07/12/2021
Do you ever wonder how long medicinal plants and aromatics have been used?
The Ebers Papyrus (~1500 BCE) is the oldest written record of Ancient Egyptian use of medicinal plants. It contains 110 pages on anatomy and physiology, physical details of plants, fine oils for perfumery and incense, toxicology, spells, incantations, and different treatment protocols.
Some herbal remedies mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus:
~ Aloe vera: worms, headaches, chest pains, burns, ulcers, skin disease, allergies
~ Basil: for the heart
~ Caraway: gas, digestive issues, breath freshener
~ Cardamom: spice in foods, digestive issues, gas, bloating
~ Dill: gas, bloating, dyspepsia, laxative and diuretic properties
~ Fenugreek: respiratory disorders, cleanses the stomach, calms the liver, soothes pancreas, reduces swelling
~ Frankincense: throat and larynx infections, cuts phlegm, asthma, stops vomiting
~ Garlic: gives vitality, digestion, mild laxative, shrinks hemorrhoids, rids body of "spirits"
~ Honey: natural antibiotic, for wounds, healing unguents
~ Juniper tree: digestive issues, chest pains, stomach cramps
~ Licorice: mild laxative, expels phlegm, soothes liver, pancreas, chest and respiratory issues
~ Mustard: induces vomiting, relieves chest pain
~ Myrrh: stops diarrhea, relieves headaches, soothes gums, toothaches and backaches
~ Onion: diuretic, induces perspiration, prevents colds, soothes sciatica, relieves pains and other cardiovascular problems
~ Parsley: diuretic
~ Mint: soothes flatulence, aids digestion, stops vomiting, breath freshener
~ Sandalwood: aids digestion, stops diarrhea, soothes headaches and gout (used in incense)
~ Sesame: soothes asthma
~ Tamarind: laxative
~ Thyme: pain reliever.
~ Turmeric: closes open wounds (also was used to dye skin and cloth)
~ Poppy: relieves insomnia, headaches, anesthetic, soothes respiratory issues, deadens pain
