Episode date: Length: 1 min 16 s
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Before modern drugs, medicine was made in the heart of the Bzouriyeh spice and herb market in Damascus. The Mukhtar asked herbalists whether people still treat themselves with herbs, and what they suggest.
The short answer
The Bzouriyeh market in Old Damascus was the city's pharmacy, and people still come for herbs. Herbalists suggest chamomile for bloating and gas and hibiscus to support immunity, for example. But they say herbs are a complement and a lifestyle, not a replacement for a doctor.
Before modern drugs, remedies were prepared here from herbs. One herbalist said many medicines were plant based to begin with.
What do herbalists suggest?
Examples from the episode: chamomile for bloating and gas, hibiscus to support immunity. They say herbs help with mild symptoms such as colds and cramps.
Do herbs replace medicine?
No. The herbalists said herbs are a complement, a diet or lifestyle added to treatment. If you have a health problem, see a doctor first.
Why do people come today?
The episode touched on the cost of medicine: a box can cost about $6 to $6.9 (700 to 800 new Syrian pounds), while herbs are far cheaper.
Questions people ask
Why is the Bzouriyeh market famous?
It was Damascus's pharmacy before modern drugs and is still the city's best known herb and spice market.
What do herbalists suggest for bloating?
Chamomile, according to herbalists in the episode. This is not medical advice.
Can herbs replace a doctor?
No. The herbalists themselves said herbs complement treatment and are not a substitute for a doctor.
We ask sellers in the market and record every price with its date, in US dollars and new Syrian pounds. How we work
The Mukhtar Al Souq team: produced by Ahmad Nahas (the show on his site) · written by Ahmad Nahas, Mazen Shbib, Ranim Shabani and Dania Halbouni · edited by Abdulrahman Al-Nassar and Abdulrahman Mulla · graphics by Wael Fayyad
The truth from the market, for the people