Mercury was used commonly as a medicinal up until, probably just a few decades ago or so. A lot of western medicine has it's roots in greek medicine, they used a lot of mercury too. then the industrial uses...

but being an herbalist, that is, using herbs to cure ailments, would have gotten you burnt at the stake as a witch not too many generations ago, and a lot of that mentality still exists too among the medical establishment today.

it's one thing to say ignorance has to go but considering the depth of it's roots, i wish ya luck.

i'll just keep praying.