I recently read an article in the L. A. Times about herbal products and the popularity they were gaining in this country. I’ve always been a proponent of nutritional therapy. The thought that the trend is suddenly catching up with my beliefs of twenty years or more is heartwarming.

According to this article, a national survey was done two years ago and found that 45% of Americans were aware of or had tried herbal products. Sixteen percent used them regularly. The same study, just completed, found that 70% are now aware of or have tried herbs while 40% use them regularly. Not only are these products gaining popularity amongst the masses. Now staid medical journals have recently published scientific studies on herbs that suggest the conventional medical community is also beginning to take notice.

"It’s no longer a fringe movement," said Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council. "Herbs are no longer folklore. People are finding out there is research to support the scientific side of it."

Many groups in many countries have used herbs for years. Authorities believe the future of herbal medicine will depend on ethical collection, organic cultivation, and the protection of the natural environment. Ethical collection of wild plants was first taught by the Native Americans. They symbolized their reverence for plant life in the prayer of gratitude offered before collection. It was their practice to only collect every third plant, knowing this would ensure a continued supply. Early medicine used practices very similar to those used by today’s herbalists or homeopaths.

Modern medicine, along with the pharmaceutical industry, grew significantly about the same time our country transformed from an agricultural nation into an industrial nation. As we entered the 1940s and 50s and farmers began moving to the cities, society accepted artificial in their trade for convenience in both food preparation and health care. The use of drugs and artificial food ingredients rose dramatically. Flavorings, colorings, and preservatives rose. As we entered the 60s, 70s, and into the 80s, Americans began to recognize that, although they were living longer, they now led the world in degenerative diseases. Their quality of life was declining. Moving into the 90s with the baby boomers at the helm, they decided enough was enough. They would have nothing to do with anything less than the best, including healthier foods and more natural medical care. Wrinkles, aches and pains again have brought people back to herbs, and the cycle continues.

Herbs and other natural remedies have gone mainstream. No longer are they the sole domain of health food purists. Which are the most popular and what do they do for you?

Whole Foods Magazine recently surveyed a group of retailers and consumers to find out what the most popular herbs being sold today were:

Echinacea There are different forms of echinacea, but all of them provide relief for cold and flu symptoms. This is the third year echinacea was ranked number one.

Garlic This boasts a host of benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, and helping to prevent colds and other infectious diseases.

Ginkgo Biloba This reportedly improves circulation to the brain and lessens ringing in the ears.

Goldenseal This is a popular remedy for cold and flu symptoms.

Saw Palmetto A truly interesting herb, saw palmetto has shown to dramatically improve benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate. This condition plagues men more than forty years old. Traditional lore surrounding the plant also includes a prolific reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Aloe This acts as a laxative taken internally and a skin treatment externally.

Ginseng This increases resistance to stress and provides endurance energy.

Cat’s Claw This reportedly boosts the immune system.

Astragalus This is supposed to have immune enhancing properties.

Cayenne This relieves pain.

The survey also found that St. John’s Wort is expected by retailers to be the hottest selling herb this coming year as the media touts it as "Nature’s Prozac."

Keep in mind there are no miracles in health care. Yes, herbs can offer a better and more natural approach to wellness, but they cannot override poor health habits. Exercise, quality sleep, good nutrition, and a good attitude are still necessary to capture all that life has to offer. As I tell my kids, "The Dirt Road" is the only way. Pay now rather than later. Herbs do offer relief of symptoms and a more natural approach, but they need to be complements rather than cures. Don’t ever stop trying to improve and have a great month.