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Herbs in History: Ricinus & Hellebore
April 25, 2024
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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 launch the Herbs in History project in 2022.
The histories of Ricinus and hellebore are the latest herbs explored. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more.
Ricinus (Ricinus communis L.)
An Egyptian poison?
Ricinus communis L. (castor oil tree) (Euphorbiaceae) has a strange history from ticks to castors! The only species in the genus, Ricinus communis L. has been supposed for a long time to have an obscure origin, possibly India. Research has now determined that is most probably native to North-Eastern Africa (Somalia/Ethiopia). | Read more...
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
Treating madness?
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) has a long history of use for the treatment of states of consciousness considered to be madness. The most famous example of this treatment is perhaps the fable The Hare and the Tortoise by the 17th-century French writer of the classical period, Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695). | 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.
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