Herbal Medicine in Modern Times

And Essential Oils Too...

Drying herbs and flowers

Long before medicine came in pill bottles, people turned to their gardens and pantries for relief. Herbs were a natural, accessible solution that seemed to work for many ailments: fever, pain, cough, bloating, wounds, and more. These remedies were practical, affordable, and often effective, providing a reliable way to maintain health and treat illness. I grew up around grandparents who shared some interesting stories of the remedies they grew up with, such as packing wounds with mud or using tobacco as an antiparasitic...I know the face you just made because I made it too, but it turns out that there is logic to their madness.

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The Rise of Modern Medicine and Fall of Herbalism

During the 1800s, medical schools were still in their infancy, and doctors were not always trusted or respected. A lot of early treatments were questionable at best, blood letting or mercury, anyone? As medical schools began to gain more structure, the medical profession started to push for a more scientific, regulated approach to healthcare. While better training and safety were good things, this new system also created winners and losers.

This shift led to the rise of organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA), which worked to formalize and promote modern medicine. However, this shift also created a divide between herbalists and doctors, and a smear campaign against herbal medicine began to take shape, painting it as outdated and unscientific. Herbalism, which had been a trusted practice for centuries, was now being portrayed as outdated and unreliable.

With the support of powerful lobbyists and the growing influence of the AMA, laws were passed that restricted the use of herbal remedies. The regulatory push and legislation effectively sidelined herbalism and pushed it to the fringes of healthcare.

a variety of fresh herbs

Why Herbs Are Still Relevant

Despite the systematic efforts to discredit herbal medicine, it never truly disappeared. While modern medicine became the dominant force in treating illness, herbs continued to be used, especially by those who preferred a more natural approach to healing, and by those who could not afford a physician. Whether out of necessity or a belief in the effectiveness of plants, many people continued to rely on herbal remedies for various health concerns.

Today, herbal medicine is often met with skepticism or dismissed as a thing of the past or the thing of hippies and crunchies. Yet, many individuals still turn to herbs, whether as a complement to conventional treatments or as a natural alternative. Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and chamomile are still widely used for their well-documented benefits, and more people are rediscovering the value of these natural remedies. None of this replaces good medical care when it's truly needed. But for many day-to-day issues, herbs and oils can be practical, affordable, and effective.

Why Herbs Are Worth Considering

Herbs have been used for generations as a practical means of addressing common health concerns. Many people have found relief using herbal preparations for indigestion, sleep, mild pain, or seasonal allergies. Herbs are still widely used today for these purposes. Herbs are not miracle cures, but neither is modern medicine. Honestly, essential oils fit into this discussion, too. Aromatherapy is more than just pleasant smells—it’s about how the body and brain respond to the volatile aromatic compounds on a physical and emotional level. Aromatherapy is a branch of herbalism

While pharmaceutical drugs can be powerful tools, they often come with significant side effects and/or costs. Some herbs may offer a gentler option for certain conditions, but they are not without risk. Natural does not guarantee safe, just consider foxglove, hemlock, and deadly nightshade. Still, herbs remain an accessible and reasonably safe choice for many. Herbs are often affordable to purchase and easy to grow or find locally. When used with care and good judgment, herbs can be a useful part of maintaining health and well-being.

Drive-thru Pharmacy

Working Alongside Conventional Medicine

Herbal remedies and aromatherapy should not be seen as a complete replacement for modern healthcare, but they can certainly be used as an alternative in some situations and in conjunction with modern healthcare in other situations. Herbs and oils are often gentle and may come with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals. Because they come from whole plants rather than isolated compounds, they can support the body in a broader and more balanced way. Herbs do not force a response—they nourish, rebuild, and help the body regain its own balance over time. For instance, lavender can help with stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and sleep, reduce tension and inflammation, and support digestion.

Nevertheless, it is essential to approach herbal remedies with caution and respect. Not all herbs are suitable for every person, and some can interact with prescription medications. If you are considering adding herbs and essential oils to your routine, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

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Lavender Recipes

Lavender is just one of many remarkable herbs, but its versatility makes it a great place to start. To highlight the wide range of benefits it offers, here are several simple and effective recipes worth trying:

Lavender Sleep Sachet

A timeless remedy for stress and sleep, this sachet releases a gentle floral aroma that soothes the senses, calms the mind, and keeps moths at bay

• Dried lavender buds and leaves

• Small cotton or muslin bag

Loosely fill the bag with dried lavender and tie it closed. Tuck into your pillowcase or dresser drawer for a calming scent. Consider adding a drop or two of lavender essential oil for a stronger aroma.

Soothing Lavender Tea

This fragrant herbal infusion quiets the nerves, settles the stomach, and invites rest. Perfect for winding down in the evening

• 1 tsp dried lavender buds

• 1-2 tsp dried chamomile, catnip, lemon balm, or skullcap (optional)

• 1 cup hot water

Steep, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Sip slowly to ease tension, and prepare for rest

Tension Relief Roll-On

An easy-to-carry blend that melts away stress, eases headaches, neck tightness, and frayed nerves

• 10 mL roller bottle

• 6 drops lavender essential oil

• 10 ml jojoba or almond oil

Add the essential oil drops to the roller bottle, then top off with carrier oil. Snap on the roller top and label. Apply to temples, neck, or wrists during moments of stress or tension headaches

Lavender-Rosemary Headache Tincture

This bold herbal blend supports circulation, calms nerves, and eases tension-related headaches; a staple for your natural remedy kit

• 1 part lavender buds

• 1 part rosemary

• 1 part willow bark

• 80 proof alcohol

Fill a jar about half full with herbs (dried or fresh) and top with alcohol, leaving an inch of headroom. Lid, set aside, and allow to infuse for at least 4 weeks, strain, bottle in dropper bottles, and label. Take 1 dropperful placed directly under the tongue, in tea, or mixed in honey every 30 minutes up to 4 doses. Not for use in children, during pregnancy, or with hypertension without professional guidance

Lavender-Calendula Massage Oil

A nourishing body oil that soothes irritated skin and calms tension, comforting both body and mind

• 1 part dried lavender buds and leaves

• 1 part dried calendula flower heads

• sweet almond or apricot kernel oil

Fill a jar about half full with dried flowers and top with carrier oil, leaving an inch of headroom. Lid, set aside and allow to infuse for at least 4 weeks, strain, bottle, and label.

Lavender-Fruit Honey

This floral-spice honey is perfect stirred into chamomile tea or drizzled on warm toast

• 2 tsp dried lavender buds, powdered

• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried fruit (apricots, blueberries, pears, cherries, orange peel)

• pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice powder

• 1/2 cup honey

Using a double boiler, over low heat, gently heat the honey just enough to thin it. Stir in the lavender, spice, and dried fruit. Remove from heat, lid, and label. Allow to infuse for 1-2 weeks, occasionally turning the jar upside down. Ensure dried fruit is fully dehydrated to prevent spoilage

Final Thoughts

In pharmacy school, they drilled into us that we should always try the simplest and safest (non-pharmacological) approach first, and when someone comes in with complaints, assume that a drug was to blame until you could prove otherwise. Herbal medicine can be a viable first step before prescription medications or in place of them. The key is using herbs wisely and integrating them thoughtfully. It’s worth remembering that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones; maybe it’s time to give more thought to the simple, time-tested options growing right outside our door.