Tag: History of drugs

Archaeological evidence proves that the human use of medicinal plants dates back over 60,000 years, with Neanderthal remains containing traces of yarrow and chamomile. The question, **what drugs did ancient people do**, reveals a rich history of substances used for healing, rituals, and altering consciousness across various civilizations.

More than 40,000 years ago, Neanderthals in what is now Spain used poplar bark containing a natural precursor to aspirin and mold with antibiotic properties, a powerful glimpse into the earliest forms of pharmacology. This discovery highlights the complex journey to determine what was the first drug found on Earth, pointing to a long history of medicinal use that predates human civilization.

In 2016, doctors in the U.S. wrote over 63 million prescriptions for penicillin, a drug once referred to as the “Queen of drugs” due to its monumental impact on treating bacterial infections. This remarkable antibiotic, discovered by accident, launched the era of modern medicine by providing a weapon against previously untreatable and often fatal diseases.