From ancient times through the Middle Ages, different nations of the Mediterranean and Near East used aromatic herbal baths widely for medical purposes. Over time
this practice, which began in Ancient Egypt and Babylon and was further developed by famous Greek scholars and practitioners, spread throughout Southern Europe
and the Near East and, later, influenced medical practices in Western Europe.
Herbal
baths, which were highly valued by the ancients, are not completely forgotten today. Modern science proves that bathing can
relieve muscle tension, dilate blood vessels, and slow the heart rate.1
Herbs can contribute to these benefits. Bathing with infusions of fragrant herbs
is used traditionally to treat many diseases, may eliminate physical and mental
tiredness, and is beneficial for the skin and hair.2
Since
the late 1960s, owing to the widespread use of phytotherapy in the United States
and Europe, herbal baths have become even more popular.
Many unique methods of application of herbs in our daily life have been
developed, and today a number of medicinal preparations and cosmetics are produced
with herbs and sold throughout the world.
Soaps, shampoos, and shower gels containing various herbs and other plant-derived
aromatic substances are now widely available for bathing or hand washing.3
However,
volatile oils are not the only agents working in an aromatic bath. Fragrant plants
contain numerous other constituents (tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc.) that
are also therapeutic in an herbal bath. The infusion of a whole fragrant herb
is often considered to be more effective than its pure volatile oil.4
Despite
the number of modern works on phytotherapy,5 compared with the ancient
medical manuscripts, they contain limited information about aromatic baths. Many
ancient recipes have been forgotten. To revive them, one must refer to the ancient
books on medicine and pharmacy. These sources contain numerous recommendations
that might be of interest to modern physicians and could enrich modern herbal
medicine.
The author of this article is engaged in the study of the ancient practice of phytotherapy
in the Near East. For these purposes, information from manuscripts dating from 9th—18th centuries c.e. and written
in Latin, Greek, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Persian has been analyzed.
All these sources are kept at the Institute of Manuscripts of the Azerbaijan Academy
of Sciences in Baku. As a result, some forgotten ancient recipes have been deciphered.6
Some of these medieval and earlier recommendations are cited and analyzed in this
article. This author believes that they may enrich modern phytotherapy, once they
have been experimentally and clinically tested.
History
The
earliest written information about therapy by bathing with decoctions of aromatic
herbs is contained in the Indian Vedas dating back to 1500 b.c.e.
Ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Hebrews widely applied this practice
for hygienic and medicinal purposes. For example, Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt (69—30
b.c.e.), bathed with rose (Rosa
spp., Rosaceae) petals.7 After bathing, Egyptians would apply perfumes
and ointments from cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Lauraceae), peppermint
(Mentha x piperita L., Lamiaceae), white lily (Lilium candidum
L., Liliaceae), sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L., Lamiaceae), Indian
frankincense (Boswellia serrata Roxb., Burseraceae), and oils derived from
almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb., syn. P. amygdalus Batsch.,
Rosaceae), castor (Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae), olive (Olea
europaea L., Oleaceae), and sesame (Sesamum indicum L., Pedaliaceae).7
The Greek physician Hippocrates (circa 460—377 b.c.e.),
known as the Father of Medicine, learned about the healing properties of aromatic
baths from the ancient Egyptians. He subsequently developed teachings about using
water as a form of treatment, which he called hydropathy. Medicinal bathing
also was called thalassotherapy or hydrotherapy (water cure). The
name thalassotherapy may come from ancient Greek thalassa (small
sea) or from the Greek philosopher Thales (circa 636—546 b.c.e.), who believed that the physical
world derives from a single underlying substance: water.1
This
treatment method was later adopted by Roman physicians and gradually spread throughout
the Mediterranean. The bathhouses (thermae) of ancient Rome became famous,
owing to their fragrant decoctions and balmy ointments. Such scholars as Dioscorides
(1st century c.e.) and Galen (circa 130—200 c.e.) recommended aromatic baths for urological and genital
disorders, as well as for tumors, wounds, colds, bad mood, and fatigue.8
Galen treated patients for fever in the famous Hadrian baths. Some public thermae
in Rome were huge, magnificent buildings having separate rooms with hot, warm,
or cold water, and special sections for massage, sports, and physical exercises.
The Caracalla Baths in Rome were especially impressive and famous during the 3rd
century c.e. People not only bathed
there, but also were treated with water, massage, and aromatic herbs, they also
relaxed, visited with friends, and entertained.
According
to Greek historians, native inhabitants of Central, Northern, and Western Europe
also used primitive herbal baths. For example, the Greek historian Herodotus (circa
484—425 b.c.e.) mentions that the Scythians, a
nomadic tribe of the Ukraine region, used hempseed to medicate a vapor bath: "The
Scythians take some of this hempseed, and, creeping under the felt coverings,
throw it upon the red-hot stones; immediately it smokes, and gives off such a
vapour as no Grecian vapour-bath can exceed."9
After
the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century c.e.,
Western Europe plunged into the Middle Ages, a dark era of ignorance (circa 400—1450
c.e.), which in some countries continued
up to the Renaissance and Reformation (circa 1450—1700 c.e.). However, during the Renaissance
and Reformation, the Church forced the demise of saunas and nearly rendered
the European bathhouse extinct. Only Finnish, Russian, and Scandinavian peoples
continued their traditions of herbal bathing. In Russia, people bathed in special
wooden houses (bania) with hot water and steam. Before the 18th century
c.e., these bania were common, and
men and women bathed together. Russians applied a kind of herbal therapy in their
bathhouses: they vigorously thrashed each other with switches of green birch twigs
(so-called Birch Broom). It was believed that such "birching" in a bath improves
circulation and rejuvenates an organism.10 Birch leaves were also placed
over the hot rocks to expel cleansing vapors.
The
Finnish bath (sauna) resembled the traditional Russian bath, but its principal
therapeutic effect was associated not with hot water, but with steam. An old Finnish
proverb says, "The sauna is the poor man's apothecary."8 Compared
to the ancient Greeks, the peoples of Northern and Eastern Europe used fewer herbs
in bathhouses and their bathing traditions were much simpler.
During
the Middle Ages, the Greco-Roman culture of hygiene, bathing, and treatment by
aromatic plants survived and continued to develop in the Byzantine Empire, Middle
East, and Central Asia, where Greek medical traditions were influenced by Middle
Eastern and Indian phytomedicine. Bath pavilions were a common and well-attended
feature of hospitals in Constantinople. After the 7th century c.e., aromatic baths were added to the armamentarium of Muslim
physicians, including the great Ibn Sina (also known as Avicenna, 980—1037 c.e.),
who believed that bathing in a decoction of dill (Anethum graveolens L.,
Apiaceae) is good for intestinal colic and stops congestion of sperm, while a
bath with leaves of bay (Laurus nobilis L., Lauraceae) is effective against
urinary diseases.11
During
the Middle Ages, a cult of bathing was formed in Persia, Turkey, and the Caucasus.
Contemporary sources attribute great healing properties to bathing. An 11th century
Iranian writer, Keykavus Ziyari, wrote, "Since architects began to raise buildings,
they created nothing better than a bathhouse."12 In order to maintain
health, it was recommended that a person visit a bathhouse at least two or three
times each week. Bathhouses served as both beauty parlors and health clinics.12
Medieval Middle Eastern bathhouses usually offered services such as bathing and
massage with the application of aromatic oils. Many large public bathhouses had
a staff of masseurs for this purpose, because it was believed that massage alleviates
physical and mental tiredness, and improves circulation.13,14 Aromatic
oils were also used to treat various diseases. For example, thyme ointment (Thymus
spp., Lamiaceae) was applied for rheumatism, and an ointment with henna (Lawsonia
inermis L., Lythraceae) or onion (Allium cepa L., Liliaceae & Alliaceae)
was used for herpes.13,15 The staff of many bathhouses included a barber
who cut hair and shaved the customers, and then applied henna (Lawsonia inermis
L., Lythraceae), dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria L., Brassicaceae), or
other dyes to their hair.13
After
a bath and a massage, visitors to the bathhouse could rest and relax in a special
room where they would drink coffee or tea with fragrant herbs that included peppermint,
thyme, sweet marjoram, rose petals, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.)
Maton var. cardamomum, Zingiberaceae) or cloves (Syzygium aromaticum
(L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Myrtaceae ).16 In Azerbaijan, customers
could also order sweets, dinner, or a pipe. Stays in the bathhouse were so pleasant
that some people would spend all their free time there; some even slept there.
As a rule, after a visit to the bathhouse, people felt rejuvenated, attractive,
healthy, strong, and energetic.12
The
medieval Middle Eastern bathhouse was a very beautiful architectural object, usually
a stone building with arches, domes, and beautiful gates. In Azerbaijan, the inner
part of the public bathhouse consisted of the entrance hall and one or several
large bathing halls with pools. There was also a cloakroom and rooms for rest.
Bathhouses were heated by hot steam circulated in pipes under floor and walls.
Several large medieval bathhouses are still preserved in Baku, including the Haji
Gayib Bathhouse (built during the 15th century c.e.)
and the Gasim bey Bathhouse (built during the 17th century c.e.), which now houses a museum of medieval
pharmacy. In medieval times, the bathhouses would serve men one day, and women
the next.
The
Near Eastern authors of the Middle Ages suggest numerous plants to use in one's
bath, including grape leaves (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae), chamomile (Matricaria
recutita L., Asteraceae), pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Lythraceae
& Punicaceae), basil (Ocimum basilicum L., Lamiaceae), anise (Pimpinella
anisum L., Apiaceae), violet (Viola sororia Willd., Violaceae), almond
oil, garlic (Allium sativum L., Liliaceae & Alliaceae), and barley (Hordeum
vulgare L., Poaceae). Ancient manuscripts provide evidence that during the
9th—14th centuries the aromatic oils of about 50 species of herbs and flowers
were used for treatment through bathing and external application. Medieval sources
provide information about methods of preparation and the curative properties of
these baths.16
Near
Eastern bathhouses used fragrant substances in several ways, including:
1.
Aromatic decoctions or infusions were added to the water in a bath. For example,
Mu'min (d. 1697) wrote that bathing in a decoction of pine needles (Pinus
spp., Pinaceae) is good against diseases of the uterus and rectum.17
2.
Ointments containing aromatic herbal oils were applied to patients' bodies after
or before bathing. For example, it was recommended to massage a patient's body
with the ointment of pine pitch, euphorbium juice (from Euphorbia spp.,
Euphorbiaceae) and guggul (resin of Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari,
Burseraceae), which was considered a good cure for stones in the bladder if applied
after bathing with a special decoction.13 Some caution must be taken
when using euphorbium juice, which is caustic.5
3.
Usually, fragrant fruits or perfumes were placed near a bathing person. It was
believed that aromatic substances strengthen the heart and have a sedative effect.
"[Hot] water in a bath should not cover the patient's breast and heart," wrote
Ibn Sina.13 It was recommended to bathe as long as the skin continues
to redden and swell. However, one was advised to stop bathing after the skin began
to pale.14
According
to the folk medicine of Azerbaijan, after a hot bath or nap, one was advised to
apply rose, narcissus (Narcissus spp., Liliaceae & Amaryllidaceae), or
violet aromatic oil to the face and body. Women especially liked these oils since
they make the skin tender and silky when applied after bathing.
Reproductive, Urinary and Intestinal Disorders
In
addition to the ancient manuscripts, cultural memory has retained the secrets of ancient therapy from aromatic plants. The author has collected some of these
recommendations from native residents in various districts in Azerbaijan and listed them below. Such information is indicated by the
words "Pers. comm." (personal communication). Data on when, where, how, and from
whom this information was collected are shown as well.
Cancer of the uterus
The
herbs mentioned below were recommended not to treat cancer itself, but as analgesic
remedies. For example, the 15th century Iranian author Mansur bin Mohammed wrote
in his book Kifayayi-Mansuri (Sufficient from Mansur), "As to the
cancer, it is a very dangerous disease and scarcely may be cured."18
Mansur
recommends an analgesic bath containing dill seed, chamomile flower, yellow sweetclover
or yellow melilot herb (Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall., Fabaceae),
mallow leaves (Malva neglecta Wallr., Malvaceae), cabbage leaves (Brassica
oleracea L. var. capitata L., Brassicaceae), beetroot (Beta spp.,
Chenopodiaceae), and flax seed (Linum usitatissimum L., Linaceae). These
were boiled and added to the bathtub.18
Poor
urination
Garlic
(Allium sativum L., Liliaceae & Alliaceae).
According to Ibn Sina, "Sitting in the decoction of stems and leaves of garlic
causes a diuretic effect É ."11 Garlic baths may have a therapeutic
value since this plant has anti-spasmodic properties and substantial effects against
bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even worms.4,19 In veterinary medicine,
garlic is often added to otitic herbal mixtures for its antibiotic properties.20
Since boiling garlic inactivates some of its beneficial effects, garlic baths
may be less effective for inflammatory diseases than an ointment of fresh chopped
garlic.21
Stones
in the bladder and kidneys
In
order to crush and remove stones from the urinary bladder, Ibn Sina recommends
bathing with an herbal mixture containing the following ingredients: chaste tree
berry (Vitex agnus-castus L., Lamiaceae), maidenhair fern herb (Adiantum
capillus-veneris L., Adiantaceae), mugwort herb (Artemisia vulgaris L.,
Asteraceae), rose petals (Rosa spp., Rosaceae), and other herbs with astringent
properties.13 Supposedly, the astringent remedies may be pomegranate
skin, barberry fruits (Berberis vulgaris L., Berberidaceae), or
cornelian cherries (Cornus mas L., Cornaceae). Nowadays, in Azerbaijan,
these herbs are widely used in the preparation of herbal baths.
Tumors
and pains in the uterus
Anti-spasmodic,
analgesic, and antiseptic herbs were applied for uterine dysfunction. To dilate
blood vessels and release muscle tension, it was recommended to use hot water.15
Chaste
tree (Vitex agnus-castus L., Verbenaceae). According to Ibn Sina, "Sitting
in decoction of chaste tree seed is effective against pains and tumors in the
uterus."11 The anonymous author of Tibbname (Book of Medicine),
which was compiled in Azerbaijan in 1712, also writes that chaste tree seed has
analgesic properties.22 In his book Jamiye Baghdadi (Baghdad's
Collection, 1311 c.e.), the medieval Azerbaijani author
Yusif bin Ismail Khoyi writes about anti-inflammatory properties of chaste tree
baths.23
Uterine
hemorrhage
Peppermint
(Mentha x piperita L., Lamiaceae). The 18th century c.e. Azerbaijani author Abulhasan Maragayi writes in his treatise
Mualijati-munfarida (Treatment with Simple Remedies) that a woman
with uterine hemorrhage should bathe in a decoction of seeds and leaves of peppermint.24
The menthol in peppermint oil has a local vaso-constrictive effect and can relieve
hemorrhage.4
Skin
Diseases and Allergies
Since
antiquity, the unguents, powders, and baths with decoctions and infusions from
aromatic plants were widely used to treat skin diseases and allergies. Modern
research now shows that the chemical composition of many aromatic plants contains
ethereal oils with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and analgesic properties.4
Allergic
itch of the skin
These
remedies were used not to cure the allergy itself, but only to relieve the allergic
itch. Numerous representatives of two genera of conifers were applied for these
purposes.
Juniper
(Juniperus spp., Cupressaceae). Yusif Khoyi in 1311 c.e.
prescribed bathing with juniper cones to ease allergic itch of the skin.23
According to Azerbaijani folk medicine, juniper baths are effective against allergic
itch of the skin. It was recommended to carefully boil 50 juniper cones in 8 glasses
(approximately 2 liters) of water and add the decoction to the bathtub (Pers.
comm. M. Akhundov, conversation, 1989 December in Baku, Azerbaijan). These properties
of the juniper baths may depend on counter-irritant and anti-inflammatory activities
of the juniper oil. 25
Pine
needle (Pinus spp., Pinaceae). Mu'min recommended bathing in a decoction
of pine needles to cure allergic itch.17 In Azerbaijan, baths prepared
with a 10 percent decoction of needles, cones, and branches of pine are considered
a cure for allergic itch of the skin. Owing to counter-irritant and anti-inflammatory
properties of the pine needle baths, they may relieve allergic itch.25
Irritation
and inflammation of the skin
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita L., Asteraceae). The 18th century c.e. manuscript, Tibbname, recommends
bathing with a decoction of chamomile flowers to ease pimples and inflammation
of the skin.22 According to Azerbaijani folk medicine, bathing in a
chamomile decoction soothes skin irritation and inflammation. It is recommended
to add a handful of dried chamomile flowers to five glasses (approximately 1 liter)
of boiling water and infuse for half an hour. Then, filter the infusion through
a cloth or tea strainer and add to the bath water. The optimal temperature of
the water must be similar to the temperature of the human body (Pers. comm. A.
Muradov, conversation, 1988 July, in Baku, Azerbaijan).
The
chief constituent of chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, owing primarily
to such compounds as chamazulene and (-)-alpha- bisabolol.3 Even though
a decoction of the plant contains only about 10—15 percent of the volatile oil
present in the plant material, it has very strong anti-inflammatory properties.5
Juniper
(Juniperus spp., Cupressaceae). The 15th c.e.
author Mansur recommended applying a juniper decoction externally to treat infectious
wounds of the skin.18 In Azerbaijani folk medicine, juniper baths are
used to treat rash, inflammation and itch of the skin (Pers. comm. A. Muradov,
conversation, 1989 July, in Baku, Azerbaijan). Baths and unguents containing the
infused oil of Zeravshan juniper (J. polycarpos K. Koch., syn. J. seravschanica
Kom.) have shown a bacteriostatic effect in pathogenic microorganisms. Further,
these baths promote regeneration and granulation of damaged tissues.26
In Cuba, juniper decoctions are used for patients affected by skin and urinary
infections.27 Juniper tar is a principal constituent of Vishnevski
Unguentum®, which is used in Russia for wounds. Martinez et al.
have reported on the activity of J. barbadensis L. var. lucayana (Britt.) R.P. Adams bis against Staphylococcus aureus.28
Mugwort
(Artemisia vulgaris L., Asteraceae). Tibbname reported antiseptic
properties of mugwort decoctions when applied externally.22 Folk healers
in Azerbaijan use mugwort to prepare baths for infectious diseases of the skin
(Pers. comm. K. Baghirov, conversation, 1992 May in Barda, Azerbaijan). Such applications
of mugwort are typical also to Bulgarian folk medicine, where bathing in a mugwort
decoction is recommended to treat pyoderma (bacterial skin infection), infected
wounds of the skin, etc.4 The volatile oil contained in mugwort baths
has antimicrobial properties. At a concentration of 1:10, it depresses development
of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
S. aureus.3 However, the volatile oil did not show any antimycotic
effect against the yeast, Candida albicans.29 According to the
data of Lambrev et al., an alcoholic infusion of mugwort leaves shows antibacterial
effects against Shigella sonnei and Bacillus subtilis.30
To treat tired feet, Gardner recommends a soothing footbath with mugwort, comfrey
(Symphytum spp., Boraginaceae) and mint (Mentha spp., Lamiaceae).31
The German Commission E warns that
some sensitive subjects may have an allergic reaction to mugwort.32
Oregano
(Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae).
The Tibbname discusses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
of oregano decoctions and juice applied externally or used as a local bath.22
According to Azerbaijan folk medicine, bathing in an infusion or decoction
of oregano is good for many skin diseases. This treatment was prescribed for pimples
and scrophuloderma (Pers. comm. D. Turabov, conversation, 1988 July, Shaki, Azerbaijan).
Water infusions of this herb have shown antiviral effect in vitro.4
An aromatic bath with oregano oil is prescribed to ease various pains and colic.4
Pine
needle (Pinus spp., Pinaceae). According to Mu'min, pine needle decoctions
show anti-inflammatory effects when used externally in a bath.17 Azerbaijan
folk medicine recommends baths of needles, cones, and branches of pine for rash,
pimples, and inflammation of the skin. The oil of the endemic eldar pine (P.
brutia Ten. var. eldarica (Medw.) Silba) is considered especially
effective. This pine grows in the mountains of the Major Caucasus and is cultivated
throughout the Azerbaijan Republic.25 Anti-inflammatory properties
are associated with pine oil, which has strong antiseptic and diuretic properties,
promotes granulation of wounds, and is used as disinfectant and deodorant.21
Ritch-Krc et al. have revealed that pitch preparations of P. contorta
Douglas ex Loudon have antimicrobial activity against known human pathogens:
Escherichia coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and Aspergillus
fumigatus.33 Pharmacological effects of pine baths may depend on
oils and terpenoids, many of which have antibiotic properties.5
Stings
of Poisonous Animals
Usually,
stings and bites of poisonous animals were treated with external remedies: fresh
juices, decoctions, and infusions of different plants. In most cases, these plants
had only analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but did not inactivate the poison
itself. An example is fresh juice of basil (Oimum basilicum L., Lamiaceae),
which is used today in Azerbaijani folk medicine against bee stings. However,
some other plants are known as antidotes.
Scorpion
stings
Ajowan
(Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turrill, Apiaceae). Ibn Sina recommended
using a local bath of ajowan seeds against scorpion stings.11 Other
medieval authors also confirm analgesic and antidotal properties of this bath
15,17,34
According
to Azerbaijani folk medicine, decoctions of ajowan seeds have antidotal and analgesic
properties, when applied externally. Taking a bath with this decoction causes
the same effect (Pers. comm. B. Samadova, conversation, 1988 June in Lachin, Azerbaijan).
This plant does not grow in Azerbaijan, but is imported.
Soft
Tissue Damage
Traditional
medicine often cures soft tissue injuries and ailments with the help of local
baths. Juices, infusions, and decoctions of aromatic plants are applied externally
to the wounded parts of the body. This practice is still widespread in the folk
medicine of Caucasus.
Wounds,
tumors and ulcers
Cinnamon
(Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Lauraceae). Khoyi in 1311 c.e. pointed out that cinnamon has antiseptic
and healing properties.23 According to Azerbaijani folk medicine, cinnamon
baths are good for external tumors (Pers. comm. Y. Garayev, conversation, 1990
July in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan). In many eastern countries, cinnamon is used externally
for boils and abscesses.35 The pharmacological effects of cinnamon
baths depend on antiseptic properties of this plant.36
White
lily (Lilium candidum L., Liliaceae). Medieval medical manuscripts
of Tibet recommended lily baths to cure wounds and ulcers of the body.37
Both infusions and decoctions of the bulb promote healing of experimentally
induced wounds in rats.3 The infusion of the bulb eases pains, removes
rash and blisters, and promotes epithelization of the skin when applied externally.38
Birch
(Betula spp., Betulaceae). In the Caucasus and Central Asia, birch baths
of European white birch (B. pendula Roth.) are used for external
ulcers and wounds.25 To prepare a bath, it is recommended to infuse
a teaspoon of the budding leaves in 100 ml of boiling water (Pers. comm. A. Muradov,
conversation, 1993 January in Baku, Azerbaijan). In Himalayan regions, a decoction
of the bark of Himalayan birch (B. utilis D. Don) is used to wash wounds.39
Birch preparations were used successfully in the Central Clinic of the First Moscow
University against erosion of the skin and conditions when the wound does not
heal for a long time.40
Calamus
or sweetflag (Acorus calamus L., Acoraceae). Mu'min wrote about the anti-inflammatory
and healing properties of the juice and decoctions of sweetflag.17
In modern Russia, alcoholic infusions of the dried rhizome is diluted with water
(3:1) and applied on festering wounds and ulcers as a local bath.41
Rheumatic
and neuralgic pain
For
many centuries, medical baths were successfully used to treat rheumatic and neuralgic
pain. Many recipes of these bath solutions are found in ancient Greek, Roman,
Indian, and Arabic medical sources. In modern Azerbaijan, this practice is applied
in the Naftalan health resort, where patients take baths with aromatic plants
and unique healing Naftalan mineral oil. Baths with mustard oil are extremely
popular in the folk medicine of Caucasus.
Radiculitis
Mustard
(Brassica nigra (L.) W.D.J. Koch., B. juncea (L.)
Czern., Sinapis alba L. syn. B. alba Rabenh., Brassicaceae).
The Tibbname recommends external application of mustard water in the form
of baths or compresses to relieve pains in radiculitis (inflammation of the root
of a nerve).22 In Azerbaijan, bathing in mustard water is prescribed
for those who suffer from chronic radiculitis. It is recommended to add 10—15
tablespoons of mustard powder to a pot containing 2—3 glasses (400—600 ml) of
water. The powder should be vigorously ground until the sharp smell of mustard
becomes apparent. The powder is added and carefully mixed to a bath containing
20 buckets of water (approximately 200—250 liters). The temperature of the water
must be similar to the temperature of the human body. After bathing, it is advised
to put on a bathrobe and take a nap (Pers. comm. T. Aydinov, conversation, 1992
December in Baku, Azerbaijan). Mustard oils are contraindicated when kidney disorders
exist, and prolonged applications may result in skin and nerve damage.32
The
analgesic properties of mustard baths are thought to depend on the sinigrin content
and the volatile oil contained in these plants. Externally, mustard is a local
irritant applied against rheumatic pains, rubefacient, and vesicant in over-the-counter
drugs, such as Musterole®.5
Nervous
and Cardiovascular Diseases
Many
aromatic herbs are used to treat various nervous and cardiovascular diseases.
The derived benefits are associated with the sedative effect of some volatile
oils contained in these herbs.
Low
blood pressure
Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae). In Azerbaijan, rosemary baths are
recommended to people with low blood pressure. Since medieval times, it has been
thought that this fragrant plant stimulates circulation of the blood and is a
good tonic.22 Four glasses of boiling water are added to a pot containing
five tablespoons of rosemary leaves, and the mixture infused for a half an hour.
The infusion is then filtered and added to the warm water in the bath. The optimal
duration of the procedure is half an hour (Pers. comm. T. Aydinov, conversation,
1992 December in Baku, Azerbaijan).
Stewart
recommends a rosemary bath for tension and stiffness.42 This bath may
have a pharmacological effect since the hot infusion of rosemary is known as a
tonic,38 and an anti-spasmodic,43,44 and antiviral agent.5
Neurasthenia
and tachycardia
English
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Lamiaceae). Ancient Greek scholars
such as Galen and Dioscorides, as well as medieval pharmacists, report the strong
calmative properties of lavender.11,17 According to Azerbaijani folk
medicine, bathing in a lavender decoction has anti-spasmodic and calmative effects
and is used for tachycardia (rapid heart beat) and neurasthenia (Pers. comm. A.
Muradov, conversation, 1988 December in Baku, Azerbaijan).
Stewart
recommends lavender baths for tension and stiffness.42 This bath contains
lavender oil, which is applied for neurasthenia, migraine, and heart neurosis
with tachycardia.45 Baths with lavender may relax the patient since
isolation of a smooth muscle relaxant principle identified as 7-methoxycoumarin
also has been reported.36 The bath may be taken before sleeping because
lavender oil is effective for insomnia. 46,47
Sweet
marjoram (Origanum majorana L., Lamiaceae). Dioscorides and Ibn Sina
considered this plant to be good medicine against different nervous diseases.11,17
According to Azerbaijani folk medicine, taking a bath with a marjoram decoction
is helpful against flatulence and nervousness, and causes a diuretic effect (Pers.
comm. F. Safarov, conversation, 1993 August in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan). The healing
properties of marjoram baths may depend on the sedative properties of the volatile
oil (0.7 to 3.5 percent) contained in this plant.40
Lemon
balm (Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae). The Tibbname recommended
external and internal application of lemon balm to relieve excessive nervousness
and irritability.22 According to Azerbaijani folk medicine, bathing
in a lemon balm decoction is useful for heart disease, relieves tachycardia, eliminates
pains in the heart, and lowers blood pressure. Further, lemon balm baths are applied
for furunculosis. The water in a bath must be warm, but not hot (Pers. comm. S.
Valibeyov, conversation, 1987 April in Shusha, Azerbaijan).
Information
about the healing properties of lemon balm baths may be confirmed by data of Leclerc,
who reports that lemon balm has anti-arrhythmic activity and is successfully used
to treat different types of arrhythmia and high blood pressure.38
Conclusion
To
study the ancient recipes of herbal decoctions used in bathing during the Middle
Ages and earlier, 18 medieval manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Greek,
and Latin were investigated. These medieval sources contain information about
more than 50 aromatic herbs that were used in the preparation of medicinal baths.
Some of these plants are listed and discussed above.
As
a result, a number of forgotten medieval recipes have been revealed and deciphered.
It has been established that aromatic baths were used to treat reproductive, urinary
and intestinal disorders, skin diseases and allergies, stings of poisonous animals,
damage of soft tissues, rheumatic and neuralgic pains, nervous and cardiovascular
diseases, and more. Some modern scientific literature on aromatic plants has been
analyzed as well. Comparative analysis of medieval and modern sources shows that
recent investigations support the possible medicinal effect of some ancient recipes.
Sometimes the healing effects of herbal baths may be associated with known medicinal
properties of the constituents of aromatic herbs.
Medical
manuscripts of the ancients contain descriptions and recipes of many herbal baths.
Some of them also are used by modern folk medicine in different countries of the
world. Modern research on the chemistry and pharmacology of these herbs and their
constituents suggest that these ancient and traditional folk ideas continue to
be relevant.
Farid
U. Alakbarov, Ph.D., graduated from the Biological Department of the Baku State
University and holds degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Sciences. As
the Head Scientific Officer at Baku's Institute of Manuscripts, his main fields
of research focus upon the history of medicine, and traditional and folk medicine
and pharmacy. He has authored 78 scientific and educational articles.
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