Tag: Ancient medicine

The use of catheters dates back as far as 3,000 B.C., long before plastics revolutionized medical devices. From hollow onion stalks to precious metals, the history of **what were catheters made of before plastic?** reveals a remarkable journey of innovation born from necessity.

Medical documentation dates back over 4,000 years to ancient Sumeria and Egypt, but the answer to **how far does medical history go back** in a modern healthcare context is far shorter and more complex than you might expect, governed by strict retention laws. Today, digital and legal limitations define the effective lifespan of your medical information, creating potential gaps in your health story.

Historians note that Ancient Egyptians used propolis for embalming due to its preservative qualities, while Hippocrates prescribed it for wounds. Who uses propolis today, and for what purpose? This unique substance collected by honeybees continues to be valued by people worldwide.

Dating back to ancient Egypt, castor oil was a staple of household medicine, used for a wide range of ailments. This oily concoction, rich in ricinoleic acid, has a long and varied history, which explains **Why did people take castor oil in the old days?** and its prominent role in folk remedies.

Hippocratic medicine was based on the idea that health relied on the proper balance of four bodily fluids, or humors. This foundational belief gives crucial context for understanding what does crasia mean, a term originating from the Greek word for 'mixing' or 'blending,' and its evolution into modern medical language.