Nowadays, while people tend to live longer than a century before, they are also at an increased risk of the addictive properties of prescribed medicines, which also cause numerous side-effects.
This is the reason why many turn to alternative remedies and homemade medicines.
Over the last decade, natural health remedies have seen dramatic growth in popularity , since modern medicine tends to place more importance on prescribing drugs instead of focusing on disease prevention and healthy diets.
According to Andrew Weil, an American celebrity doctor who preaches holistic health and integrative medicine, we have a disease-management system which depends on expensive drugs and surgeries as a way to treat health conditions, instead of advising patients to focus on a simple diet, lifestyle and therapeutic tools to restore their health.
Studies have confirmed that medicinal plants have been used since ancient civilization to supplement diets and cure common ailments, and the numerous beneficial compounds they contain act as a natural defense mechanism against disease and infections.
The earliest record of medicinal plant use was found from the Sumerian civilization, and there are such records from ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations.
Additionally, Traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda also form the basis for the most commonly practiced forms of natural medicine nowadays.
Here are 25 ancient cures and therapies that have been used for centuries, and are now forgotten:
1. Maggot therapy
Maggots were used to treat wounds, and nowadays, they primarily treat soft tissue and skin trauma.
2. Trepanation
Back in the old days, “doctors” drilled a hole in the skull in order to release the evil spirits.
3. Fecal Transplant
Dr. Bret Lasner, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says: “The Chinese were the first to perceive that changing the bacterial verdure of the colon could be an advantageous treatment.”
4. Acupuncture
Nowadays, we are starting to recognize the amazing effects of acupuncture, and it was practiced in China since 6000 BCE!
5. Catheterization
Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the urethra, with the aim to help an immobile person to urinate. Back in medieval times, they used metal for this purpose.
6. Cesarian section
The popular Cesarian section (or “C-section”) originated way back in around 320 B.C. but it has evolved over time.
7. Leech therapy
This therapy dates back over 3,500 years to the ancient Egyptians, and nowadays, leeches are used as anticoagulants.
8. Blackberry
It treats inflammation in the body and fights diarrhea.
9. Chamomile
It relieves stress, prevents premature aging, and treats common colds.
10. Gotu Kola
It has been used for millennia in China, India, and Indonesia, together with gingko biloba, as a way to sharpen mental clarity.
11. Honeysuckle
It effectively treats digestive and respiratory disorders.
12. Alfalfa
It is high in vitamins A, C, E, and K, so it was used to lower cholesterol, treats asthma and bleeding disorders, and calm an upset stomach.
13. Elderberry
It is a natural remedy for respiratory illnesses.
14. Ginger
Ginger has powerful anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, accelerates metabolism, and sharpens the cognition.
15. Rosemary
It treats inflammation, boosts metabolism, and improves circulation.
16. Sage
It treats digestive and respiratory disorders and prevents colds.
17. Gingko
It boosts blood circulation and improves brain health.
18. Ginseng
Ginger energizes the body, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, relieves stress, treats erectile dysfunction, and improves brain health.
19. Mint
Fit helps digestion, relieves intestinal discomfort, and boosts brain health and function.
20. Valerian
It relieves stress and anxiety and soothes muscle pain.
21. Aloe vera
It has been used to improve skin health, help digestion, and improve nutrient absorption.
22. Mullein
It has been commonly used by the Native Americans, primarily as a natural remedy for respiratory disorders and inflammation.
23. Bee pollen
Pollen has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, that fight inflammation, lower cholesterol, and protect cellular bodies.
24. Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural remedy for gut-related disorders and has been found to delay or prevent the onset of dementia.
25. Echinacea
It has been used by the Native Americans as a way to boost the immune system.
