Imagine a time over 15,000 years ago. Humanity is in its early stages, with people living in caves, making tools, and hunting to survive. But new discoveries are showing that these ancient people may have also had knowledge of herbal medicine!
Recently, Morocco’s National Institute of Archeology and Heritage made an exciting announcement. At a famous cave in northeastern Morocco, known as Grotte des Pigeons or Taforalt, researchers uncovered evidence of prehistoric people using plants for healing. This discovery challenges what we know about early humans, suggesting they were far more knowledgeable about natural remedies than we once thought.
The Clues Hidden in Ancient Teeth
One of the biggest clues about ancient medicine came from Neanderthal teeth. Traces of plants like yarrow and chamomile were found in the teeth of Neanderthals, dating back to a mind-blowing 50,000 years ago. These plants are known for their therapeutic properties, used even today for calming effects and digestion. This suggests that early humans and their Neanderthal cousins were aware of the healing power of plants and used them to treat illnesses.
A Cave Full of Mysteries: Grotte des Pigeons
Grotte des Pigeons isn’t just any cave. Known as North Africa’s oldest cemetery, it has been a treasure trove of ancient human history since its discovery in 1908. Inside, archaeologists have found artifacts, burial sites, and now – evidence of early medicinal practices. The cave holds the remains of at least 34 individuals from the later Stone Age, giving us an incredibly detailed picture of their lives, deaths, and even the medical practices they may have relied upon.
The Ephedra Plant – An Ancient Remedy
Among the fascinating finds in this cave was the Ephedra plant, known for its medicinal properties. Even today, people use Ephedra for treating colds and controlling bleeding. Archaeologists found fossils of Ephedra fruits preserved alongside human remains, hinting that this plant may have played a crucial role in ancient health rituals and treatments. It’s believed that Ephedra may have been used during burial ceremonies and to ease symptoms of illnesses – a practice that could date back over 15,000 years!
Medicine and Burial Customs
The presence of medicinal plants like Ephedra alongside the human remains suggests these people saw the plant’s value for both medical and spiritual purposes. Not only was it likely used to heal the living, but it may also have been part of rituals to honor or protect the dead. This combination of healing and ceremonial use paints a picture of an early society with a surprisingly advanced understanding of nature’s resources.
The World’s Oldest Surgery?
Even more astounding is evidence that someone at Grotte des Pigeons may have survived an early form of surgery. Archaeologists previously found a skull with signs of what could be the world’s oldest surgical procedure. The individual seemed to have survived the operation, and it’s possible that medicinal plants like Ephedra helped in the healing process. This discovery opens up the idea that ancient humans might have used both plant-based medicine and basic surgical skills to help their community members survive injuries.
Challenging What We Know
These discoveries are not just about finding fossils and ancient artifacts – they are reshaping what we thought we knew about our prehistoric ancestors. We’ve often imagined them as focused only on survival, hunting, and shelter. Yet, here they are, demonstrating an understanding of herbal medicine, even performing surgeries, and using plants in their daily lives and burial customs.
Thanks to these incredible findings, we now see a new side of our ancient ancestors – resourceful, knowledgeable, and much more sophisticated in their use of natural remedies than we ever imagined.
