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What are some interesting historical uses of herbs

Sure! Here are seven interesting historical uses of herbs:

**Ancient Medicine**: Back in ancient Egypt, herbs like garlic and onion were used not just for flavor but also for their medicinal properties. Garlic was believed to boost strength and immunity, especially for workers building the pyramids!

**Warding Off Illness**: During the Black Plague in Europe, people carried around bunches of herbs like lavender and rosemary. They thought these herbs could protect them from the disease, acting like a sort of natural air freshener to ward off the "bad smells" that were believed to carry illness.

**Love Potions**: In medieval times, herbs like basil and thyme were often used in love potions and charms. People believed that these herbs could ignite passion and attract romantic partners.

**Preserving Food**: Before refrigeration, herbs like dill and sage were used to preserve meats and other foods. Their antimicrobial properties helped keep food from spoiling, which was super important back in the day!

**Religious Rituals**: Many cultures used herbs in their spiritual practices. For example, in ancient Greece, priests would burn sage as an offering to the gods, believing it would purify the air and bring them closer to the divine.

**Natural Dyes**: Herbs like madder and woad were used to create dyes for textiles. People would extract colors from these plants to dye fabrics, giving them vibrant hues that were often associated with status and wealth.