Pharmaceutical Spices: Aphrodisiacs, Hallucinogens, Insect Repellers
A presentation of old medicinal spices is central to a special exhibition in the German Museum. A large ‘perfumed garden’ in the middle of the exhibition ensures that all the senses are reached. There are whole spices and ground spices. For the duration of the exhibition the botanical garden in Munich’s Nymphenburg has a planted spice path where all the tropical spice plants can be seen growing outdoors.With those visitors, too, in mind who are not normally very interested in sciences, it covers not only the pharmacological and nutritionally interesting properties of the most important spices, but also art and cultural history, people and ethnology.
Sage, parsley or saffron was at times used as an aborting agent. Cloves, juniper berries and cinnamon were used by the old Egyptians as spices which contain a natural insecticide, to protect their stores. Other spice properties such as myristicin, related to mescaline, found in nutmeg and mace used in larger doses could cause hallucinations. Strong smelling spices, well known as aphrodisiacs, played a large role in religious ceremonies and magic. Spices which quickened the fantasies and longings of Europeans were an important historical driving power at the time of European expansion and led to the founding of the first international trade organisations around 1600. These also played their part in forming new economic structures. Spices at that time had the same significance as oil has today.
