From Roots to Remedies: How Modern Medicine Grew from Nature
Contributed by Alexander Harmon
Long before pills came in plastic bottles and pharmacies filled every corner, healing began in the hands of nature. From the bark of trees to the leaves of herbs, the earliest forms of medicine were simple, natural, and profoundly connected to the Earth.
For thousands of years, every culture relied on plants, minerals, and natural elements to treat illness and restore balance to the body. Ancient Egyptians used aloe vera to soothe burns. Chinese medicine perfected the use of ginseng, ginger, and reishi mushrooms. Indigenous peoples of North America brewed willow bark tea—centuries before scientists discovered it contained salicin, the natural compound that inspired aspirin.
These traditions formed the foundation of what we now call modern medicine. Over time, healers observed which herbs worked best and how combinations could strengthen their effects.
This deep, natural wisdom passed through generations, forming the original “pharmacopoeia”—a record of healing plants that modern pharmacology would later draw from.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 19th century, medicine began to change.
Laboratories replaced gardens, and chemists learned how to isolate and synthesize compounds from natural sources. The pharmaceutical industry was born. What began as an effort to make medicines more consistent and accessible eventually became a massive global enterprise, producing billions of pills each year.
While synthetic drugs have saved lives and advanced healthcare, many people are now rediscovering the benefits of the natural approach that started it all. Herbal remedies tend to work with the body’s systems rather than against them. Instead of simply masking symptoms, herbs often support the body’s own healing processes—boosting immunity, improving circulation, calming inflammation, and restoring energy.
For example, turmeric, a golden spice used for centuries, contains curcumin—a compound proven to ease inflammation and joint pain. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and improve sleep. Beet root supports cardiovascular health and endurance. These time-tested herbs offer gentle, long-term support without the harsh side effects that can accompany many prescription drugs.
In contrast, pharmaceuticals, while powerful and precise, often focus narrowly on symptom control which causes more symptoms and leave you with more ailments. This can bring fast relief but sometimes at the cost of dependency, side effects, or interactions with other medications. More and more people are seeking a natural approach—using natural medicine where possible and reserving pharmaceuticals for when they’re truly necessary, if they even are necessary. So before reaching for a bottle from the pharmacy, consider what nature has already provided. I get my herbs from Nature’s Remedies in Wasilla, Alaska, and recommend them for knowledge and quality products.