Warfare and other forms of organized violence causes pain, suffering and death. The ancient Romans forged a medical system that surpassed the medical systems of most of their enemies. Roman military staff employed rapid medical treatment of wounds, including the use of analgesics, on the battlefield and in field hospitals to increase the speed of recovery. The alleviation of pain through pharmacological and non-pharmacological means was a major factor in allowing minimally and moderately wounded soldiers to return to the battlefield as soon as possible. U.S. Army Survival Manuals (FM 21-76) contains sections and pictures of edible and poisonous plants, but does not contain a section on medicinal plants. A section on medicinal plants could be of use to isolated units who are denied normal logistical supplies.
Key words: analgesic, immediacy, herbal medicines, medical corpsmen, field hospitals
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