Ethnobotanic history of ophthalmology

The history of plants in the treatment and prophylactics of eye diseases is an essential part of traditional medicine handed down since prehistoric times. Formulas written down in those days preserved the knowledge of the medical cultivation of plants. Since humanity has been searching for treatment options in nature since prehistoric times, it is now possible to distinguish the Chinese, Indian and Mediterranean region pharmacopoeia. Medical application of herbs and other plants began as a trial and error method; those plants that proved effective found their way to collecting medicines. The best example of “empirical pharmacopoeia” was Indian herb medicine, but also Slavic medicine, based on the use of local plants. Superstitions and beliefs, especially symbolism (including biblical traditions), played a pivotal role in shaping plant knowledge. In medieval Europe, Christians believed that God had placed plants and animals on the earth to serve humans. It was believed that discovering the secret of creation would make it possible to discover a panacea for all ills. This fascinating journey through the history of herbal medicine and plants used to treat eye diseases leads us through the diversity of cultures whose customs, superstitions, and beliefs strengthened faith in the effectiveness of plant medicine. Many of those plants are still used today.