Neanderthals, our ancient relatives, were more advanced than we once thought. They used birch tar not only as glue for tools but possibly as medicine. Similar to some Indigenous cultures today, Neanderthals might have used birch tar to treat infections and protect wounds. A recent study showed that birch tar could fight off bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which cause skin infections and food poisoning. Researchers tested different ways to make birch tar, including burning birch bark under a rock or heating it in a clay vessel. This discovery adds to our understanding of Neanderthals, showing they had knowledge of natural remedies.
QUESTION: How might learning about Neanderthals’ use of natural resources change our perspective on ancient human intelligence and innovation?
Never mind Band-Aids, Neanderthals had antiseptic birch tar
