Furthermore, they ____________ as a cure ...

[junarta11]

"Spices were quite valuable to the people of the past due to their startling aromas, colours, and tastes. They conjured up a sense of the exotic, provided glimpses of paradise, and enriched dull food. Furthermore, they ____ as a cure for many ailments from stomach ache to the bite of rabid dogs for thousands of years."

a) had been used
b) have been used
c) were being used
d) used to be used
e) would have been used

Apparently, B is correct but I can't understand why. A seems sound to me as well!

 

[Skrej]

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