ANCIENT HERBS AND REMEDIES PART 2: ANCIENT EGYPT
Aside from the Mesopotamian tablets, Ancient Egypt has been unveiled as likely where the concept of health started, some of the earliest records of medical care from Ancient Egypt! One of those is the Ebers Papyrus, this text dates back to 1550 BC (although this specific version may have been copied and handed down time and time again, so the exact date of these formulas is still unknown) and contains 700 “formulas and folk remedies” that were meant to cure things such as headaches, household remedies for the elimination of pests, accurate descriptions of the circulatory system including the hearts function, and incantations. This was the combination of “medicine” that was used to treat people: natural remedies derived from herbs, roots, and plants, community (doctors/priests), hygiene, and cleanliness.
While today’s Egypt looks vastly different, these remedies are still being practiced. More importantly, many dietary cultures and traditions are being overlooked and underrated for their incredible health benefits!
Many remedies still being implemented today that were written and recorded are:
Aloe - for skin conditions, treating burns
Thyme - to alleviate pain
Mint - breath freshener. Digestive aid
Caraway - breath freshener, digestive aid
Cloves - alleviating pain associated with the mouth/dental
Licorice Root - Digestive aid
Juniper - Digestive aid
Garlic/Onion - Digestive Aid and Stimulant
Honey - Antibiotic, skin conditions, internal/external application
Fennel - Digestive aid
Castor Oil - Eye protection
Doum Fruit - Hypertension/Diabetes
Coriander- Diabetes, digestive aid
Hibiscus- Hypertension
Willowbark- Pain relief (modern-day Aspirin)
This list represents just a portion of the natural resources that are being used on a daily basis, and most have transitioned into common cooking ingredients worldwide. Every culture has its own iteration and exploring the applications often leads to greater insight and individualized response.
Let’s take a look into some of these individually and check out some of the recipes linked below! I selected some of the more obscure yet recognizable plants:
Hibiscus
This gorgeous flower was sun-dried and boiled to render a ruby-colored drink, named “ Tea of the Gods” the Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs and Kings drank it for its medicinal benefits such as:
Providing a high serving of Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory
Lowers Blood Pressure
Lowers Blood Cholesterol
Supports the liver
May promote weight loss
Lowers Blood Sugar
Antibacterial
The most common application of Hibiscus is in the form of a hot or cold beverage. Check out my recipe here
Cloves
Originally found in Indonesia, this divine flower made its way to Egypt by 176 AD and since then has been used for not only its aromatic properties in cooking but also as a household cure for ailments such as dental pain. Some of its benefits include:
High in Manganese
High in Antioxidants
Anti-microbial
Liver Support
Blood Sugar Control
Promotes Bone Health
May alleviate symptoms of Stomach Ulcers
Licorice Root
This unassuming plant boasts a sweet and satisfying flavor that even the great Kings and Pharaohs of Egypt couldn’t resist. Traces of this root were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun and even records of it can be found on hieroglyphics as a popular beverage! With so many benefits, it’s no wonder it tops the list and crosses so many borders:
Upper Respiratory Support
Gastro-Intestinal Support
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Microbial
Anti-Viral
Improving Eczema symptoms
Blood Sugar Control
Weight Loss
Increases Blood Pressure
Honey
This golden nectar is so much more than a sweet surprise, well recorded in not only the Ebers Papyrus but other medicinal scrolls its multipurpose uses remain tried and true. There are endless varieties of honey today, from specific flowers to regions, each variety contains its own unique properties and delicious flavor. The honey in Ancient Egypt would have been cultivated in the most natural and intended way, likely providing even higher values of benefits such as:
Anti-Microbial
Anti-Viral
Anti-Bacterial
Wound Healing
Gastro-Intestinal Support
Anti-Fungal
Opthmalogical Support
Blood Sugar Support
Prebiotic
Doum
There is a sacred palm, called the Doum Palm, that symbolized male strength and virility and is so revered; eight baskets full of the fruit from the palm (Doum Fruit) were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Often consumed as a beverage it was also taken by chewing on the dried fruit itself. It has a rich and smoky aroma that provides so many benefits:
Lowers Blood Pressure
Gastrointestinal support
Lowers Cholesterol
Controls Blood Sugar
Anti-Inflammatory
High in Antioxidants and Essential Amino Acids
Kidney Support
Detoxifying
Metabolic support
This quick introduction hopefully sparked your curiosity, on the next post we’ll visit the history of Ayurveda and you’ll find some familiar herbs and plants that cross cultures!