Medicinal plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for various functions, including defence and protection against insects, fungi, diseases, against parasites and herbivorous mammals.

Medicinal plants are widely used as folk medicine in non-industrialized societies, mainly because they are readily available and cheaper than modern medicines. In many countries, there is little regulation of traditional medicine, but the World Health Organization coordinates a network to encourage safe and rational use. The botanical herbal market has been criticized for being poorly regulated and containing placebo and pseudoscience products with no scientific research to support their medical claims. Medicinal plants face both general threats, such as climate change and habitat destruction, and the specific threat of over-collection to meet market demand.

All plants produce chemical compounds which give them an evolutionary advantage, such as defending against herbivores or, in the example of salicylic acid, as a hormone in plant defences. These phytochemicals have potential for use as drugs, and the content and known pharmacological activity of these substances in medicinal plants is the scientific basis for their use in modern medicine, if scientifically confirmed. For instance, daffodils (Narcissus) contain nine groups of alkaloids including galantamine, licensed for use against Alzheimer's disease. The alkaloids are bitter-tasting and toxic, and concentrated in the parts of the plant such as the stem most likely to be eaten by herbivores; they may also protect against parasites.

Medicinal foods are foods that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often used to promote healing and wellness. They can help reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and improve overall health when incorporated into a balanced diet. The recipes given here cross the food beliefs of many cultures and contain food items considered to be of medical benefit in traditional African, Asian and Americas medicinal systems.

Of course, many recipes are just good to eat, or generally give you a feel-good boost if you are feeling down. I think these recipes are fascinating and give us an insight into our relationships with our food and our health. I hope that you find these dishes equally fascinating and are willing to try a few in your own kitchen. Enjoy...