New findings show our ancient ancestors used plants to relieve toothache and stomach bugs before the discovery of aspirin or penicillin.
Ancient DNA found in the dental plaque of Neanderthals - our nearest extinct relative - has provided remarkable new insights into their behaviour, diet and evolutionary history, including their use of plant-based medicine to treat pain and illness.
One group of Neanderthals consumed woolly rhinoceros and European wild sheep, supplemented with wild mushrooms. Another distinct group ate a largely vegetarian diet, comprising pine nuts, moss, mushrooms and tree bark.
Notably mushrooms seemed to be a large part of their diet!
