In the cave Pigeon Cave (from French: Pigeon Cave), known as the oldest burial site in North Africa, a team of researchers found exceptionally well-preserved plant remains from the late Pleistocene (approx. 130,000 – 11.7 thousand years ago).
The discovery of the cave took place in 1908, but current research provides new, surprising information. The latest analyzes published in “Scientific Reports” reveal that they were found there in archaeological layers fruit of the span.
The ponytail, well known in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and colds. The new discovery indicates that not only the ancient Chinese, but also the peoples living in the area today Morocco 15 thousand years ago were aware of the medicinal properties of this plant.
During archaeological research it was discovered that the span was located in areas of the cave intended for burial. This plant was probably used, among others, during rituals related to death and mourning, popular among Stone Age peoples, especially since 22,000 up to 7 thousand years ago.
The uniqueness of the discovery is evidenced by the extremely good preservation of organic traces, which is definitely not a common phenomenon. Researchers emphasize that plant seeds or fruits are very rarely able to survive for thousands of years; they even say that it is bordering on a miracle.
The span contains ephedrinewhich has a healing effect – relieves congestion, stimulates the nervous system and helps in the treatment of, among others: hypotension or bronchial asthma.
In the burial of an adult man in the cave, charred plant remains were found, which were remnants of the consumption or processing of spandex. They were accompanied by an ocher-covered mortar and pestle and animal remains.
Research indicates that the higher concentration of pontia in the sediments from the “funeral zone” compared to other parts of the cave suggests that it was used only in specific circumstances. The side effects of regular use of this herb were probably already known and they may have been the deciding factor.
One of the most interesting pieces of evidence for the advanced medical practices of hunter-gatherers in Neolithic Morocco is a coincidence trepanation of the skull discovered among people’s burials.
The hole in the skull showed signs of healing, proving that the patient survived the procedure, and scientists speculate that the pontic was probably used to stopping bleeding and reducing the patient’s pain.
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Source: geekweek.interia.pl
