papyri

The natural medicine of the ancient Egyptians

The papyri dating from 1900 to 1200 BC (Kahuna, Smith and Ebers Papyrus) contain a lot of information about the methods of the ancient Egyptians how to cure diseases.
Most of the information was provided by the "Ebers Papyrus", considered the most important text on Egyptian medicine and pharmacy and it was written around 1550 BC.
According to these quotations, the ancient physicians used the "heart of a hawk", which was the name of absinthe, and the "rat tail" behind which is hidden, the well-known mallow.
In addition to these two medicinal plants, ancient people were also using other herbs, including: acacia, fennel, celery, Greek hay, straw, mulberry, garlic, saffron, sunflower seeds, shoots of willow, hibiscus, onion, cumin, together with laxatives and natural herbs that relieve menstrual cramps, regulate digestion and eliminate pain in general.
Approximately 50% of the plants, used in Egypt for medical treatment, have been in clinical use until the mid-twentieth century, and some of them are still in use today.

Acacia

The acacia relieves gastritis.
The resin extracted from acacia wood was used in the treatment of gastrointestinal and urinary tract.
It was also used, mixed with cocoa, as soothing syrup, especially in cases of gastritis and ulcers.
What do we know today?
The tea from the dried flowers of acacia is used to treat disorders of the stomach (antispasmodic) because it reduces the excess of acid in the stomach and works effectively in the treatment of gastritis, ulcer and duodenum.
For the preparation of tea take a tablespoon of dried flowers and pour 2.5 dl of water and let stand for 3 minutes.
Drink 2-3 cups a day.

Coriander

The Egyptians have called this plant kuzbarah, and used it to relieve pain (in particular, to soothe a headache), rheumatism and cramps.
A pack of these seeds paste was applied on a painful place, and it eased the pain.
What do we know today?
Coriander oil is spasmolytic (relieves spasms) and carminative (prevents flatulence) as it has a bactericidal and fungicidal effect.
Rubbing the oil on the skin relaxes flexed muscles, and relieves pain and inflammation.

Greek hay (fenugreek)

Greek hay increases breast milk supply and develops great physical power.
In Egypt, Greek hay is still known as helba.
The crushed seeds of this plant were smeared on the burns, and were also used to relieve the pain during childbirth, and to stimulate the secretion of milk of nursing women.
Women have used it to relieve menstrual pain, but men to treat impotence.
What do we know today?
Modern studies have shown that Greek hay has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system, stimulates milk production in women and has a positive effect on sexual functions, because it increases the speed of the spermatozoa, it is also confirmed that it can cure impotence.
Take one teaspoon of ground Greek hay seeds and mix with honey or yogurt to mitigate the bitter taste three times daily before meals.

Garlic

Garlic gives strength and vitality.
The ancient Egyptians were known for the use of garlic, a plant that is still widely in use.
The workers of the pyramids received several cloves of garlic every day to maintain the strength and necessary vitality for the strenuous physical activities.
What do we know today?
In addition to preventing the development of malignant diseases, garlic prevents the formation of blood clots, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, normalizes heart rate and improves digestion; even in ancient times it was appreciated as a miracle elixir, which reinvigorated and exalted the human body structure.
Crush two cloves of garlic, put them in a mortar and press until they become translucent. Add two tablespoons of honey and continue to knead. Finally, add a pound of honey and mix thoroughly. Keep the mixture in the jar and use it mostly before breakfast or after dinner.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus brakes up cough.
In Egypt the providential hibiscus flowers were used for inhalation, as a remedy for cough.
What do we know today?
The hibiscus relaxes the muscles and facilitates the ejection of the respiratory mucus, and its antioxidant properties strengthen the defenses of the human body, and therefore, you should use when you have a cold or flu.
Put dried hibiscus flowers or a tea bag with the salt into a cup and pour boiling water, cover up, to be sure that essential oils do not evaporate. The tea is better to drink before bedtime.

Onions

Onions strengthen the heart.
The ancient Egyptians worshiped these vegetables, they believed that its specific shape and concentric rings symbolized eternal life.
They were used against cardiovascular diseases and infarction.
What do we know today?
The onion is a natural antibiotic and a popular antipyretic that relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lowers the percentage of fat in the blood and is an excellent means of healing the heart and blood vessels.
It can be mixed with honey and wine, and eaten fresh or added to salad.

Cumin

Cumin fights stomach problems.
It was believed that the seeds of this plant would influence positively the process of digestion and the functions of the stomach to help reduce the swelling.
What do we know today?
It facilitates digestion, it is added in less digestible food. In medicine it is used as a remedy for colic, as it allows the secretion of gastric juices, speeds up digestion and prevents spasms.
Take a teaspoon of cumin and pour a cup of hot water (the water should not be boiling, but only warm), let stand for 10-15 minutes, then drink a half a glass, twice a day before meals.

Honey

Honey is used against infections.
The messages engraved in the pyramids and the signs of sarcophagi show clearly the importance attached by the Egyptians to this product. According to the "Ebers Papyrus", almost all Egyptian medicines contained honey, wine and milk.
Thanks to its antiseptic and antifungal properties, this bee product was used for both external and internal use.
It relieved pain of skin irritation, it cured wounds and related infections.
This therapy is described in the "Edwin Smith" papyri and saved the lives of many workers, who built the pyramids, from fatal infections, wounds, cuts and abrasions that they got when they were working.