Beauty sleep does indeed exist! Scientific findings have established what you may have always known - there is a close correlation between your sleep and your physical appearance! A study, conducted by John Axelsson and the Karolinska Institute team in Stockholm and published on December 15, 2010 in the British Medical...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
ARTICHOKE: Greek mythology claims that Zeus was responsible for the creation of the artichoke. After being rejected from a young beautiful mortal women named Cynara, Zeus transformed her into the plant we know today as the artichoke! Besides their history in Greek mythology, artichokes have been considered a delicacy and a...