The cosmetic use of olive oil is known from the Linear B script where it is stated that the oil for such use was of high quality and often flavoured with herbs.
Treating hair with olive oil was already known in the Mycenaean period. Women rubbed their hair with oil, to nourish it and make it manageable and shiny. In Crete, they made lotions with olive oil and laurel bay seeds for strong black hair. In Thrace chapped hands were treated with olive oil.
Hippocrates and all the doctors of antiquity recommended honey to both healthy and sick people for its ability to provide vigour and energy to the body. Honey in creams and ointments sooths, heals, softens and nourishes the skin and a mask with honey and olive oil makes an excellent, nourishing and firming support for the face
Milk due to its high content in nutrients, is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin leaving it soft and shining with health, which according to legend, was to Cleopatra’s knowledge.
Even in the early reports of soap making, ash has been known to be used in the production process. This is clearly stated in the evidence we have from Roman legends about the discovery of soap at the feet of mount Sapo where religious sacrifices were a common practice and the mixture of animal fats and ashes gave soap in its early form, but also in the Babylonian papyri which report the preparation of an ointment with ashes without referring to the use of it.
The tender leaves of nettle are used in pharmacy for their cool, astringent character and can have a stimulating and nourishing effect on skin and body. The juice and decoction of the plant are used for gargles to relieve nasal mucosa. The plant is traditionally used as a lotion (tea leaves) for dandruff and hair loss and is the best tonic for the hair, as it stimulates its development and can be used daily to keep it healthy and shiny.
The essential oil of sandalwood has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties and is famous as a memory enhancer. Its aroma is soothing, aphrodisiac, has a strong sedative effect and is ideal for the treatment of anxiety, tension and depression.
The essential oil of bergamot is a powerful antiseptic, soothes and acts against skin infections and depression, stress and tension. It is suitable for the treatment of oiliness and helps against acne.
Mandarine even helps against arthritis and psoriasis, reduces the appearance of stretch marks and soothes stress.
Cypress' concoction deep-cleanses the skin, making it soft and bright. It is beneficial to oily skin and open wounds, as it functions as an antiseptic and oxygenates broken capillaries.
Coffee has antioxidant properties, which in combination with caffeine are excellent ingredients for skin care because they act as vasodilators, tightening the surface of the skin, thus helping against premature skin aging.
The healing properties of chocolate have been known since the time of the Aztecs. Consumption of dark chocolate may favourably affect the circulatory system. After surveys, it is considered to help against cancer and diarrhoea, as well as stimulate brain function. Aphrodisiac properties are also attributed to it, but are yet not proven.
Rosemary is used as a hair tonic as it encourages hair growth and restores their color.
The essential oil of jasmine is stimulating for the senses and due to this is considered to be natural antidepressant, and even aphrodisiac.
Cloves are used as a spice in food, sweets and drinks, and have numerous therapeutic properties.
Aloe is considered one of the most important homes pharmaceutical plants while it’s fresh jell is traditionally used on wounds and burns because it promotes healing, by directly activating fibroblasts.
Coconut oil is excellent for moisturizing the skin especially when combined with other oils and studies indicate that extra virgin coconut oil is effective and safe when used as a moisturizer with no adverse effects.
The main industrial use of shea butter outside Africa is in cosmetics, like moisturizing creams and emulsions, and hair conditioners for dry, brittle hair.
Orange has antioxidant action that helps combat premature aging of the skin, giving it shine and elasticity. The antiseptic action of the essential oil combats acne and oiliness.
Vanilla is often used in aromatherapy for its antioxidant, soothing and calming properties.
