The high level of health care capabilities and activities in many countries is very beneficial for the societies, however, the related contribution to the carbon dioxide foot print is considerable and should be reduced. Thinking about relevant reduction measures and caring about future generations may trigger the question: What could we learn from our preceding generations, from their way of living, acting, and practicing? A selection of medical and pharmaceutical practices will be presented, covering the time span from about 4000 B.C. till 20^th century, encompassing practices conducted in Ancient Egypt, by the Greeks and Romans, in the Orient and medieval Europe. Examples of drugs and dosage forms that were used in ancient times are given. For comparison, practices of modern times and aspects of the pharmaceutical industry are discussed. It is then assessed how well the presented cases would match the sustainability criteria based on our view of today. Eventually, potential approaches are presented, indicating how sustainability might be achieved in pharmaceutical and medical practice today and in the future.