Herbs in History: Hops & Grapevine

• By: AHPA
• On: 09/28/2023 07:50:51
• In: AHPA News

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September 28, 2023

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.

Our first year of herbal history lessons is complete with a deep dive into hops and grapevine. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more.

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.)

Only Beer?

Hops (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae), with its flowers in cone-like catkins that give its bitter flavor to beer, almost automatically evokes the large copper tanks of breweries, the great variety of beers, from both the U.S.A. and Europe, the National Football League and its final, and also a friendliness that might be characteristic of beer. Is it only this? Or is there more? Now and in the past? | Read more...

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

The Most Noble Plant

In medicinal plants and materia medica, the title of Most Noble Plant should probably be conferred on Vitis spp. (Vitacease). It has a pedigree that very few plants—if any—can claim. Known from the most ancient traces of human activity in the Trans-Caucasian region and probably even before, it accompanied humankind through its history and the centuries, be it as a plant (grape) or as its most elaborated derivative (wine). Its history is increasingly better known, particularly in recent years, with the unprecedented development of under-water archaeology and, more recently, of ancient DNA identification. | 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.