Since the beginning of time, men and women have combed field and forest for medicines that increase vitality and prevent disease. Through trial and error, herbal remedies were identified that supported the body’s innate healing mechanisms. Over thousands of years, these remedies became more sophisticated. All ancient texts that describe drugs as being vitality stimulants, anti?infectives, anti?toxins, aphrodisiacs, and wound healing agents are recognizing drugs that have the ability to raise vitality and promote health. Indeed, traditional medical systems are filled with tonic and herbal remedies reported to increase vitality. Moreover, botanical drugs thus described are likely subjects for the discovery of vitality stimulating medicines. Current scientific research suggests that remedies from traditional pharmacies often have the described effect. For example, Glycyrrhiza glabra, long used to reduce inflammation, has been shown to have an anti?inflammatory effect. Gingko biloba, said to improve memory, has been shown to improve signs and symptoms of senility and Alzheimer’s disease. Echinacea angustifolia, traditionally used to fight infections, has been shown to have an immune system stimulatory effect. The fact that cultures around the world use members of the daisy family (Compositae) to fight infection strongly suggests that traditional medical wisdom recognizes its ability to fight infection. In fact, daisy family members like Echinacea angustifolia, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, and Eupatorium perfolatum do have an anti?infection activity. A review of ancient and traditional medical remedies that have the ability to increase vitality reveals certain general themes; tonic medicine was used to ward off disease and infection, counteract environmental stress, remedy poisoning, and support the effects of ageing. Ancient people knew that when vitality sagged, the individual was vulnerable to disease. Remedies were collected and used to stabilize a child failing to thrive (Crispus chondrus in the European tradition), to bolster a woman having had a difficult and complicated childbirth (Panax ginseng in the Chinese tradition), and to boost the energy of the elderly (Withania somnifera in the Aurvedic tradition). Botanical drugs were also used to bolster the body when epidemics threatened communities. Strong vitality was an insurance policy against catching contagious disease. Indeed, many types of liquor still popular today date from the period of the Black Plague in Europe. Angelica (Angelica archangelica), reportedly given to humanity by the angels, was brewed into various liquors at monasteries around Europe to prevent the spread of the plague. Gin (Juniperus communis) was a tonic remedy carried to the Colonies by British colonials to prevent tropical infections like malaria. Ancient people were aware that environmental stressors could leave people vulnerable to disease. Remedies were selected to raise vitality when the individual’s health would otherwise be compromised by extremes. They knew that long exposure to the cold, high altitudes, and excessively hot temperatures had a debilitating effect. They used garlic (Allium sativum) to reduce the effects of altitude sickness, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) to reduce body temperature when heat drove it to dangerous levels, and lemon (Citrus limon) to combat the hardships of those on sea going vessels. Ancient people also feared loss of vitality through poisons. In fact, the destruction of health through poisons is nothing new. Today people are concerned with low level poisoning delivered through food (preservatives, additives), air (fossil fuel pollution, insecticides, etc.), and water (fluoride, heavy metals). In ancient times, leaders feared poisoning from political opponents. Mithridates Treacle was a potion specifically brewed from a collection of drugs to protect political leaders from poisoning. In Gerard’s Herbal, a well?respected English text, Gerard recommends Lemon (Citrus limon) to protect stepchildren from slow poisoning by stepmothers. Botanical drugs were also used to diminish the effect of poisonous bites (scorpions, snakes, and spiders), poisonous water, and even poisonous air. Traditional medical systems were also cognizant that stress, age, and disease caused a reduction in libido and fertility. Old medical texts are filled with references to drugs that stimulate vitality to the point the consumer’s libido is increased. For example the Chinese speak of Epimedium grandiflorum, the Indians of Withania somnifera, the Arabians of Foeniculum foenum?graecum, the North American Indians of Serrenoa repens, and the South Americans of Turnera aphrodisiaca. A brief review of ancient and old world traditional medical systems confirms that herbal medicine centred on the concept of vitality. Indeed, herbal medicines passed down from old European traditions are derived from ancient Indian, Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Jewish texts.