Ancient Cures On Your Plate: Everyday Foods Once Used As Medicine

Long before modern medicine, food was the primary remedy for nearly every ailment. Ancient cultures across the world treated ingredients like spices, herbs, roots and fruits not just as culinary staples, but as healing tools. While today these foods are part of our daily diets, their origins are deeply rooted in traditional medicine systems. From easing digestion and reducing inflammation to calming nerves and boosting immunity, many familiar foods were once prescribed like medicine. Understanding the medicinal history of everyday ingredients offers a fascinating glimpse into how cuisine and healing have always been closely linked.

Here are some common foods that were once considered potent cures.

Garlic: Nature’s Antibiotic

Used for centuries in both Eastern and Western medicine, garlic was often referred to as a "natural antibiotic." Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Indian physicians prescribed garlic for respiratory problems, poor digestion, and fatigue. Its active compound, allicin, is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Even today, garlic is credited with supporting heart health, lowering blood pressure, and fighting infections. Its intense flavour and medicinal strength made it both a kitchen and apothecary essential.

Turmeric: The Golden Healer

Turmeric’s vibrant yellow-orange hue is more than just eye-catching—it’s symbolic of its powerful healing reputation. Used for over 4,000 years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, turmeric was prescribed for inflammation, wounds, digestive issues and skin conditions.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Modern science continues to confirm many of its traditional uses, making it a shining example of food as medicine.

Ginger: Remedy for the Gut

Ginger was once a prized medicinal root in Asian, Roman, and Arab cultures. It was commonly used to treat nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, and colds. Its warming effect on the body made it ideal for treating ailments related to poor circulation and sluggish digestion.

Today, ginger tea remains a go-to for soothing upset stomachs, while ginger extract is still widely used in natural remedies. Its pungent flavour comes with centuries of healing legacy.

Honey: The Ancient Antiseptic

Long before sugar was available, honey was both a sweetener and a healing balm. Ancient Egyptians used it in wound dressings due to its natural antibacterial properties. It was also consumed to soothe sore throats and boost energy levels.

Raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide, enzymes, and phytonutrients that help fight infections. Even today, it's often used in cough syrups, face masks, and herbal teas, carrying forward its role as a gentle yet effective remedy.

Fennel: A Digestive Tonic

In ancient Indian and Mediterranean cultures, fennel seeds were chewed after meals to aid digestion and freshen breath. In Ayurvedic medicine, fennel was used to relieve gas, bloating and menstrual discomfort.

Fennel’s natural oils have carminative properties, helping relax the muscles in the digestive tract. While it adds a sweet, liquorice-like flavour to food, its medicinal role in gut health remains equally appreciated.

Cinnamon: More Than a Spice

Cinnamon was once considered more valuable than gold in parts of Europe due to its medicinal power. Traditional healers used it to treat everything from flu and digestive complaints to poor circulation and arthritis.

Its key compound, cinnamaldehyde, is now recognised for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon is still widely used in home remedies, often added to tea or hot water with honey for colds and coughs.

Apple Cider Vinegar: An Ancient Elixir

Although it has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, apple cider vinegar has a long history as a medicinal tonic. The Greeks used it to treat wounds, while folk medicine recommended it for everything from sore throats to blood sugar regulation.

Modern studies suggest apple cider vinegar may support digestion and stabilise blood sugar, echoing its traditional uses. Whether diluted in water or used in cooking, its health-boosting reputation has stood the test of time.

Cloves: Pain Relief in a Bud

Cloves were traditionally used to relieve toothaches and oral infections thanks to their strong anaesthetic properties. In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, cloves were used for digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and boosting immunity.

Eugenol, the primary compound in cloves, still features in some dental products today. A simple clove oil dabbed on gums can offer temporary relief—an old trick that’s still surprisingly effective.

Cabbage: Ancient Wound Healer

Romans reportedly used cabbage leaves to bind wounds and reduce swelling. They also consumed cabbage to help with digestive complaints and even used it to treat alcohol-related liver damage.

Rich in vitamin C and fibre, cabbage continues to support immune and digestive health. In fermented forms like sauerkraut, it also delivers beneficial probiotics that aid gut balance and immunity.

Many of the foods we enjoy today have a fascinating medicinal past, deeply rooted in traditional healing practices. While science has replaced much of old-world medicine, these ingredients continue to support health in natural and nourishing ways. By understanding their medicinal heritage, we gain a deeper appreciation for the wisdom of ancient cultures—and the powerful healing potential of what we eat.