Medicinal herbs and plants in homer

Abstract

This paper is a brief survey of references found both in the Iliad and the Odyssey on herbs and medicinal plants, as well as to their use for healing wounds and the treatment of many diseases in Homeric Epics era. Textual references are used to describe several herbs and plants, easily identifiable today. The analysis of Homeric verses though, proves that modern translations are often less than accurate. The description of herbs and medicinal plants indicates that their use was common during the previous two or even three thousands years. It points out a natural adaptation of the healing process to the particular environment of Greece, although several modern researchers tend to question the use of the plants. However, despite specialists’ disagreement, it is quite certain that the extensive use of plants and herbs in a way that seems particularly attached to the Greek civilisation contributed to further development of herbology, pharmacology and medicine.