| Herbal mythology is a facet of nearly every ancient | | | | Healing plants are also featured extensively in the Bible. |
| civilization. The lotus, a symbol of irrepressible fertility, is | | | | The aphrodisiacal mandrake is mentioned in both |
| revered in both Egyptian and Oriental cultures. The | | | | Genesis (used by Rachel to gain the affections of |
| onion was not only a favorite food and medicinal plant | | | | Jacob) and in the allegorical poetry of the Song of |
| of the Egyptians, but also out pictured their belief in the | | | | Solomon. Of course, the most famous of all Biblical |
| universe's multi-layered structure. The remarkable | | | | herbs are two of the Magi's gifts to the baby Jesus: |
| Egyptian pharmacy included some of today's most | | | | frankincense and myrrh. In addition, a treasure trove of |
| renowned herbs: myrrh, aloe, peppermint, garlic and | | | | herbal mythology with both pagan and Christian roots |
| castor oil. | | | | exists in connection with the legendary Celts. |
| In the mythology of the ancient Greeks, the twelve | | | | In the melting pot of the early Americas, exotic herbal |
| primary gods each had favorite plants. These plants, | | | | traditions included the herbal remedies of the Mayan, |
| living connections to the realms above, were used as | | | | Aztec and Incan civilizations, the herbs of the African |
| symbols of the gods in literature and art. Less elevated | | | | black slaves and the many American Indian herbal |
| herbs such as parsley, thyme and fennel were | | | | rituals. |
| nevertheless employed for increased health and | | | | The journey from the supernatural to the scientific is |
| longevity. | | | | recorded in the earliest written texts of the Chinese, |
| Ancient Arabian doctors are credited as the founders | | | | Indian and European peoples. The ancient herbal |
| of medieval alchemy--one of the most famous ancient | | | | mythologies live on in the beliefs of the majority of the |
| mystical traditions. Their attempt to penetrate the inner | | | | world's populations who still rely on healing herbs. With |
| workings of nature through experimentation with both | | | | modern science's confirmation of these ancient beliefs, |
| plants and minerals has captured the imaginations of | | | | herbs are now emerging as exciting potential cures for |
| poets and playwrights for centuries. | | | | today's deadly diseases. |