As an ivory coloured and smoky scented natural fat extracted from the nuts of the karite tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), Shea butter has been lauded for its many virtues. Its history as a precious and luxuriant West African commodity traces back to as early as Cleopatra’s Egypt, with records of caravans...
The toothbrush might be a recent phenomenon in Europe however its ancient counterpart, the chewing stick, has been used for thousands of years by countless civilisations including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It was however the Babylonians who were its earliest users, with records dating back to 3500 B.C.E. Derived...
Perhaps one of the least known treasures from the Horn of Africa is etan, both a tree and what has been described as a god-like resin. Ancient civilisations crazed over etan, and used it profusely for a number of purposes, particularly in cosmetic, healing and spiritual rituals. During the ancient era,...
For the ancient civilisations of Mesoamerica, chocolate or rather Cacao was a prized beverage and achieved a sacred status. Believing that the Gods had discovered the Cacao tree high up in the mountains and had thus gifted it to them following their creation, the ancient Maya and Aztec paid a...
The hammam has been the site of a purifying and beautifying ritual spanning thousands of years. As a timeless tradition, it uses the most basic of nature’s gifts – water, heat and a sponge, and is a perfect solution to counter some of the more stressful moments from modern life. There...
First cultivated 5,000 years ago in China, tea has become one of the most popular beverages around the world and a rich history that spans continents and cultures. It has been an excellent source of both disease-fighting flavonoids and antioxidants that help detoxify damaging free radicals in our bodies. But...
The Tyrolean iceman, or Ötzi as he is known, is a 5,300-year-old mummy, discovered on the Tisenjoch Pass in the Italian part of the Ötztal Alps. Here are 5 facts you should know about Ötzi’s tattoos!...