10 Forgotten Herbs That Were Once Worth Their Weight in Gold

Before modern pharmaceuticals, there were herbs — not just for flavoring dishes, but as precious commodities. These wild, fragrant plants were once traded like gold and valued for their healing properties, their rarity, or even their beauty.

These herbs may be forgotten, but they still carry tales of ancient medicine and luxury. Here are 10 herbs once worth their weight in gold!

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

The most expensive spice in the world, saffron was once so precious that it was used as currency in some parts of the world. Its delicate red threads are harvested by hand, making it a labor-intensive treasure. It’s still used in cooking today, but its historical value as a medicinal and culinary marvel cannot be overstated.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

This aromatic herb was cherished by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its medicinal properties. Hyssop was believed to purify the body and soul, often used in healing potions and as a remedy for respiratory ailments. Its value was so high that it was considered almost sacred in some cultures.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

While most people think of myrrh as an incense or resin, it was once as precious as gold. This resin, derived from the Myrrh tree, was highly sought after for use in religious ceremonies and as an essential ingredient in ancient medicine. Its value in trade made it one of the most coveted commodities.

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra)

Another aromatic resin that was once worth its weight in gold, frankincense was revered in ancient cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties. It was used in religious rituals, perfumes, and as a healing balm. Its rarity and the danger of obtaining it from remote desert regions made it incredibly valuable.

Galangal (Alpinia galanga)

Often mistaken for ginger, galangal was a vital herb in medieval Europe, particularly in the form of medicine. It was prized for its ability to treat digestive issues and was a common ingredient in apothecaries. In ancient trade routes, it was highly valuable due to its rarity outside of Southeast Asia.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Used to make the famous spirit absinthe, wormwood was once a rare and valuable herb. In ancient times, it was regarded for its medicinal properties, used to treat everything from digestive problems to parasites. Its mystical reputation and role in various cultures made it a highly sought-after plant.

Mace (Myristica fragrans)

The spice derived from the same tree that produces nutmeg, mace was once even more valuable than its sibling. In the 16th century, mace was so rare and expensive that it was reserved for the elite. Used in cooking, medicinal preparations, and perfumes, its worth rivaled that of gold in some regions.

Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

While the opium poppy’s dark history is often remembered for its narcotic properties, it was also highly valued in ancient times for its medicinal qualities. Opium, derived from the poppy, was used for pain relief and in various ancient medical treatments, making it a highly valuable commodity.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

In medieval Europe, angelica was often called the "herb of the angels" and was highly prized for its ability to ward off evil spirits, as well as its medicinal properties. It was used in both cooking and medicine, believed to cure everything from digestive issues to the plague, making it a valuable herb.

Cubeb (Piper cubeba)

Once a prized spice, cubeb, or "tailed pepper," was valued for its peppery flavor and medicinal properties. Used in both cooking and medicine, it was traded as a luxury item across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its spicy, bitter taste featured in many medieval and Renaissance recipes and remedies.

These forgotten herbs were valued for their medicinal, beauty, and rarity. From frankincense to saffron, they were once worth more than we realize today, with their historical significance still worth remembering.