As a participant in the 2nd Panhellenic Conference on Traditional Greek Folk Medicine, I 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.

Hippocrates was a renowned ancient Greek physician and teacher born on the island of Kos in the Aegean Sea. While we know him as the father of medicine today, Hippocrates may also have played an important role as an herbalist. Let’s explore how he may have been both a renowned physician and celebrated herbalist in his day.

Apollo was the ancient Greek god with a multitude of powerful associations, including the sun, music, poetry, healing, oracles, prophecy, plagues, and archery. As the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Leto, the goddess of motherhood, Apollo was one of the twelve Olympian gods who was both revered and feared by the ancient Greeks. Apollo’s divine powers also extended into the plant world. Of interest to herbalists, there are several well-known myths that depict his associations with sacred plants.

Throughout history, humans have sought ways to ease many ailments. Some lasted through millennia. Others fell into disuse. Through surviving documents, we can examine some of the seemingly strange and curious ways to heal in ancient Greece.

For much of human history, medicine has been based on traditional folk practices and natural remedies. Exploring both tradition and science, however, can provide a greater framework for understanding the history of herbalism and modern medicine. Let’s explore how the herbs bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) and mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) were used in antiquity and the scientific research that either proves or denies these plants’ indicated effects. Were these ancient claims true?

With a landscape brightened by vivid colors and infused with aromatic scents of ocean and mountains, the ancient Mediterranean region provided a sensational feast for the senses. Many of the historical plants that the various ancient civilizations in this region gathered for food, medicine, and religion remain in use today. Yet, the story of some of these historical plants, for various reasons, ended too soon…

Throughout history, plants have evoked the curiosities of the human imagination. Listen in to a three-part series exploring herbal motifs in the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring the sinful fig leaf, the sensual rose flower, and the good luck pomegranate fruit.

Throughout history, plants have evoked the curiosities of the human imagination. Listen in to a three-part series exploring herbal motifs in the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring the sinful fig leaf, the sensual rose flower, and the good luck pomegranate fruit.

Throughout history, plants have evoked the curiosities of the human imagination. Listen in to a three-part series exploring herbal motifs in the ancient Mediterranean region, featuring the sinful fig leaf, the sensual rose flower, and the good luck pomegranate fruit.

The ancient Greeks drank wine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although always diluted, wine was not only a satisfying beverage, but also a nourishing and healing tonic. We will explore the herbs that were infused in wine, the common ailments of the day, and the religious traditions with Dionysus, the much celebrated god of wine. The recorded presentation is available through registration with the International Herb Symposium.

The ancient Mediterranean region was rich in vibrant colors, flavors, and remedies that helped keep the civilizations of Greece, Rome, and Egypt thriving for thousands of years. We will explore ancient medical texts in each of these empires, the influence of war and trade on herbal medicine, and popular medicinal and culinary recipes used for health and healing. This recorded presentation is available through registration with the International Herb Symposium.