Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes or when they may evaporate too quickly. Our eyes are not meant to be dry, similar to our tongues. In fact, our tongues are always moist, covered in a...
Queen Nefertiti and other ancient Egyptian royals were renowned for their stupendous gazes and legendary beauty, and most notably their dark-outlined eyes. The ancient Egyptians regarded beauty as a sign of holiness, and profusely used lead-based substances as cosmetics, including an ingredient in their black eye make-up. But asides using...
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...
A simple way to boost your immune system is to be generous with herbs, spices and condiments in your kitchen. Many cultures around the world, including African, Caribbean, American, Chinese, Indian, Eastern European, have always made extensive use of spices, and for good reason too! Herbs and spices are a simple...
Hijama, the Arabic term for ‘wet-cupping’, is an ancient bloodletting technique that has been practiced by several civilisations, including the Greeks and Persians, in order to treat a host of ailments and bodily disorders. Hippocrates had mentioned the practice in his writings while Prophet Muhammad is quoted in stating that...
The saying “you have to suffer to be beautiful” often makes sense when it comes to hair removal. However, there are simple ways to reduce suffering, which also prove to be quite good for your skin. Many commercial hair-removal applications such as disposable razors and wax strips are indeed environmentally...
The women of Morocco have been using rhassoul clay, as a skin and hair cleanser, for over 12 centuries. Mined from the ancient deposits of the Atlas Mountains, this mineral-rich clay has numerous virtues. Its name derives from the Arabic term for ‘washing’, rhassala, and has played an important part...
Mentioned in the Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, oil-pulling is a powerful yet simple detoxifying therapy that is both curative and preventative, and is claimed to treat a range of diseases, ranging from headaches to asthma. The Ayurveda advises oil gargling to purify the entire system; as it holds that...
Of all the Amazonian rainforest natural secrets, none have been pursued more eagerly than her aphrodisiacs - rumoured to spark the flames of passion and boost sexual desire and vigour. For the Amazon's indigenous men and women, the knowledge of these erotic stimulating plants have, since time immemorial, been passed down...
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...