For what purpose was distilled alcohol originally used?

Distilled alcohol was originally used primarily for medicinal purposes. In ancient times, it was believed to have healing properties and was often utilized to treat various ailments and health issues. The distillation process allows for the concentration of alcohol, which can enhance its effectiveness as a medicinal agent. It was also used to create tinctures and extracts meant to alleviate pain, improve digestion, and even as an antiseptic.

The use of distilled alcohol in medicine laid the foundation for its later applications in other areas, such as food preservation and cosmetics. However, the initial focus on medicinal use underscores the historical context in which distillation was developed. At the time, many modern medical practices were not yet established, so alcohol emerged as a versatile solution for health-related problems.