From establishing the Olympic Games to sharing the wisdom of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, history books speak endlessly of ancient Greek accomplishments. As far as medicinal and healing practices in ancient Greece go, early physicians focused on harnessing the power of nature, including roots, flowers and herbs. Ancient Greek home remedies expand upon the basic use of herbs as they learned more about the healing power of Mother Nature.
Greek Home Remedies 24 Ancient Greek Home Remedies
Overview of Ancient Greek Medicine
The ancient Greeks associated disease with displeasing the gods and saw getting sick as a punishment for something they did or didn’t do. It wasn’t until the Classical Greek physician Hippocrates shifted ancient Greek medicine views from spirituality towards using a system based on logic and observation. Even after the ancient Romans conquered Greece, the Roman Catholic Church showed support for Hippocratic medicine. Over time, their advancing medical beliefs would influence medical advancements across the world.
Home Remedies from Ancient Greece
Interestingly, one of the most common symbols of modern medicine originates from two separate ancient Greek symbols – two entwined snakes about a staff with wings. Called the medical caduceus, the symbol was representative of the Greek god Hermes, who was known as messenger to the gods. Today, Ancient Greek home remedies are still used to treat illness and medical conditions, including some of the suggestions below:
a) Fennel:
The ancient Greeks saw fennel (also referred to as sweet fennel and fenkel) as a natural expectorant, and it was used to ease the discomfort of coughs. In ancient Greece, fennel tea was brewed to serve as a weight loss aid, cramp reliever, and treatment for muscle and joint pain.
b) Peppermint:
The ancient Greeks would chew on sprigs of mint after indulging in a feast as a way to settle their stomach. Drinking peppermint tea after a meal is also a good way to prevent indigestion.
c) Wine:
Wine was a symbol of the Greek god Dionysus, who was often seen with a goblet of the beverage in his hand. In ancient medicinal circles, wine was used to disinfect wounds. They also drank it a lot because they believed it would drive away sadness and melancholy. The Greeks would use absinthe wine as an antidote to fight poisonous mushrooms and hemlock.
d) Vermouth:
Hippocrates would treat a range of ailments, such as jaundice, rheumatism, anemia and menstrual pains, with Vermouth an aromatic wine flavored with flowers, roots, herbs, spices, seeds and barks.
e) Dates and Quinces:
The healthy diet of the ancient Greeks meant that they rarely experienced cases of diabetes. The condition was regarded as severe and often ended in a fatality. Remedies made out of dates and raw quinces were commonly used to treat diabetes, but were deemed ineffective.
f) Fenugreek:
The ancient Greeks would use the herb fenugreek as cattle feed to stimulate the digestion of their cattle and horses. Hippocrates encouraged the use of fenugreek for the treatment of respiratory issues, cough, and tuberculosis. Sometimes, mothers were given the herb to increase their milk flow when nursing. Fenugreek was also used to treat rare cases of diabetes.
g) Alcohol with Honey and Cinnamon:
The ancient Greeks consumed a drink called Tsiporou (or Raki), which was made from the leftover mash of wine-making. They added a bit of cinnamon and honey to the mash to create a remedy that eased the symptoms of cold and flu. Patients would enjoy a clearer head and reduced symptoms. A substitute for this home remedy is to use whiskey or brandy instead of leftover mash.
h) Aloe Vera:
A quick treatment for sunburn in ancient Greece was to break off the nearest aloe plant, and rub the pulp onto affected skin. The result was soothing, cooling relief.
i) Milk:
The rejuvenating qualities of milk were a favorite of Cleopatra, who was said to have bathed in it on a regular basis. Milk was associated with promoting a more youthful complexion. You can soak whole-grain bread in milk, and after squeezing out the excess – can use as a mask once a month. Place the bread on your face, lie down, and then relax for 30 minutes or so. Rinse well after the milk treatment.
j) Mint:
The Greeks used mint as an aromatherapy treatment to address intense headaches (better known as migraines). They would also chew sprigs of mint to prevent an unsettled stomach.
k) Herbal Teas:
The Greeks regularly drank herbal teas to treat ailments, such as skin conditions. For example, drinking a cup of lemon verbena tea would help assist in achieving proper digestion.
l) Flaxseeds:
To aid in digestion and lowering cholesterol levels, flaxseeds were a favorite of ancient Greek physicians.
m) Beetroot:
Thanks to a high quality of iron, ancient Greeks would use beetroot to treat anemia and other related conditions. Regular consumption of beetroot and fresh beetroot juice helped to increase red blood count levels in a patient suffering from anemia.
n) Olive Oil:
The Greeks indulged in the health benefits of olive oil and would include it in their diet whenever they could. Compounds in the oil have the power to thin the blood, reduce cholesterol levels, and treat heart ailments. Extra virgin olive oil could calm down stomach ulcers associated with stress. Taking a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil in the morning and night would help treat ulcers and acid reflux. Drinking a small amount of the oil also combats sluggish bowels and constipation.
o) Garlic:
The beneficial effects of garlic on the body included antiseptic qualities for wound care, as well as acted as a mosquito repellent. To treat cuts or puncture wounds, the Greeks would rub cut garlic on affected skin, or crush a few cloves to make a poultice.
p) Tomatoes:
The Greeks believed that eating a tomato a day would lessen the chances of men developing prostate cancer.
q) Grape Sap:
When eyes grew tired and dry, the Greeks would apply sap from grapevines as a remedy.
r) Honey:
The ancient Greeks used honey as a common treatment for skin conditions, such as acne. The honey also had a moisturizing quality on the face that left a complexion glowing. Overall, the Greeks believed honey represented love, beauty and fertility. They felt that the gods favored a drink made with fermented honey and spices.
s) Massage:
The ancient Greeks were influenced by some of the philosophies and practices of the East, which included using massage techniques for health purposes. At first, the Greeks used massage to keep the bodies of their Olympic athletes in good condition. The doctors would combine herbs and oils with their massage techniques. Ancient accounts of massage was noted in the writings of Hippocrates, who during the 5th century BCE, explained how friction could be used to treat physical injuries.
t) Marjoram:
Used as a digestive tonic to treat the stomach, marjoram was an effective remedy against intestinal distress and candidiasis. Hot marjoram tea was given to patients as a way to sweat out colds and address other respiratory infections. The herb was also used as a steam inhalant that helped to clear the sinuses and relieve laryngitis.
u) Nutmeg:
When you think of nutmeg, you probably imagine the scent of a fresh holiday pie, but for the ancient Greeks, the spice helped treat the common cold. A typical dose of ½ teaspoon of nutmeg washed down with water or a warm herbal tea can help treat symptoms. In aromatherapy, nutmeg produces a calming sedative that when rubbed on the temples helped to relieve the pain and tension of a migraine headache.
v) Oregano:
Greek oregano possesses a certain level of heat and spiciness that jumpstarts a sluggish digestive system. Drinking oregano tea or chewing (and then swallowing) on a pinch of the spice after enjoying a large, heavy meal can help. Oregano can also eliminate excess phlegm responsible for a congested digestive or respiratory tract.
w) Horseradish:
During the winter months, ancient Greeks would eat small doses of horseradish as a way to get rid of excess phlegm trapped in the lungs and respiratory tract. It also worked wonders on the head and sinuses.
x) Cumin:
Cumin was noted as one of the best spices to cook for counteracting the formation of gas in bean dishes. Chewing cumin seeds helped relieve gas, colic, and bloating after eating a meal. During ancient times, the seeds were regarded as one of most effective digestive aids.
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