Shameem Akthar, yogacharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, takes you through five questions that explain how and why certain herbs have become effective household remedies.

Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

In several cultures common herbs are listed as having spiritual, religious or superstitious significance.

The science of herbs can be simply explained through the phyto-nutrients that plants have created as part of their evolutionary safeguards, to protect against a hostile world, while ensuring propagation and assuring them of nurture.

Alternative therapies and ancient magic studied and exploited this hidden science.