The origin and the tradition of European herbalism for human wellness: from the roots of an ancient approach to modern herbalism
María Laura Colombo|S. Dalfrà|Bruno Scarpa
Since the beginning of civilization, people have used plants to improve their health. In recent years, there has been a reawakened scientific interest in fundamental role play many areas, including human Beginning from 20th century, field folk tradition experienced shift raw compilation data greater methodological and conceptual reorientation. Research concentrated mainly on following periods: Roman period, Medieval Ages, Renaissance, Modern thousands documentations focused that Italy whole Europe consolidated use for wellness health, not only as food. Italy, at present are about 5,000 “erboristeria” shops which dried herbs spices sold packed or unpacked mixed according consumer’s request. The purpose this paper is underline large enough body evidence survived show was impressively wide its botanical reach equally impressive range situations it treated. review will focus links between traditions, art history typical Italian European food plants. There growing research, studies efficacy safety employing traditional knowledge based approaches health healing. A significant number plant and/or successfully centuries, some cases millenniums. Many long established use, no apparent adverse side effects, social acceptance.
Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism