Herbalism ("herbology" or "herbal medicine") is use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of such use. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history.

By definition, ‘traditional’ use of herbal medicines implies substantial historical use,

and this is certainly true for many products that are available as ‘traditional herbal medi-cines’. In many developing countries, a large proportion of the population relies on traditional practitioners and their armamentarium of medicinal plants in order to meet healthcare needs. Although modern medicine may exist side-by-side with such traditional practice, herbal medicines have often maintained their popularity for historical and cultural reasons.The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.