The discovery was announced by the team from the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage of Morocco, expanding our understanding of ancient medical practices in the ancient world.
What Did Scientists Learn?
Recently, Moroccan archaeologists uncovered remains of ephedra plants, dating back 15,000 years, in the Grotte des Pigeons cave in eastern Morocco, also known as Taforalt.
Since the archaeological site was discovered in 1908, ongoing excavations have continuously revealed new insights into life in prehistoric North Africa.
Ephedra is a common name for over 60 species of evergreen shrubs, most of which are used for medicinal purposes.
At this site, considered the oldest cemetery in North Africa, 34 skeletons of Iberomaurusians from the late Stone Age (Paleolithic) were found.
Researchers determined that the ephedra plant, whose fossilized fruits were discovered in Taforalt, was widely used by these prehistoric people. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the ephedra samples and human remains belong to the same historical period, as reported by Arkeonews.
During that time, human communities utilized this plant in burial practices as well as for medicinal purposes, including treating colds and reducing bleeding. The inhabitants of the Grotte des Pigeons were well aware of the properties of ephedra.
15,000 years ago, they possessed extensive knowledge of how to benefit from plants. In the same cave, researchers previously found evidence of the earliest known surgical operation on a skull. The individual who underwent the procedure survived and likely endured the pain thanks to the healing properties of ephedra. Interestingly, scientists noted that during the operation, ancient people employed complex methods, indicating a relatively high level of medical knowledge.
The findings of this research were published in the journal Nature.