"For example, acacia was used to treat coughs and eye complaints in ancient times and is still used for that to this day," explained Metcalfe. "Colic was treated with anti-spasmodics, such as hyoscymus, cumin and coriander, still vogue today."
John Taylor, assistant keeper of antiquities at the British Museum, supports the research. He recently provided Metcalfe and colleagues Jackie Campbell and Jude Seath access to all of the medicinal plant evidence in the museum's collection.
Taylor believes the ancient Egyptians mixed their medical knowledge with spiritual healing techniques, such as incantations and rituals.
Metcalfe agreed, and said the Egyptians often prayed for healing, although they believed the gods were not always on their side.
"Some illnesses were thought to be the result of evil spirits or a god's displeasure," Metcalfe explained "and in these cases it may have seemed more sensible to use magic-religious techniques to treat the patient."
In addition to revealing information about Egypt's past, the researchers hope to preserve the biodiversity of the country and surrounding region by identifying useful native plants and promoting their growth in the area.
