Galen - The Ground-Breaker
Homage to History's Herbalists - No. 3

Intro
Galen of Pergamon (circa 129–circa 200 AD) was a prominent Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher whose work significantly shaped medicine in ancient Rome and beyond. Including Galen in our history of herbalists provides historical context for how herbalism evolved from ancient Greece and Rome, through to the Renaissance and into more modern herbal practices. Galen's contributions to herbalism were extensive and influential, laying the groundwork for the use of medicinal plants in both his time and in later medical practices. His herbal work integrated theory and practice, emphasising the importance of understanding the properties of plants and their effects on the human body.

A Foundational Figure in Herbal History
Galen is often regarded as a foundational figure in Western herbalism and medicine; his influence shaped medical education for centuries. His work significantly shaped the understanding of medicinal plants, anatomy and physiology well into the Middle Ages and beyond, influencing practitioners throughout Europe and the Middle East. Galen’s theories of humoral balance and his emphasis on diet, exercise and natural remedies created a basis for future herbalists and medical systems, including those of Avicenna and later figures like Paracelsus and Culpeper.

Galen practiced during the height of the Roman Empire, a period characterised by relative peace (Pax Romana) and stability, allowing for the exchange of knowledge across diverse cultures. This environment facilitated the spread of Greek medicinal knowledge, which Galen would both inherit and expand upon.

Galen built upon the foundational ideas of earlier Greek physicians, especially Hippocrates. Hippocratic principles, such as the importance of clinical observation and the concept of the four humours, greatly influenced Galen’s own theories. Galen made significant advancements in the understanding of human anatomy and physiology, primarily through dissections of animals, as human dissections were generally prohibited at the time. His extensive writings on anatomy were based on these observations and remained authoritative for centuries.

His Herbal Philosophy
Galen was influenced by Stoic philosophy, which emphasised rationality and the role of Nature in health. He believed that understanding the natural world was essential for effective healing, thus intertwining medicine with a broader philosophical and ethical framework. Galen stressed the importance of empirical observation and experimentation in the study of herbs. He believed that understanding the properties of plants could lead to better treatments and outcomes for patients. His approach combined theoretical knowledge with practical application, advocating for the use of herbs based on their observed effects.

Galen also emphasised the importance of individual patient care, tailoring treatments based on a patient’s unique humoral composition and health condition. This personalised approach laid the groundwork for modern clinical practices, making patient history and symptoms central to diagnosis and treatment.

Galen’s Four Humours Theory
Central to Galen's medical philosophy was the theory of the four humours which refers to how our health depends on balancing four body fluids or "humours"; blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile that were thought to affect both physical and mental well-being. Galen categorised herbs based on their qualities (hot, cold, wet and dry) and their humoral effects. He believed that each herb had a unique ability to influence the balance of the four humours, which was crucial for determining appropriate treatments. He advocated for treatments that aimed to restore this balance, which included diet, exercise and herbal remedies. His systematic approach to categorising herbs by their effects on the body’s humours laid a foundation for a structured understanding of herbal medicine that many subsequent herbalists built upon.

Some latter-day herbalists and traditional practices still refer to the concept of the four humours, adapting it to modern understandings of health. Traditional Unani medicine, practiced in South Asia and the Middle East, continues to use the humoral system to diagnose and treat conditions based on the balance of hot, cold, wet and dry qualities within the body. Similarly, Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system, parallels the humours with dosha: Vata, Pitta and Kapha which are believed to govern health and temperament. Certain European folk traditions, especially in Mediterranean countries, also hold remnants of humoral theory, influencing approaches to seasonal eating and lifestyle practices.

Some of Galen’s Herbal Remedies
Galen developed methods for preparing herbal remedies, including infusions, decoctions and extracts. His writings include instructions on how to prepare these remedies effectively, emphasising the need for careful measurement and technique to ensure efficacy.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Galen noted the digestive benefits of peppermint, recommending it for alleviating symptoms such as nausea and indigestion. He recognised its ability to stimulate appetite and soothe the stomach, often suggesting it as a mild carminative to relieve gas.

Willow (Salix spp.)

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Galen referenced willow bark in treating pain and fevers. He noted its cooling effects, making it beneficial for reducing inflammation and discomfort in various conditions.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Galen highlighted garlic for its medicinal qualities, particularly its ability to purify the blood and enhance overall vitality. He recommended garlic as a remedy for various ailments, including respiratory issues, emphasising its role in promoting health and preventing illness.

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Galen valued mallow for its soothing properties, particularly for its use in treating coughs and respiratory conditions. He described its effectiveness as an emollient to relieve irritation and inflammation in the mucous membranes.

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Galen acknowledged saffron’s mood-lifting and calming effects, suggesting it for conditions associated with melancholy and anxiety. He recognised its potential to improve mood and promote emotional balance.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

Galen praised horehound for its expectorant properties, making it useful in treating respiratory ailments. He recommended it to help clear phlegm and ease coughing, emphasizing its role in promoting lung health.

Conclusion

A blend of practical knowledge, empirical observation and a deep understanding of the connection between plants and human health marked Galen’s herbal work. His detailed descriptions of herbal properties, preparations and uses established a framework for herbal medicine that influenced countless practitioners in the centuries that followed. His integration of botanical knowledge with medical theory helped to elevate herbalism as a legitimate and respected field within the broader context of medicine.