Herbalism is today known as the practice of using plants and plant extracts to help support body functions.
Did you know that herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat several conditions? In fact, herbalism dates back to when Neanderthals walked the Earth. Some recent burial findings in Northen Iraq revealed a man laid in soil and covered with different herbs which we are still using today such as grape hyacinth, marshmallow pollen, and yarrow.
Some of the earliest herbalists we know of are shamans. They were also called the "medicine keepers of the tribe" and used herbal remedies to treat different conditions. To get an impression of how old the practice is, know that shamanism has been practiced since 30.000 BCE.
The first written record of medicinal plants was created on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia, around 3.000 BCE.
In 1.500 BCE, the Egyptians wrote the Ebers Papyrus which listed over 850 herbal medicines, many of which we are still using today. The papyrus contains ancient remedies for stomach disease, skin issues, treatment of migraines, burns and flesh wounds, dermatological and dental conditions, and more.
~ Ancient Egyptians placed a significant focus on the heart and cardiovascular system. It was believed that the heart was responsible for regulation and passage of body fluids such as sweat, tears, urine, and semen. The Ebers Papyrus contains a full section called "the book of hearts", covering the blood supply and vessels attached to every part of the human body. It also suggests that depression and other mental disorders are a bi-product of a bad-heart.~
Ancient Greeks and Romans were also using herbs in their daily lives as well as for treating some conditions. Lavender, for example, was used for fighting insomnia and back pains as well as for its scent and bathing. Chamomile was used for a variety of conditions including colds and today it is still considered a safe herb to give to children.
~ Chamomile has been associated in the past with deities of the sun. In Ancient Egypt, it was considered to be sacred to the sun god Ra and was highly revered over all other herbs. It was usually prescribed as a cold remedy. It was also known to heal any condition and Egyptian nobility used it in their beauty regiments.~
It is really hard to have a precise timeline of herbalism as many practices have also just been shared from generation to generation, and because of this certain secrets might have been kept in the family. However, during the years, many great herbalists have been experimenting with plants, using their intuition, writing down their findings, and spreading knowledge.
Today, there is enough information out there which you can use to learn more about herbs, their benefits, and their usages. You can use herbs in tinctures, infusions, intention oils and so much more.
For more info and herbalism tips and recipes, check out my Instagram or my blog.
Until next time lovelies,
The Green Kitchen Witch