Eye salve was mentioned in the message to the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:18). It was stated that they should anoint their eyes with eye salve so they can see. There are different interpretation and conclusions were made about this verse. Since some assume that what’s local in a place is being used as a representation to enable people to relate and easily understand God’s spiritual message. Hence the notion that eye salves were locally made in Laodecia exists.
“14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.” – Revelation 3:14,18
While it is easier to assume that Laodiceans produce eye salves that’s why it’s mentioned in the message to the church in Laodicea, tracing back history would enable us to discover more about eye salves and it’s significance in treating eye diseases in yesteryears. We’ll also learn where they were located and the reason for its rampant usage during those times. It would also provide us a glimpse of who makes and prescribes it as well as the opthalmological practices during the ancient world.
Ancient eye salves and their labels
Collyria or ointments were contained in a stone with seals. (1) The seals served as labels and indicated the following:
- name of the doctor who concocted the ointment
- ingredients or components of the salve/ointment
- ocular disease it tries to cure.
The notes written in the seal were in Roman and sometimes Greek to ensure that a common language was used. This makes the prescription easier to understand by different people (1) The seals or stamps were useful for record-keeping and inventory and helps in ensuring that enough salves were produced and distributed. Moreover, the labels were used for easy reference as the doctor or the maker could indicate on it the best treatment or salve remedy to utilize for a particular eye problem. (1)
Eye diseases and eye salves with collyria seal location
Being a heterogeneous empire, the Romans have different influences and concepts about health, diseases, medication and treatment. Some concluded that the practice of using eye salve was influenced by the Celtics. Most of the Roman collyria seals were found in places with a strong Celtic influence and were often seen in military camps. Hence it was concluded that the people who produced the slaves with Roman collyria seals were doctors who were working in the Roman army and may have Celtic influence (1)
The seals were mostly located in military camps due to the discomfort or illnesses that that soldiers usually face during the Roman period. Due to long marches, dust, and smoke plus vitamin deficiency, soldiers usually suffer from eye diseases. (1) This suggests that eye salves were commonly used since eye diseases were prevalent in those times due to environmental conditions. However, there are also counterarguments about this as collyria seals were not found in other areas with military camps and places where eye diseases have spread such as Egypt and Syria. (1)
Link between eye salve and Laodicea
Since eye salves were found and marketed in different places and cities, it’s seems inaccurate to tell with certainty that it’s a locally made product in Laodicea. Some researchers conclude that there’s no significant link between the availability of eye salve and the existence of a medical school near Laodicea. (2) Eye salve could be more of a representation of the Laodiceans church spiritual condition. It could pertain to spiritual blindness hence the need to see more clearly.
Eye salve makers
Reading historical accounts and the bible would enable you to figure out the environmental setting and it’s connection as to why eye diseases were prevalent during those times. Therefore, it is not surprising to know that people would need remedies for their eye condition and buy eye salve for treatment. Prescription for eye medication was in demand. The people who prescribed and dispensed it were said to be military doctors who were probably none specialists that have Celtic roots and influence (1).
Proliferation of eye salves
Eye salves were concocted by different druggists and used by different healers. This included individuals who had little training or did not study in medical school as well as trained physicians who learned their practice in places with medical school or training centers such as in Laodicea and Pergamum (2). Others however, tried to practice medicine and sought to obtain eye salve even though they didn’t know how to use them (2). Eye salves spread as healers and physicians traveled and healed in different cities, while others established their medical practice in a particular city. As the eye salve became easily available on the market, people were able to easily buy and apply it to themselves. (2)
Physician-made eye salves and the readily procured eye salves from druggist shops
Preparing medications and drugs was used to be a special business of the medical profession (2) Some eye specialist healers used to make eye salve. However, some doctors eventually detached themselves and refrained from concocting eye salves and instead bought or prescribed the eye salves and plasters that were readily made from druggist shops (2)
Whether Laodicea produced its own eye salve or not, one thing is certain, eye salves were significant historically speaking. Meanwhile the need to see clearly may it mean literally or spiritually is very important biblically speaking. To see more about eye salves, check out this post.
Learn from the past healing wisdom 💋❤
References:
- (1) Pérez-Cambrodí R., Piñero D., Piñero A., Brautaset R., Del Castillo J.M., 2013. Collyria Seals In The Roman Empire.Acta med-hist Adriat 2013; 11(1);89-100
- (2) Koester, C. R., “The Message to Laodicea and the Problem of Its Local Context.” (2003). Faculty Publications. 9. http://digitalcommons.luthersem.edu/faculty_articles/9
- (3) TA Osbaldeston, RPA Wood., The Herbal of Dioscorides the Greek (Modern English Version) 2000
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