Records of the use of herbs date from ancient Egypt and Biblical times. The Greeks and Romans studied and wrote about herbs and their uses in medicine and cooking. Early physicians used hundreds of herbs to treat a variety of ailments. Herbs were also used to mask unpleasant household odors and to enhance the taste of dull food. Herbs grow in temperate regions. They are the aromatic leaves of such plants as marjoram, mint, rosemary, and thyme. Today herbs are used primarily as seasonings to flavor and enhance food. Other food seasonings are spices, such as black pepper or cinnamon, and aromatic seeds, such as dill or sesame. They are also used in a variety of products such as soap, shampoo, powder, or cosmetics. Herbal teas, made from many different herbs, are considered by some to be healthful. Many people still use herbs for their medicinal properties. Some modern drugs are refined from ingredients found in herbs.

plants or plant parts valued for medicinal, savoury, cosmetic, flavouring, or aromatic qualities. [CUB

(as in herbs for seasoning)

Roughly defined as the leaves of plants and shrubs without a woody stem although spices sometimes cross into this distinction.

A plant that has a use. For medicinal or magickal purposes.

This term has two different (and incompatible) definitions. (1) In common usage, herbs are plants used by humans for cooking, medicine, or ritual. Herbs can be herbaceous plants or woody plants, annual or perennial, deciduous or evergreen. Some trees (such as willow) can be considered herbs under this definition. (2) In the field of botany, the terms "herb" and "herbaceous plant" mean the same thing, and that meaning is listed under the term "herbaceous plants" in this glossary.

Derived from plants, herbs are vegetable matter used in the form of the leaves, flowers or roots. Their use throughout history is well-documented as both effective and safe in the treatment of the ails of human and animal-kind. Just 150 years ago, and for civilizations before that, herbs were used for the same purposes as we use our chemical medications today. Burt's Bees continues the tradition of reverence for the gifts of Mother Nature by relying on herbs and plant-derived ingredients instead of the petroleum based, chemically formulated products available in the mass markets of our society.

Plants containing many nutrients and phytochemicals, providing an array of health benefits. Herbs have been known for centuries, but are now becoming the basics of many modern medicines.

Herbs are the aromatic leaves of plants without woody stems that grow in temperate zones. Herbs and spices should be stored in air tight glass jars. They should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than six months.

Aromatic plants used for seasoning, medicinal purposes, or garnishes. Aromatic herbs are the ones that have fragrant or smelly leaves or flowers.

The leaves of certain plants, used in flavoring.

Any plant used as a medicine, seasoning, or food. Mint, thyme and basil are examples as are bloodroot and lesser galangal.

A supplement derived from a seed-producing plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season.

Low-growing seasonal plants that are noted for their aromatic or medicinal properties. Some supplements use herbal derivatives or extracts amongst their ingredients. (See Extract).

Any of various often aromatic plants used especially in medicine or as seasoning.

any of a large group of annual and perennial plants whose leaves, stems or flowers are used as a flavoring; usually available fresh and dried.