HISTORY OF HERBALISM

The History of Herbalism

Herbaceous plants have been around on our planet for over 120+ million years, while the earliest known signs of
homo-sapiens appeared around 5 million years ago. Around 12,000 years ago, we estimate were the first signs of hunter-gatherers. During this critical stage in our existence, was the beginning of our knowledge of plants and both their culinary and medicinal uses. Our ancestors, much different from us in this day and age, were the ones who first established the understanding of how the properties in plants truly benefit us.

We began to understand what plants can be used for foods, dyes, poisons, cloth making, and even those that provide hallucinatory experiences. Around 10,000 years, we really begin establishing a society of humans that gave birth to agriculture. During this period, we extensively expanded our knowledge of plants. There was more of a scientific, albeit still different to what we understand as science today, as to the proponents of plants and their uses. When we created permanent settlements and began to understand how we can grow our own plants, it added to our knowledge of what each plant can be best used for. There are significant examples in ancient history that showcased herbalism was very much a part of daily life - but around 5,000 years ago, we can review written history on how our ancestors truly foraged for and used plants for medicine, food, etc. It is an ancient art-form that should never be forgotten in place of modern technology.

Herbalism During The Stone Age

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of herbal uses for medicinal purposes that date back nearly 60,000 years ago - otherwise known as the Paleolithic age. Studies in tooth plaque gathered from Neanderthal remains show that Chamomile, Poplar, and Yarrow were part of their diet. In Iraq, in the city of Shanidar, a Neanderthal man’s remains were uncovered and believed to have been buried on a bed of flowers and herbs. This ritual method of flowers and herbs showcases that our ancestors, even that long ago, favored the powerful uses and beliefs behind these plants.

Another unique discovery, of a late Neolithic man, named Otzi, shows uses of herbalism. Otzi is believed to have lived 5,300 years ago. His remains were preserved in such magnificent condition, that he was found with skin tissue and hair. In his possession was a satchel of medicinal plants - including tools and food. Scientists understood that Otzi had Lyme disease and a parasitic nematode. In his satchel, they discovered Birch Polypore and dried Slow Berries from a European Blackthorn. The Birth Polypore was used as an antiviral and antibacterial from a fungus. The dried berries were used for anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial purposes - including being an immune booster. Finding these pre-dried herbs in his satchel confirmed that understanding and deliberate use of these plants for medicinal purposes.

Herbs From Ancient History

Unfortunately, because written history only began around 5,000 years ago, there is countless knowledge on herbs and their uses in past history that is lost to time. Although much was shared orally and passed down from generation to generation, there are quite a few plants and herbs that are no longer existent in today’s day and age. So to know, truly, all that our long-ago ancestors used from plants and herbs, both to eat and for medicine, is sadly forgotten. But fortunately, we can still go back quite some time ago to understand how herbalism was used in the past. It is from the knowledge of our ancestors that we are able to know so much in today’s day and age. In addition to modern science, our knowledge of herbs and plants is still expanding.

Recorded on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia, by the Sumerians, we have our first written records of plants that were used medicinally over 5,000 years ago. In the discovery of these tablets, there’s a dozen recipes of herbal uses of nearly 250 plant species. In addition, the discovery of the Ebers Papyrus by the Egyptians, was a publication of herbal recipes and medicines from 1500 BCE. This record contained almost 850 uses of herbs for medicine and other recipes.

The Charaka Samhita is a document recovered from 400 BCE out of India. This document contains over 300 herbal recipes used for medicinal purposes. These recipes are still used in western practice. A great example of how ancient knowledge of medicine has been passed down to modern civilizations.

From Chinese emperors, to ancient Greek philosophers, the history of herbalism is expansive. To understand the traditional practices of our ancestors and their understanding of herbal uses really showcases their knowledge of medicine. Modern history tends to believe that we are significantly more advanced then ancient history - and even though in many ways we are technologically, our ancient ancestor’s understanding of how plants can heal is truly astounding. What was otherwise common knowledge and practice in the past is lost to our youth today. Although our phones make this information easily accessible, it’s unbelievable to think the knowledge our ancestors had from practicing the art of herbalism without Google to assist.

Herbalism is truly an ancient artform that should never be forgotten. We have become so reliant on modern medicine that in the case of emergencies or global collapses, so many will be unable to self-sustain themselves or their families without the knowledge of living from the land.