A list of natural health treatments for diseases of body and mind is part of the renowned Ebers Papyrus of ancient Egypt. The detailed papyrus includes treatment of skin conditions, pain, respiratory problems, parasites, digestive ailments, dental afflictions and anxiety.
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Written in c. 1650 BCE in hieratic script, the Ebers papyrus is based on older traditions of medicine to c. 3400 BCE. In the 3rd millennium the first known physician, architect scribe Imhotep (2686 - 2637 BCE), opens a clinic to study and treat disease in ancient Egypt.
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The longest and most comprehensive text of its kind, the Ebers Papyrus includes a list of natural health remedies for known afflictions. Physicians use ingredients readily available (juniper) or through trade and local introduction (myrrh).
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Here we have the medicinal and natural health uses for herbs and plants, and ancient Egyptian treatments for common ailments. Beware - some plants are toxic. Those marked with * are later inclusions native to ancient Egypt and known for their healing properties.
Acacia (Acacia nilotica) treats intestinal worms; antioxidant & anti-viral
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) for burns, skin disease, allergies
Balsam Apple or European Crabapple (Malus sylvestris) for constipation, skin conditions, headaches, asthma
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) for heart health; fights anxiety & depression
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Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) treats diarrhea, ulcers, hemorrhoids; is also a fly repellent
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) Deadly Nightshade - highly toxic. May relieve pain.
Camphor tree (Camphora officinarum) for fever, sore gums, epilepsy
Caraway (Carum carvi) treats flatulence, dyspepsia, freshens breath
Cardamom (Eletarria cardamomum) treats heartburn, gas, constipation, liver ailments
*Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, Chamaemelum nobile) treats insomnia, nausea, inflammation, rashes, anxiety; aromatherapy benefits, calming
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Colchicum (Citrullus colocynthis) diuretic, treats constipation, relieves insect bites
Common Juniper (Juniperus) for urinary ailments, antibacterial, treats inflammation
Cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba, Java pepper) treats dysentery, syphilis, gonorrhea, abdominal pain, asthma
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Dill (Anethum graveolens) promotes digestion, eases colic and abdominal pain
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) antidiabetic, may lower cholesterol, treats inflammation & fungal infections
*Flax (Linum usitatissimum) seeds & oil used to treat constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease
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Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) to treat arthritis, ulcerative colitis, coughs, sores, asthma; speeds wound healing; aromatherapeutic.
Garlic (Allium sativa) antibacterial; treats fungus, parasites; lowers blood pressure, prevents blood clots, improves liver health
*Green ushdun (Seidlitzia rosmarinus) - soap plant; treatment for gum disease and halitosis
*Hemp (Cannabis sativa) improves brain and heart health; treats skin conditions.
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) skin fungal infections, sunburn, lice. Used to treat pain and relieve skin conditions.
Honey - cultivated from domestic hives by c. 3000 BCE. Antibiotic, speeds wound healing, helps treat common cold symptoms.
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - active ingredient Glycyrrhizin treats infection & stomach ulcers
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) Autumn Crocus - toxic to people & cats. Has been used in medicine to treat gout
Mint (Mentha piperita) aids digestion, freshens breath, treats menstrual cramps, anxiety, depression
Mustard (Sinapis alba) can induce vomiting; antifungal, digestive, stimulant
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) to treat wounds, aches, joint inflammation, parasites, digestive ailments
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Onion (Allium cepa) treats respiratory problems, inflammation, bee or wasp stings
Parsley (Apium petroselinum) diuretic, anti-viral, fights kidney afflictions.
Poppy (Papaver somniferum, opium poppy) illegal in many places. Said to treat heart problems, skin and hair, nerve problems, bone disorder, insomnia, pain.
Sandalwood (Santallum album) - treats bronchitis, urinary tract ailments, purifies
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Sesame (Sesamum indicum) antioxidant, fights cholesterol, liver & kidney conditions. Taken for heart health, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) laxative, promotes muscle relaxation, healing of stomach ulcers.
Thyme (Thymus/Thimbra) strengthens immune system; used to treat allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders.
Tumeric (Curcumae longa) used to treat anxiety, infection, inflammation, digestive disorders
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This list is a broad view of herbal and other natural elements used by ancient Egyptians in healing and magic. Others include natron salts for personal hygiene and digestive disorders. There's evidence of Sri Lankan cinnamon in use after c. 2000 BCE.
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