ABSTRACT
Since ancient times, Japanese communities have used medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in their daily lives. Historically, Japan was the top exporter of mint essential oil. Presently, traditional Japanese medicine, known as Kampo, is still used, although various, traditional, folk medicinal uses of MAPs have been forgotten in spite their efficacy. Given this, the Japanese government has encouraged the consociation between the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and agricultural industries, as well as welfare agencies, to make the best use of MAPs and create businesses related to MAPs. Given Western medicine’s inability to cure all diseases, integrative medicine, based largely on the use of MAPs, came into existence. In the near future, the use of MAPs is likely to become more widespread, contributing to disease prevention and health promotion, enabling people to lead a more natural and comfortable life. Recently, Japan has taken up the cause of promoting herbal medicine by various means.
