david wrote:
hi, i was wondering does anyone know anything about egyptian uses of different herbs (perfuming,incense, medicinal etc.) im curious about herbs that were popularly used in ancient egypt, and what types of herbs they had connections to, either by native growth, or by trade with other countries.
Here are some remedies that the Ancient Eyptians used with herbs:
Bryony: Used as an incense to remove demonic possession. Used as an ointment to relieve headaches, or drunk to relieve stomach aches.
Coriander: Remedy for snake bites and fevers. Also used to heal broken bones and sores after being mixed with honey.
Fenugreek: Mostly used for stomach upsets.
Marjoram: Uses included relieving toothache and headaches.
Mint: Drunk to banish fevers. Also was used as an insect repellent.
Thyme: Mainly used for headaches.
Plants used in perfumary:
There is
apparently a perfume called Kyphi engraved on the temple walls of Edfu and Philae.
Cinnamon, Juniper Berries, Cyperus, Cardamom, Marjoram and Lotus, were among the many ingredients in perfume making. Along with animal fat, oil and sweet wine.
I believe that many of the Ancient Egyptians herbs and spices were imported from the Mediterranean, although in the later years the Egyptians attempted to grow many foreign plants in their land.
Frankincense and Myrrh were used as incense as offerngs in rituals to the gods. These resins were imported from Central Africa via Nubia.