When were herbs originally used for treating diseases?

Herbs have been utilized for medicinal purposes since primitive times, marking the earliest forms of healthcare practices. These natural substances were some of the first treatments humans had access to for alleviating ailments and maintaining health. The understanding of medicinal properties of plants and their usage laid the foundation for the development of later medical practices and herbal medicine as a discipline.

In primitive societies, where knowledge was often based on empirical observation, people discovered the healing qualities of certain plants through trial and error. This process led to the establishment of traditional medicine systems that used local flora for treatment long before formal medical systems were developed.

While herbs continued to play a significant role through ancient and medieval periods, as well as the modern era, the initial and most foundational use occurred in those early times when humans relied on nature's resources for healing. This historical context underscores the importance of herbs in the evolution of healthcare.