The Therapeutic Potential of Alcohol in Traditional Medicine and Rituals
The word ‘alcohol’ often brings images of get-togethers with families and friends, clinking glasses, and regretful hangovers. But did you know there is more to alcohol than just being a beverage? Alcohol has a long history of being used in traditional medicines and rituals for millennia now. The ancient Egyptians, Indians, Greeks, and Chinese all recognized its potential and used it as a healing agent for a variety of ailments. If you are interested in knowing more about the fascinating story of alcohol, then read this article till the end and discover some amazing new facts.
The Brief History Of Alcohol In Medicine
There was a time when alcohol was used to promote health and even heal ailments. Starting from the times of Hippocrates, they had a famous recipe called Hippocraticum Vinum. This recipe was made from cinnamon, ginger, local herbs, and vermouth (fortified wine). This potion was known for curing intestinal worms. But this was not the only case.
Let us now move to England in 1683. A famous philosopher and writer Robert Bacon made an interesting comment about wine. According to him, wine could preserve the stomach, help with digestion, and defend the body against corruption. But, he also realized that when it came to wine, moderation was the way to go! He even said that overconsumption will have ill effects on the brain.
In the 16th century, the Dutch invented gin as a medicine. So, what happened was that they created a malt-wine-based spirit and called it Genever. They decided to add juniper berries to it to help take the medicine easily. Even Greeks and Italians have been known to infuse juniper berries into wine for a long time.
Moving forward to 1792, a French doctor created absinthe to sell it as a medicine in Switzerland. The ingredient used in the elixir was wormwood which is known to treat menstrual cramps and fever. It was believed that absinthe could cure epilepsy, and treat roundworms, kidney stones, and headaches. But here is the catch, wormwood is also known to create hallucinations if taken too much. Again, moderation has always been the key!
Now comes a horrific time in the history of mankind. The bubonic plague was a horrible thing to live with. While there was no cure for it, physicians used alcohol to numb the pain. They even added a small amount of morphine into this alcoholic beverage.
The Shift In How Alcohol Is Viewed
In the 1900s, there was a cultural shift in how alcohol was viewed by the public. Whiskey and Brandy were no longer scientifically approved medicines. It also started gaining a new reputation, one which was linked with violence, corruption, and crime.
Cut to today, people are slightly more aware of the effects of alcohol. Dangerous quantities of consumption can often lead to fatal effects. However, moderate consumption has become a common behavior.
Alcohol In Traditional Rituals
Beyond medicine, alcohol also gained prominence in ceremonies and rituals. Don’t believe this? Let us see some of the rituals that have seen the usage of alcohol:
1. Ancient Egyptian Religion: In Egyptian culture, beer and wine were offered to the Gods. Even, they were stored with the mummified dead in the burials.
2. Norse Religion: In this religion, meads and ales were drunk during some seasonal festivals like Yule and Midsummer. They were also used in common occasions like wakes and christenings.
3. South American Cultures: In South American culture, you will see that a beer-like beverage is made out of maize and it has to be chewed before fermentation to turn starch into sugar.
4. Other celebrations: In the Chinese ancestor worship, alcohol is offered to the deceased. Similarly, in the Babylonian and Sumerian religions, alcohol is offered to Gods and the deceased. Even in the Mesopotamian cultures, there are various wine gods that are worshipped.
5. Cultural Celebrations: In many countries, alcohol is used in different celebrations. For instance, sake in Japan is used in Shinto ceremonies to purify blood and bring blessings. In Mexico, tequila is one of the common drinks in Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations where they honor their deceased loved ones.
Conclusion
Alcohol often has a complex relationship with humans. It is both the reason for pain and treatment for them. While its excessive consumption at parties and social events can put stress on your health, the medicinal benefits of the same substance cannot be ignored. So, what’s the best you can do? Approach alcohol with moderation and awareness. Know about its benefits but be equally aware of its risks. This way, you can strike a balance!