Why Botanical Medicine—and Herbal Works—Feel So Familiar

Before there were pharmacies, there were plants.

The use of plant medicine dates back at least 60,000 years, with archaeological discoveries revealing that early humans used herbs like opium poppies, ephedra, and cannabis to manage pain, inflammation, and other ailments. These ancient remedies weren’t alternative—they were the original medicine.

At Herbal Works, we believe in honoring that history.

Our co-founder Greta Gaines, a singer-songwriter and certified Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, brings this philosophy to life. Ayurveda, an ancient healing system from India, emphasizes balance, prevention, and plant-based care. That same approach inspires everything we do, from calming pet treats to our full-spectrum roll-on.

From Plants to Pills: A Forgotten History

In the 19th and 20th centuries, traditional folk medicine, including herbalism, remained a staple in many cultures. What’s often overlooked is that modern pharmacology was born from plant medicine. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs are based on compounds first identified in plants.

This is especially important for older generations who may associate wellness with pills alone. In truth, the roots of today’s medications are in the same plants your grandparents’ grandparents trusted.

So when we talk about botanical remedies, we’re not introducing something new, we’re reconnecting with something familiar.

Ayurveda: Nature’s Original Blueprint

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest healing systems, originating over 5,000 years ago in India. It views health as a balance between the mind, body, and spirit… and plants are at the heart of that balance.

Cannabis, for example, appears in ancient Ayurvedic texts, as well as in the writings of Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. It was used to calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellbeing.

Today, science is catching up. We now know that our bodies are equipped with an endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex internal network that regulates mood, pain, sleep, and immune function. CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids from hemp work with this system, helping the body return to a state of balance.

At Herbal Works, We Bring It Full Circle

We don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in intentional wellness, crafted with care, backed by science, and rooted in ancient knowledge. Greta’s background in Ayurveda informs every formula we create, helping us choose herbs and hemp compounds that complement each other and the body’s natural rhythms.

Whether it’s a soothing bath bomb, a nourishing face oil, or calming pet treats, our goal is the same:
To make plant-powered healing accessible, effective, and beautifully familiar.

Because sometimes, what feels new is actually the oldest remedy of all.