Malnutrition diseases in ancient Egypt

Document Type : Brief summaries of Dissertations.

Authors

1 Aswan university

2 Faculty of Arts, Aswan University

Abstract

The ancient Egyptians believed that malnutrition was the cause of all diseases that they faced in their lives, and they were keen to use food systematically and carefully. Herodotus believed that the ancient Egyptians used to purify their bodies every three days of the month and were keen to take emetics, in application of the saying that the stomach is the home of disease and their belief that diseases arise from food. He used to fast because of its great benefit tothe body, and also used laxatives to expel waste through an anti-vomiting medicine or an enema because he believed that diseases of the stomach, digestive system, and others resulted from the misuse of food. He believed that caring for food, good health, and good habits, such as not overeating, were among the most important methods of treating all his It was also known that malnutrition is accompanied by many diseases, such as blood poisoning, boils, and others. The Ebers Papyrus dealt with some abdominal diseases, and there were also diseases of schistosomiasis, cirrhosis of the liver and its complications, and diseases of stomach cramps, as mentioned in the Harris Papyrus. It was necessary to discover the cure for these diseases, and Al-Alad had formulations and drugs of plant origin, medicinal herbs, fruits of all kinds, vegetables, drugs used for chewing and swallowing, and others

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