The ancient Egyptians not only relied on their strong faith in their gods, but were also knowledgeable in the natural world and human anatomy. This helped the culture to effectively treat a range of disorders and medical ailments. Over time, ancient Egyptian remedies have played a role in influencing other cultures, as well as advancing the study of modern medicine.
Egyptian Home Remedies 17 Ancient Egyptian Home Remedies
Home Remedies from Ancient Egypt
The knowledge and research that ancient Egyptian healers possessed was considered ahead of their time, and still impresses physicians today. They had a limited number of cultivated herbs and plants during their time, but were still able to make simple yet effective medications. Many early medicines in Egypt centered on the use of spices and drinks, including some of the following ancient Egyptian home remedies:
a) Cabbage:
In order to prevent a hangover, ancient Egyptians ate cabbage with vinegar before a night of heavy drinking. To this day, the vegetable is considered one of the best home remedies for hangovers. Cabbage was also used to treat ailments, such as joint pain, stomach ulcers, and breast engorgement.
b) Aloe Vera:
The ancient Egyptians would use the clear like jelly that came from the leaves of the aloe plant as a remedy for headaches, chest pains, burns, ulcers, skin diseases, and worms. The Egyptians made a lot of different remedies with the aloe plant both oral and topical treatments. Ingesting the aloe was known to heal digestive and intestinal disorders. The cathartic properties associated with the gel were also used as an oral laxative.
c) Honey:
The temples and sarcophagi of the ancient Egyptians were decorated with art and symbols that show the importance of honey and bees on everyday life. During the building of the infamous pyramids, workers would often experience scrapes, gashes and cuts. To prevent deadly infection, their open wounds were covered with honey, which possesses effective antiseptic and antifungal properties. The substance also worked wonders for treating irritated skin and rashes. According to the Ebers Papyrus (one of the oldest preserved medical documents), nearly all early Egyptian medicines incorporated honey, wine and milk.
d) Honey and Milk:
To treat asthma, the Egyptians would combine milk and honey to create a remedy meant to free up the airways and make it easier for a patient to breathe.
e) Coriander Seeds:
Archeologists investigating the tombs of ancient Egyptians discovered coriander seeds and scripts mentioning its uses. In their day, they used the herb to treat headaches, muscle pain, stiff joints, arthritis and rheumatism. When turned into a paste, the seeds healed mouth ulcerations. Other ulcers responded to poultices made from the seeds. Coriander seed oil helped to promote healthy circulation.
f) Onion:
The ancient Egyptians saw cardiovascular health properties in onions, and would administer it to help combat heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. They viewed the circular shape and layers of the onion as a representation of immortality, and would also eat the vegetable as a way to prevent strokes and improve the overall health of their heart.
g) Caraway Seeds:
The seeds of the herb caraway treated stomach issues, such as relieving intestinal gases and improving the functions of the stomach.
h) Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in ancient Egyptian history, which was used to treat sexual disorders. They would give the herb to women to ease the discomfort of childbirth, menstrual pain, as well as increase the milk flow for nursing mothers. Mothers taking fenugreek would notice an increase within three days. The herb also possessed antiviral properties that helped reduce mucus and relieve inflammation. For men, the herb was believed to treat male impotence.
i) Garlic:
Ancient Egyptians would feed their workers garlic every day as a way to ensure they had enough strength to work hard on the construction of the pyramids. Garlic was also used as a treatment for asthma or bronchial conditions.
j) Castor Oil:
Dating back to 4000 BC, the Egyptians would use the beans of the castor plant to treat diseases of the eye. The oil would protect the eyes from irritation and dryness. When massaged into the scalp, castor oil would become fully absorbed and help to promote hair growth or stop hair loss. The oil was known for its laxative properties as well.
k) Wine:
As one of the oldest drinks in the world, the Egyptians became adept at fermenting certain plants to achieve an alcoholic beverage. Not only did they drink alcohol for fun, but also incorporated it into some of their home remedies. They learned that the liquid possessed antiseptic properties that helped clean open wounds. The Egyptians were also known to mix herbs with their wine, such as coriander and rosemary, to create flavorful home remedies with added benefits.
l) Aromatherapy:
Ancient Egyptians dabbled in aromatherapy treatments, where they used fragrant oils to soothe their bodies and minds.
m) Dill:
The ancient Egyptians used dill to ease a bad case of flatulence as well as provide relief for dyspepsia (an upset stomach). The herb was regarded for its laxative and diuretic properties.
n) Sesame:
The Egyptians are noted for using sesame seeds as home remedies as early as 1500 BC. Historical accounts reveal that people in ancient Egypt would drink sesame oil mixed with honey as a way to enhance their health. They also used sesame to soothe the symptoms of asthma.
o) Tamarind:
The ancient Egyptians used the pulp of the tamarind as a laxative. Known to grow in tropical climates, the fruit comes from a tree that is linked to a range of medicinal values. The pectin and tartaric acid in the pulp can help treat cases of infection, fever, the common cold, fractures, earaches, conjunctivitis (pink eye), scurvy, body odor, diarrhea, burns and sprains. The antioxidants in tamarind, such as vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenes and vitamin B complex, also help to fight cancer.
p) Hibiscus Flowers:
The leaves of the hibiscus flowers were added to a bath or a steam vapor as a way to treat cold symptoms, such as unclogging breathing passages and relieving a cough.
q) Massage:
The ancient Egyptians used massage to relieve tension and relax muscles, and were noted as the first civilization to identify and study the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. They also incorporated fragrant incense into their rituals. It was also believed that the goddess Isis used therapeutic massage as a cure of a range of medical conditions.
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