The Secret World of Herbs

Secluded for many centuries in inaccessible valleys the inhabitants of the Alps had no alternative but to rely on the healing powers of nature A knowledge of herbs was deeply rooted in these mountain dwellers everyday lives until the twentieth century when this wisdom became eclipsed by modern academic medicine Today Alpine herbs are witnessing a revival as public interest grows

In the pristine nature and mild climate of southeastern Europe grows a unique diversity of wild plants Far removed from major industry and polluted soils the Balkan countries have become Europes largest exporter of herbs In Bulgaria alone more than 300000 people work with domestic plants The business is becoming increasingly lucrative

In India herbs play an everyday role hardly equaled anywhere in the world From the tropical green south to the mountains of the northern Himalayas herbs lend fragrance to joss sticks and soaps and flavor to the cuisine And above all herbs heal Six thousand varieties of plants are used in India and most are harvested in the wild where they are becoming depleted

Its native fragrant flowers and aromatic herbs have made the Provence a brand known worldwide The wealth of flora found in this region between the French Alps and the Mediterranean is unequalled among the French provinces Around Sault near Mont Ventoux the valleys and high plains are carpeted with bright violet In the hot climate of the South of France lavender blooms and exudes its fragrance

Healing effects fragrance and intense flavor the benefits of herbs were discovered by the indigenous peoples of South America long before Spanish conquistadors subdued the continent Even today in the remote regions of South America life without herbs is unthinkable For many inhabitants they provide the sole medicine For more than two thousand years this wisdom of the healing powers of nature has