Connecting the past to the future An Introduction

Connecting the past to the future An Introduction to herbs

What is a herb? �The dictionary definition of an herb is : a seedproducing plant that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season �Botanists describe a herb as a small, seed bearing plant with fleshy, rather than woody, parts. �Herbs contain vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Egypt and herbs �Ancient Egyptians were highly skilled with herbs. �Herbs were used in ancient Egypt in many different ways: like in food, as a medicine, and in fragrances. �Egyptians also used herbs to stuff the abdomen of their dead to give them a life like appearance in the afterlife. They also used many herbs for their aromatic properties while preserving the body.

How do we know about the medicinal purposes of herbs in Egypt?

Ebers Papyrus �In 1872 a German named Georg Ebers bought a scroll in Luxor, Egypt. �This scroll contained a thorough explanation of medical practices in ancient Egypt as recorded in 1552 BC. �This scroll helped to unlock the secrets of daily life among the ancient Egyptians. �The scroll is over 30 cm × 20 m long, consisting of over 3000 lines of text written in a cursive script called Hieratic.

�This invaluable papyrus contained chapters about: �Intestinal disease �Dermatology �Dentistry �Depression �And surgical procedures for fractures, tumors, burns, and abscesses.

� The Ebers Papyrus is a collection of 811 prescriptions. � “Some of the recipes seem quite fantastic and are composed of a mixture of various substances including herbs, animal, insect parts, and minerals”(p. 3). � The text also contained spells and incantations. � Many of the herbs we use today to cure or relieve ailments are the same herbs the Egyptians were using Before Christ. Janick, J. (2002). History of Horticulture. Lecture 23 -24 conducted from, Purdue University , West Lafayette, IN.

�The next slides will provide you with information about a particular herb. �Make sure to take good notes. �After you have finished these slides you will be required to create your own herb fact book using your notes for your information.