People have used the therapeutic properties of plants in folk remedies since Antiquity, although it must be admitted that some of this lore was based more on popular beliefs than scientific fact.
Scientific advances since the 19th century have made it possible to isolate and synthesize the active principles in plants and apply them in medicine. Today, pharmaceutical research continues to expand our understanding of the complex biochemical mechanisms involved and constantly reveals new possibilities in this still largely unexplored field.
At the same time, thousands of plant species are still widely used in traditional remedies around the world. Their proper use calls for thorough knowledge of the diseases concerned, as well as the plants themselves, their preparation and dosages. Many species should be avoided in certain circumstances, and some are toxic at the wrong dosage. The information presented in this garden is not intended in any way to replace the advice of qualified practitioners, and caution is recommended.