By Vania Raebel | June 21, 2019
During the 12th century, Arabs used mummy powder for various applications. Mummia, which originated from the word mūmiyā, is a resinous bitumen believed to be an effective cure for many ailments. The word’s meaning eventually changed to refer to the resinous exudate of embalmed Egyptian mummies.
Mummia was used to treat bruises, cuts, and even bone fractures. It was also taken internally in the belief that it would help cure tuberculosis and stomach ulcers. During the Crusades, the demand for mummia increased in Europe, giving rise to new expeditions in search of the substance.
