Unveiled Mysteries

In the heart of Egypt’s Siwa Oasis, a place where time seems to stand still, traditional healing practices thrive, deeply rooted in the community’s ethos. Here, the art of homeopathic medicine is not just a profession, but a way of life, where healers offer their services selflessly, often without monetary compensation, especially if they serve for the greater good of the community.

Specialization in Healing Arts

Siwa boasts a remarkable array of healers – men and women adept in a variety of healing arts, including herbal medicine, bone setting, Qur’anic healing, and midwifery. These practices have been preserved and passed down through generations, forming an integral part of the Siwan way of life.

The Renowned ‘Agl Family: Masters of Bone Setting

The ‘Agl family, or “Nan ‘Agl,” are celebrated across Siwa for their exceptional skill in setting broken bones and realigning dislocated joints, a service they offer freely. Their method is a blend of intuition and tradition, eschewing modern diagnostics like x-rays for hands-on techniques. They employ humor as a form of distraction, easing the patient’s discomfort as they expertly manipulate the injured limb, using palm branch splints for support.

Treating Blood Clots and Pain

The ‘Agl family also excels in treating blood clots, employing a technique called “Adegee,” where they prick the clot and apply salt. For persistent swelling, they use “Adoqee el Moos,” making small incisions to release trapped blood.

Innovative Techniques for Common Ailments

For back pain and severe headaches, healers like Haj Hosni use “tabernant,” a method akin to cupping. Salt sacks with lit wicks create a suction under glass cups, drawing out the ailment. Similarly, for headaches, a ram’s horn and a shaved area of the head are used, with small incisions made to release the pressure.

Rheumatism and Sandbaths

The sandbaths near Dakrur Mountain are a testament to the natural healing powers of Siwa. These baths, taken in the hot, dry sand, are believed to offer significant relief for rheumatism. The process involves being buried up to the neck in sand under the intense sun, followed by a regimen of hot drinks and rest in a closed, airless room.

Preventive Medicine: Natural Remedies

Siwans also practice preventive medicine using common ingredients. Garlic and onion are consumed in large quantities for their antibiotic properties, and during winter, olive oil and dates fortify the body against the cold.

Local Remedies for Common Health Issues

Siwa’s traditional medicine also offers simple yet effective remedies for everyday ailments. Mashed garlic and salt for pain, lemon-based tea for diarrhea, and a unique blend for treating burns are just a few examples. For colds, roasted garlic cloves are swallowed whole, and for coughs, teas made from guava leaves or bitter Luban provide relief.

Protection Against Desert Dangers

In a region where snake and scorpion bites are a real threat, traditional methods offer protection. Children are given a special serum as a preventive measure against snakebites, while scorpion bites are treated with oil in which a scorpion has been immersed.

Soothing Remedies for Eye Ailments

For sore, red eyes, a unique combination of cumin and mother’s milk is used to create soothing eyedrops, exemplifying the unique blend of tradition and natural ingredients that characterizes Siwan healing practices.