What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
The Ebers Papyrus, written around 1500 BCE, is one of the oldest and most significant medical texts in the world. Over 700 mystical and herbal treatments are written across its 65 feet (20 m) of papyrus.
Much of Greece's medicinal theory was based around the concept of the "four humors," which were black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. Each humor was associated with an element, organ, temperament, and a season. Herbs used in treatments also coincided with these humors, and were administered accordingly.
Medicinal plants and herbs have been used by humans for at least 60,000 years, since the Paleolithic Age. Herbalism remained central to the treatment of ailments for nearly all of human history. Even today in our modern pharmaceutical world, many ancient medicines are being synthesized and put in capsules.
The ancient Greeks learned much from the Egyptians, and expanded on many of their ideas. The Greeks moved the practice of medicine further towards secularism, focused more on material treatments for physical and mental ailments, rather than spiritual treatments.
Archaeological sites dating back to the beginning of the Shang dynasty around 1500 BCE show signs of the widespread use of herbs in medicine. It is said that one of China's first mythical emperors, Shennong, wrote China's first pharmacopoeia long ago. The Shennong Ben Cao Jing was passed down orally until it was written down around 200 BCE.
Since those ancient times, traditional herbal medicine has continued to be used into the 21st century.
Marshmallow was one of the most useful plants in the ancient world, particularly in ancient Greece. It was used to treat everything from dysentery to kidney stones, and even today is still used to treat gastritis and relieve pain from minor cuts and burns.
Indeed, the incredible versatility of the world's plants and organic materials have been used in the practices of healing and medicine since time immemorial. Even today, many of the modern pharmaceuticals made in labs are derived from materials used by humans for thousands of years.
While all claims of orchid bulbs being an aphrodisiac have been disproven, a tincture known as salep was brewed using early purple orchid all across Asia and the Mediterranean and was used to treat mild coughs and stomach aches.
The mandrake, named for its roots' uncanny resemblance to a human body, was a plant both feared and respected in the ancient world. It was known to cause violent hallucinations if not harvested and used correctly. If properly handled, however, it made for a very effective painkiller.
Burdock root, which is still being used in plant medicine today, was said to be an effective treatment for venomous animal bites, burns, and congestion.
Peonies of all types were cherished in ancient Greece, and were used to treat all sorts of conditions. Peony root was said to work wonders for epilepsy and night terrors.
The roots of the elecampane plant had many uses in the ancient world. Boiled elecampane root mixed with honey was used to treat everything from muscle spasms to digestive issues.
The ephedra plant, mentioned in China's Shennong Ben Cao Jing, was used in ancient times to treat bronchitis and flu-like symptoms. Today, it has gained something of a bad reputation as a performance-enhancing supplement.
Fangfeng, known in the West as siler root, is a staple of ancient Chinese medicine, traditionally used to treat headaches, constipation, and even psychosis.
The ginkgo tree has been around since the Middle Jurassic period, over 170 million years ago. Humans in Asia have been harvesting its leaves since arriving on the continent, and they have been used to treat everything from dementia to bladder problems and schizophrenia. However, none of these uses have been backed by modern science.
Flame lilies, or Gloriosa superba, grow all across the African continent and have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. While flame lilies can be incredibly poisonous in large doses, they were also carefully used for the treatment of head lice, small pox, and even cancer.
Cocklebur grows all across the Northern Hemisphere, and has been used in medicine for millennia. Although poisonous and life-threatening if not handled properly, cocklebur fruits were used to treat joint pains, arthritis, and even kidney disease.
Reishi mushrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years for their effectiveness in boosting the immune system and even reportedly aiding in the treatment of depression. All across ancient Asia, these mushrooms were considered the "mushroom of immortality," and were highly-prized additions to any herbalist's apothecary.
Foxglove has been used to treat heart conditions in Asia for thousands of years, and recent studies have proven just how effective it really is. Foxglove contains powerful glycosides, which are essential in promoting healthy heart function.
The bark from willow trees has been used around the world as a mild pain killer for thousands of years. Today, the salicylic acid found in willow bark is one of the main ingredients of aspirin.
Sweet wormwood has always been used in traditional Eastern medicine to treat mild maladies like fevers and headaches, but extracts from this incredible plant are being used today as an effective antimalarial medicine.
Myrrh may be known primarily as a perfume, but it has also been used in medicine in North Africa and across Eurasia since ancient times, and up into the present. Myyrh can be used as a minor analgesic, and myrrh gum can also be taken to treat indigestion and symptoms of the common cold.
Echinopsis pachanoi, more commonly known as the San Pedro cactus, is notorious for its strong hallucinogenic qualities. It has been used for at least 2,000 years by the native cultures of South America as a catalyst for spiritual development and healing.
In the early centuries of ancient Egypt, many materials were used based on their physical similarity to the part of the body in question. For example, Egyptians would eat ostrich eggs to treat skull injuries.
Sources: (IntechOpen) (Medical News Today) (Greece Is)
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Rauvolfia vomitoria roots have been used in West Africa for millennia to treat conditions ranging from venomous snake bites to jaundice and colic.
Bitter kola seeds have also been used across Africa in traditional medicine, as a treatment for bronchitis, inflammation, and liver disorders.
Ancient Egypt was one of the first civilizations in history to have a documented and calculated system of medicine. In general, the ancient Egyptians believed that a mixture of spiritual healing and medicinal healing could cure all ailments.
For thousands of years, the herbalist was the individual in charge of healing. Often, the herbalist was also the shaman or spiritual leader of a given group as well. They knew how to interact with the natural world to the advantage of their people's livelihood.
Plants with medicinal properties have been used by humans since the beginning. Some can treat smaller ailments, while others can be used against serious illnesses. Click to find out more.
The mystical and powerful plants of ancient medicine
The amazing herbs and plants that healed the ancient world
LIFESTYLE Health
Since the dawn of humanity, we have been finding ways to use the gifts of the earth to our advantage and for our survival. Whether through hunting animals, discovering fire, or foraging for plants and berries, our ancient ancestors subsisted off the land. Through luck, trial and error, and maybe a bit of intuition, ancient peoples discovered the wonderful and incredible healing powers of the plants, herbs, flowers, and trees that grow around the world. Ancient civilizations quickly began to put these plants to use in the pursuit of keeping themselves healthy, alive, and thriving.
Intrigued? Read on to learn about some of the most important and useful plants of ancient medicine.