Introduction
Roman medicine was substantially influenced by Greek medical practice and literature, but it would also make its own distinctive contribution to the history of medicine by the research of such renowned specialists as Galen and Celsus.
History
The Roman literature explicitly devoted to the topic of medicine is undoubtedly the wealthiest source accessible.
Some have been lost but some of the works of several of the most promising medical specialists in Roman times have survived because they were prevalent enough, both in their own period and centuries later, so they were copied by hand often, thus improving their chances of survival from ancient times.
Despite critics of the Greek physicians, they were nevertheless exceptionally influential and had one as part of the employees of many a Roman family.
Furthermore, with its classic division of medical therapy into diet, regimen, and surgery, the Greeks were able to take their understanding of the 5-4th century BCE Hippocratic Corpus.
The Greeks and Romans have attempted to focus on the practical application and use of herbs in the kitchen, medicine, and cosmetics in particular.
Herbs valued by the Romans
- Charlock (Brassica) – it was valued in Rome as an irreplaceable medicinal plant. Pliny gives as many as 40 medicines based on mustard. Besides, it was added to most of the sophisticated dishes of Roman cuisine.
- Catnip (Nepeta) – from the Roman city of Nepeta famous for its cultivation, used for medicinal and spice purposes.
- Skirret (Sium) – a herb with an aromatic, edible root, often grown in ancient Rome. Emperor Tiberius valued its values so much that he allowed it to be a tribute.
- Lavender (Lavandula) from the Latin lavo, lavare – “wash”, valued for its properties antiseptic and supportive hygiene, hence popular as a cosmetic, but also used in the kitchen.
- Lemon thyme, Thyme (Thymus) – from Greek “courageous,” valued as a cosmetic, thyme oil was widely used in massage and bathing, mainly Roman soldiers practiced swimming in water with thyme and adding it to the dishes, believing that it adds bravery.
- Thyme aroma was described and praised by Virgil. Women commonly used it for his ailments; it was also an attribute of Aesculapius.
- Marigold (Calendula) – from calendae, which is the beginning of the month, because it was believed to blossom on every first day of the month.
- Oman (Inula) – Pliny says that Empress Julia Augusta began the day with the candied roots of oman. The Romans also loved making preserves from it, so we can assume that the herb at that time fulfilled the role of today’s sweets.
- Parsley (Petroselinum) – Roman doctors recommended its intake due to health properties. It was also intertwined in garlands because of the aroma, which was supposed to remove unpleasant odors. Sterile men were advised to eat large amounts of this vegetable.
- Houseleeks (Sempervivum) – “eternally alive,” according to legend, humanity got it as a gift from Jupiter as an amulet against lightning, thunders, and fire, in front of every Roman house ceramic urns planted with turnip. Its medicinal actions are refrigerant, astringent, diuretic. It is often applied as a poultice to burns, scalds, wounds, scrofulous ulcers, and inflammatory conditions of the skin generally, giving immediate relief.
- Salvia (Salvia from salvere) – “be healthy,” or salvoere – “save, heal” – considered as a sacred herb herd collected in a solemn way: the first sacrifice of bread and wine was made, Roman recipes ordered to collect sage in a white dress, barefoot and without the use of tools, that is, by hand! According to Pliny –it removed tiredness and drowsiness.
- Laurel (Laurus Nobilis, Laurus) – triumph, famous, noble, hence the laureate – honored with laurels, it was also a symbol of wisdom and glory, it was crowned among meritorious athletes and artists, it was also valued in the kitchen.
- Verbena – according to Pliny, there was no more famous and holy herb in history. It was considered an “iron herb” or the best remedy for iron wounds, in Rome, it was celebrated with great reverence and considered sacred: broomsticks made of verbena were used for
- Oregano was a well-known herb throughout the Roman world for its fragrance and antiseptic properties.
- Borage – (Borago officinalis) Some believe the name may stem from the Latin word “borus,” which was a rough/hairy woolen cloak worn by Roman shepherds. It was used to lower temperatures and fever caused by colds or bronchitis. Also used for rheumatism. The Greek physician Dioscorides remarks on its use against depression and for its relaxing properties. The Romans used it mainly as a flavoring in foods and drinks. They brought it to England, where it is still widely appreciated.
- Violets (Viola odorata) – used for the eyes or as a cure for hangovers.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – was introduced into Europe by the Romans.
- Poppy – it’s calming effects have been widely known in most civilizations and cultures since primordial times.
- Chestnut (Castanea sativa) – Pliny tells us it was eaten roasted/toasted by the priests of Cibele as they were forbidden from eating cereals. It is also mentioned by the poet Homer and by Galen, Martial, and Virgil.
- Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) – Pliny goes as far as saying the Romans used cabbage as the only medicine for several centuries. Catullus defended it and its virtues in the senate against other foodstuffs and herbs, which were imported from the Orient.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Pliny advocates it for problems with the eyes and sight. Something weird about noticing how molting snakes would rub their eyes against it.
- Chicory (Cichorium intybus) – Dioscorides used it for stomach problems and digestion. Galen suggested it was good for liver problems. Pliny found it refreshing.
- Cherry (Prunus avium) – Galen advocated its use for the intestine and against gall stones. The kernel was found useful for arthritis pain, acne, and verrucas. The resin/gum, collected in summer, would be mixed with wine against cough and to aid appetite.
- The use of soap was learned from Gaul. Otherwise, Olive oil would be used by the rich.
- Oak – the bark, leaves, and galls are potent astringents. The high tannin content can also be used for tanning leather. A crushed leaf could be applied directly to wounds.
- Garlic - used for disinfecting wounds and internally to strengthen the system.
- Hyssop – Pliny describes wine made from this plant. During the Roman empire, the use of Hyssop was known for its cleansing action, and it was regarded as a remedy for lepers.
- Mint – used to flavor wines and sauces. The poet Ovid mentions it as a symbol of hospitality. It was used as a diuretic and digestive as well as for coughs and colds. The ritual purification of Jupiter’s altars from the blood of sacrificial animals.
- Brambles (Rubus fruticosus) – Galen and the Greeks saw it as useful for gout. The Romans found that chewing a leaf could help against bleeding gums. Ground leaves could also be used against the pain of ulcers and scars. A tea made of the leaves and bark was used for its astringent qualities.
Roman Physicians
It is worth noting that so-called “Roman Gardens” are still prevalent today, where a patch of herbs separates the vegetable strip.
It also has practical importance in addition to its aesthetic value – it promotes crop development, repels pests, and inhibits the growth of weeds.
There is no doubt that ancient Roman medicine was the most advanced of the era. This was motivated by a mixture of riches, social concentration, and ongoing warfare involvement.
Rome’s wealth was such that it created medical situations and needs that required the best techniques and knowledge of the time: the wealth of the rich created demand for cosmetic surgery.
The Romans took excellent advantage of the plants’ medical characteristics around them.
There are some notable examples of research and study during Roman times: Krateuas: a herbal collector and medic who wrote a book about the 1st century BC that is now lost. He worked for King Mithridates VI of Pontus. His writings are lost, but Dioscorides speaks well of him.
Mithridates himself is especially well known for having developed a number of antidotes that seem to have worked and saved his life on a number of occasions (he took the antidote every day in heavy doses). The antidote was complicated and experimented first on inmates sentenced to death.
It is therefore evident that the Romans used a great variety of medicinal plants — for example, Melissa against insect bites and as a tea against melancholy.
Pliny’s Historia Naturalis is to all intents and purposes an encyclopedia of the (Roman) world. It is particularly interesting to note that this kind of study was of little interest to the Roman culture of the time and as such his work is all the more praiseworthy – he wrote it for the love of learning rather than a wish for glory in the commonly understood sense of the word.
The wine was a common element of ancient Roman medicine: alcohol is a great way to extract the active components from medicinal plants, as is well known today.
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that wine was the only type of alcohol known to the Romans as distillation.
Wine-infused herbs were a frequent medicinal method that would have a degree of an impact considering the capacity of the alcohol to extract the amount of herbs’ active compounds.
The “only” problem would be whether the herbs that have been infused are the correct ones for the specific condition.
Photo Gallery
