What Is An Herb?

What is an herb? That depends on your point of view. Some people, not recognizing the value of herbs, call them weeds. An interesting story is told about Dr. Christopher who, starting his practice as a Naturopathic doctor and struggling to feed his growing family, took a part-time job as a gardener. Then he would take home the "weeds" that he had so carefully gathered and make medicines for those in need.

An explanation once given to a child is, "An herb is a plant - but not every plant is an herb." So what makes the difference?

A botanist is more specific and classifies an herb as a plant that does not have a woody stem and dies back to the root each year.

Some even classify herbs by size. They say that no plant over six feet tall qualifies as an herb. Then what about Gingko Biloba which is a tree known to grow to a height of 100 feet with a diameter of 3 to 4 feet and lives as long as 1000 years? Its leaves are sold as an herbal aid to benefit the brain and its folk history can be traced back to 2800 B.C. Perhaps there is another definition.

Some try to explain herbs by what they are used for and others by what they are not. One definition found on the internet mentioned that an herb was a plant that was not used for lumber or food. Half true. It could not be used for lumber, according to its botanical description, because it has no woody tissue. But not for food? Then what about Garden Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) which is listed in an herbal seed catalog as an herbaceous perennial, yet is eaten by many who consider it a delicacy?

A current herbal college teaches that herbs are basically plants which are usually classified as medicinal or nutritional. A medicinal herb is used beneficially in therapeutic treatment. Nutritional herbs are common herbs and vegetables that contain vitamins and minerals and are eaten for food. Some foods, like garlic and parsley, are classified as both medicinal and nutritional. That is in line with the thinking of Emperor Charlemagne who lived 12 centuries ago and is reported to have said, "An herb is the friend of physicians and the praise of cooks."

Finally, let's check the dictionary. It gives the botanical definition and then adds a second one, "An herb is any plant valued as a medicine, seasoning, scent, etc." We're getting closer!

So what is an herb? The broad view of the herbalist is, "An herb is any plant used for culinary, fragrant or medicinal purposes."