This article was published on The Herbarium, a membership-platform of the Herbal Academy.

“For much of human history, medicine has been based on traditional folk practices and natural remedies. In Greek antiquity, these traditions were practiced by midwives, herb gatherers, and physicians with a variety of herbs easily recognized by the common populace…

While traditional herb uses remain unchanged, there is much that science can teach us when we commit to learning how to research well. To bridge this perceived gap between tradition and science, I will 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? Or is it perhaps more complicated than that?”

Read the full article through membership on The Herbarium.

What is The Herbarium?

The Herbarium is an online membership program hosted by the Herbal Academy, designed specifically for students to begin their herbal journey or advance their herbal education. Membership is priced at $45 / year and includes access to lessons by a variety of diverse herbalists on many herbal subjects, including the Ancient Greek Herbalism Intensive written by The Greek Herbalist. Register for The Herbarium here.