Oil and Herbs in Ancient Greece
Valuable qualities of olive oil were enjoyed by ancient Greeks much as they are today. The arid climate of Greece is perfect for the cultivation of the precious olive tree. Each tree is carefully watched and harvested at precisely the right time, resulting in olives and olive oil of the highest quality.
Families in ancient Greece guarded their trees and the pressing of their olives and have continued to do so throughout history. Eleven pounds of olives produces one liter of oil. In ancient times, oil was stored in a large vases called amphora. These huge amphora could hold as much as 39 liters of olive oil (Miller 10). Vase paintings on these vessels demonstrate the many uses for the oil in the early Olympics.
Early Greek physicians realized the importance of concern regarding dietary intake on the performance of the athletes; however, Greek families also valued the olive oil as food for good health. Today we recognize that a diet rich in olive oil provides mono-unsaturated fat with no trans fats or cholesterol. Now we know from science what the early Greeks knew intuitively, that olive oil is one of the healthiest oils available to man.
The use of olive oil for achieving physical homeostasis is documented by Plato's writings and the revolutionary beliefs of Hippocrates (King 105). Hippocrates taught that the doctor should observe the patient and assist the body in healing itself (King 101). This was holistic, or whole body, healing. Ancient Italian and Oriental families passed knowledge of nature's remedies from generation to generation and their traditions would have been known to the Greeks. After Hippocrates, many intellectuals began to view the practice of searching nature for remedies to induce better health as unenlightened. Today homeopathic practitioners understand the ancient view that homeostasis of the physical body is best served by the same substances from nature that the body consists of.
The most desirable olive oil is pure cold pressed extra virgin as the chemistry hasn't been altered by heat and the production process keeps it as close as possible to it's natural state. This form of oil is used today in two ways which the Greeks may have found useful. Olive oil can be applied directly to the skin over the area of physical distress or it can be applied to clean flannel which is then placed on the skin. Heat is then applied over the flannel so that impurities or toxins are drawn from the tissue to be expelled by lymph or through the skin. Oil, herbs, and perfumes were also useful for hair and skin care, as beauty was highly valued by ancient Greek culture. The olive is listed among the emollients used from antiquity into the early 1800's (Ciarallo 6). A preserved fresco at the house of Vetti in Pompeii depicts nine cupids processing plant materials for use.
Many writings reference the use of oils on the skin. Homer wrote that “Nausicaa and her attendants bathed and oiled their bodies before playing ball” (Od.6.96). History tells us that libations of oil were required to honor Greek Gods and heroes. Homer references Achilles honoring the death of Patrocles with libations of oil (Il.23.141). Breaking a rule at the Olympian track, the Nymphaion, in the fifth century B.C.E. required an offering of oil to Apollo as sacrifice (Miller 101).
Herbs were also celebrated as an important adjunct to the Greek diet for good health and also for their medicinal qualities. Smallage or wild celery was a well known herb easily found across the Greek landscape and used to crown victors of the Greek games. Medicinal uses may have included eating or drinking the juice of smallage to ease colic and kidney disorders as this has been shown to stimulate the flow of urine (Bremnes 48).
The bay leaf or laurel is another good example of a common herb important in various ways to the Greek culture. Aesculapius was the god Apollo's son and the Greek god of medicine. Bay was dedicated to him and was used to ward off disease. A wreath of bay leaves became a status symbol to Greek athletes. Our undergraduate baccalaureate, celebrating the attainment of knowledge, comes from the Greek recognition of the laurel (Bremnes 90). Absinthium or wormwood was recognized to dispel worms (Bremnes 50). Depictions of borage flowers are found in the page borders of early herbals and Books of Hours. Borage wine was expected to induce a state of complete forgetfulness (Bremnes 53).
The influence of oils and herbs from Greek culture live on throughout our twenty first century world. The quality of available herbs vary throughout the world but many of these ancient remedies continue to be used.
Primary Sources:
Hom. Od.6.96
Hom. Il.23.141
