Hippocrates - The Revolutionary
Homage to History's Herbalists - No. 1

Intro
Hippocrates is widely known as the "Father of Medicine," but in this article, we explore why the title "Father of Herbalism" might more accurately reflect his holistic approach, rooted in the healing power of Nature and plant-based remedies.

The Father of Herbalism
Hippocrates, often called the “Father of Medicine,” was a Greek physician born around 460 BCE. What makes him so important, even thousands of years later, is how he shifted the way people thought about health and healing. Before Hippocrates, it was commonly believed that illness was caused by the whims of the gods or spirits, however Hippocrates argued that disease had natural causes. This was revolutionary! He believed the body had its own ability to heal itself and that the job of a doctor (or healer) was to support that natural process. This is a core principle in herbalism, where the goal is to assist the body in healing rather than just suppress symptoms. For example, herbs like echinacea support the immune system, willow bark for pain or adaptogens like ginseng help the body cope with stress, each encouraging the body’s natural functions.

Let Food be thy Medicine
One of Hippocrates’s most famous ideas, was "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." This simple yet profound statement captures something we still hold true today in herbalism: what we put into our bodies matters. Hippocrates’s idea that food can be healing is more relevant than ever, especially with the growing awareness of the benefits of eating whole, unprocessed foods. All of the herbs that Hippocrates recommended in some form, e.g.: ginger, turmeric or garlic etc., are now validated by science for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. Herbalism today focuses on incorporating medicinal plants into everyday diets, using plants to gently correct imbalances rather than aggressively treating symptoms much like Hippocrates encouraged.

Holistic Approach to Health
Hippocrates used plants and other natural substances as medicine. While many people associate him with early Western medicine, his approach was deeply aligned with what we now call natural medicine or herbalism. He focused on balance in the body, something that aligns with today’s concept of homeostasis or balance between body, mind and spirit. Indeed, Hippocrates emphasised looking at the whole person, not just the disease. He believed that lifestyle, environment and even emotional well-being impacted health. This is a cornerstone of modern herbalism, where herbs aren’t just prescribed for symptoms but to support overall wellness.

Another lasting contribution is the idea that it’s better to prevent illness than to wait for it to happen. Hippocrates promoted regular physical activity, proper diet and a balanced lifestyle, which are core principles of modern holistic healing. Today, herbalists and holistic health practitioners share that same focus on prevention, using herbs to maintain health and vitality before illness strikes.

Modern Medicine has Betrayed its Patron’s Oath
Allopathic medicine adopted Hippocrates as its patron through the Hippocratic oath, a timeless ethical pledge that emphasises "do no harm," a commitment to the well being of patients and integrity in medical practice. While modern versions of the oath focus more on ethics and professional conduct, its real roots in Hippocrates' philosophy reflect his deep respect for Nature and the body's natural ability to heal. Ironically, the Oath is named after a man who believed that healing was a holistic process; food is medicine and prevention is better than cure, and most importantly, the body, mind and Nature working in harmony. The core idea of supporting the body's healing process with minimal harm is a shared foundation between the Hippocratic Oath and the practice of herbalism advocating that nature provides the best remedies for many ailments.

Sadly modern Western medicine has strayed from Hippocrates’s fundamental tenets in several ways. Today's allopathic medicine often focuses more on symptom management through pharmaceuticals and surgeries, prioritising quick fixes over long-term lifestyle changes. While technological advancements have brought remarkable breakthroughs, the reliance on synthetic drugs and invasive treatments often overlooks the natural healing principles that Hippocrates championed, such as using diet and herbs to promote health and prevent illness. In essence, while the spirit of care remains in allopathic medicine through the Hippocratic oath, its practice has largely diverged from the holistic, nature-based approach that Hippocrates originally advocated.

Hippocrates’ Legacy Lives On
His legacy lives on in how we think about health in herbalism. Even though his specific remedies were based on ancient knowledge, the principles he laid down are timeless. We still talk about balance (between our systems, emotions and environment), we still use food as medicine and we still turn to nature for healing - just like Hippocrates did. If Hippocrates were alive today, he might be working somewhere in a herbal clinic, talking about the importance of diet, movement and the calming effects of valerian and chamomile tea!