Galenic preparations have been around for nearly two thousand years, named after the ancient…

Galenic preparations have been around for nearly two thousand years, named after the ancient Roman physician Claudius Galen (131-201 AD), who systematized medicinal knowledge of his time and introduced the use of wine, vinegar, and honey in treatments. Galen favored pastes—mixtures of plant powders with honey—and syrups, which were extracts of these powders combined with honey. He established guidelines for preparing known medicinal substances, laying the groundwork for pharmacy. Thus, galenic preparations consist of various extracts from medicinal plants with honey serving as a corrective, preservative, and therapeutic agent.