For centuries, birch tar has been known as an adhesive used in toolmaking, but new research suggests Neanderthals may have used it for a far more critical purpose: treating infections. This discovery bolsters the growing understanding that these ancient humans possessed complex knowledge of natural medicine.
The Discovery: Birch Tar’s Antibacterial Properties
A study led by Dr. Tjaark Siemssen of the University of Cologne and the University of Oxford demonstrates that birch tar, created by burning birch bark, effectively inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacterium that causes wound infections. Researchers replicated the tar-making processes used by Neanderthals—distilling tar in clay pits and condensing it on stone—to ensure the experiments mirrored ancient conditions.
All tar samples produced exhibited antibacterial activity, confirming the substance’s potential for medicinal use. This aligns with traditional practices in northern Europe and Canada, where birch tar is still used to treat wounds. The study highlights the convergence between ancestral knowledge and modern science.
Archaeological Context: Why This Matters
Birch tar is frequently found at Neanderthal sites, often alongside tools assembled with the substance. The presence of tar alone suggested a practical application, but its medicinal properties now provide a plausible explanation for its widespread availability.
This discovery adds to the accumulating evidence that Neanderthals were not simply primitive tool users, but also skilled healers who harnessed natural resources for survival. The implications extend beyond archaeology. As antibiotic resistance becomes a growing threat, studying ancient remedies like birch tar could offer new leads for modern medicine.
Experimental Methods: Recreating the Past
The research team meticulously recreated Neanderthal tar-making techniques, recognizing that the method of production could affect the final product. By replicating ancient methods, they ensured that the antibacterial properties observed were indeed accessible to Neanderthals.
“The messiness of birch tar production deserves a special mention…every step of the production is a sensory experience in itself,” the researchers note, underscoring the direct, hands-on nature of ancient practices.
Implications for Paleopharmacology
This study represents a significant advancement in paleopharmacology—the study of ancient medicinal practices. It demonstrates that Neanderthals and early humans understood the pharmacological properties of natural materials. The research also suggests that Neanderthals may have used birch tar for other purposes, such as insect repellent, further expanding our view of their resourcefulness.
The rediscovery of antibiotic remedies from ancient traditions like birch tar could be vital as the world faces the antimicrobial resistance crisis. By combining indigenous pharmacology with experimental archaeology, we can unlock a deeper understanding of the medical wisdom of our ancestors.
The study was published in PLoS ONE (Siemssen et al., 2026).
