Many beauty products these days are made up of petroleum derivatives and plastics. This is certainly the quickest way to smooth the skin and erase imperfections. These additives are also effective in giving beauty creams a luminous colour, a fluid texture whilst also cloaking their bad odour. Nevertheless, they are all...
Rhodiola: The Stuff of Myth, Legends and Science Fiction For 2,000 years, scholars and healers have pored over the texts of Greek epic poems searching for clues to the identity of the mysterious Charm of Prometheus. What is the herb that gives that type of strength? The myth of Jason, the...
All around the world, the Polynesian vahine became iconic in terms of beauty thanks to their beautiful hair and golden glow tanned skin. Today, we reveal the beauty secrets behind their looks and their use of traditional beauty oils, which has been a tradition passed down from mothers to daughters...
MEDICINAL PLANTS: FRIENDS OF HUMANITY Hominids of the most remote times have treated themselves with plants. Traces of chamomile have even been found on the teeth of Neanderthal men who were known to be notorious carnivores. As a bitter plant without nutritive qualities, chamomile may have been consumed for medicinal/therapeutic reasons....
The sleep aid industry has a powerful grip on the world, but even the most effective prescription drugs have their downsides: side effects, limited access and prohibitive costs, which is why it is better to turn to soporific plants that have been tested for hundreds of years by herbalists and...
During the hot summer days, some aromatic plants hold the capacity to transmute heat and sun into something that cools, calms and perfumes. Known as oil of tranquility or 'woman's oil', vetiver is one of those pleasant smelling grass that has powerful cosmetic, therapeutic and health value. It has been appreciated for...
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,...
Many of you might know purslane (Portulaca oleracea) as an invasive weed, but this wild-growing succulent plant is completely edible and delicious too! Low in calories and fat, it can serve as a great alternative or addition to lettuce; as its leaves and stems are crispy and chewy with a...
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...
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, herbal teas are a great way to detox for spring. Here are our five favorite natural, detoxifying teas from around the world. See which one of these herbal brews suits you the most! Japan: Macha Tea A popular beverage in Japan, Matcha tea is now becoming...