Romans Ingested Silphium Leaves as a Primitive Contraceptive
The ancient Greeks and Romans prized a plant called silphium for its supposed healing and contraceptive powers. Women consumed it to prevent pregnancy, and it was also used as a remedy for various ailments. It became so popular that it was harvested to extinction.
Interestingly, the seed of the silphium was heart-shaped, and some believe that it inspired the modern heart symbol. A romantic origin story with a surprising botanical twist.
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