Ancient Egypt Meds: Prayer, Laxatives

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Ancient Egypt Meds: Prayer, Laxatives

 

Discovery News, 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 Ñ one of the largest studies of its kind Ñ 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. "

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/02/28/egyptiandrug_arc.html

 

Best headline of the week (ABC News [Australia]): Laxatives kept

Pharaohs on the throne

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2007/1860103.htm