History of Chewing: Sage, Clove, Houseleek and …

Ever thought about where chewing started? Chewing, or mastication, is a basic part of human life. This process has a long history from ancient times to today’s chewing gum. Chewing mattered a lot in human societies, using old herbs and special spices. It goes beyond just breaking food for digestion. Chewing involves cultural habits and social traditions. Sometimes, it even helps in health. This text explores the story of chewing, looking at what people chewed throughout history and how these habits changed. Chewing’s importance in human growth is significant, too.

The Origins of Chewing

Chewing began with the dawn of humanity. Prehistoric people chewed twigs, leaves, and resins for health purposes. These natural items helped clean their teeth. These health benefits were very important for survival.

Early humans mostly chewed plant-based foods. Their diet included fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Chewing these tough and fibrous foods helped digestion. It also helped extract maximum nutrients. Let’s explore how chewing evolved over time.

Evolution of the human diet

Humans changed their diet as they evolved. Fire and cooking brought a big change. Cooked food feels softer and needs less chewing than raw food, affecting teeth and jaws. Early humans had big jaws and strong teeth to grind tough plants and raw meat.

Chewing in ancient cultures

Different cultures have developed unique chewing habits over time. For instance, the ancient Greeks chewed mastic gum, a resin from the mastic tree, to help with digestion and combat bad breath. In India, people traditionally chewed neem twigs due to their antibacterial properties, which help prevent oral diseases.

Sage Chewing: A Natural Healer

Sage has been used for many years by different societies and has had an association with different cultures. Its origin is believed to have been in the Mediterranean region where it was considered to bring immortality. This is because the people of those cultures used to chew sage to enhance their intellectual abilities. Also, it was applied as a fertility drug by Egyptians. This practice was also embraced by the Greeks and Romans where sage chewing was used to cure sore throat as well as enhance digestion [1].

Another interesting use of this herb was in ritual ceremonies. For instance, the Native Americans chewed sage during purification rituals.

Clove Chewing: The Antiseptic

In ancient civilizations, the habit of chewing cloves is prevalent for several reasons, and it is more so among Asian cultures. Cloves came from the Maluku Islands of Indonesia and were regarded greatly due to their medicinal abilities. In temperate climates, cloves are studied to contain eugenol, a natural bioactive compound with antiseptic and analgesic properties [2]. This made them popular for the treatment of tooth decay and gum disease. Cloves chewing freshens the breath and improves oral health.

Houseleek Chewing: A Chewing Solution

Houseleek (Sempervivum) is a flowering plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, found throughout Europe. It is particularly valued for its medicinal properties. Many people chew its leaves to help alleviate toothaches and soothe sore throats.

Houseleek was already used for its healing effects in ancient Rome and throughout Europe. This healing effect of the firecracker is still used in Europe. The crushed leaf was and still is used for corns and warts – just apply it to the affected area for a few hours. The pulp also helps with minor injuries and insect bites and thus has a positive effect on skin inflammations. It also helps with inflammation in the mouth and middle ear. Additionally, it has beneficial effects on burns, swelling, scalds, and frostbite. [4]

Betel nut Chewing

Betel nut is still chewed by millions of people across Asia and the Pacific. It is wrapped in betel leaves and often mixed with lime and spices. This practice goes back thousands of years. Chewing betel nut is an integral part of social and cultural traditions. It serves as a stimulant, much like caffeine, and is frequently shared during social gatherings and ceremonies.

Nettle Chewing

Chewing of nettles has been practiced for many years and is even used for various purposes in a number of cultures. Traditionally, people thought that chewing nettles reduced arthritis, joint pains, and allergies. Some of the main points about nettles, which are very nutritious, include Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and iron, a staple food in areas in which other food was short. Chewing nettles were also believed to invite prosperity and good luck [5].

Chicle Chewing

The Aztecs and the Mayans traditionally chewed chicle. It was chewed as a way to stave off hunger, freshen breath, and keep teeth clean. Chicle was also used by the Maya as a filling for tooth cavities.

Gum: Innovation in chewing

The first innovation in chewing came in the form of a supply of chicle obtained by an American inventor named Thomas Adams. Admas and his sons boiled and rolled chicle by hand into chewing gum pieces. The chewing gum relied on this discovery. This was the case in mid-19th century United States [3]. As a result, the chewing gum industry experienced rapid growth. This journey of chewing from tree resins to chewing gum is quite interesting. You can learn more about this evolution on Tracing the History of Chewing Gum.

Chewing gum in wartime

Chewing gum had an unexpected impact during the wars of the 1940s. It was provided to American soldiers as a substitute for drugs during both world wars of the 20th century. Journalists and marketing strategists referred to it as “fuel for fighters.” [6] Chewing gum is considered an effective thirst quencher. So, it became indispensable in soldiers’ rations. The official war strategies declared that the drinking water supply, especially at the front, was more costly and time-consuming than providing the troops with sufficient chewing gum.

Future of chewing gum

In the beginning, gum was nothing special. Later on, some innovators added flavors and made it last longer. They even made it suitable for your teeth. The future trends include health-conscious gums and innovative flavors. There’s a growing demand for sugar-free and aspartame-free chewing gum. Chewing gum will also be used for oral health benefits and stress relief as secondary functions of gum. Xylitol will also be popular due to its dental health benefits, like dental caries prevention and enamel strengthening.

The process of chewing

Chewing marks the initial phase of digestion. It breaks food into smaller bits, which then combine with saliva. Saliva has enzymes that kick off the breakdown of carbohydrates. Additionally, chewing alerts the stomach to start generating digestive acids, getting the body ready for food consumption.

Chewing involves more than just mechanical action; it also has a chemical aspect. Saliva moistens food, making it easier to swallow and aiding in digestion. Chewing properly ensures that food is broken down effectively, which is essential for nutrient absorption.

Chewing and modern diets

Modern diets frequently consist of processed and softer foods that demand less chewing. As a result, there has been a noticeable decline in the strength and health of our jaws and teeth. Increasingly, people are recognizing the significance of chewing for both dental health and digestion. Eating tougher foods, such as raw vegetables and nuts, can contribute to maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums.

Evolution of eating tools

Early humans used their hands to eat. Over time, they began to develop tools and cutlery. The first eating implements were simple sticks and shells that helped them scoop food. Gradually, knives, spoons, and forks were created, transforming how people enjoyed their meals.

In ancient Egypt, flint knives were popular. Later, the Romans introduced metal cutlery, including forks, which were initially used just for serving food. Eventually, these utensils became commonplace at the dining table. Today, cutlery is made from various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and wood. The evolution of eating tools reflects changes in dietary habits and social customs.

Conclusion

It is an important process with deep historical roots. Chewing has come a long way since the days of early humans gnawing raw vegetation until the present day, where chewing often takes place with ammunition-grade cutlery. Its practice is at the intersection of culture, health, and the evolution of mankind.

The history and significance of chewing help us understand this simple but vital activity. With its healthy chewing habit and appreciation for traditional practices, we can support our holistic well-being and heritage.