Introducing and Studying the Materials and Methods of Anesthesia and Analgesia in Ancient Iran

Abstract

In ancient Iran, humans have been looking for ways to anesthetize, control, and reduce pain to perform surgeries to treat diseases, which is evident in ancient scientists’ medical and nonmedical works. Although modern anesthesia expanded with the introduction of ether into this process, this great success was achieved after years of suffering and with the efforts of scientists throughout history who have played an essential role in advancing this knowledge. In ancient Iran, may (wine) was one of the materials of anesthesia, as in the Avesta, and Minooye Kherad, the properties of wine as an anesthetic are mentioned. Marijuana and Haoma were also used as other substances. The creation of a “hypnotic sponge” in ancient times made general anesthesia and many surgical procedures possible in subsequent centuries. In the history of medicine in Iran, various terms such as Mokhadir (anesthetic), Monavim (sedative), Mosabbit (hypnotic), and Mosakkin (pain relief) have been used to control pain. The purpose of this research was to introduce and study the materials and methods of anesthesia and analgesia in ancient Iran. The results show that anesthesia owes its early progress in part to the works of early Iranian practitioners.