KEMET Science

Science
Medicine
Egyptian Herbs and Remedies
Comparison Between Egyptian and Chinese Herbal
Medicines
Diseases Egyptian Herbs and Remedies Chinese Herbal Remedies
Images
Overview
-Ancient Egyptian remedies
consist of a limited number of
cultivated herbs and plants
-Egyptians use simple recipes for
medications, which were
commonly added to common -Chinese remedies consist of a wide variety
food in the form of spices and of thousands of wild flowers and herbs
drinks
-These herbs were combined into
-Egyptian foods and herbs spread complicated recipes and formulas for a large
to the rest of the world from variety of medications
antiquity, and became part of -Every region of China had it's own set of
universally known culinary local herbal remedies and secrets, which did
ingredients
not spread outside it's borders
-Egyptian herbs and medications -Until recently Chinese herbs were unknown
can be considered as "healthy to the rest of the world, and though many are
foods", though they are not very effective medications, others are
efective medicines for acute poisonous and risky to take without medical
diseases, they are safe to take and advice
eat
-According to Chinese clinical studies, these
-While many ailments would herbal formulas that have been perfected
have been difficult or impossible over the centuries, can greatly increase the
to treat, the Egyptians were able effectiveness of modern drug treatments,
to treat many less serious
conditions through the use of
reduce their side-effects, and sometimes

conditions through the use of
natural remedies. Many of the
remedies are familiar, as they are
used today as homeopathic
remedies.
reduce their side-effects, and sometimes
replace them completely.
Infections
Diarrhea
Honey - Carvings in temples, on
sarcophagi and obelisks prove
that bees and honey had a vital
significance in the daily life of
ancient Egyptians
- The Ebers Papyrus refers to the
Coptis - A bitter underground stem usually
medicinal value of honey. Almost
combined with other bitter-tasting herbs such
all Egyptian medicines contained
as phellodendron, scutellaria and gardenia.
honey, wine and milk
- This herb was highly valued as a hard duty
- Due to it's antiseptic and
anti-microbial herb with a long history of use
antifungal properties, honey was
in traditional Chinese medicine for treating
both used internally and
gastrointestinal problems, gall bladder
externally, to soothe irritated
inflammation, abdominal cramping, and to
skin, and aid in the healing of
control excessive bleeding.
wounds and infections,
- In addition, the roots have been used in
Doctors of ancient Egypt put this
preparations to relieve high fevers, sore
property of honey to work,
throats, used externally for cankersores,
treating open wounds with honey
pinkeye, swollen gums, and skin eruptions.
to prevent infection. This
- Since coptis is such a bitter tasting herb, it
treatment is described in the
was often used to make pills or tablets.
Edwin Smith Papyrus, and the
method must have saved untold
numbers of lives from deadly
infections at pyramid work sites
where scrapes, gashes, and cuts
would have been common
Acacia - The gum derived from
the acacia tree was used for
gastrointestinal, and urinary
tracts diseases. It was often
mixed with boiling water to form
a mucilage, and provided a
soothing coating to the digestive
tract, especially in cases of
gastritis and ulcers.
Corainder -This herb and its
seeds were commonly used by
the Egyptians, coriander seeds
have been found in ancient
Raspberry - leaves were used
interchangeably with blackberry by the
Ancient Chinese to stem diarrhea.
tombs, and is one of the first

Pain relief
Sexual
disorders
Vitality
tombs, and is one of the first
herbs mentioned in ancient
scripts. Its Egyptian name is Alangium - A species of flowering plant
Kuzbarah derived from the Greek commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where
"Koris"
it is considered to be one of the 50
- It has pain relieving properties fundamental herbs
and is useful for headaches, - It was used to relieve rheumatic conditions
muscle pain and stiffness, and relieve pain in the lower back and knees
arthritis and rheumatism. - Also used o treat numbness and bone
- Coriander essential oil was injuries, where a paste of the plant roots is
known to remove toxins and applied to the area around dislocated bones to
stimulate circulation. Rubbing it help them setting
on the body eased muscular
aches, pains and stiffness,
including arthritis and
inflammatory conditions
- The seeds were used as a paste
for mouth ulceration and a
poultice for other ulcers
Fenugreek - Known today in
Egypt as "Helba", the plant was
highly regarded by Hippocrates,
and is one of the oldest medicinal
herbs in ancient Egypt
- It was used to ease childbirth
and to increase milk flow.
Mothers taking fenugreek usually
notice an increase in milk flow
within three days
- It was used by Egyptian women
to ease menstrual pain and
problems. The antiviral
properties of this herb have been
touted for reducing mucus and
relieving inflammation.
- Additionally, it was used to
treat male impotence
Garlic - In ancient Egypt, the
workers who had to build the
great pyramids were fed their
daily share of garlic to give them
the vitality and strength to carry
on and perform well
Dong quai - it was used to regulate the
menstrual cycle and to treat menopausal
symptoms caused by the hormonal changes.
- The effect of the herb in treating menstrual
cramps is explained by the compounds that
help relax the muscle tissue and relieves
pain.
- Dong Quai also stimulates the central
nervous system, which can remedy menstrual
weakness and headaches.
- The use of this herb was mostly found in
tea, herbal preparations, capsules and
extracts.
Ginseng - Most Chinese medicine herbs are
used to strengthen the body, Ginseng which
was used for well over 2000 years to help
boost energy, reduce stress and increase
endurance.
Hibiscus - In Egypt common
hibiscus is used to treat coughs
by placing extracts from the plant Liquorice - used to treat coughs and colds,

Respiratory
disorders
Cardiovascular
problems
Stomach
Disorders
Skin diseases
Eye diseases
by placing extracts from the plant
in the patient's bath or in water
used for steam inhalations.
Raw garlic was also routinely
given to asthmatics and to those
suffering from bronchialpulmonary
complaints
Onion - The Ancient Egyptians
worshipped it, believing that its
spherical shape and concentric
rings symbolized eternal life
Onions were eaten to help
combat heart diseases, inhibit
strokes and lower cholesterol.
Caraway - the seeds of this herb
were considered useful in
strengthening the functions of
stomach, and relieving intestinal
gases
Henna - Besides being used as a
dye, Henna was employed both
internally and locally in jaundice,
leprosy, smallpox, and affections
of the skin
It was used to create an instant
scab to close open wounds on
large areas due to it's antiseptic
properties, and as a cooling agent
for burning of skins.
Castor Oil - Beans of this plant
have been found in ancient
Egyptian tombs dating back to
4000 BC According to the Ebers
Papyrus
- Egyptian doctors used castor oil
to protect the eyes from irritation
and dryness
Liquorice - used to treat coughs and colds,
since powdered liquorice root is an effective
expectorant
- This sweet herb was combined with a
formula of other herbs and taken as a tea
Motherwort - one of the Ancient Chinese
herbal remedies thought to extend life.
Modern studies suggest that is possible as it
has been shown to strengthen heart
functioning & reduce hypertension.
This bitter Chinese healing herb was taken as
a tea
Cardamom was primarily used to alleviate
stomach aches, particularly to help soothe
indigestion and excess abdominal gas
It was also used as an antidote for both snake
and scorpion venom bite.
Wolfberry - Many herbs were beneficial to
the skin and are used both internally and
externally for this purpose.
Wolfberry leaves traditionally used to
improve complexion, remove heat, remove
toxins and preventing scar formation
Modern studies show that indeed phenolic
amides isolated from wolfberry root bark
have inhibitory activity in vitro against
human pathogenic bacteria and fungi
The most popular Chinese formula that is
considered to be herbs for eyes is the
combination of Wolfberry, chrysanthemum,
and rehmannia. The wolfberry herb was
considered to be the primary vision tonic in
Chinese herbalism and its tiny red, sweet
berry shaped like an eye, its fruit is said to be
rich in vitamin C and riboflavin. Modern
studies show that this herb contains very high
beta carotene that is known to nourish and
rejuvenate the eyes.