National Herb Day 2023: The sixth of May is National Herb Day! It is typically observed on the first Saturday of May. National Herb Day was created by the HerbDay Coalition, a coalition of five non-profit organisations, to raise awareness about the beneficial properties and significance of herbs in daily life. In addition, they encourage people to learn more about herbs and provide a greater understanding of the numerous uses of herbs in everyday life. Herbs are widely used in the culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They were also the first medications used by humans to treat a variety of ailments.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HERB DAY
Botanically, herbs are defined as the edible or medicinal green portions of a plant. Herbs are as old as human civilizations and have been utilised for culinary and medicinal purposes since the dawn of time. There are well-preserved archaeological artefacts indicating that botanicals were used 60,000 years ago. Neanderthals, the progenitors of modern Homo sapiens, began to use medicinal herbs. In a sense, we can say that botanicals predate recorded history and are the origin of a large portion of modern medicine. Pollen and other plant materials have been discovered by archaeologists near burial sites, indicating the use of botanicals.
Almost every civilization has benefited from the utilisation of botanicals. Sumerians, Egyptians, Indians, and Chinese all independently employed medicinal botanicals. On ancient clay documents dating back 5,000 years, hundreds of medicinal plants were recorded. Texts such as the Papyrus Ebers describe illnesses, treatments, and approximately 850 medicinal plants in Egypt. The Indian medical school of Ayurveda, which employs natural remedies and herbal medicine to treat illness, is still widely practised in the present day. Ayurvedic medicine has utilised numerous botanicals since 4000 BCE.
During the Middle Ages, when most cultures attributed spiritual qualities to herbs, the study and use of botanicals flourished. The sanctity of basil leaves in India is a prominent example. Due to the impact of chemical drugs and the investment in pharmaceutical research and development, there has been a revival in the use of botanicals over the past four decades. National Herb Day was created by the HerbDay Coalition in response to the increasing popularity of herbs and to promote their significance.
NATIONAL HERB DAY ACTIVITIES
Buy medicinal remedies
Herbal products are abundant in medicinal and nutritional properties. Purchase medicinal herbs for daily use.
Invite guests to a celebration with a herbal theme.
Invite guests to a celebration with a herbal theme. Create edibles and decorations in the shape of regionally available botanicals.
Create a garden of herbs
In your courtyard create a garden of herbs. Prior to expanding your horizons, experiment with botanicals that are readily available in your area.
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5 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HERBS
Stronger flavour for dried plants
Both fresh and dried herbs can be used, but the flavour of dried herbs is stronger.
Botanists and herbalists
Botanists were referred to as herbalists in the Middle Ages.
Herbal: The plant manual
Herbals are books that contain the names, legends, stories, and descriptions of plants.
Herbal remedy users
80% of the global population uses herbal remedies.
Herbal pharmaceuticals in Germany
In Germany, approximately 600 to 700 plant-based medications are available.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL HERB DAY
Low adverse consequences
Modern medications have more adverse effects than herbal remedies. Herbal medicine may be slower than modern medicine, but it is effective against many lifestyle diseases.
Optimal for health
Herbs are beneficial to health. They are nutrient-dense and possess medicinal value.
A second choice
Herbal remedies are a secondary option for lifestyle-related illnesses. Herbal remedies can effectively treat major diseases such as diabetes.
NATIONAL HERB DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 4 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
