herbal medicine

noun

1

: the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease

2

: a plant or plant part or an extract or mixture of these used in herbal medicine

Examples of herbal medicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kratom, an herbal medicine, comes from evergreen tree leaves in Southeast Asia and has opioid and stimulant effects. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 11 Nov. 2025

Traditionally used in herbal medicine, berberine is now commonly stocked as a supplement at stores in the United States. — Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025

The spa preserves the monastic tradition of herbal medicine, reflecting the balanced relationship between ora et labora ('pray and work' in Latin), or between being active and resting. — Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

The ancient lifestyle philosophy aims to nurture health and spiritual well-being with nutrition, mind-body therapies, physical movement, herbal medicine, and connection with nature. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for herbal medicine

• biomedicine
• telemedicine

Kids Definition

herbal medicine

noun

1

: the practice of using plants or preparations containing plant products to maintain health and to prevent or treat illness or disease

2

: a preparation consisting of or made from plants that is used medicinally

Medical Definition

herbal medicine

noun

1

: the art or practice of using herbs and herbal remedies to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease

called also herbalism

2

: herbal remedy