Medical Plants used by the Prehistoric People: Buck, Robby

 Medical Plants used by the Prehistoric People


Since ancient times, humanity and its related species have utilized medicinal herbs. Some of the earliest herbs used were yarrow and chamomile by Neanderthals; however, it is unknown whether they consumed these herbs directly or if they ate animals that had consumed them, as these plants are found in meadows. 

A more definitive example of early medicinal practices comes from the Shanidar Cave in Iraq. This site has revealed a wealth of ritual and herbal practices associated with burials and medicine. Among the skeletons found in the cave is one known as Nandi, who suffered severe injuries to his spine, legs, and skull. He lived to be around 35 to 45 years old, while the average lifespan for Neanderthals was about 40 years. Notably, Nandi’s skeleton shows signs of surgery, suggesting that his community and family made efforts to keep him alive, even though he likely would have been paralyzed on one side. The prevailing theory is that he had valuable cultural or medical knowledge, or perhaps he was the village elder.

Another example comes from Borneo, where a skeleton dating back about 31,000 years was discovered. This individual had an amputated leg as a teenager but survived for an additional 9 to 10 years before passing away. Additionally, in 2003, a skeleton in France from 7000 years ago was also found with evidence of an amputation, which is a remarkable discovery for that time. These findings support the idea that early humans and their relatives were capable of forming complex cultural groups that assisted the survival of injured individuals.

The most famous ancient human remains belong to Ötzi, the Iceman, who was discovered in the Ötztal Mountains during the Copper Age, around 5,000 years ago. While his mummified corpse is notable, what draws our attention is his survival bag, which was filled with medicinal plants. At the time of his death, Ötzi was plagued by numerous ailments, including a tapeworm, and he had tattoos that seemed to correspond with pressure points, suggesting an early form of acupuncture. Among the items found in his pouch was a Birch Polypore mushroom, known for its multiple medical and practical uses, earning it the nickname "the Swiss Army Knife of mushrooms." He also carried slow berries, which are used to treat diarrhea, possibly indicating that he was attempting to self-medicate for his tapeworm.

In prehistoric times, healers were the gatekeepers of survival. Through shamans, wise folk, and other healers, communities were able to endure injuries and illnesses. Shamanism and herbal knowledge were passed down through generations, evolving with the surrounding environment. As agriculture developed, more specialized individuals, including herbalists, became commonplace in society. Initially, it is likely that everyone possessed some herbal knowledge, albeit with varying levels of specialization.


Below is a list of herbal medicines native to the Northeastern states of the United States.

(1) Cornell Editors (Ed.). Herbs of the ancients. Cornell Botanic Gardens. https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/explore/gardens/herbs-of-the-ancients 

(2). Common medicinal plants of the northeast 7song, director. https://7song.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Medicinal-Plants-of-the-NE.pdf 

(3) Wisdom Wench. (2023, September 8) Prehistoric Herbal Medicine | Historical Herbal. YouTube. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebLezacDtTY 

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