Romans Consumed Silphium Leaves as an Early Contraceptive
The ancient Greeks and Romans prized a plant called Silphium for its purported medicinal and contraceptive effects. Women ingested it to prevent pregnancy, and it was also considered a remedy for a wide array of ailments. Silphium was so highly sought after that it was eventually driven to complete extinction.
Interestingly, the seed of the plant had a heart-like shape – some believe this inspired the modern heart symbol. A romanticized origin story with a surprisingly botanical beginning.
Advertisements
Advertisements