A Forgotten Legacy: Iran’s Contributions to Natural Medicine

I felt morally obligated to include a history in my book, Holistic Approach to Autoimmune Diseases, to bring clarity about Iran’s contributions to natural medicine. It deeply saddens me that, despite Iran’s pivotal role in the development of medicine, the fact that farming originated in ancient Greater Iran, and that many fruits and vegetables were first cultivated there, Iran is often omitted from most historical accounts. It is akin to discussing offspring without mentioning their parent. When reflecting on ancient Greater Iran, spanning thousands of years before the Persian Empire and the millennia after, it becomes evident that Persians have consistently contributed to medicine, spirituality, and holistic healing. Ignoring these contributions reflects either a lack of historical understanding at best or bias at worst.

Growing up in Iran, I was instilled with the belief that my homeland was not only the cradle of civilization but also a pioneer in medicine. Herbal medicine, in particular, has been deeply rooted in Iranian culture for thousands of years. My mother often advised us on what to eat for optimal brain development and warned against combining foods considered “with those deemed” a concept reminiscent of the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. Many Iranian women still uphold these ancient traditions, skillfully treating their children with herbs and spices as remedies for the first signs of illness. On a recent visit to Iran, I learned about herbalists who have preserved this traditional knowledge through generations. Their remedies, often more effective than contemporary allopathic medicine, serve as a testament to the enduring power of these practices.

However, my arrival in the United States to study Naturopathic Medicine was a rude awakening.

I realized how little recognition Iran receives for its contributions to this field. Western narratives tend to attribute medical advancements to the Greeks, ignoring that Iran ruled Greece for 200 years before Alexander of Macedonia’s conquest. During this time, Iranian culture profoundly influenced both Greece and Egypt. Tragically, political animosities and the systematic destruction of Iranian libraries and cultural artifacts by invading armies have erased much of this history. As a result, ancient Iran is rarely credited for its pivotal role in shaping global medicine.

Even more frustrating is the tendency to credit ancient Iranian accomplishments to other cultures.

For instance, Iranian women ruled over parts of Greece, yet their contributions are often labeled as Greek. Many herbs and foods originating in Iran are similarly attributed to other nations.

When Alexander of Macedonia conquered Iran, he was so impressed by its culture that he adopted it, married an Iranian noblewoman, and instructed his generals to respect and follow Iranian traditions. Consequently, Iran continued to influence Greek culture for another century.

Yet, these connections are rarely acknowledged in mainstream historical narratives.

Many Iranians believe that literature and knowledge taken from Iranian territories were instrumental in enabling Greece to achieve the advancements that Western culture now celebrates. Iran’s influence on medicine can be traced back to its time as a kingdom before the Persian Empire and as a powerful empire thereafter. The Persian Empire encompassed numerous countries, giving Iranian medicine a diverse and rich foundation. Sadly, each invasion brought destruction, with opposing forces burning libraries and obliterating historic sites. Despite this, discoveries such as the golden eye implant found in the ancient Burnt City, dating back to 3200 BCE, provide glimpses into Iran’s advanced medical knowledge.

These contributions highlight Iran's enduring legacy in natural and holistic medicine.

Recognizing this legacy not only honors the rich history of Iranian culture but also inspires a deeper appreciation for its profound influence on global healing practices.