Hippocrates was a prominent Greek doctor and is considered the father of western medicine in ancient and modern times.

The Hippocratic School was interested in balancing and purifying the body through the diet. One of the most commonly used “drugs” was water and honey. Infusions were widespread and barley was filtered frequently, along with millet, lentils, buttermilk and milk. They were used for many common ailments.

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Post-operation, wounds were closed using stitches of flax or linen thread and they were dressed with linen bandages or sponges, which were sometimes soaked in water, wine, oil or vinegar. Leaves could also be used for the same purpose and wounds may also have been sealed using egg whites or honey. Postoperative treatment was also considered. For example, the importance of maintaining a diet was emphasized, or the use of plants with anti-inflammatory properties such as celery.  

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Types of Food 

Legumes improved the quality of the soil and were considered very important to agriculturalists. Additionally, legumes contain a high amount of albumen, which led them to be a critical dietary supplement in countries where meat was in short supply and difficult to store. Such was the case with Greece. People in the Greco-Roman world consumed less meat than we do today and therefore, legumes were a necessary source of protein. Of all legumes, the lentil appears most frequently in Greek and Roman literature. Hippocrates recommended lentils as a remedy for ulcers and hemorrhoids.

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Bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia), was an important legume in ancient Greek medicine. Its extensive medicinal qualities were thought reliable enough to later administer to Roman emperors such as Augustus. Bitter vetch was thought to heal pimples, prevent sores from spreading and soothe spots or sores when they appear on the breasts. It was also reported to relieve painful urination, flatulence, liver problems, and indigestion when roasted and mixed with honey and Hippocrates cautioned that when eaten boiled or raw, the consumption of bitter vetch may cause more flatulence or pain.