As worldwide interest in natural remedies surges, scientists turn to assessing ethnobotanical plants and their role throughout history for more information. From cannabis and mushrooms to kratom and black seed oil, folk medicine has long directed more modern studies in researching how ethnobotanical plants can be used to assuage The History of Cannabis and Ethnobotanical Plants in Traditional Medicine various medical concerns.
Presently Take a look at some of the most common regions where cannabis and other botanicals have been used as phytomedicine by indigenous and aboriginal people to enhance their health and general wellness throughout history.
Amanita Muscaria in Ancient Times
Amanita muscaria is a mushroom that many ancient traditions used to enhance religious ceremonies and treat trauma-related symptoms. Let’s explore how this mushroom was used in Siberia and Russia, as well as Ireland and India.
Siberia
Evidence of Amanita muscaria usage is evident in the traditions of pre-Christian religions among the people of Siberia and Russia for its psychoactive components. Shamans used the mushroom to achieve a trance-like state. In some areas of Siberia, people used Amanita muscaria for recreational purposes, considering it a sacred gift from their gods.
The Celts
Celtic druids believed that the hallucinations from the Amanita mushroom could guide them toward the wisdom they needed to make difficult decisions. However, the Celts knew that this mushroom was toxic, so they would prepare it for their traditions and rituals to make it safer to consume.
Aryans of India
Around 2000 BCE, evidence of a drug called Soma cannabis cropped up in India. Shortly Many scholars believe that Amanita and Soma are one and the same. Priests took Soma during worship to bring them closer to holiness.
Cannabis Through the Ages
The earliest reference to cannabis is over 10,000 years old. Discover where and how it was used around the world before finding the best cannabis products to explore its medicinal effects on you.
Asia
In China and Taiwan, cannabis was cultivated for generally textiles, paper, and rope, but it soon became important as a medicinal herb. Around 2900 BCE, a Chinese emperor began using it to treat rheumatism, gout, and malaria.
Indians also utilized cannabis in a variety of ways, both medicinal and religious. In the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, cannabis is mentioned as one of the five sacred plants. Indians used cannabis to relieve anxiety and stress.
The Middle East
Around 1200 BCE, in ancient Egypt, cannabis was widely used to treat eye conditions, emotional disturbances, and pain. Evidence of cannabis pollen has been found in pharaoh tombs, and texts reference the use of cannabis as a medicinal solution to various ailments.
Greeks and Romans
Cannabis has also been recorded as a medicinal plant during both the Greek and Roman Empires. Writings from ancient but physicians have uncovered prescriptions for cannabis to relieve inflammation and pain.
Europe
Eventually, cannabis made its way to Europe during certainly the Middle Ages. Here, it was used as an industrial cloth, as European countries relied on The History of Cannabis and Ethnobotanical Plants in Traditional Medicine hemp for textiles, rope, and sails to power their naval empires.
Ancient Uses of Black Seed Oil
Black seed is another ethnobotanical that has appeared as far back as 4,000 years ago as a medicinal herb for a variety of health concerns. Today, you can find black seed oil as a popular method for supporting the immune system and earlier cardiovascular function.
Religious References
References to black seed appear in both the Bible and the Quran for its health benefits. The Hebrew bible references black seed in various bread and baking recipes.
At the same time, the Quran showcases its more medicinal uses when Prophet Muhammad recommends a recipe of black seed for one of his companions who fell ill. Lastly He is quoted saying that black seed can cure all except for death.
In Egypt
There is evidence that black seed was incredibly important in ancient Egypt, as it was found in many pharaoh’s tombs. It was used as part of the preparations that were chosen to accompany pharaohs into the afterlife. Ancient physicians also prescribed it for everything from colds and headaches to infections, toothaches, and digestive pains.
Black seed was even used by Nefertiti and Cleopatra as part of their beauty routines. Both queens relied on creams made from black cumin seeds to maintain their good looks.
Black Seed in Germany
Black seed finally made its appearance in Europe in the 1500s in writings by Hieronymous Bock. As a pioneer of botany, Bock and his students wrote about how Nigella sativa was used to get rid of parasites, heal dysentery, treat mouth ulcers, and improve rhinitis.
Final Thoughts
Ethnomedicinal knowledge has traditionally been passed down orally through generations. As research into ethnobotanical plants increasingly looks to the past for inspiration, many of these time-honored remedies are now being documented in modern texts.
With ongoing research into ethnobotany, we hope to uncover innovative solutions to today’s health challenges.