Many Romans thought that the supernatural power of the gods, demons, and magicians were responsible for illness. Still, many took practical measures to cure themselves. Roman doctors or Physicians, practiced what is now called natural medicine. They used many kinds of herbs, spices and relaxing therapies to cure their patients’ ills. Mustard was considered a cure for bad digestion. Garlic was considered a necessary part of good health, and was taken daily like a vitamin. Roman law even demanded that all Roman soldiers receive a daily ration of garlic. They even thought that walnuts would cure sore throats and would boost public speaking skills because they were shaped like a human brain. Some familiar tools that Roman physicians used were, tongue depressors and linen. Some operations required the use of sharp scalpels, knives, saws, axes, pointy probes, and hooks. Anesthetics had not been invented yet and all operations were done with the patient fully aware of the pain.