principal bodily fluids, or “humors”, produced by various organs. They were
- Blood
- Phlegm
- Yellow Bile
- Black bile
Hippocrates and his followers believed that the goal of a physician was to restore this delicate balance using nature and medicinal herbs.
We have come a long way in terms of medical technology, to know it is far beyond just four fluids, however the fundamental concept remains still relevant. The healthcare industry have sold quick fixes to us for centuries, to a point where we have forgotten our roots. We should not forget that listening to our body and using nature to prevention should be prioritized over treatment.