Herbs in History: Iris & Sage

• By: AHPA
• On: 10/31/2023 09:38:27
• In: AHPA News

October 31, 2023

Our journey into herbal history continues for a second year!

In an effort to preserve and share the fascinating histories of medicinal plants and herbs that have been used around the world for ages, the AHPA Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA-ERB Foundation) is honored to partner with Alain Touwaide, Ph.D., and Emanuela Appetiti of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions to tell the stories of Herbs in History.

We are pleased to announce that the AHPA-ERB Foundation will be supporting this educational initiative for a second year. Our journey into herbal history continues with a look into the backgrounds of iris and sage. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more.

Iris (Iris spp.)

Understanding the Ancient Plant Lore

The history of medicinal plants from the most remote antiquity to yesterday is more than ever on the agenda of research. And, beyond research, it also is omnipresent in daily life and information, from traditional medicines and alimentary and cosmetic products to websites, e-newsletters and others. Few plants offer, however, a key for a deep understanding of the construction of ancient lore, its scientific basis, its cultural values, and, to name just this, its projections of human hopes. Iris is one of such keys, with a great many components from its name and scent to the medicinal properties it was credited with. | Read more...

Sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

The Surprises of a Well-known Genus

Native to Southern Europe, sage (Salvia spp.) is now common and is known through different species. This diversity is echoed in the literature from the Renaissance onward with such designations as Salvia major (greater sage), Salvia major vulgaris (common greater sage), Salvia latifolia (large-leaves sage), or, to mention just these, Salvia minor aurita and non aurita (eared and non-eared sage). As these names already indicate, the history of sage is full of surprises. | Read more...

About the Project

Herbs in History is made possible by funding from the AHPA-ERB Foundation, as part of the nonprofit foundation's mission promote education and research on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs. Tune in monthly for thoughtfully detailed historical accounts of herbs you know and love, and learn more about the origins of medicinal plants that have stood the test of time.