People in antiquity accumulated practical knowledge about treating wounds and relieving symptoms even though they lacked modern understanding of infection and disease. Remedies ranged from sensible supportive care to treatments based upon medical theories or beliefs that would not be accepted today.
Greek and Roman medical writers described extensive collections of medicines made from plants, animal products, minerals, oils, wines, and other substances. Jewish communities lived within this wider medical environment while maintaining their own religious traditions.
Many treatments could be prepared at home. Oil might soothe or protect skin, wine could be used in treating wounds, and cloth could serve as a bandage. Diet, rest, bathing, and other ordinary practices could also form part of care.
Containers, grinding equipment, botanical remains, medical instruments, and residue studies from the Roman world demonstrate the preparation and use of many natural substances, although identifying the exact purpose of a particular household preparation is often difficult.
Ancient medical, Jewish, and biblical writings mention medicines, ointments, oils, wines, herbs, bandages, and other treatments.
Isaiah refers to wounds being treated and bandaged, while other biblical passages mention balm, oil, figs, and related substances in contexts of healing or bodily care.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the injured man's wounds are bound and treated with oil and wine, reflecting recognizable forms of ancient wound care.
Ancient medicine employed a broad range of natural substances and practical treatments.
The effectiveness of individual remedies varied greatly, and a remedy's presence in an ancient text does not establish that it successfully treated the underlying disease.
Knowledge of ordinary remedies helps distinguish the normal medical world of Jesus' day from the extraordinary healings emphasized in the Gospel narratives.