Ancient Egypt is well-known for its pyramids and fascinating myths about gods and goddesses. But did you know the ancient Egyptians were experts at using plants for medicine? Through their study of ancient artz, they discovered how to use herbs to help people feel better, stay healthy, and connect with their gods. These uses of herbs show how much they understood about nature and its ability to heal.
What Was Egyptian Herbal Medicine?
For the ancient Egyptians, health wasn’t just about the body—it was about the mind and spirit too. They believed staying healthy meant keeping everything in balance. Nature was their solution, and they used plants and herbs to make medicine. One of the most famous records of their medical knowledge is the Ebers Papyrus, a guide written about 3,500 years ago. It lists more than 700 remedies that use plants.
Doctors in Egypt, called “swnw,” were highly respected. Some specialized in certain illnesses, and they carefully wrote down their treatments. Herbs weren’t only for healing the body; they were also used to protect people from bad spirits and keep them connected to their gods.
Which Herbs Did the Egyptians Use?
Garlic: The Energy Booster
Garlic was a favorite plant in ancient Egypt. Workers building the pyramids were given garlic to keep them strong and full of energy. Egyptians also used garlic to fight infections and keep their hearts healthy. Even back then, they knew how powerful garlic could be for the body.
Aloe Vera: The Soothing Plant
Aloe vera was called the “plant of immortality.” Egyptians loved using it to treat burns, cuts, and other skin problems. They even used aloe vera in beauty routines because they believed it made skin look and feel younger.
Frankincense: The Purifying Resin
Frankincense is a sap that comes from certain trees. Egyptians used it in medicines and religious ceremonies. It helped clean wounds and reduce swelling. Its sweet smell was thought to purify the air and protect against bad spirits.
Myrrh: The Sacred Healer
Myrrh, another tree resin, was used to heal and protect the body. It helped with sore joints, upset stomachs, and infections. Myrrh was also used in embalming, the process of preserving bodies for the afterlife.
How Did Egyptians Use Herbs?
The Egyptians were very creative with their herbs and found different ways to use them:
Drinking Herbal Mixtures
To help with stomach aches or other internal problems, Egyptians soaked herbs in water or wine to make drinks. These herbal mixtures helped heal the body from the inside.
Applying Ointments
For cuts, burns, and skin problems, Egyptians mixed herbs with honey or animal fat to make ointments. These creams were spread on the skin to heal wounds and protect them from infections.
Breathing in Vapors
For breathing problems like colds or asthma, Egyptians heated herbs and inhaled the steam. This method helped the healing powers of the herbs reach the lungs directly.
Herbs in Egyptian Religion
In ancient Egypt, medicine and religion were closely connected. Herbs weren’t just for healing the body; they also protected the spirit and helped people connect with their gods. Religious ceremonies often included burning herbs like frankincense and myrrh. The smoke was believed to carry prayers to the gods and keep bad spirits away.
Herbs were also important in preparing bodies for the afterlife. During mummification, Egyptians used herbs to preserve bodies and prepare them for their journey to the next world. This shows how much they believed in the power of herbs for both the living and the dead.
What We Can Learn From Egyptian Herbal Medicine
The knowledge of herbs from ancient Egypt didn’t stay there. It was shared with the Greeks and Romans, who learned from it and passed it on. Even today, many of the herbs used by the Egyptians are still part of modern medicine. Their ideas about using nature to heal and stay healthy continue to inspire people worldwide, as seen in publications like backmagazine.
The way ancient Egyptians used herbs shows how much they respected and understood nature. They saw plants as tools for science and as part of their traditions and beliefs. Learning about their practices helps us appreciate their wisdom and creativity and reminds us of nature’s incredible ability to heal.