What happened if people were sick ~ What was medicine and medical knowledge like at this time?
In Ancient Egypt the Egyptians were very advanced, in the medical knowledge in their society. The Egyptians had different methods in the way that they used each tool, which would correspond with the treatment needed. They had a number of resources, such as operating tools, different grains and meats and lots of water form the Nile river. Carvings were used to show 48 different surgical interments. “In Egypt the men were most skilled in medicine than any man kind” - Homer.
There was a large amount of illnesses including eye irritation from the sand, deadly snake and scorpion bites burns and wounds, and lots more. The Egyptians found many remedies such as applying honey to burn infections, holding raw meet onto a wound to stop it from bleeding, using artificial toes and eye balls in surgery. In Ancient Egypt they also did dentistry. Many of the herbs that the Ancient Egyptians used in medicines are still widely used today.
Here are some examples of how the Ancient Egyptians used remedies to help cure the wounded and sick:
· Raw meat was applied to wounds. After meat has been applied they often follow this treatment by using honey and oil. This is because applying raw meat to open cuts helps stop/prevent further bleeding, Bacteria cannot grow in honey. This is one of the reasons why this was an effective treatment. Turmeric was also believed to cure wounds.
· They used green and black eye paint, the green eye paint contained malachite with contained medicinal properties. The black and green eye paint was made with copper and lead, when put over their eyes with killed bacteria. Therefore killing eye diseases.
· A mouse roasted to soot, after that grounded into a basin of milk, was said to be a cure for whooping cough. The mouse was a prime resource/ingredient in many remedies. The reason for this still remains a mystery.
· The Ancient Egyptians knew that the water lily, lotus, cannabis, the poppy, and the mandrake had ways to control pain (pain killer). But there is no evidence why. They also used beer as a pain relief.
· They used to eat anti-viral and anti-bacterial foods, to help prevent themselves from diseases. These foods are still widely eaten today.
Being the very religious place, that they were, it was believed that if someone was sick there was some type of evil spirit lurking in ones self. The Egyptians believes that illnesses and physical/mental disorders were somewhat caused by supernatural forces. If that was the case then magic and religion were ask to the treat people. The doctors gave out bizarre advice e.g., they advised people to wash and shave their bodies, as measures to help prevent infections.