Evidence of Early Medicinal Plant Use Found in Morocco’s Taforalt Cave!
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at Taforalt Cave, also known as Grotte des Pigeons, in Morocco. Evidence unearthed from the site suggests that prehistoric hunter-gatherers in North Africa were using medicinal plants as far back as 15,000 years ago, showcasing an advanced understanding of plant-based remedies among early humans.
Photo Credit: Nicolas Perrault III/Wikimedia Commons
A Predominantly Plant-Based Diet
Research published in Nature, led by an international team in partnership with Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Sciences (INSAP), has brought to light charred remains of the Ephedra plant in Taforalt Cave. This plant, known for its resilience in dry climates, produces powerful alkaloids like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine – compounds still used today to treat pain and respiratory issues.
Dr. Abdeljalil Bouzouggar, director of INSAP, explained that the ancient occupants of Taforalt used Ephedra seeds specifically, indicating a remarkable awareness of the plant’s medicinal qualities. According to Bouzouggar, “This procedure would have been painful and involved significant bleeding, leading the team to suggest that Ephedra was used to stop bleeding and soothe pain.”
Photo Credit: Morales, J. et al., Sci Rep (2024)
The Rituals and Remedies of the Iberomaurusians
The discovery sheds new light on the Iberomaurusians, a community of hunter-gatherers who roamed Morocco around 15,000 years ago. Known for their intricate burial customs, the Iberomaurusians interred their dead within Taforalt Cave, which is home to some of North Africa’s oldest known burials. Archaeological digs conducted between 2005 and 2015 uncovered layers of graves, where human remains lay alongside plant materials and artefacts, hinting at both symbolic and practical applications of local resources.
One particularly fascinating find was the skull of an individual who had undergone trepanation – an ancient form of cranial surgery. Evidence of healing around the surgical site implies that medicinal plants, potentially Ephedra, may have been used to aid recovery.
Early Medical Practices and Social Rituals
In addition to cranial surgery, the Iberomaurusians are thought to have performed tooth extraction rituals, likely as a rite of passage for young people. Bouzouggar noted that Ephedra’s analgesic qualities could have helped to manage the pain and bleeding from these procedures, indicating a sophisticated understanding of plant-based medicine that allowed early communities to navigate both health challenges and cultural traditions.
Photo Credit: Morales, J. et al., Sci Rep (2024)
Challenging Our Perception of Prehistoric Medicine
This discovery significantly shifts our understanding of prehistoric medical knowledge. While early humans in North Africa were already known to forage for plants, the evidence from Taforalt suggests they went further – gathering specific medicinal plants and potentially using them in dosed preparations. The charred Ephedra remains, discovered near burial sites, also suggest that the plant may have played a role in funerary rituals, possibly easing the grieving process or preparing bodies for the afterlife.
A Collaborative Achievement in Archaeology
The Taforalt Cave findings are the result of a close collaboration between Moroccan, British, and Spanish researchers. Their work not only expands our knowledge of ancient human societies but also illustrates how early humans adapted and interacted with their natural surroundings. This discovery provides a glimpse into the complex lives of the Iberomaurusians, whose knowledge of medicinal plants speaks to a deep connection with their environment.