Ancient Egypt Meds: Prayer, Laxatives

Feb. 28, 2007 — "Feeling irregular?" might have been a common question in ancient Egypt, since laxatives appear to have dominated their pharmaceuticals, suggests ongoing research on medicine in the time of the Pharaohs.

The investigation — one of the largest studies of its kind — represents a partnership between England's University of Manchester and the Egyptian Medicinal Plant Conservation Project in St. Katherine's, Sinai.

Although findings are preliminary, it appears that treating constipation preoccupied early doctors.

"The ancient Egyptians used a diverse range of plants for an equally diverse range of medical conditions," lead researcher Ryan Metcalfe told Discovery News. "Laxatives dominated the field, with bulk laxatives, such as figs, bran and dates in common use."

Metcalfe, a scientist in the university's School of Medicine, added that the Egyptians used bowel stimulants such as the bitter fruit coloynth and castor oil, "which remained in clinical use until about 40 years ago."

One ancient remedy, believed to relieve excess gas and indigestion, consisted of cumin, a hefty portion of goosefat and milk. All were boiled together, strained and consumed.

Metcalfe and his team are currently studying ancient papyrus records on the medical practices of people from Egypt and the surrounding region.

At the same time, they are conducting genetic and chemical analysis on plant remains and resins, with the goal of identifying trade routes, which species were used and how these plants might have been cultivated outside their natural growing ranges.

"Around 50 percent of the plants used in ancient Egypt remained in clinical use up to the mid 20th century, and some are still in use today," Metcalfe said, adding that researchers are even discovering "new" cures based on old remedies, such as eating celery to help curb inflammation associated with arthritis.

The early Egyptians also seem to have recognized that stress could contribute to illness. They established sanitariums where people would undergo "dream therapy" and treatments with "healing waters."

The scientists believe Egyptians obtained their medical knowledge from nomadic tribes that united to form ancient Egypt, as well as from people in Mesopotamia and Nubia. Current medical practices by the Bedouin in the Sinai region and by some groups in parts of Egypt show similarities to Pharaonic medicine.

"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.