We use spices like ginger, turmeric, capsicum, cayenne pepper, black seeds, and an unending list of immensely beneficial foodstuffs, but are we aware that plenty of these spices are in essence distinguished herbs with a splendid historical background? The history of folklore medicine evolves way back from before the Christ rule and is full of reputable magnificent herbalists, physicians, and other legends, embracing the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Romans, Greeks, Indians, and Native Americans. Some of the long remembered, eminent herbalists include Hippocrates (Greek, the father of Medicine), Dioscorides and Galen (Greek physicians), Ibn Sina (an Iranian botanist), Paracelsus (a German botanist and physician) and the list goes on. According to Paracelsus, “All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature, the challenge of science is to find it!” Humankind including physicians still loves to implement herbal remedies for a myriad of diseases.
Welcome to the world of herbs!
An Infinite Repertoire of Valuable Ancient Herbs
This article will emphasize on a plethora of ancient botanicals and their employment by the prehistoric herb-physicians and other distinguished heroes before and after the millennial times, for various illnesses and non-medicinal purposes.
1. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Acknowledged as the lily of the desert, Aloe is in a league of its own! Aloe vera is a cactus-like, stemless perennial (that survives for many growing seasons) botanical, with greenish fleshy, serrated leaves that enclose a mucilaginous gel inside, and simple inflorescence (a cluster of flowers with its stem and branches). It draws its origins from East and South Africa.
How the Primeval Greeks and Romans Used Aloe
Dating back to the times of the phenomenal Alexander the Great (the King of the Greek kingdom), who used Aloe to treat the wounds of his fellow soldiers, which alleviated the scorching and painful sensation of the wounds, simultaneously healing them.
The most primitive usage of this immortal herb hails from Dioscorides (a renowned Roman botanist and surgeon who served in the Roman army). Dioscorides unfolded an assortment of Aloe’s benefits in his popular herbal parental pharmacopeia named “De Materia Medica.” The benefits of Aloe declared in his book are as follows:
It was regarded as a powerful astringent (a substance having a tendency to induce contraction of body tissues, such as scars, cuts, wounds, and staunches bleeding, like hemoptysis or coughing up blood, and hemorrhoids or piles’ bleeding).
It healed the foreskin of the penis and genital ulcers.
It was used as a potent laxative clearing up the bowels (Dioscorides described taking two spoonfuls of Aloe juice mixed with cold water or warm milk to procure the laxative effect).
Moreover, he listed that it mitigates jaundice.
When roasted in a crimson-hot ceramic jar and the fat and smooth extracted from Aloe, made it ready to utilize Aloe as an eye ointment.
Use of Aloe by Egyptians: (The Jack of All Trades)
Egyptians were adept in natural medicine and treated different ailments with herbs. The ancient Egyptians utilized Aloe to heal wounds, burns, and scars. They used Aloe for treating tuberculosis (as mentioned by Dioscorides) and for assuaging headaches.
2) Bayberry (Myrica)
Bayberry is an evergreen shrub (bush) with a cylindrical cluster of flowers that are almost petalless (none or inconspicuous petals), and is native to North America. It is also known as Wax Myrtle, Myrica, and Candleberry. It has an aromatic fragrance, but an astringent and pungent taste.
Traditional Uses
For thousands of Millennia, bayberry wax has been used to create candles. The wax was extracted by boiling the green berries of bayberry bushes.
Ancient herbalists ascertained that bayberry has astringent properties, which caused it to function as an astounding wound healer. The astringent tannins in bayberry shielded the lining of the gut from inflammation and were useful for gastritis, heartburn, diarrhea (including dysentery or bloody diarrhea), colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Likewise, the prehistoric physicians valued it for treating respiratory infections, like cold and flu, as it astringes the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, securing it from the irritant inhalants and infections; correspondingly bayberry was utilized as a decongestant in the form of a tea, retrieved from the bayberry tree bark.
Enriched with the astringent tannins, bayberry was believed to tighten and tone up the lax muscles, including the pelvic muscles, and therefore, was prescribed by primeval herbalists and physicians for uterine prolapse.
On the same grounds, the powdered form of the bayberry bark has been used in tooth powders for bleeding gums and mouth ulcers/sores.
3) Black Seed Plant/Black Cumin Seed Plant (Nigella sativa)
Aboriginal to the Mediterranean areas, N.sativa is an erect perennial flowering plant with greyish-green leaves, delicate flowers, and the black caraway encapsulated fruit enclosing tiny black seeds; the taste of these black seeds is akin to that of onions or oregano. It has a long-established worth in the folklore medicine. In the Quran (the sacred book of Islam), it was valued as a healer for everything other than death and was listed in the bible as the “curative black seed.” The history of this herb can be dated back to the epoch of Egyptian Pharaohs, when it was discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The N.sativa plant and seeds were dropped in the tombs to fight off spirits. The ancients utilized this herb for every ailment you can name of; parenthetically, this might sound like a broken record, nonetheless, it was entitled as “the seed of blessing!”
A) Digestive and Hepatic Ailments
Hippocrates used black seed as a remedy for digestive and hepatic (aka liver) diseases. He stated “all disease begins in the gut,” so his focus of treatment was the gut. He used it as a carminative to accelerate digestion, peristalsis and eliminate constipation. Dioscorides utilized it to expel out the worms via smearing the black seed with the fingernail and then drinking water.
B) Used as a Neurological and Leprosy Healer
Dioscorides named the N. sativa plant as Melanthium/Common Fennel flower. He used it to treat headaches. In accordance with his perspective, a concoction of this herb with vinegar healed catastrophic bacterial infections like leprosy. Leprosy was one of the most common terrifying and a contagious infection in the Biblical times, ergo, mentioned on numerous occasions in the Bible and has been a target of extensive research since the ancient era.
C) Anti-Asthmatic
Dioscorides used a decoction of N. sativa for allaying difficulty in breathing and other asthmatic symptoms. He used to pound it into tiny fragments, then wrap in a loincloth and advised the patient to inhale this, which used to extract out the mucus clogged in the respiratory tract.
The famous Unani Tibb scholar, Ibn Sina also claimed that it loosens the mucus plug, serving as a strong expectorant and revitalizing the lungs.
D) As an Emmenagogue, Galactagogue, and Diuretic
Another practice, as described by Dioscorides was using it as a remedy to induce menstrual flow (an emmenagogue), lactation (galactagogue), and to enhance the urinary flow (diuretic).
E) For Rheumatism
During the ruling of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), warming the black seed oil and massaging it over the painful joints and muscles, was a common practice.
F) Stimulation of Metabolism and Reinvigorates the Body
Ibn Sina, the author of the renowned “Canon of Medicine,” stated that eating black cumin seeds stimulates the metabolism and thereby, detoxifies the body from harmful wastes and toxins. Furthermore, he declared that black seed speeds up recuperation from lethargy and hence, served as an abundant supply of energy.
G) Toothache
Dioscorides and Ibn Sina both used to prescribe black seed for the relief of toothaches. Dioscorides advised to use it as mouthwash via boiling it with vinegar and taeda (pitch pine or loblolly pine). Pinus taeda and pinus rigida are pine trees native to the Southeastern United States.
H) Infinite Uses in Ayurvedic Medicine
In Ayurveda, black cumin seeds were used for diverse kinds of ailments, including but not limited to hepatitis, diarrhea, and worm infestations.
4) Calendula officinalis (Marigold)
A perennial plant belonging to the family Asteraceae is a native to Europe and Asia. It contains yellow inflorescences, which surround a central disc floret. These flowers are visible when Calendula opens its daffodils at around 9 am in the morning. Calendula has been recognized for its highly valued medicinal and culinary niches since the prehistoric epoch.
Roman and Greek Medicine
The ancient Romans used this stunning herb for healing digestive ailments and devastating infections, like the plague. They also used it for alleviating skin rashes like eczema by formulating ointments from this herb. Particularly important was its widespread use as an alternative to saffron, which was quite costly during those days and was, therefore, traditionally called a “poor man’s saffron.”
Dioscorides mentioned that other than being marvelous for healing cuts, abrasions, and ulcers, calendula was an effective vermifuge (a substance that accelerates the expulsion of worms from the intestines); furthermore, oil prepared from this herb was an awesome remedy for rheumatism.
Use of Calendula by the English
The medieval homemakers of Shropshire (England) used to create cheese from Calendula.
Use of Calendula by the Ancient Indians
The primeval Indians used the flowers for embellishing their Gods’ idols in their temples and homes.
5) Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum minimum)
As quoted by Dr. Schulze, “if you master only one herb, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other.” Cayenne is a fiery plant that is indigenous to America. It grows in dry, hot climates.
History and Traditional Uses
The chronicle of capsicum can be traced back to as early as 7000 BC, originating from Mexico, where Mexicans ate the peppers to cure digestive ailments. Christopher Columbus (a legendary Italian explorer and pioneer of the New World) first discovered cayenne peppers during his tour of the Caribbean Islands).
Use of Capsicum by the Ancient Americans
In South America, the soldiers would burn this capsicum and availed the generated smoke against the intruding Spanish combatants.
A well-known American herb physician of the 17th century, named Samuel Thomson would formulate a powder by amalgamating cayenne pepper with Lobelia inflata (an emetic herb/herb that stimulates vomiting). He recommended this composition powder for clearing up bowels and for raising and restoring the body’s natural temperature (as per his analysis, colder temperatures prone people to a variety of illnesses). For the same reason, it was employed as a cardiovascular stimulant, enhancing the blood flow, and as a remedy for chilblains (tissue damage secondary to sudden exposure to cold and humidity).
A famed herbalist of nineteenth-century, Dr. John R. Christopher used it to treat hypertensive patients. He stated, “Given the fact that cayenne pepper dilates the blood vessels, it reduces the blood pressure.”
Dr. John Heinerman mentioned that cayenne is a powerful synergistic amplifier (i.e. it will amplify the action of other nutrients and herbs when combined with them). Accordingly, he used to make a concoction of orange juice and a pinch of cayenne and drink it to keep himself protected from cold and flu.
Use of Cayenne by the Buddhists and Ayurvedic
Buddhist priests would use the cayenne pepper in the form of a weapon via loading the spray guns with this hot chili pepper. In Ayurveda, Capsicum minimum was used as a strength-providing tonic via cooking it in ghee and ingesting the chili pepper.
Use of Cayenne by the Greeks
Due to the presence of Capsaicin (a potent analgesic) in capsicum minimum, the Greek botanists harnessed this chili herb for treating arthritis and gout pains. Wielding it for other painful conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome by making a salve (ointment) and applying it on the tender areas, was also a customary practice.
Being high in antioxidants (flavonoids and vitamin C), cayenne pepper was used to safeguard the arteries from oxidative stress and, thereby, prevent the hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis (a major culprit for all types of cardiovascular diseases and stroke).
Dioscorides listed that Capsicum minimum being rich in vitamin C (a strong anti-oxidant), protects against infections, including respiratory infections like cold, cough, flu, and chest infections.
6) Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most legendary herbs in the literary days of yore. Just like Calendula, it belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It incorporates numerous species, among which the most commonly used is Chamomilla recutita (also known as Chamomilla matricaria, German chamomile or wild chamomile). Another well-known type is the Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). All chamomile flowers resemble daisies. It is the flower part of the herb used for all purposes.
German chamomile being native to Europe and Asia is renowned for its use as infusions/teas, distinctively for their sedative effects.
Traditional Uses
The most primitive usage of chamomile draws from the primitive times of the Egyptians, where they labeled it as being excellent for curing “ague,” i.e. a spell of fever with chills and rigors. Moreover, the Egyptians employed its aromatic oil to conserve the corpse of the Pharaohs.
Dioscorides alluded to Chamomilla matricaria under Anthemis. He stated that if chamomile is pounded into small pieces (along with another herb called rosaceum), infused and glugged down in the form of a hot tea can mitigate fevers.
The ancients would slurp chamomile as a tea to cure insomnia (sleeplessness), anxiety, and to calm the nerves. On the same grounds, it served as an awesome remedy for headaches and migraines.
A popular way implemented by the Romans was to blend this savory herb in beverages to beef up their flavor.
The Eclectic botanists and physicians used it traditionally for gastric ulcers (chamomile contains a soothing agent, called bisabolol), and to improve the digestion in severe constipation, nausea and vomiting. Since it is so gentle on the stomach, it has also assuaged colic in babies.
Other familiar uses of chamomile were as an anti-inflammatory, where it was applied externally for speeding healing of wounds, ulcers, burns, and skin disorders like eczema.
7) Coriander (Coriander sativum)
Who can imagine while past walking a grocery store and grabbing a bunch of coriander leave or coriander seeds that this scrumptious herb has an amazing chronicle spanning over centuries? Coriander (cilantro) is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean and Asian regions. The word coriander draws its origin from a Greek word “koros,” denoting “bug,” that was possibly due to its insect-like smell (I like it, though☺)
Albeit, a bit blurred, ancient texts mention that coriander was first recovered as fifteen carpels in the Nahal Hemar cave (an archeological cave in Israel). Afterward, the Tutankhamen Tomb displayed various mericarps (aka carpels) of coriander.
Use by the Ancient Greeks
Hippocrates (the Greek father of Medicine) recommended, “Take two spoons of dry coriander seeds daily to tone up your blood circulation.”
Dioscorides mentioned that corianum has a calming and cooling effect, hence, it is effective against erysipelas (an acute, severe bacterial skin infection, characterized by raised red patches on the skin, especially of the face and legs) via applying it with polenta, (a thick mush/paste made from cornmeal). By combining coriander with honey and raisins, it was beneficial for carbuncles (infected boils). Not only was coriander used as a potent anti-bacterial, the seed decoction was also utilized as a gargle for sore throats and oral thrush (fungal infection of the mouth). It was traditionally used as a vermifuge (a substance that expels out worms) by consuming it as a concoction with raisin wine.
Uses in Ayurvedic Medicine
Coriander widely held its place in Ayurveda since the middle ages. This herb was used to see off inflammatory conditions like rheumatism, painful ailments like headaches and neuralgia (nerve pain), owing to its cooling properties. Its fundamental use was as a carminative (digestive), treat heartburn, indigestion, and flatus (gases).
Coriander slurped as a hot tea was useful to combat flu, common cold, cough, catarrh, and fever.
8) Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion is a common weed; to all intents and purposes, a magical herb, the yellow heads of which transform from yellow to fleecy-white balls. It is a native of Europe and various regions of Asia.
Use by the Ancient Arabs
It has a long history of medicinal use stretching back to the tenth and eleventh centuries, where we can find the earliest reference of dandelion when the Arab doctors used it to treat various illnesses.
Used in Ayurveda
The ancient Indians consumed the leaves of this wild plant to cleanse the body of harmful wastes and to cure liver disorders (a powerful liver tonic).
Use by the inhabitants of England
The ancient English would use dandelion leaves as a salad, vegetable to reap of its health benefits.
Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The traditional Chinese medicine used this weedy herb to treat breast issues like inflammation or insufficient milk production for nursing women.
Use by the Prehistoric Native Americans
The prehistoric Native Americans used to boil dandelion roots and leaves in water to ease indigestion, heartburn, increase the elimination of toxins via the kidneys, and treat skin complaints like spots, acne, and eczema.
Use by the Antediluvian Greeks
Dandelion was Dioscorides Condrilla. He cited that crushing dandelion into small pieces with myrrh and applying it with a linen cloth, reduces the menstrual flow. According to him, it can eradicate sunburn if the pounded herb is crafted with honey into lozenges and diluted with potassium nitrate.
Use by the German Immigrants
In the eighteenth century, the German settlers used to pack their luggage with dandelion roots and leaves while their voyage to Pennsylvania.
Use by the Ancient Romans
Dandelion and diabetes used to get along together really well. The traditional Greeks and Romans would use dandelion to lower the blood glucose levels in diabetes (as it stimulates insulin release from the pancreas; insulin is the chief hormone that functions to reduce the blood glucose levels).
9) Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea is an exquisite plant that is indigenous to North America and owns a captivating history since decades. It contains a variety of species, including E. purpurea, E. Angustifolia , and E. pallida. Among these, E.purpurea has been the most widely researched herbs. The word “Echinacea” coins its name from a Greek word “Echinos,” denoting “hedgehog.” This was because of its spiny edges that Conrad Moench (an 18th-century herb physician) assigned this name “Echinacea.”
The native Indians used it as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. They also employed this herb for curing contagious infectious diseases like measles and mumps.
The ancient Americans would treat the inflammatory sores in horses (this was, in fact, the earliest mention of E. purpurea in the herbal literature) with Echinacea. Echinacea was customarily used to purify blood in case of insect bites, venereal diseases like syphilis, burns, and wounds. In the 18th century, an eclectic physician and botanist, named Dr. A. Clapp revealed in his “Report on Medical Botany,” that the root of E. purpurea possesses carminative and digestive functions. Somewhere around the 18th century, Dr. J. S. Leachman of Sharon, Oklahoma, stated about Echinacea, “in it lies cure for virtually every sickness,” whether its veterinary or pertaining to mankind.
The German physicians recommended Echinacea to bolster the immune system, as they discovered that this aromatic herb accentuates the number of white blood cells (the scavengers of microorganisms), and thereby was used to ward off cold and influenza viruses, in conjunction with malaria, typhus, and TB. In the 19th century, Echinacea became one of the most extensively studied herbs and was verified to be used as an antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (particularly when consumed as a hot infusion).
During the 19th century, a pharmaceutical company, called Sandoz promoted its use as an antibiotic, as they discovered that its root is efficient in killing bacteria like streptococcus and staphylococcus.
10) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum)
Fenugreek, a pleasant smelling herb is a part of the pea family and one of the oldest botanicals standing out in the chronicle. It is native to the Mediterranean, India, and some European regions. Fenugreek memoir centers around 4000 BC, when fenugreek seeds were retrieved from the Tell Halal and from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Parts Used
Seeds and leaves
Primeval Uses
This enormously pleasant aromatic herb used to be one of the most preferred remedies for those who were naturalists by passion, but were a sweet tooth by taste. Besides its medicinal value, it has been a significant component of numerous chows for decades.
Greek Medicine
When riffing through the Materia Medica, the benefits of this aromatic herb outweigh others in its category. Dioscorides jotted down that fenugreek is loaded with steroidal saponins, like diosgenin, which is used to produce estrogen (semisynthetic). On these grounds, fenugreek was used to alleviate menopausal hot flashes and vaginal dryness, enlarge breast size and induce the milk supply in nursing mothers.
He recommended this herb for gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers (gastric or duodenal), constipation (bulk laxative properties). According to his perspective, all these marvelous effects on digestion were due to the presence of mucilagin that adds bulk and fiber to the ingested food.
Dioscorides reported that the steroidal saponins in fenugreek are also cardioprotective, as they reduce the blood cholesterol levels together with the blood pressure.
The ancient Greeks also used a decoction of this herb to be applied as a lotion for wounds and ulcers.
Ancient American Medicine
An 18th century famous heroic concocter, named Lydia Pinkham, from Lynn, Massachusetts, manufactured an herbal vegetable compound, which in addition to containing other beneficial ingredients also consisted of fenugreek, where it served as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, emmenagogue (induced menstruation), and galactagogue (a substance that stimulates milk production in nursing women).
Ayurvedic Medicine
Owing to its pleasing aroma, fenugreek has always been a part of Indian curries and cuisines. Other than its culinary uses, the ancient Indians have used it externally to treat skin disorders like ulcers, boils, and eczema.
Chinese Medicine
The Chinese, who have been an old hand in natural therapies, utilized fenugreek as a respiratory expectorant to suck out the mucus-clogged in the airways. This explains its significance in treating chronic bronchitis.
11) Frankincense (Olibanum or Boswellia serrata/Indian Frankincense)
This small deciduous tree is native to the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Pakistan. The juice extracted from the bark of this herb hardened into a resin that was used as an incense (fragrance and perfumes, hence its name frankincense) and for medicinal purposes.
The history of this plant can be dated to tens of thousands of millennia back, when it was bestowed to the infant Jesus, along with two other treasures, including Myrrh and gold (We Three Kings). Several prehistoric texts like the Old Testament have citations regarding frankincense and its derivative Myrrh. The word frankincense has been mentioned about 17 times in the Bible. From the perspective of researchers and scholars, the herbs (frankincense and myrrh were gifted to protect the Jesus from arthritis). The boswellic acid in this herb inhibits the production of the lipoxygenase enzyme, which is responsible for the synthesis of the pain and inflammatory mediators called leukotrienes.
The Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and various other cultures utilized frankincense as an essential element of their holy rituals.
The Queen of Sheba presented numerous frankincense trees to King Solomon (known as Prophet Sulayman in Islam).
Nero, the mythological Roman emperor at the funeral of his beloved mistress, reduced an entire crop of frankincense to ashes.
Other than being utilized for its aromatic, rheumatological (or analgesic), and religious attributes, frankincense was also valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, wound and sore healing, anti-asthmatic, and memory boosting properties.
12) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
A) Cultivation Regions and Intro
Ginger, a pungent flowering herb, belonging to the family of Zingiberaceae, is indigenous to South Asia. Its history evolves way back from 200 BC since the period of the Greeks. Ayurvedic medicine reported ginger as a marvelous healing bequest. Its stimulating and warming effects were stated in the texts of Confucius (551-479 BC), a stupendous Chinese philosopher and instructor. He recommended having a bit of ginger before meals, because of its digestion-improving actions.
B) Active Constituents
Its major constituent that imparts the pungent taste to this herb, called as gingerol accounts for most of its advantageous persona.
C) Customary Usage
We all know that this herb/spice has been long utilized for centuries for culinary purposes to make the food yummier. Other than that, the prehistoric Greeks also used warm ginger tea for relieving sore throats, coughs, chest congestion, and fever. This mighty spice/herb was useful to cure nausea and vomiting, and therefore, was honored by the early Chinese traditions for curing seasickness.
As mentioned by Dioscorides, ginger stimulates the cardiovascular system and trims down blood clotting. The ancient Mexicans employed ginger as a remedy for arthritis and anorexia (loss of appetite).
Ginger also takes pride in being one of the famed herbs mentioned in the Holy Book of Islam “Quran.” The Arabians were quite fascinated towards ginger employing it in their regular dietary routine in the form of a tea to keep all ailments at bay.
In his book “The Canon of Medicine,”Ibn Sina reported that this mighty herb warmed up the entire circulation and the resultant sweating eliminated toxins from the body. Likewise, Dioscorides mentioned ginger’s use as a diaphoretic (a substance that enhances sweating). An added significant fact stated by Dioscorides was ginger’s use as an aphrodisiac (a substance that stimulates sexual desire).
The archaic Indonesians used to massage the swollen and inflamed joints and sore muscles via creating ginger massage oil. How did they prepare oil from ginger? Let’s step ahead! They used to grind ginger with a mortar and pestle, mixed it with grated coconut and some grounded cloves. Then boil the ingredients until the water evaporated, leaving the oil behind and applied this to the affected parts. Can we imagine doing all this nowadays just to get some relief from rheumatism? The ancients were indubitably second to none!
Having such a remarkable history, it is quite easy to get a big picture of why the ancient big wheel voyagers like Marco Polo (a Vietnam merchant voyager) were rather eager to go to learn about the cultivation of ginger and its uses.
13) Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, an herb of a bygone period, is one of the oldest plant species on this planet, dating way back to approximately 240-270 million years ago. Thus, Charles Darwin referred it as a “living fossil.” This maidenhair plant is a native to China. It is a tall tree with long branches and fan-shaped, bilobed leaves.
Traditional Chinese and Japanese Usage
The ancient Chinese used this herb for various medicinal and non-medicinal reasons. Particularly illustrious were its uses to treat health problems, like asthma, coughs, colds, and respiratory infections. The Ginkgo leaves were taken by mouth to enhance memory and cognitive skills and since then became known for its role in averting Alzheimer’s; the leaves were also consumed to alleviate headaches, assuage anxiety and depression, and hearing disorders (like deafness and tinnitus or buzzing in the ears).
It was honored as a sacred plant, and its nuts were used in weddings and Chinese New Year, therefore, was designated as Buddha’s Fingernail Tree. According to the primeval mythology, Ginkgo biloba was planted across the temples because of its sacred integrity. The Japanese would savor their cuisines with ginkgo seeds, which they called ginnan; this dish is still being used in Japanese and Chinese restaurants.
14) Hing (Ferula asafoetida)
Called as the pith of narthex by the ancient Greeks and Ferula by the Romans, asafoetida was distributed throughout the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Asafoetida is a pungent-tasting dried gum resin, squeezed out from the rhizome of a perennial herb, called Ferula. The word asafoetida coins its origin from a compilation of two languages (and words) “aza,” a Persian word denoting “resin” and “foetida,” a Latin word implying “stinking.” In Sanskrit, it means “Hing.”
History and Customary Usage
The most primitive records of this spice/herb come from the eighth century B.C. where we can discover the first mention of this plant in an inventory of the gardens of King Marduk-apla-iddina II (a Babylonian King). This herb then traveled from India to Rome and Baghdad and finally Afghanistan and America.
Ayurvedic Medicine
This pungent herb remained a part of the Indian spice jars for decades. The ancient Ayurvedic texts describe it as being excellent for “Vata,” an air principle,which governs the entire mind and body movement. It regulates the blood flow, the processing of mental thoughts, as well as the elimination of harmful wastes and toxins. Hence, it was used for strengthening and calming the nerves, improving the appetite and digestion, and alleviating abdominal gases and constipation. The olden days Indians also considered it as an awesome panacea for menstrual cramps, decreased libido (sexual desire), and infertility. Nonetheless, they always cautioned to use it during pregnancy.
The great Sanskrit epic Mahabharata contains a reference about ferula asafoetida and how the ancient Indians used to eat meat by garnishing it with this spice.
Somewhere around the middle century, a piece of this gum was put around the collar to keep infections such as colds and fevers at bay.
Prehistoric Persians
The herb was highly valued by the ancient Persians, who named it as the “food of the divinity,” and used it as a condiment in almost every other dish you can name. The eminent medieval philosopher of Unani Tibb (Ibn Sina/Avicenna) recommended it for curing digestive illnesses.
Greek Medicine
The Greeks utilized it as an antidote for snakebites. Dioscorides wrote in his pharmacopeia that if it is drunk while green by mixing it in a drink, it aids with the spitting of blood and digestive ailments. He suggested it as a remedy for goiter, toothache, and for respiratory diseases like clearing catarrh, bronchitis, and pleurisy. Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides both reported it for treating amenorrhea, as it possessed the guts to induce menstruation. Dioscorides wrote that Ferula bears a semblance to its parent plant Silphium.
Chinese Medicine
The traditional Chinese employed a decoction of this plant as an antihelmintic. They used it as a gum, pure herb, raw, and powder.
Egyptian Medicine
The Egyptians cured various ailments like spasms, urinary retention, worm infestations, and to mitigate body aches. The most frequently used method has been by preparing a hot water extract from the dried root and gulping it down.
Jewish Medicine
A famed ancient philosopher, scholar, and physician mentioned about this spice “in the rainy months, people should consume warm foods with much spice and a bit of asafoetida.”
Ancient Romans
The medieval Romans carried a great fascination for this herb and used for culinary purposes. The preeminent Roman naturalist, Pliny also described numerous benefits of this devil’s dung (so named due to its immensely pungent niches) such as increasing the blood flow to the uterus and instigating menstruation.
15) Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Also called as “bee balm,” because bees bask in lemon balm, it is a perennial botanical with ovate leaves, and is indigenous to the Mediterranean and Southern European regions. The lemon balm derives its origin from the Greek word “Melissai,” meaning an herb that enticed the bees beyond other herbs.
Use by Medieval Greeks
The old hand Geek botanist, Pliny the Elder wrote that lemon balm will stop the bleeding if tied to a sword that has inflicted the wound. According to Dioscorides, a decoction of lemon balm leaves (either taken as a beverage with wine, or applied) is an awesome antidote for scorpion bites, spider stings, or dog bites. These facts were later validated by Gerard as well. He also recommended that if the leaves are daubed on painful gouty areas, they mitigate the pains. Using lemon balm as sitz bath was a breeze to enhance the menstrual flow, relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and ease child delivery.
Use by the Prehistoric Romans
The Romans revered lemon balm for its memory-enhancing attributes. They also employed it to elevate the mood. The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V used lemon balm beverages to give a boost to his immune system. Lemon balm received the privilege of being a divine herb in the temple of the ancient Roman goddess Diana. Dating back to the seventeenth century, the associates of the Roman Catholic religious order, called Carmelites, created a potion, called as the Carmelite water or Eau de Melisse de Carmes, which contained lemon balm as one of its primary ingredients. They claimed this concoction enhances longevity and mitigates headaches and nerve pains. The Romans introduced lemon balm to the Britishers. Nicholas Culpeper (an eminent early English botanist) mentioned about lemon balm that it transforms a melancholic heart and mind into a merry state and carries off all the doldrums.
Use by the Ancient Arabians
This bee-attractor served as a longevity elixir and a mood -elevator for the Arabs of the middle Ages.
Use by the Unani Tibb
Avicenna reported lemon balm’s use for alleviating depression.
The ancients also used to prepare an oil from the herb and applied the oil on arthritic joints and muscles. Specifically popular was its use in driving away the period pains due to its calming and antispasmodic actions.
16) Licorice or Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, an herbaceous perennial shrub, about two feet long, which is native to Europe, Asia, and America. It grows in rich, moist soil in full sunny climates. The plant is a stoloniferous, as it contains stolons or runners, which form adventitious roots. Dioscorides titled this herb as “Glukoriza,” Glucos means sweet, and riza implies root (sweet root).
Use in Egyptian Folklore
Licorice was one of those illustrious herbs that were revealed in the King Tut’s tomb. Presumably, it was believed that King Tut wished to lap up mai sus (a licorice-flavored sweet drink) in the hereafter life, and therefore, carried the licorice with him.
Use by the Ancient Romans and Greeks
Licorice has been utilized by the Romans and Greeks as a cure for coughs, asthma, and chest infections. Dioscorides suggested that the juice of the root is good for arteries in preventing atherosclerosis when placed sublingually (i.e. under the tongue). Likewise, heartburn, respiratory infections, urinary bladder, and kidney disorders were all easily remedied, when the juiced-root was allowed to melt in the mouth (Dioscorides). Moreover, it was used as a thirst-quencher; while voyaging with the Roman armies, Dioscorides advised them to keep consuming licorice to quench their thirst, due to the scarcity of water.
In the 15th century, licorice became known as a seasoning substance, and thereby sweets and tobacco were made using licorice. The distinctive sweet flavor of tobacco is because of the presence of licorice in it.
Use of Licorice by the Prehistoric Indians
The ancient Indians have valued licorice for its rejuvenating effects on the digestive, endocrine, nervous, and the immune systems. The Ayurveda labels it as an adaptogenic (an herb that augments your stamina to cope with physical and mental anguish. Licorice has been an all-time favorite remedy for dry coughs, sore throat, and chest congestion. Furthermore, a decoction of licorice with turmeric was utilized as a douche for thrush (fungal infection). They also believed that licorice synchronizes the qualities of other herbs, making them more effective.
17) Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)
The word “Panax” derives its origin from a Greek word Panakos, which means “All Healing.” Ginseng contains a variety of species and Panax ginseng is the Korean ginseng. Regarded as an adaptogen (an herb that has the potential to mold your mind and escalate your stamina to combat physical, mental, and spiritual stressors), ginseng has been valued beyond gold for centuries.
Traditional Uses:
Have you ever pondered as to why the Chinese stay young for long relative to other civilizations? It is because they have always believed in natural remedies and holistic approaches. They used ginseng for stimulating the “Qi” (life force energy) that enlivens the body as a whole. Conforming to the popular belief of Koreans, the ginseng plant emanated radiance in the night. They would throw a dart from a long distance targeting that “glowing spot” and would gather the arrow and the ginseng plant from that site the subsequent morning.
Dating back to 33-48 BC, Chien-Han Era’s book was the first to cite about this magical herb. A mythical Chinese sovereign and an agriculture-lover, named Shennong mentions about ginseng in his book, “Shennong Ben Cao Jing” that this sweet, mildly cold herb, ginseng improves the five organs (spleen, liver, kidney, heart, and lungs), eradicates the “Qi,” pacifies the spirit, and is marvelous for memory and intelligence.
The ancients utilized this adaptogen to relax a keyed-up person and simultaneously to strengthen the immune system.
18) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.” (William Shakespeare)
Rosemary is a sweet-smelling perennial evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean. It comprises of narrow green leaves that reminds one of pine needles.
Use by the Egyptian Lore
The ancient Egyptians used to place sprigs of rosemary on the caskets and the tombs of people who have passed away (as a symbol of tribute).
Use by Queen Elizabeth
Essentially speaking, rosemary ruled over the world, as Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was reported to heal from the excruciating pains of rheumatism after her limbs immersed in a wine decoction including rosemary.
Use by the Ancient Greeks
The primeval Greek scholars used to wear garlands of rosemary to enhance their memory and recall skills during exams. Hence, rosemary attained a remarkable status that it became one of the reputable herbs to be used in traditional weddings to adorn their bridal dresses, bouquets, and diadems. Secondly, it also owned a place to make the couples remember their marital vows via adding it to their wine (the Shakespeare’s analogy of rosemary to remembrance).
Medicinally, Greeks used rosemary to cure digestive disorders, like diarrhea, gallstones, jaundice, and as an appetite stimulant. An additional bonus was to extract oil from the herb and apply the rosemary essential oil on the affected parts to stave off joint pains and headaches. Furthermore, the ancients traditionally used rosemary as an emmenagogue to stimulate menstrual flow, and as an antiseptic to cleanse wounds and skin ulcers.
Use by European Traditions
Becoming acknowledged to ward off evil spirits, this herb was used to purify the sacred places, and to keep nightmares at bay via placing it under the pillows.
19) Rue (Ruta graveolens)
There’s rue for you; and here’s some for me:
We may call it herb-grace o’ Sundays:
O you must wear your rue with a difference.
Rue, designated as the “Herb of Grace” by Ophelia of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, owns an extended and an intriguing record. A native to Southern Europe, rue is a small bush that lengthens to a height of around 3 feet. The shoots of the bush are greenish with yellow flowers, and its fruit encloses a volatile oil, called rutin.
Use by the Primeval Greeks
Rue was stated to have warming, diuretic, astringent, and emmenagogue properties. Pliny mentioned about it 80 times, however, its usage has been reduced with time due to its toxic side effects. To induce abortion, people used to eat the leaves or take them as a drink. Rue was drunk as a beverage for the relief of chest pain and cough. On top of that, people used to boil the herb with oil and used it as a suppository to lessen colicky abdominal pains. The powdered form was used to staunch epistaxis (nosebleeds), and when harnessed with polenta, it mitigated sore eyes.
Rue was bubbled with oil and taken as a brew to expel out the worms. John Milton cited this biblical herb in his poem, “Paradise lost,” to restore the vision of Adam.
Use by Hispanics
The Hispanics employed rue to treat empacho (indigestion). It was considered worth wearing in amulets. Based on traditions, they used it for sacred and spiritual cleansing. Drinking rue also facilitated labor during childbirth. Utilizing rue water as a flea/insect repellent was another great method adopted by the ancients. Using rue as an eyesight strengthener was another noteworthy application of this herb.
Use in European Culture
Rue was cultivated by the ancient Europeans to deck out and beautify their gardens. Moreover, it was used as an antiepileptic.
A special type of European reptile called basilisk would sink its teeth into a mammal called weasel, yet the weasels would eat rue and reiterate to get themselves into the groove of competing with the reptile.
Other Uses
Used in Ethiopian cuisines, rue leaves served as a flavoring agent in Mediterranean regions. The Mayans are reported to smear the oil extracted from the herb to heal a person who passed out.
20) Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is an evergreen ambrosial bush, the history of which spans over decades. It is native to Southern European and Mediterranean regions. Egyptians called it apusi, the Romans, cosalon, and others, salvia.
Longevity Elixir
The prehistoric Greeks entitled sage as an “immortality shrub,” by virtue of its incredible healing properties.
Purification Purposes
Burning this centenary herb has been used as a detox ritual by many cultures, especially by the Chinese. This was in view of its strong antioxidant actions.
To Speed up the Urinary and Menstrual Flow
Dioscorides stated that a decoction of sage could be used in urinary retention and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Potency-Augmenting Drug
The usage of sage as a fertility drug by the ancient Egyptians is well-reported.
An Abortifacient
Another, yet an important use of sage in the ancient times was as an abortifacient (a substance or drug that induces abortion).
To Diminish Galactorrhea (Excessive Lactation)
The medieval prescriptions comprise of sage being used to attenuate the milk supply (aka lactation). It was consumed in the form of tea, swallowed dried or used as tincture drops to reduce the milk production.
As an Antiperspirant, Antiseptic, Antibiotic, and Antifungal
Owing to the abundance of phenolic acids in sage, it was utilized by Greeks to decrease perspiration (aka sweating), as an antiseptic lotion for wounds, cuts, ulcers, and burns. For sore throats, gargling with a sage aqueous solution was quite effective.
For Toothache
A mouthwash prepared from sage was beneficial for gingivitis (inflamed gums) and mouth ulcers.
For TB (aka Tuberculosis) and other Respiratory Ailments
Sage was regarded as a time-honored remedy for TB. Due to the antiperspirant quality, it particularly lessened the severity of night sweats that are one of the hallmarks of TB. Additionally, its bleeding-halting effect helped with the hemoptysis (hemop-teses or spitting of blood) in TB.
The ancient botanists used to recommend preparing a juice from sage by adding it in warm water to relieve hoarse voice, coughs, catarrh, and chest congestion.
21) Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)
Slippery elm is a long forgotten appealing deciduous plant, cultivated throughout Canada and USA. The ancient Americans used the inner bark of the trees for medicinal means. The inner bark comprises of mucilage (polysaccharides and hexose sugars), which expands in water, creating a slippery substance or gruel, hence the name “Slippery” elm. The wood of slippery elm is red in color, which accounts for its alternative name, “Red elm.”
Customary Uses
The ancient Americans used slippery elm to calm an irritable digestive system. The gruel coats the gut’s lining, protecting it from the irritating effects of acid, soothing heartburn, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and diverticulitis. Acting as a bulk laxative, it was also used to treat constipation. Using it as a poultice for wounds, ulcers, boils, abscesses, and varicose veins, remained one of the preferred remedies by the native Americans. The natives also employed the elm bark for creating threads, ropes, baskets, outfits etc.
The olden days’ midwives utilized this slippery herb to smooth the progress of labor, due to its slippery nature. As reported, the militia of George Washington (the first president of the United States) came off via surviving on a porridge made from slippery elm (inherently, it was a lifesaver in those winter months).
It was used by the elderly and people suffering from excessive fatigue and weight loss, due to its antioxidant potentials and easily digestible properties. It is so easy on the stomach that the primitive nineteenth century doctors used it in the form of a broth for infants who were sick to their stomach.
22) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Growing areas
Is this the same thyme that John Keats (in the 18th century) regarded in his poem “The Eve of St. Agnes? What if I told you yes? Would that leave you open-mouthed?
Thyme is an immensely ambrosial evergreen shrub with woody stems, small leaves, and purplish-pinkish flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean areas. It breeds in warm, arid, and rocky heaths.
Use by the Ancient Romans
Dating way back to thousands of years, the Romans believed that eating thyme during meals would defend them against every kind of toxins. It was even widely held that soaking thyme in a bathtub filled with warm water actually served as an antidote for any form of poison. Furthermore, they used to disinfect their houses and temples with this aromatic herb via burning thyme as an incense (this was also alleged to incite a spirit of courage and bravery in the Roman warriors). Another key point to add was its utilization as a relish to boost the flavor of their cuisines.
Use by the Medieval Greeks
The Greeks too allied thyme as a symbol of valor, and the Greek ladies used to present a scarf (embroidered with a twig of thyme) to their knights to triumph over their foes. To boot, the Greeks employed thyme as a gargle for sore throats, and as an antiseptic mouthwash.
Thyme goes by the name of Erpullos/Garden thyme, as listed by Dioscorides. The Greeks utilized this herb for mitigating liver inflammation via consuming it as a drink. They used thyme tea to stave off headaches and coughs, and boiled thyme with vinegar and drank it before going to sleep as a remedy for nightmares. Furthermore, they used thyme in liniments for muscular spasms and joint pains. Pliny mentioned that it was beneficial for snakebites, probably because of the plant’s stem resemblance to a serpent (creeping structure of thyme).
Ancient Egyptians
The prehistoric Egyptians utilized it as an embalming oil to preclude the decomposition of mummies (this was because thymol present in thyme is a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic.
Use by the Ancient Europeans
In 1340’s, when black death/plague swept across the Europe, the sufferers were using thyme to reap some soothing and antibacterial effects of thyme.
Use by the Prehistoric Germans
The German folklore list its use as being one of the fairies’ flowers, they called it as “ungent,” enabling them to see fairies.
23) Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Is turmeric an herb or spice? Well, it turns out it is both an herb/spice. Turmeric is the powdered rhizome of the perennial plant (Curcuma longa). Turmeric is an herb/spice that has attained an undisputed supremacy since the glory times of the historians. Turmeric, also known as “Indian saffron” and “haldi” in India and Pakistan has a widespread use in ancient Ayurveda. The name “turmeric” has its heritage from Latin words meaning “terra merita, i.e. meritorious earth.
Ayurvedic Uses
The most prevalent use of turmeric was to utilize it in “Indian Curry,” which gave the curry dish its bright yellow color. It is still a must-have spice throughout the Eastern and Western traditions.
It was immensely serviceable as a Prasad (a benedictory condiment) in different Hindu temples while worshipping. The ancient Ayurvedic medicine used turmeric as a cardioprotective herb to decrease the cholesterol levels and as a blood thinner.
One of the DIY uses of turmeric by the ancient Indians has always been as a beauty enhancer. The ancient Indians (as well as the latter-day folks) supposed that it lightens up a faded complexion.
This curcumin-loaded herb has long been used as a therapy to alleviate muscular aches, joint pains, and inflammation (arthritis). Drinking a glass of turmeric (dissolved in) water was a universal remedy for treating body aches and pains secondary to an injury. This was alleged to be due to its oft-well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-alleviating characteristics.
Greek Medicine Uses
Dioscorides recommended turmeric for the elimination of worms, heartburn, colic, and gases. Also reported, are its defensive actions on gastric mucosa.
The medieval botanists and physicians employed turmeric to reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetes.
During 668-633 BC, King Ashurbanipal of Assyria listed a number of herbs/spices, including turmeric, thyme, saffron, coriander, etc.
Use by the Primitive Indonesians and Malaysians
Indonesians and Malaysians harnessed a turmeric paste on the belly of pregnant women to shield her and the baby from phantoms.
Chinese Medicine Uses
The Chinese folklore utilized turmeric for its anti-carcinogenic attributes, especially as a treatment modality for initial stages of cervical cancer.
24) Withania somniferum (Ashwagandha/Winter Cherry)
While leafing through the primeval Indian scripture, one of the most pre-eminent herbs that one comes across is a native to India, called ashwagandha. In Ayurveda, this root of this herb has been used for millennia to treat innumerable ailments. It has been highly esteemed by the Chinese as well.
Traditional Uses
The ancient Indians used this horse-sweat-like smelling herb as a nervine tonic. Winter cherry was also used to make one drift off swiftly into his/her dreamland, because of its calming effects on the nerves, such as curing anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD, and depression. These effects were assumed owing to its adaptogenic characteristics. In Ayurveda, it is, therefore, labeled as Sattvic, a substance that engenders calmness, wits, and clarity.
It was used to allay allergies such as rhinitis and asthma.
The archaic Indians also employed ashwagandha for reinforcing and revitalizing the immune system. According to their perspective, ashwagandha could help ward off and treat cancer.
Externally, the oil extracted from this herb has been used for arthritic joints and to relieve muscle spasms, owing to its analgesic and antispasmodic effects. Applying the oil/extract from ashwagandha alleviated skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, plus was beneficial for tubercular glands.
25) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow, an herb native to Europe and Asia, is an erect, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 ft in length with feathery, spiral, long leaves that are either bipinnate or tripinnate (a pinna in Botany is a division of a leaf (you can call pinna as a leaflet).
Greek Medicine
Yarrow is a Latin word and the legacy of a Greek hero of the Trojan War, named Achilles. Achilles would use yarrow to palliate the wounds of his soldiers and to stop bleeding from the injured areas of the body. From the times of ancient Greek physicians, yarrow is known to impede bleeding; they used it to cease bleeding from hemorrhoids and the menstrual bleeding as well, however, this bleeding-checking effect of yarrow was and is still controversial. This is due to the presence of coumadin (an anti-coagulant or a blood thinner that prevents the formation of a blood clot and thereby induces bleeding as opposed to stopping it). In that event, yarrow was employed by ancient Eastern girls for a weird logic to induce a nosebleed via the serrated leaf of yarrow, while singing the following rhyme:
Yarroway, Yarroway bear a white blow
If my love loves my nose, my nose will bleed now…
If the nose bled, that was a prediction that your love truly loved you. (Does it sound like an off-the-wallcontemplation for today’s folks? Well, it is an herbal folklore and generally carries some grain of truth in it).
Dioscorides jotted down in his pharmacopeia that yarrow precludes infection.
Use by Ancient England Botanists
Culpeper, a notable English botanist, stated, “An ointment prepared from yarrow leaves is outstanding for healing wounds and inflammations.”
Conclusion
“Nature patiently waits and we have only to turn back to her to find relief from our suffering!” (Dr. Bach)
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