Salvia seeds and leaves have been made into eyewashes since medieval days. We have read of one treatment for cataracts that called for an entire seed of Salvia to be placed under one's eyelid until it would drop out. With several such treatments this "would take off a film which covereth the sight; a handsome and safe remedy, it is a great deal easier than to tear it off with a needle" Nicholas Culpeper wrote.
In ancient Egypt this latter method, if it were not successful, would mean the end of the medical practitioner.
In ancient Egypt this latter method, if it were not successful, would mean the end of the medical practitioner.