natural-homeopathy.co.uk/ancient medicine

Why are flowers and plants so appealing to us? The fascination of plants and flowers works on many different levels. Their history, which goes back to antiquity, is rich in ancient magical associations, religious ritual and early medicine. Their use has continued across the world and down through the centuries.

Nobody knows exactly where and when the healing use of plants and flowers began, but it most certainly has its roots in the rites and rituals of earliest mankind. Scientists have analysed fossilised pollens found in ancient habitation and burial sites of early humans, they have discovered traces of plants which have known medical properties.

Early man would soon have recognised which leaves, berries, fruits or roots encouraged healing whether by accident or maybe by observing which plants were sought and eaten by sick animals. Early man also observed that the smoke from his fires could produce various effects. Some woods and bushes when burnt and the smoke inhaled, could produce drowsiness, some excitement, and others could produce hallucinations. Smoke and fire were considered to be magical and formed an integral part of many rituals. Fumigation with aromatic plants and woods has been an accepted medical practice over thousands of years and is still used in some parts of the world today. Until early last century, in Europe, rosemary and time were burnt in hospitals for their disinfectant qualities.

Evidence of widespread use of aromatic plant substances is to be seen in tomb paintings of the ancient Egyptians of up to 5000 years ago. Plant substances were used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for perfumes, cosmetics and in the preservation and preparation of food in order to enhance flavour and aid digestion. They were used for their anti-viral properties, to stave off illness and epidemic. Some were even found to have contraceptive qualities.

The ancient Egyptians reached quite a sophisticated level in their practice of medicine, and many of their usages of plants are today recognised as being beneficial in the treatment of certain diseases. Plant substances were used extensively in pills, potions, pastes, ointments, infusions, poultices, powders and suppositories. And when the ancient Egyptian died, plant substances, bitumen’s and resins were used in the most important ritual of all – embalming the body so that the spirit could live for eternity.

The famous Egyptologist Howard Carter, who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen, found dried, well preserved flower garlands draped around the King’s neck. It is interesting to note how very similar the plants used by both the Egyptians and other ancient civilisations are to the ones used today.

Rhubarb, Juniper, Watermelon, Quince, Garlic, Angelica, Coriander, Marjoram, Mint, Grapes, Parsley, Cumin, Radishes, Cypress, Leeks, Olives, Bay, Onions, Tarragon, Thyme, Ginger, Mustard, Cinnamon, Apples, Aniseed, Rose, Frankincense, Caraway, Poppy, Fennel, Yarrow, Saffron.

In ancient Egypt, the sent of the lotus was identified with the immortal soul. They pressed lotus blossoms to extract juice, which was then added to wine. This produced a perfumed drink which produced visions and hallucinations. They also believed that the phoenix first brought incense grasped in his claws and they saw the phoenix as the soul of God Osiris, who’s breath smelt of myrrh and incense. The ancient Egyptians believed that, at the end of his life, the phoenix would build him self a nest of frankincense and cassia. In this nest he died, and from his dead body arises a new phoenix.

As the Roman Empire expanded, so their knowledge of plants spread widely and probably arrived in Britain with the Roman legions. In the 11^th century Arabia, Avicenna, the famous court physician, recorded the use of over 800 plants in his treatments. Medievil Europe saw the use of plants in infusions, pills and potions, pomanders and nosegays, which were sniffed as protection against epidemic and pestilence. Lavender, sage and rosemary were widely popular and herb sachets were used to scent linen and protect against moths. Herbs were strewn on the floors of dwellings to perfume rooms and repel fleas, flies and ticks.

Many case studies have testified to the effectiveness of plant remedies, but, to date, scientists cannot fully explain these results as research techniques are not yet sophisticated enough to isolate and measure the healing properties – chemical analysis of the remedies shows only spring water and alcohol but most recently, radionics techniques have shown a very distinctive energy field around the remedy. It is acknowledged by scientists that plants hold the key to the cure of most, if not all, diseases including cancers. They simply have not yet discovered which plants. The fear is that we are destroying wild habitats, such as the Amazonian forests, at such a rate that plants with great healing powers will become extinct before even being discovered.

If the flowers are destroyed, something of our inner soul is gone too. We respond instinctively to the life-force beauty of flowers. We offer flowers to speak for us of love, of celebration, of sympathy at times of grief, of healing for the sick, of thanks, of welcomes and of goodbyes. Note the way in which flowers present themselves to the sum, some hugging the earth, some hiding in the shade of trees or hanging their heads, some reaching up and turning their faces full into the sun’s warmth. Observing these things will build our understanding of the flowers and plants we are working with.

all copyright belongs to Lynne Wheatman, Natural-Homeopathy