Ancient Egyptian Medicine ( الطب المصرى القديم )

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Ancient Egyptian Medicine

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Presented By Nabil Mohie Abdel-Hamid Prof and Dept. Head of Biochemistry College of Pharmacy , Minia Univ. , Egypt 2

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Sekhmet Netjert (Goddess) of Healing 4

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Sekhmet "How strong She is! Without contender, She honours Her name as Queen of the Cities.

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Em hotep (In Peace!) He was an Old Kingdom physician and architect Ancient Egypt = Kemet (KMT) in their language . Kemetic = Egyptian . 6

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Introduction Kemetic medicine was incredibly advanced. The Kemetic People were of the first people in the world to have based their knowledge off of careful observations, as well as trial and error. E arly doctors or physician priests of Kemet began healing practices that were world renowned. 7

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Medical system developed over three thousand years BC and gave much toward the advancement of medical science worldwide, and any monarch or noble to have an Egyptian physician in their employ was a mark of high status . There was no exact separation of Physician , Priest and Magician in Kemet that we think of today. Many times there was crossover from one " specialty " into that of another. 8

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An example a patient to receive treatment for a dog bite , whereby this would be bandaged up with a paste of berries and honey and an incantation would be given to the patient to be said over the wound . He or she might receive it written on a piece of papyrus as well and choose to wear it as a type of magical amulet . 9

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Some scholars think that the Kemetic People were overly superstitious and thought that all injury and illness was caused by " demons " or curses . This definitely was not the case . It is a widespread quite erroneous belief among lay public and some scholars that the Kemetic people necessarily thought that all or most illnesses or injury was the work of hostile powers . This is quite incorrect . 10

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Kemet's physicians were very much aware of the power of magic , and a scientific mind was able to discern practical clinical case studies and documented them . 11

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There was always those who believed in the ultimate influence of such hostile forces and seek protection from such forces . So , spells or incantations were written on small papyri and worn about neck to protect wearer and were fairly common. 12

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A supernatural type of adversary , be they male or female, a spirit or a dead person , possibly of an ancestor who was angry or insulted at having been slighted or ignored . 13

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Letters to the dead imploring them to cease their curses on the living were common. Separately : Insec t, snake and scorpion bites were all very frequent in Kemet. These could be treated by physician, magician or priest. 14

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We do have various papyri depicting many different " spells " and incantations , it is believed that magic was regarded as a more effective means of treatment . 15

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The practices of Kemetic (Egyptian) physicians ranged from embalming , to energy or " faith " healing to surgery . Healing was an art that was addressed on all levels of being : mind , body and spirit . And the greatest prescription for maintaining a healthy life was almost always given by a member of the priesthood of Sobek or Sekhmet. 16

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L evel of purification , have meant that person would have a series of regular purification rites , as regular baths in natron and other herbs and prescribed treatments for the patient to follow. Often times this would also involve complete removal of all body hair including that on the head and genital area was required for issues requiring strictest purity. 17

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The patient could also be required to maintain a specific diet , and additionally be required to avoid consumption of fish , or other animals deemed to be unclean . Such restrictions also include some vegetables as beans . And while the patient was undergoing such purification's and lifestyle changes, the Kemetic people viewed dreams as being of primary symbolic importance . 18

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Texts exist for various dreams and their interpretations . The Egyptians realized treating the person as an integrated whole to diagnose and to find a treatment or cure for an illness. Priests and physicians were able to aid patient with magical spells or prayers to invoke Netjer or the person's ancestors . Healing involved magical , purification and practical means all were integrated . 19

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Kemetic understanding of a complete and integrated healing process as well as creating and maintaining a proper lifestyle made this a practical reality . Some healing techniques did center upon both the religious ritual - which was at the very cornerstone of life in Ancient Kemet . 20

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Physicians , Magicians , Priests There is a good deal of document-ation to priests and magicians who resided in the villages and country-side near to temple or healing center . Extant texts both inscriptional and on papyri , mention doctors , priests , magicians and also their titleary as oculists , dentists & other specialists . 21

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Papyri for specific areas as gynecology , surgery diseases of the eye and their treatment . The common eye ailment was caused by the dusty and arid climate in Kemet were treated with herbs , and minerals . Some minerals used in cosmetics , and considered somewhat toxic if used in large quantities were actually quite effective in arresting certain diseases of the eye . 22

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In Ancient Kemetic medicine there are texts on anatomy , physiology and diagnosis . These texts clearly show a high degree of understanding and knowledge of human body . Clearly the Kemetic had a good degree of understanding of the body's anatomy and workings . There are passages within the Edwin Smith surgical papyrus that offer great insight into the human body and anatomy . 23

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The heart and blood vessels were mapped out well considering the existing technology that these people had at their disposal. One such document was the 'treatment of the heart ' found in the Ebers Papyrus . 24

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Veterinary There was even a certain sect of the priesthood of Sekhmet which included who inspected cattle and other animals for sacrifice. Doctors and physician priests did tend to keep detailed notes that described the various conditions encountered , as well as their specific diagnosis and the treatment that was applied . 25

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Surgery It is believed that they came to their knowledge of surgery through the care of traumatic wounds and autopsy . The use of autopsy very probably came through the extensive and lengthy embalming and funerary practices. It was not unlikely that an embalmer or funerary priest would have examined the body and perhaps would have been able to ascertain the cause of the illness or injury that killed the deceased . 26

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Surgery was evolved by knowledge of the basic anatomy and embalming practices of Kemetics. Surgery , including that of the bone was also considerably advanced technology available to Kemetics . Available Papyri dealt extensively with setting of bones , traumatic injury , dislocation of the jaw , arm or shoulders , bruises , fractures as of the limbs , ribs , nose , and skull . 27

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The Kemetic physicians and physician priests were also cognizant that they could not treat every injury or disease . When faced with such cases , it was often that the following phrase would be written : " An affliction for which nothing can be done ". No doctor , not even ones in antiquity could have been happy about facing such cases. 28

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In their Surgical papyrus there are 58 cases , only 16 of which were deemed to be without treatment , leaving 42 detailed accounts as to diagnosis and treatment , most of which are of a purely surgical nature. 29

Surgical tools from temple relief at Kom Ombos : 

Surgical tools from temple relief at Kom Ombos 1) knives; (2) drill; (3) saw; (4) forceps or pincers; (5) censer; (6) hooks; (7) bags tied with string; (8, 10) , beaked vessel; (11) vase with burning incense; (12) Horus , eyes; (13) scales; (14) pot with flowers of Upper and Lower Egypt; (15) pot on pedestal; (16) graduated cubit . 30

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Dentistry The Kemetic dentists used gold wire to bind a loose teeth to neighboring teeth . Another mean that Kemetic dentists would be to fill them . Sometimes the patient would have his jaw bone drilled in order to drain an abscessed teeth . Teeth were filled by mineral cement , and gum disease were treated by using myrrh and other antiseptic herbs . 31

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Prescriptions Many prescriptions exist today, for treatment of many disorders using variety of plant , animal , mineral , as well as droppings and urine of some animals as crocodiles , hippos , and others which were indigenous along the Nile in fairly vast numbers. Later, some animals due to superstition , as hippopotamus , were thinned out considerably by hunts . 32

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Birth Control Probably because of the antibiotic properties found in droppings, they were recommended so liberally . Also the effectiveness of fecal materials in birth control , as the dung of crocodile used in preventing conception . 33

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General Medical Practice The Kemetics used suppositories of garlic , herbal dressings and enemas and used castor oil and aromatherapy in healing issues. Treating urinary tract show that they, as do their modern Egyptians, for bilharzia . Myrrh was used and various vermifuge herbs to expel these parasites . Head injuries were very often treated by trepanning . 34

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By opening an area in skull in order to relieve pressure . This would include migraine , headaches , which could be attributed to dental trouble , or accidents or illnesses that involved the eyes . Some disease of the eye commonly , caused by the excessive amount of dust in their environment , as well as insects such as flies and other water insects or poor hygiene . 35

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One of these involved the use of an animal liver . To this day extracts of liver are used to treat different forms of eye diseases like certain forms of cataracts . Kemetic medicine was acknowledged by both Hippocrates and Galan as having contributed in large part to their own information and knowledge . 36

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They admitted that this had come from Egyptian works which they had studied at the temple of Imhotep in MenNefer (Memphis). There are reports of " miraculous healings " that were attributed to various names of Netjer . One such document discusses the various treatments and cures performed by Amenhotep , son of Hapu . 37

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Imhotep , an Old Kingdom physician and architect being the most remembered among them and later he was declared a God in his own right . Even today , many medical schools , including the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics have a statue of Imhotep that watches over them. 38

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Herbal Remedies used by the Ancient Egyptians Acacia ( acacia nilotica ) : vermifuge , eases diarrhea and internal bleeding , also used to treat skin diseases . Aloe vera : worms , relieves headaches , soothes chest pains , burns , ulcers and for skin disease and allergies . Basil ( ocimum basilicum ) : excellent for heart . 39

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Balsam Apple ( malus sylvestris ) Apple of Jerusalem - laxative , skin allergies , headaches , gums and teeth , for asthma, liver stimulant , digestion . Bayberry ( Myrica cerifera ) - stops diarrhea , ulcers , hemorrhoids , repels flies . Belladonna - pain reliever ; camphor tree - fevers , gums , epilepsy . Caraway ( Carum carvi; Umbelliferae ) - flatulence , digestive , breath freshener . 40

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Cardamom ( Eletarria cardamomum; Zingiberacae ) : a spice in foods , digestive , soothes flatulence . Colchicum ( Citrullus colocynthus ) - "Meadow Saffron", soothes rheumatism , reduces swelling . Common Juniper tree ( Juniperis phonecia; Juniperus drupacea ) - digestive , chest pains , stomach cramps . 41

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Cubeb pepper ( Piper cubeba; Piperaceae ) : urinary tract infections , larynx , throat infections , gum ulcers , infections , soothes headaches . Dill ( Anethum graveolens ) - flatulence , dyspepsia , laxative and diuretic. Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenumgraecum ): respiratory disorders, cleanses the stomach , calms the liver , soothes pancreas , reduces swelling . 42

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Frankincense ( Boswellia carterii ): Throat , larynx infections , bleeding , cuts phlegm , asthma , vomiting . Garlic ( Allium sativa ): Vitality , flatulence , digestion , mild laxative , shrinks hemorrhoids , rids body of "spirits" (N.B: during the building of the Pyramids , the workers were given garlic daily to give them the vitality and strength to carry on and perform well). 43

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Henna ( Lawsomia inermis ):A stringent , diarrhea , open wounds (and used as a dye). Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ): Laxative , expels phlegm , liver , pancreas and chest and respiratory problems. Mustard ( Sinapis alba ) :Induces vomiting , relieves chest pains . Myrrh ( Commiphora myrrha ): Diarrhea , relives headaches , soothes gums , toothaches and backaches . 44

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Onion ( Allium cepa ) :D iuretic , induces perspiration , colds , sciatica , p ains other cardiovascular problems. Parsley ( Apium petroselinum ) :D iuretic . Mint ( Mentha piperita ): Flatulence , aids digestion , stops vomiting , breath freshener . Sandalwood ( Santallum albus ): Digestive , stops diarrhea , headaches and gout .(used, of course, in incense ). 45

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Sesame ( Sesamum indicum ): Asthma . Tamarind ( Tamarindus indica ) :L axative . Thyme ( Thymus Thimbra ):P ain reliever. Turmeric ( Curcumae longa ) :Closes open wounds (also to dye skin , cloth ). Poppy ( papaver somniferum ): Relieves insomnia , headaches , anesthetic , soothes respiratory problems, deadens pain . 46

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Honey was widely used, a natural antibiotic and used to dress wounds and as a base for healing unguents , as with castor oil , coriander , beer and other foods. 47

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Bibliography : Brier, Bob "Ancient Egyptian Magic" Breasted, J.H. "The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus" Bryan, P.W. "The Papyrus Ebers" Buikstra, J.E. "Diseases of the Ancient Egyptians" Germond, Phillipe "Sekhmet Et la Protection du Monde" Ghalioungui, Paul "The Physicians of Pharaonic Egypt" Ghalioungui, Paul "Magic and Medical Science in Ancient Egypt" Hoenes, Sigird-Eike "Untersuchungen Zu Wesen Und Kult Der Gottin Sachmet" Majno, Guido "The Healing Hand" Nunn, John F. "Ancient Egyptian Medicine" Roberts, Allison "Hathor Rising" Shaw, Ian "The Dictionary of Ancient Egypt" Saleem Hassan : Ancient Egypt Encyclopedia. 48

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The historical Nile Some Pictures of Ancient Egypt 49

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Judgment Hall 50

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Amun Or Amen Or Amon, Great God of Thebes , Father of the Gods , Air , War , Fertility Gods and Goddess of Ancient Egypt 51

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Anubis Also known as : Anpu ,God of Patron, god of Embalmers , Great god of Necropolis God of Mummification 52

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One of the most common household gods , Protector against snakes and terrors Helper of women in child birth God of: Marriage , Love , Dancing 53

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Hathor Shown as: Women with horned head dress , or Cow , Goddess of Patron of Mining in Sinai Region , Love , Birth , Death , Music , Pleasure 54

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Horus Other forms: Haroeris , Harpocrates , Harsiesis , Re-Harakhty God Of: Originally Sky God , Falcon God 55

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Isis Know for: Wife of Osiris , Divine Mother , Guardian of Coffins and Canopic Jars 56

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Khnum God of: Cataract region in Southern Egypt 57

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Osiris God of: Underworld , King of Dead , Inundation , Vegetation 58

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Ptah , God of: Creator God of Memphis , Patron God of Craftsmen , Chief of gods in Old Kingdom 59

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Ra Also Know as: Re , Combination Gods , Amen-Re , Sobk-Re , Re-Harakhty God of Sun , Supreme Judge 60

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Sobek Also Know As: , Sebek , Suchos , Sobk , Know as the Crocodile God 61

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Thoth God of: Scribes , Moon Deity , Writing , Counting , Wisdom 62

Tahrir Square: 

Tahrir Square 63 From the Tahrir square , calling in a meeting with Reuters TV: Unfair regimes, its time to step sown all.

Fantastic: An Egyptian Christian carries Crescent and Cross saying the word of Islam No God other than Allah.Muhamed is his prophet. : 

Fantastic: An Egyptian Christian carries Crescent and Cross saying the word of Islam No God other than Allah . Muhamed is his prophet. 64

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66 THANK YOU