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How did ancient people create the cornerstone of modern medicine using herbs?
Wound care has a long history. The evolution of modern medicine from prehistoric times to today demonstrates mankind's continuous exploration of health needs.
The power of nature to heal has been discovered in ancient times, when hunter-gatherers gradually realized that certain herbs could promote or speed up the healing of wounds, especially if the injuries were serious. This knowledge made herbal medicine one of the earliest forms of wound care.
As civilizations developed, cultures began to develop unique herbal remedies based on the properties of local plants. This process is not without risk, and using the wrong plant may result in an overdose or counterproductive effects. However, ancient healers who practiced herbal medicine had extensive experience with which plants could help the injured, and this knowledge was passed down over time.
Many ancient herbal remedies and poisons are now the basis of important drugs in modern medicine.
For example, the ancient South American arrow poison "gulare" was used in the 20th century as a muscle relaxant "cyclopentene", showing that the ancients explored the potential of herbal medicine through practical experience.
Advances in Ancient Egypt
The care of acute and chronic wounds also has a long history in ancient Egypt. Many Egyptian medical papyri have survived to this day, documenting the use of various herbs, surgeries, and mystical cures. According to the Edwin Smith Papyrus, the ancient Egyptians already knew how to treat wounds using sutures, bandages, and honey.
Ancient Egyptian doctors used honey as an antibiotic and animal fat to block the invasion of external pathogens.
In ancient Greece and Rome, tribal healers evolved into more professional physicians. Their development also gave rise to a primitive medicine trade, with many people no longer relying on doctors, but choosing to buy the herbs they needed directly from herbalists. Herbalists in ancient Greece were called "root artisans," and the use of herbs became increasingly scientific.
Herbal Laws in Ancient China
Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the holistic concept and believes that the functioning of the human body is closely related to the five elements and yin and yang. This view led to unique surgical and anesthesia techniques, and the ancient doctor Hua Tuo's post-operative herbal ointment helped wounds heal.
Limitations and breakthroughs in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, progress in wound care was relatively slow. However, the development of microbiology and cytopathology in the 19th century brought even greater breakthroughs in wound care, with Nobel Prize winner Ignaz Semmelweis discovering that hand hygiene was essential during medical procedures. The maternal mortality rate has been significantly reduced.
Modern medicine no longer relies on traditional treatments of ancient herbs, but instead combines science and empirical research to develop a variety of treatment techniques.
For example, Robert Wood Johnson began producing sterile dressings, which represented a significant advance since ancient Egypt. Over time, the development of various polymers has further expanded the material options for wound care.
Modern Wound Care
In the 21st century, modern medicine has not only preserved ancient therapies, such as leech and maggot therapy, but has also developed innovative wound prevention and treatment techniques. Different types of wounds require different treatments, and from infections to burns, treatment options are centered around promoting healing and preventing infection.
Modern wound dressings already include dry dressings, wet-dry dressings, and various specialized dressings with chemical ingredients. These new materials not only protect wounds but also accelerate the healing process.
Such advances have enabled us to have more comprehensive and effective wound care methods today, which are derived from the ancient wisdom and experience of herbal medicine. Past explorations and discoveries not only shape today’s therapies, but also inspire us to think about the further development of medicine in the future.
This process makes people think deeply about how future medicine will combine ancient wisdom and advanced technology to create a new generation of treatments?
