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Hippocrates (459–370 BC)
The works of Hippocrates reportedly contain 300 medicinal plants classified by physiological action: Wormwood & common centaury (Centaurium umbellatum Gilib) were applied against fever; garlic against intestine parasites; opium, henbane, deadly nightshade, & mandrake were used as narcotics; fragrant hellebore & haselwort as emetics; sea onion, celery, parsley, asparagus, & garlic as diuretics; oak & pomegranate as adstringents.
Hippocrates is identifoed as an ancient Greek physician who lived during Greece’s Classical period & is traditionally regarded as the father of medicine. It is difficult to isolate the facts of Hippocrates’ life from the later tales told about him. About 60 medical writings have survived that bear his name, many of which probably were not written by him.
Throughout his journey of exploration Hippocrates is reported to have traveled widely in Greece & Asia Minor practicing his art & teaching, & he presumably taught at the medical school at Cos frequently. His birth & death dates are traditional but may well be approximately accurate. Although contemporary documentation of his life & works is scant, Hippocrates exercised a permanent influence on the development of medicine & on the ideals & ethics of the physicianAlthough historical sources confirm that Hippocrates documented approximately 300 medicinal plants, no definitive, single list of them exists today. The specific works containing these original lists from the Hippocratic Corpus have been lost to time. What is known comes from fragments and summaries found in the writings of other ancient authors and later medical texts.
The following are just a few of plants known to have been used or described in the Hippocratic Corpus, often grouped by their reported medicinal action.
Narcotic and analgesic plants
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum): A powerful narcotic used for pain and to induce sleep.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum): Used as an anesthetic and narcotic, but also known for its toxicity.
Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger): A poisonous plant used as a narcotic and sedative.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna): Used for its anesthetic properties, though highly toxic.
Juniper (Juniperus species): Berries were used for relieving pain and chills, particularly after childbirth.
Digestive and diuretic plants
Garlic (Allium sativum): Used against intestinal parasites and as a diuretic.
Sea Onion (Drimia maritima, formerly Scilla maritima): Prescribed as a diuretic.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Used as a diuretic.
Celery (Apium graveolens): Used as a diuretic.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): Used as a diuretic.
Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus): The resin was used for digestive issues and oral health.
Lovage (Levisticum officinale): Used as a digestive aid.
Astringent and antiseptic plants
Oak (Quercus species): The bark was used as an astringent.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum): The fruit was used as an astringent.
Myrtle (Myrtus communis): Used as an astringent lotion and for feminine hygiene.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Used as an antiseptic and for respiratory issues.
Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory plants
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Used against fever.
Common Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum): Used against fever.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Used for purification and against colds, with sedative and relaxant properties.
Willow Bark (Salix species): A natural source of a precursor to aspirin, used for pain and fever.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Used to enhance mental abilities, improve digestion, and soothe inflammation.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris): Used to treat excessive menstruation and inflammation.
Emetic and other plants
Fragrant Hellebore (Helleborus species): A highly toxic plant used as an emetic to induce vomiting.
Haselwort (Asarum europaeum): Used as an emetic.
Mint (Mentha species): Used for indigestion, coughs, and headaches.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): Used to heal wounds and promote sleep.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Used in antiquity for its medicinal properties.
