The ancient Egyptians were plagued by relentless lice infestations, prompting extreme measures for eradication. Resorting to knives, razors, and tweezers, they resorted to removing all their hair. Wearing wigs became common practice, with the affluent possessing multiple wigs that they would discard if afflicted by lice.

To combat body odor, ancient Egyptians ingeniously utilized plants and other natural elements. They ground herbs, flowers, and roots into a paste, mixing them with oils to create a cream applied to their armpits. Additionally, women infused wax with scents and applied it to their heads, serving as a fragrant diffuser.

Ancient Egyptians had effective remedies for combating bad breath readily available. Throughout the day or after meals, they chewed on herbs like parsley. Additionally, they crafted breath mints from a blend of aromatic spices and herbs such as cinnamon and frankincense, mixed with cashews and pine seeds. Honey was used to bind these ingredients together before they were shaped into candies using fire.

Inscriptions discovered in temples and tombs suggest that uncircumcised men were prohibited from entry, deemed impure. While this custom likely originated from a desire for cleanliness, it evolved into rituals intertwined with religious beliefs over time.

Clothing in ancient Egypt was primarily crafted from linen, known for its white hue that readily revealed dirt, necessitating frequent laundering. The affluent delegated this task to others, utilizing specialized facilities. However, those from lower classes relied on the Nile for their laundry needs.

Using oil as a base, the ancient Egyptians blended fragrant spices and herbs such as cardamom, mint, and juniper to create a variety of scents. The perfume kyphi emerged as the most prized and expensive fragrance. Unable to afford such luxuries, the lower class crafted their own fragrances by grinding and combining roots, herbs, and flowers into more affordable alternatives.

The wealthiest Egyptians enjoyed the luxury of built-in baths in their homes. They stood on stone slabs while servants poured water over them from basins or jugs. In contrast, the lower classes, making up the majority of society, bathed themselves in the Nile.

Doctors, who were also priests, promoted the use of purgatives or laxatives to cleanse the intestines, believing this practice helped eliminate disease. Castor oil was commonly used to force waste out of the body.

After smoothing their skin with oils and face masks made from honey or aloe, Egyptians applied eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner. Eyeliner, made from kohl, was both a beauty statement and a practical tool, as it protected their eyes from the sun’s glare and repelled flies.

Ancient Egyptians cleaned their teeth by grinding salt, flowers, and mint into a powder. They brushed this mixture over their teeth using their fingers, allowing it to mix with saliva to form a paste. Additionally, they crafted toothbrushes from sticks bound with thin strips of plants as bristles. Historians have also found evidence of various dental practices.

To protect their skin from Egypt’s hot and sunny climate, ancient Egyptians used various methods. They applied animal byproducts such as tallow, which moisturized the skin due to its fat content. Additionally, they used plant products like linseed and castor oil, often combined with honey, to help diminish scars and further preserve their skin.

The upper class and royalty in ancient Egypt hired manicurists to trim and clean their toenails and fingernails using files and small knives. Manicurists held a special place in society, and they often labeled their tombs with their job title after they passed.

The Nile’s fertile soil supported abundant food production along its banks, but disease and other contaminants frequently tainted the soil and food. The lower class prepared meals in open-air rooms or on rooftops, where vermin could easily access their food.

Residents built towers for their sleeping rooms to avoid mosquitoes, as the wind prevented these pests from flying high enough to reach them. Egypt was plagued by mosquitoes, so people also wrapped themselves in nets while they slept for additional protection.

Hair implements and entire cosmetic sets were buried with their owners to serve a purpose in the afterlife. Ornate hairpins and wide-tooth combs made of ivory and silver, bronze tweezers for shaping eyebrows, and gold razors were found in abundance. Highly polished copper mirrors with intricate handles were often placed under the heads of the deceased or in front of their faces.

The Egyptians provided their laborers with a diet abundant in onion, garlic, and radish to support the construction of their magnificent monuments. These vegetables contain high levels of allistatin, allicin, and raphanin, potent antibiotics that helped prevent disease in the crowded working conditions. Additionally, doctors administered powdered liver, rich in Vitamin A, to visually impaired patients, recognizing its importance as a crucial nutrient for vision.

Dating back to 1500 BC, the Ebers Medical Papyrus reveals that ancient Egyptians created a soap-like material using alkaline salts combined with vegetable and animal fats. This substance played a role in treating skin diseases. The Ebers Papyrus contains 877 prescriptions and represents the earliest documented awareness of tumors.

The most fashionable women in ancient Egypt adorned themselves with beads, ribbons, flowers, and jewelry to showcase their style. They utilized combs crafted from fish bones and dyed their grey hair with henna. Almond oil was applied to maintain moisture and shine in their locks.

Women physicians in ancient Egypt assessed fertility by having women urinate on a mixture of barley and embers. If neither the barley nor the ember showed growth, it indicated non-pregnancy. However, barley growth signified pregnancy with a boy, while ember growth indicated pregnancy with a girl. Remarkably, modern researchers have found this test to be fairly effective.

Ancient Egyptians used honey, which contains natural antibacterial properties, as a key ingredient in bandages for treating wounds. They combined honey with resin and lint to create effective dressings that helped prevent infections. This practice was well-documented in medical texts and has been confirmed through analysis of mummified remains.

Archaeologists have discovered a variety of sophisticated surgical tools, such as scalpels, forceps, and surgical saws, in tombs and ancient medical sites. These instruments indicate that ancient Egyptian physicians performed complex surgeries. Texts like the Edwin Smith Papyrus provide detailed descriptions of surgical procedures, demonstrating their advanced understanding of anatomy and surgical techniques.

Evidence from mummies shows that ancient Egyptians practiced dental work, including drilling cavities and extracting teeth. They used rudimentary tools made from copper and other metals. Dental papyri, such as the Ebers Papyrus, contain treatments for toothaches and gum disease, highlighting their attempts to manage dental health despite the limited technology.

Some ancient Egyptian remedies included the use of animal dung, mixed with other ingredients, to treat various ailments. While this practice may seem unorthodox and potentially harmful by modern standards, it reflects their experimental approach to medicine. For example, crocodile dung was sometimes used in topical applications, believed to ward off infections.

Mummies have been found with prosthetic limbs, such as toes and fingers, crafted from materials like wood and leather. These prosthetics were designed to be functional and aesthetic, allowing individuals to maintain their mobility and appearance. The discovery of such prosthetics provides insight into the advanced medical and craftsmanship skills of ancient Egyptians.

Kohl, a dark eye makeup made from galena and other minerals, was used not only for cosmetic purposes but also to protect the eyes from infections. The antimicrobial properties of the ingredients helped prevent eye diseases, which were common in the dusty environment of Egypt. Additionally, the makeup reduced glare from the sun, providing further eye protection.

Ancient Egyptians used various methods of birth control, including pessaries made from acacia gum and honey. Acacia releases lactic acid, which acts as a spermicide. Instructions for these contraceptives are found in medical texts like the Kahun Gynecological Papyrus, indicating a sophisticated understanding of reproductive health.

Remedies for hair loss included mixtures of fats from animals such as lions, hippos, and crocodiles. These treatments were applied to the scalp in the hope of promoting hair growth. The Ebers Papyrus lists several recipes for treating baldness, showing that concerns about appearance and health were addressed with creative solutions.

Physicians in ancient Egypt often prescribed bed rest as a key component of treatment for various illnesses. Rest was considered essential for recovery, allowing the body to heal naturally. This practice is documented in medical papyri, which outline rest as part of a holistic approach to health, including diet and hygiene.

Aromatic plants and oils, such as myrrh and frankincense, were used to repel insects and protect against bites. These substances were burned or applied to the skin to keep pests at bay. The use of natural repellents highlights the Egyptians’ awareness of the health risks posed by insects, including the transmission of diseases.

Fumigating homes and medical spaces with burning herbs and resins was a common practice to purify the air and ward off evil spirits. This practice was believed to cleanse the environment of harmful influences and diseases. The use of aromatic fumigation is frequently mentioned in medical and religious texts, underscoring its dual role in health and ritual.

Extensive medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus, document a wealth of medical knowledge and practices. These texts cover a wide range of topics, from surgical procedures to treatments for common ailments. The detailed records provide a comprehensive view of ancient Egyptian medical expertise and their systematic approach to healthcare.

Priests in ancient Egypt adhered to strict bathing rituals, often bathing several times a day as part of their religious duties. Cleanliness was associated with purity and was essential for performing religious ceremonies. These bathing practices extended to the general populace, emphasizing the cultural importance of hygiene.

Splints made from natural materials like reeds and wooden sticks were used to immobilize and treat broken bones. These splints were often padded with linen or other soft materials to ensure comfort and effective healing. The meticulous care in treating fractures is evident in both textual records and archaeological finds.

Specific treatments for snakebites included both medicinal and magical approaches. Remedies often involved the application of herbs and ointments, as well as reciting protective spells. Snakebite treatments are detailed in various medical papyri, reflecting the prevalence of snakes and the Egyptians’ efforts to mitigate their dangers.

Though less common than in later cultures, bloodletting was practiced to balance the body’s humors and treat certain conditions. This technique was believed to release excess blood and restore equilibrium within the body. References to bloodletting can be found in medical texts, illustrating its role in ancient Egyptian therapeutic practices.

Amulets were worn to protect against various illnesses and to promote good health. These amulets, often inscribed with protective symbols and deities, were believed to have magical properties. The widespread use of health amulets underscores the interplay between medicine and magic in ancient Egyptian culture.

Magic and spells were integral to medical treatment, often used in conjunction with practical remedies. Physicians and priests recited incantations to invoke divine assistance and enhance the effectiveness of their treatments. This combination of magic and medicine is well-documented in texts like the Book of the Dead and medical papyri.

Caring for animals, especially livestock, was an important aspect of ancient Egyptian life. Veterinary treatments included remedies for common ailments and injuries. Texts such as the Kahun Veterinary Papyrus provide insights into the medical care provided to animals, highlighting the Egyptians’ understanding of animal health.

The ancient Egyptians recognized the health benefits of certain foods and incorporated them into their medical treatments. For instance, garlic was widely used for its medicinal properties, including promoting heart health and boosting the immune system. Dietary recommendations and food-based remedies are frequently mentioned in medical papyri, demonstrating their holistic approach to health.