Ten Medicinal Plants found in the Shanidar Cave, Zagros Mountains

Ten Medicinal Plants found in the Shanidar Cave, Zagros Mountains.

In the Shanidar cave the remains of Shanidar IV were positioned resting on a bedding of woven horsetails[a wetlands plant] in a curled up fetal position. The pollen from several species of flowering plants was discovered with those bones. From the orderly distribution of grains around the fossil remains, there is no question that the flowers were arranged deliberately and did not simply topple into the grave, as believed as the body was being covered"[ Leaky and Lewin, 1977]. The species found around Shanidar IV were:yarrow,cornflower, St. Barnaby's thistle,groundsel,grape hyasinth, woody horsetail, and mallow. Many of these plants have been used in modern times for their medicinal qualities.Leaky and Lewin[1977] speculated that the Shanidar people were probably aware of the medicinal qualities of the flowers.

Of all the skeletons found at the cave, it is Shanidar IV which provides the best evidence for Neanderthal burial ritual. The skeleton of an adult male aged between 30-45 years was discovered in 1960 by Ralph Solecki and was positioned so that he was lying on his left side in a partial fetal position. Routine soil samples which were gathered for pollen analysis in an attempt to reconstruct the palaeoclimate and vegetational history of the site from around the body were analyzed eight years after its discovery. In two of the soil samples in particular, whole clumps of pollen were discovered in addition to the usual pollen found throughout the site and suggested that entire flowering plants (or at least heads of plants) had entered the grave deposit. Furthermore, a study of the particular flower types suggested that the flowers may have been chosen for their specific medicinal properties. Yarrow, Cornflower, Bachelor's Button, St. Barnaby's Thistle, Ragwort or Groundsel, Grape Hyacinth, Joint Pine or Woody Horsetail and Hollyhock were represented in the pollen samples, all of which have long-known curative powers as diuretics, stimulants, astringents as well as anti-inflammatory properties. This led to the idea that the man could possibly have had shamanic powers, perhaps acting as medicine man to the Shanidar Neandertals

1. Cornflower Centaurea cyanus



"Not much study has been done on Cornflowers in modern times, though the plant has been used for centuries "
Medicinal Purposes of Cornflower

It is [] fairly well-known by herbalists as a remedy for conjunctivitis, eye swelling, puffiness, and pain related to the eye area.

To use for cuts and scrapes, simply rub the cut end of a Cornflower stem on the affected area. For use as an eyewash, prepare as you would a tea, then soak a washcloth and use as an eye compress. For facial skin eruptions, acne, or other irritations, the leaves and flowers can be used as a steam facial - boil the leaves and flowers, then cover the head with a towel and sit over the steaming container. After 15 minutes or so, rinse the face with cool water, and feel the difference!

"In folk medicine the leaves or seeds steeped in wine were taken as a cure for pestilential fevers. Juice from the leaves of cornflower was applied externally to wounds."

2. Bachelor's Button "Feverfew" Chrysanthemum parthenium



"The herb feverfew (bachelor's button) contains a substance called parthenolide that appears to block inflammation."

"a handful of controlled scientific studies in people have hinted that the herb, also known by its plant name "bachelor's button," is effective in combating migraine headaches"

"Bachelor’s Button has been used for over 2000 years for medicinal purposes. The uses of this flower can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who used it for headaches, joint pain, stomach aches and fever."

"Properties: Feverfew is edible and medicinal. The dried flowers and plant are used as a flavoring in cooking to give food a deliciously aromatic bitter taste. Long used as a medicinal herb, it has a good reputation and extensive research has proved it to be of special benefit in the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism or arthritis. It was documented by Dioscorides, in the first century A.D., as being valuable for inflammation and swellings."







3. St Barnaby's Thistle - Centaurea solstitialis