Christian Herbal Medicine, the History and Practice

By Judson Carroll

As an Herbalist, I am often asked, "Is Herbal Medicine Christian?"

The simple answer is, yes. Anyone of any religion, or none at all, can use herbs medicinally. If you believe in a loving God who created the earth and everything on it including humans, there is certainly no reason why anyone of any religion should be prohibited from using herbs or find using those herbs evil. In truth, not only is Herbal Medicine compatible with Christianity, but it was Christian monks, nuns and priests who preserved the herbal knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome.

In recent years, Herbal Medicine has become so associated with "New Age" religions, witchcraft, hippies and liberal/progressive politics that one can certainly understand the question. But Herbal Medicine has been practiced by Christians for about 2,000 years. Until only the last century, most medicines were plant based. For most of Christian history, medical education and the practice of medicine was both decidedly Christian and based on Herbal Medicine.

I know of no mainstream Christian denomination that has ever made a blanket prohibition against herbal medicine. Yet, one frequently hears people say, "The Church forbade the use of herbal medicine." It is just a broad, general statement - no edict is cited, or date given for such a proclamation. The reason for that is that none exists. It is a myth repeated so often that people believe it. Its origins are scurrilous and deliberate lies. This mythology is often taught in herbal schools and even college classes. This very recent phenomenon has poisoned many minds, creating bigotry against Christianity and what is called the "patriarchy". It is propagated by those who reject history, embracing instead the occult and neo-pagan movements that began in Victorian England and flowered in America at about the time traditional herbal medicine was being displaced by modern "allopathic" medicine through rule of law - not a church edict. Many of the champions of those laws were determined to stamp out religion, "superstition" and tradition - those were the so called Progressive (socialist) heroes of Leftist ideology.

Traditional, usually Christian men and women in remote areas such as the Appalachians continued to practice herbal medicine. In Germany, where the Progressives were particularly powerful during the rise of the National Socialist Worker's Party, the brave Catholic priest, Fr. Künzle sued and won in court to keep herbal medicine legal and practiced by both mothers and fathers in their own homes. Such facts of history are inconvenient to some.

Yes, Herbal Medicine is very Christian - it is using the herbs God gave us, with the knowledge and wisdom He created, and encourages us to learn to heal people. There is a concept in propaganda called "The Big Lie". The Big Lie is a lie told so boldly and with such confidence that no one could doubt the liar to be so bold as to tell it. It is a lie told so often that people begin to believe it... even the person being lied about. A Christian should look with skepticism and be wary of anything that hints of New Age spirituality or witchcraft. But the truth is that the vast majority of herbal books have been written by orthodox and devout Christians of various denominations; and the history of Herbal Medicine should be proudly Christian. As Christians, it is our duty to oppose lies, as Satan is the "Father of Lies". We should not only study and practice Herbal Medicine, but we should do so with boldness, taking back what is both right and rightfully ours.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judson Carroll
• Release date: Dec 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005872786

Judson Carroll

Judson CarrollI am a certified Master Herbalist and Permaculturist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, USA. I began learning about herbs and their uses from the old Appalachian folks, especially the Hicks family of Beech Creek, when I was around 15.I host the Southern Appalachian Herbal Podcast: Southern Appalachian Herbs https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbsI teach free, online herbal medicine classes: Herbal Medicine 101 https://rumble.com/c/c-618325I also write a weekly article on herbs and their properties: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/151My passion is being outside, enjoying the woods, the water and the garden. My mission is to revive the tradition of “folk medicine” in America, so families can care for their own ailments at home, using the herbs God gave us for that purpose. I am a moderator and contributor for The Grow Network and you can communicate with me there https://thegrownetwork.com/My email address is [e-mail]

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Christian Herbal Medicine

The History and Practice

by Judson Carroll

Disclaimer:

The information in this book is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. I am not a health practitioner and am not offering advice. No content in this book has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Following any information in this book is at your own risk.

Do your own thorough research before following any herbal advice. Be aware of interactions (drug or herbal), allergy, sensitivity or underlying conditions before proceeding with following any health information.

By continuing to read this book you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to hold me responsible for your own actions.

Copyright 2021

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. This book may not be shared or reproduced without written permission by the author.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Is Herbal Medicine Christian?

A very brief history of Herbal Medicine in the pre-Christian era

The Beginnings of Christian Herbal Medicine

The Patron Saints of Herbal Medicine

Abbot Walfrid Strabo's Hortulus

The Medical School at Solerno

Saint Hildegard von Bingen

Paracelsus, The Rebel

The English Herbalist

Medicine For Me But Not For Thee

Fr. Kneipp and German Folk Medicine

Brother Aloysius

Fr. Künzle

What Happened to France? The Fight and Fame of Maurice Messegue

American Herbalism Reawakens

Maria Treben and God's Pharmacy

The Victors Write the History

Other Books by Judson Carroll

Is Herbal Medicine Christian?

The simple answer is, yes. Anyone of any religion, or none at all, can use herbs medicinally. If you believe in a loving God who created the earth and everything on it including humans, there is certainly no reason why anyone of any religion should be prohibited from using herbs or find using those herbs evil. I even know Christian Scientists, who hold as a matter of their doctrine that they should not go to doctors or use modern medicine, who use herbs for the very reason that God created them for our good. I know of no mainstream Christian denomination that has ever made a blanket prohibition against herbal medicine. Yet, one frequently hears people say, The Church forbade the use of herbal medicine. They usually mean either the Catholic, Anglican or Lutheran Church, but they rarely specify. It is just a broad, general statement - no edict is cited, or date given for such a proclamation.

The reason for that is that none exists. It is a myth repeated so often that people believe it. Its origins are scurrilous and deliberate lies propagated by people who hate Christianity and especially the Catholic Church. There have been specific edicts at certain times prohibiting witchcraft, necromancy, alchemy and other occult practices, but never has there been a prohibition against herbal medicine. Herbs were the only medicine for many centuries and no doctor would have been able to practice medicine in a Christian country had there been such a rule. Even the medical dispensatories and pharmacy manuals up to the early 1900s contained almost exclusively, plant-based medicine.

However, this mythology is what is most often taught in herbal schools and even college classes. This very recent phenomenon has poisoned many minds, creating bigotry against Christianity and what is called the patriarchy. The reason is that many herbalists of the Baby Boomer generation embraced herbalism as a revolt against modern western culture. This included a feminist ideology and a rebellion against the structures of society in the belief that a so called patriarchy and Christianity had subjugated women and minorities. These herbalists rejected history, embracing instead the occult and neo-pagan movements that began in Victorian England and flowered in America at about the time traditional herbal medicine was being displaced by modern allopathic medicine through rule of law - not a church edict or toxic masculinity. In fact, many of the champions of those laws were determined to stamp out religion, superstition and tradition - those were the so called Progressive (socialist) heroes of Leftist ideology.

Traditional, usually Christian men and women in remote areas such as the Appalachians continued to practice herbal medicine. In Germany, where the Progressives were particularly powerful during the rise of the National Socialist Worker's Party, the brave Catholic priest, Fr. Künzle sued and won in court to keep herbal medicine legal and practiced by both mothers and fathers in their own homes.

Such facts of history are inconvenient to those who believe in witches, fairies and New Age mythology. History is a mixed bag. The Jesuits who were thankful to learn of the use of Chinchona bark against malaria from the natives were under no obligation to approve of their human sacrifice and cannibalism. Nor should the natives have been forced to swear allegiance to Spain or to abandon the non-murderous aspects of their culture. No culture or ethnicity should have condoned or practiced slavery, but all did.... every race and people on earth practiced slavery and subjugated others in many ways. There have been both good and bad women and men, good and bad Christians and pagans, good and bad political ideologies. Herbal medicine is neutral and need not be politicized - the plants are here for the good of all. But many in the Baby Boomer generation may be likened to one who inherits a grand home that took generations to build... and then burns it down one room at a time, denying its worth, feeling very wise in how they warmed themselves through the winter... leaving nothing of value for future generations.

In truth, not only is Herbal Medicine compatible with Christianity, but it was the Christian monks, nuns and priests of the Catholic Church who preserved the herbal knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome.

Benedict of Nursia, founder of the monastery of Monte Cassino in 529 AD promoted the first official monastic medical gardens. These would become the Physic Gardens that supplied the official herbs for the apothecaries. We now recognize those herbs by their Latin names ending in officinalis. Saint Benedict's rules for the religious communities under his authority emphasized care for the sick as an essential element of Christian charity, Before all things, and above all things, special care must be taken of the sick.

The Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, ordered the religious orders to plant physic gardens and to further the study of herbal medicine so that free medical care could be available to all. Charlemagne, born in 742 AD, was king of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Romans from 800 AD to his death in 814 AD. The tutor of Charlemagne's' family was a brilliant monk, who would become the Abbot, Walafrid Strabo. Abbot Strabo authored the first herbal book written after the fall of the Roman Empire. His delightful and clever book, written entirely in verse explains how to grow a variety of herbs and use them medicinally.

There are at least two Patron Saints of Herbal Medicine:

The Irish Saint Fiacre who was born in 600 A.D. was a famous herbalist and healer.

St. Gertrude, born in 626 A.D., was a Benedictine abbess at a monastery in Nivelles, Belgium.

By far though, the saint most associated with Herbal Medicine is Saint Hildegard von Bingen born in 1098, in Germany. Saint Hildegard was a visionary who received knowledge of herbs and healing from angels and The voice of the Living Light. She authored numerous works on theology, music, a play, a unique language she seems to have invented and two books on herbal medicine and healing. She is a Doctor of The Church and was a very popular figure in her time, traveling extensively to speak in churches and receiving dignitaries seeking her counsel from throughout Europe. Quite contrary to the belief that the Church forbade Herbal Medicine, she was a favorite of popes and bishops in the 1100s and her works were widely promoted by the Catholic Church.

Even the father of toxicology, to whom many anti-Catholic writers would point as a heretic who was persecuted by the Church, the brilliant physician known as Paracelsus (Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim), not only had roots in Catholic Monastic Medicine, but reconciled with the Church, as evidenced by his burial in a Catholic cemetery (proving he was in communion with the Church) and his statements that he would not burn with Luther. The father of this great physician, chemist and alchemist who would be known as Paracelsus, was a physician at one such Catholic monastery. Dr. Wilhelm Bombast von Hohenheim was the physician at Einsiedeln, a church and town famous during its era as a place where religious pilgrims found both spiritual and physical healing. It was a place of miracles and natural beauty. The young Theophrastus was his father’s constant companion and protegee, his mother having died soon after his birth. The child was instructed in identifying and using all the medicinal herbs of the gardens and the woods long before studying chemistry and medicine in the universities and taking the name Paracelsus. His adult life was one of great controversy, but as he wandered far and wide seeking knowledge and acting as a physician, his reputation for being able to cure even the most difficult diseases was legendary, and very likely due to his foundation in herbal medicine.

The British herbalists of the 1500s, Parkinson and Gerard, made frequent mention in their works of their strong faith in God and adherence to Church doctrine, while strongly denouncing witchcraft and superstition. Even Nicholas Culpepper, writing in the 1600s, who was an astrologer and was himself accused of sorcery by the medical establishment of the time... although a virulently anti-Catholic Anglican, he was certainly a practicing Christian as evidenced by such passages, Wild clary is most blasphemously called Christ's eye, because it cures diseases of the eyes. I could wish from my soul that blasphemy, ignorance, and tyranny were ceased among physicians, that they might be happy and I joyful.

Even the thoroughly reprehensible American Puritan minister, Cotton Mather, who was fond of accusing innocent Catholic women of witchcraft and encouraging their execution, was a plant breeder with a strong interest in medicine - not only the plant-based medicine of the time, but the new science of inoculation.

I continue to search, in vain, for this banning of Herbal Medicine by the Church. The only relevant edicts I can find were prohibitions of priests practicing medicine at various times, the concern being that the priest should minister to the soul primarily. The schools administered by the Church then taught medicine to those who would become professional doctors, instead of priests who would hold dual roles. This continued to be a tension well into the 1900s, as even Father Künzle was eventually told that he had to choose either the priesthood or medicine. That did not exclude monks from teaching and often practicing medicine, nor nuns from nursing... and very often during those centuries, priests would also practice medicine with Vatican approval. Indeed, the entire history of medicine in England has its foundation in those very Benedictine monasteries and abbeys, which is why the English still often refer to nurses as, sister even though they have no religious affiliation. Now, priests are encouraged to earn degrees in psychology... for better or worse.

Anyone who researches the subject will have to acknowledge that as nearly all medicine was plant based prior to 1920, to ban herbal medicine would have been to ban almost all medicine. Yet, people who know better continue to repeat such obvious lies with gleeful invective. Even Stephen Harrod Buhner, a man who should certainly know better, includes in two of his otherwise excellent herbal books a statement that in 1200 people were instructed by religious officials not to use pagan herbs but to rely exclusively on prayer. How could that be, when every Catholic Bible includes the Book of Sirach (as should all Bibles... around 1500, people began cutting out books that disagreed with their new ideas).

Sirach 38, 1-15:

1. Honor the physician with the honor due him, according to your need of him, for the Lord created him;

2 for healing comes from the Most High, and he will receive a gift from the king.

3 The skill of the physician lifts up his head, and in the presence of great men he is admired.

4 The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them.

5 Was not water made sweet with a tree in order that his power might be known?

6 And he gave skill to men that he might be glorified in his marvelous works.

7 By them he heals and takes away pain;

8 the pharmacist makes of them a compound. His works will never be finished; and from him health] is upon the face of the earth.

9 My son, when you are sick do not be negligent, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you.

10 Give up your faults and direct your hands aright, and cleanse your heart from all sin.

11 Offer a sweet-smelling sacrifice, and a memorial portion of fine flour, and pour oil on your offering, as much as you can afford.

12 And give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; let him not leave you, for there is need of him.

13 There is a time when success lies in the hands of physicians,

14 for they too will pray to the Lord that he should grant them success in diagnosis and in healing, for the sake of preserving life.

15 He who sins before his Maker, may he fall into the care of a physician.

The simple truth is that yes, Herbal Medicine is very Christian - it is using the herbs God gave us with the knowledge and wisdom He created and encourages us to learn to heal people. There is a concept in propaganda called The Big Lie. The Big Lie is a lie told so boldly and with such confidence that no one could doubt the liar to be so bold as to tell it. Historically, such techniques have been used to convince people that the reality of great massacres and genocides should be questioned and denied, even in face of evidence that one can see with his own eyes. It is a lie told so often that people begin to believe it... even the person being lied about. A Christian should look with skepticism and be wary of anything that hints of New Age spirituality or witchcraft. But, the truth is that the vast majority of herbal books have been written by orthodox and devout Christians; and the history of Herbal Medicine should be proudly Christian. By believing the big lie, we are allowing people who hate us to take our history and legacy from us. As Christians, it is our duty to oppose lies, as Satan is the Father of Lies. We should not only study and practice Herbal Medicine, but we should do so with boldness, taking back what is both right and rightfully ours.

I will close this chapter with the following quote from Saint Hildegard von Bingen:

Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things. All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive. ... With nature’s help, humankind can set into creation all that is necessary and life sustaining."

A very brief history of Herbal Medicine in the pre-Christian era

No one knows when the use of medicinal herbs was discovered by ancient man, but it was certainly long before recorded history. Archaeological evidence of the use for medicinal herbs dates back to more than 60,000 years ago! Nearly every ancient culture on earth passed down legends, verbally, about the use of medicinal herbs being revealed to man by religious deities. Such legends are easily dismissed as myths by modern Christians and men of science, yet those stories were also recorded by the Jewish tradition in which Christianity is inextricably rooted. Consider the following entry in the Encyclopedia Judaica:

In ancient times herbs were the main source of remedies. According to the Book of Jubilees (10:12), the angels revealed the various remedies to Noah, who wrote them down in a book. Asaph the physician adds that Noah, having been taught by the angel Raphael the remedies obtainable from trees, plants, and roots, recorded them in a book which he gave to his son Shem and which was used by the ancient physicians (Asaph, ed. Venetianer, 6). Apparently in olden times books of remedies were common among the people. One of them, mentioned by Maimonides as having supposedly been written by Solomon (Maim., commentary on Pes. 4:9; cf. Jos., Ant. 8:45ff.), was suppressed by order of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for which action he was praised by the sages (Pes. 4:9); his purpose, so commentators explain, was that people should pray to the Almighty for mercy and not rely solely on remedies. Maimonides, however, rejects the legend. Except for צֳרִי (ẓori, balm), stated to be efficacious in curing wounds (Jer. 8:22, 46:11, 51:8), no medicinal herbs or prophylactics are mentioned in the Bible. It is suggested that the story of the *mandrake s (Gen. 30:14–17) alludes to this plant's properties in promoting pregnancy, but the passage seems specifically intended rather to point out that pregnancy is a gift of the Lord, for Leah, who handed over the mandrakes, became pregnant and not Rachel, who received them. The Bible several times mentions toxic plants from which poisons were extracted, such as רׂאשׁ or רוֹשׁ (rosh, *hemlock ; AV, JPS, gall) and לַעֲנָה (la'anah, wormwood), these having apparently also been used in minute quantities as remedies, as testified by Greek and Roman medical writings. Of the toxic plant פַֻּקּעוֹת (pakku'ot; AV, JPS, gourds), colocynth (see cucumber), it is told that during a famine in the days of Elisha one of the disciples, intending to gather אוֹרוֹת (orot; AV, JPS, herbs), that is, according to R. Meir, roquet, a medicinal herb especially efficacious in eye diseases, instead collected and boiled a dish of colocynth. After eating of it, the disciples cried out: There is death in the pot, but by adding flour to the dish Elisha made it edible (II Kings 4:39–41), the flour having absorbed, some contend, the fruit's bitter toxic substance.

Whereas the Bible speaks very little about medicinal plants, talmudic literature mentions many herbs, some regarded as cures, others used as a prophylactic against various ailments. From time immemorial popular medicine has used numerous herbs, particularly wild plants, as remedies. The classical medical literature of Theophrastus, Pliny, Dioscorides, Galen, and others shows that different remedial qualities were ascribed to the vast majority of herbs, some of which were used by many peoples. In talmudic literature close upon 70 plants are mentioned as having medicinal properties, including plants mainly used as food, such as olives, dates, pomegranates, quinces among fruit – and garlic, beet , hyssop , cumin , and fennel-flower among vegetables and spices. In addition wild plants are mentioned which were used principally for remedial purposes. The following are some of the medicinal plants enumerated in the Talmud: for a liver ailment, יוֹעֶזֶר (yo'ezer maidenhair fern; Adiantum capillus veneris; Shab. 14:3; Shab. 109b); as an antidote for snake poison, אַבּוּב רוֹעֶה (abbuv ro'eh, knoodweed, Polygonum aviculare;ibid.); for eye ailments, scurvy, and intestinal worms, גַּרְגִּיר (gargir, roquet; Eruca sativa; Shab. 109a; Git. 69b); recommended for intestinal worms are the leaves of עָרָא (ara, bay; Laurus nobilis; Git. 69b) and אֵזוֹב (ezov, hyssop; Majorana syriaca; Shab. 109b); for intestinal ailments, שִׁחְלַיִים (shiḥlayim, garden cress; Lepidium sativum; Av. Zar. 29a; Git. 57a); for skin disease, תֶּרֶד (tered, spinach beet; Beta vulgarisvar. cicla; Shab. 133b f.), considered efficacious in many ailments, it having been said that a broth of spinach beet is beneficial for the heart, good for eyes, and still more so for the bowels (Ber. 39a); for דְּמָא דְּרֵישָׁא (dema de-reisha), apparently blood pressure in the head, הֲדַס (Hadas, myrtle), and the wild rose (Rosa canina; Git. 68b) are recommended; for stopping hemorrhage, כַּמּוֹן (kammon, cumin), תַּחֲלֵי (taḥalei; garden cress), and seeds of סְנֶה (seneh, the raspberry; Rubus sanctus) are suggested (Shab. 19:2; Av. Zar. 28 a–b). There is in addition a long list of medicinal plants, potions, and remedies from the plant world which are prescribed in the Talmud. A number of remedies were known for restoring virility, for increasing seed, for aphrodisiac purposes, for inducing temporary sterility, or for preventing conception. Several herbs are prescribed as cosmetics. Opium is mentioned once – as a plant dangerous to buy from gentiles (TJ, Av. Zar. 2:2, 40d).

The most comprehensive ancient recorded knowledge we have of Herbal Medicine comes, perhaps not coincidentally, from ancient Egypt. The influence of the Hebrew people in Egyptian culture and the influence of Egyptian culture on the Hebrews was vast. That they shared their knowledge of herbs and their uses is unknown, but very likely. Babylon, as well, had a strong tradition of herbal medicine. It is most likely that everywhere the Hebrew people went, and under every nation by which they were ruled, this intelligent race of people, rightly recognized for the value they placed on wisdom and knowledge, would learn all they could of healing. Surely, they continued to learn from Greeks, Romans and Arabs... and then on, through modern times, wherever education was provided to Jews in Europe. During times of persecution, the Jewish doctor was still honored and recognized for his medical skill. Well into my lifetime, as the Ku Klux Klan burned crosses and terrorized people on the basis of their race, religion or political affiliation (being essentially and arm of the Democratic Party in North Carolina and throughout the south), in any town in which there was a synagogue, there was a Jewish doctor who was a respected member of the community.

The Ashkenazi Jews were those who settled in central Europe around Germany and France during the Holy Roman Empire and gradually shifted east into Poland, Ukraine, Russia and eastern Europe. They brought with them their Hebrew traditions, and certain aspects of Babylonian and Mediterranean culture, including Herbal Medicine. This was the culture who spoke Yiddish and faced extreme persecution for centuries, especially during the Holocaust. Through persecution, they held fast to their traditions and continue provide insight into thousands of years of herbal history.

The oldest written (chiseled into a tablet) record on Herbal Medicine is from ancient Mesopotamia, written in Sumerian around 2100 BC. The most extensive Babylonian medical text dates to around 1060 AD. It was called The Diagnostic Handbook and includes extensive information about the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

The Ebers Papyrus dates to 1550 BC. It was named for George Ebers, who purchased it in 1873 and donated it to the University of Leipzig in Germany. The Ebers Papyrus is one of the most ancient and important documents discovered in ancient Egypt. It is believed to have been copied from texts that were even centuries older. This 110 page scroll is the most extensive recording of Herbal Medicine of the era to survive into modern times. It contains descriptions of herbs and their use, along with magic spells and folk remedies. It describes the function of the heart, discusses mental disorders, depression and pregnancy. This would indicate that Egypt had a very sophisticated knowledge of medicinal herbs and their use.

Meanwhile, remarkably advanced traditions of Herbal Medicine were developing in Asia, which are still practiced today. Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India and what we now call Traditional Chinese Medicine is the same for China. Interestingly, both of these traditions share an energetic understanding of people and herbs that would later be embraced by the ancient Greeks... although, there is no record that these people learned that concept from each other. While the philosophies and religions of India would have a dramatic effect on China with the spread of Buddhism, the ancient Chinese Taoists had little knowledge of the developments in Indian medicine, nor did the ancient Greeks. Yet, each of these traditions developed systems for understanding how a person's body type and nature/disposition would make him more or less likely to develop a specific disease, and how herbs would affect individuals differently based on their constitution. In very simplistic terms:

Ayurveda had its doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas not only described a person's body type and personality, but also the characteristics of herbs and the nature of diseases.

Taoist Chinese Medicine viewed people, disease and herbs in terms of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are in essence opposite forces that must be in harmony for health. Herbs that are more Yang are used to balance Yin conditions. Herbs that are more Yin are used to balance Yang conditions.

Ancient Greek medicine is based on the concept of humours; again, forces or characteristics that must be kept in balance. Imbalance causes disease.

I once heard a dermatologist summarize his practice as, If it is dry, moisten it. If it is wet, dry it. If it is inflamed, soothe, it, etc. So, such concepts are still used in modern, western medicine. But, I must stress that this is an incredibly over-simplified explanation of two great medical traditions. Both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine are remarkably complex systems that require a lifetime of intense study to master. That they are effective is evidenced by the very fact that these are the only two school of ancient medicine that are still practiced today, completely intact and authentic, alongside modern or allopathic medicine in nations where they are respected. I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine with professional practitioners for about a decade and only began to scratch the surface.

The foundations of western medicine though, and the Christian tradition begin with the Greeks and Romans.

Known as the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates lived between 460 and 370 BC. His Hippocratic Corpus became the most influential medical texts of all time. Although mainly concerned with diagnosing disease and treating injuries, his works did include a number of herbal remedies, including Ptisan used as primary treatment. Ptisan is an herbal tea that may include a number of herbs, but is most often made with Linden flowers now. Hippocrates often recommended a simple barley water:

Ptisan, then, appears to me to be justly preferred before all the other preparations from grain in these diseases, and I commend those who made this choice, for the mucilage of it is smooth, consistent, pleasant, lubricant, moderately diluent, quenches thirst if this be required, and has no astringency; gives no trouble nor swells up in the bowels, for in the boiling it swells up as much as it naturally can.

In fever attended with singultus, give asafoetida, oxymel, and carrot, triturated together, in a draught; or galbanum in honey, and cumin in a linctus, or the juice of ptisan. Such a person cannot escape, unless critical sweats and gentle sleep supervene, and thick and acrid urine be passed, or the disease terminate in an abscess: give pine-fruit and myrrh in a linctus, and further give a very little oxymel to drink; but if they are very thirsty, some barley-water.

A linctus for pneumonia: Galbanum and pine-fruit in Attic honey; and southernwood in oxymel; make a decoction of pepper and black hellebore, and give it in cases of pleurisy attended with violent pain at the commencement. It is also a good thing to boil opoponax in oxymel, and, having strained it, to give it to drink; it