A Drink to Health: Herbal Wine in Ancient Greece
This lecture was presented at the 2nd Panhellenic Conference of Traditional Greek Folk Medicine on March 26, 2022.
The ancient Greeks drank wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although diluted, wine was not only a satisfying drink, but also a nourishing and healing tonic. In the medical context, the ancient Greek physicians incorporated wine into their medical practices for its therapeutic benefits for both the body and the mind.
In this presentation, we will explore the ancient art of botanical wine extraction. We will learn about the herbs that were commonly soaked in wine and how these herbs are used by herbalists today. Our exploration will also bring us closer to understanding ancient Greek culture, especially through the well-known doctors who wrote about ancient medicine.
Finally, we will thank Dionysus, the Greek god of wine himself, who was celebrated throughout the ancient Greek world for his gifts to humanity.