Skip to navigation | Skip to content

Laxatives kept Pharaohs on the throne


Figs, bran and dates were common laxatives at the time of the Pharaohs (Image: iStockphoto)

Laxatives seem to have dominated the ancient Egyptians' range of pharmaceuticals, suggests ongoing research on medicine in the time of the Pharaohs.

The investigation is one of the largest studies of its kind and is a partnership between the UK's University of Manchester and Egypt's Medicinal Plant Conservation Project in St Katherine, 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," says lead researcher Dr Ryan Metcalfe.

"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, adds that the Egyptians used bowel stimulants such as the bitter fruit colocynth 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 goose fat and milk. They 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.

Looking at plants

They are also conducting genetic and chemical analysis on plant remains and resins. They hope to identify trade routes, which species were used and how these plants might have been cultivated outside their natural growing ranges.

"Around 50% 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 says.

He adds 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 recognised 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," says Metcalfe. "Colic was treated with anti-spasmodics, such as hyoscyamus, cumin and coriander, still in vogue today."

Dr John Taylor, assistant keeper of antiquities at the British Museum, supports the research.

He recently provided Metcalfe and colleagues access to all 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 agrees and says 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 explains, "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.

Tags: health, archaeology, biology