The Oxford Dictionary describes herbs in the following way "herbs are plants of which the leaves, or stems and leaves, are used for good or medicine, or in some way for their scent of flavour." To expand on the dictionary definition an herb can be any plant used for medicine, as an ingredient in food or drink for its preservative flavoring or health-giving properties, or for its perfuming, cosmetic or cleansing actions in any other product.
One of the most important objectives of herbal medicine has always been a long-term nutritional one, an attempt to remedy deficiencies of minerals and trace elements. Most herbalists prefer wild plants since they are usually richer in nutrients than cultivated varieties. Herbs have also been used to treat disease in the same way as conventional drugs.
For a newcomer to herbalism, the most extraordinary thing about herbs is their incredible versitility. You might think of a particular herb as useful for flavoring food or as a source of perfume, then discover it has a wide range of other applications. An herb that is great for cooking may also keep aways pests in the garden or one used for beauty products may also be a healing herb.
