Etymology: Middle English
herbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin herba
1. a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season
2. a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities
From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Herbs are a vital part of human existence. They have been used since
prehistoric times for medicinal, culinary, gardening, and recreational purposes. Some of the earliest books, such as the Bible, mention herbs. Our conception of modern medicine is based upon our understanding of how plants benefit humans. Furthermore, plants have been exchanged among peoples and between countries for centuries. In North America, Native American herbal medicines were sometimes traded with colonists.
The best-known writings on herbs are from the 16th-18th centuries.
